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HD 3359

An Act to study the decriminalization of sex work

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Meg Kilcoyne

Massachusetts study commission examines legal decriminalization of sex work to inform future legislative policy decisions.

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Bill Summary · HD 3359

Legislative bill overview

HD 3359 establishes a commission to study the potential decriminalization of sex work in Massachusetts. The bill does not itself decriminalize sex work, but rather creates a framework for examining the legal, public health, and safety implications of such a policy change. The commission would analyze models used in other jurisdictions and make recommendations to the legislature.

Why is this important

Sex work criminalization affects thousands of individuals in Massachusetts and creates public health complications, as criminalized workers often avoid medical services and law enforcement contact. The study could inform whether Massachusetts follows models in places like New Zealand or parts of Australia that have partially or fully decriminalized sex work, versus maintaining current criminal penalties. This touches on competing priorities: worker safety and disease prevention versus community concerns about exploitation and trafficking.

Potential points of contention

  • Definition and scope: Disagreement over whether the study should cover all sex work or focus on specific contexts, and how to distinguish consensual sex work from trafficking
  • Safety and exploitation concerns: Opponents worry decriminalization increases trafficking and exploitation of vulnerable individuals, while supporters argue criminalization itself endangers workers by pushing activity underground
  • Implementation feasibility: Questions about whether recommendations could realistically be enacted and how decriminalization would interact with federal law and neighboring states' enforcement

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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