WeVote
Log In

Bill

WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · SB 427

Summary of Senate Bill 427: Relating to Land Leases

Bill Overview

Bill Number: SB 427
Title: Relating to Land Leases
Status: Deferred by the committee on WTL
Introduced: March 11, 2025
Classification: Bill
Subject Areas: Board of Land and Natural Resources, Impact Aid, Leases, Office of the Governor, Public Lands

Purpose and Intent

Senate Bill 427 aims to amend existing laws regarding the offense of promoting prostitution in Arkansas. The bill seeks to enhance penalties for promoting prostitution across various degrees and to establish civil liabilities for businesses involved in prostitution-related activities. The intent is to strengthen legal measures against prostitution and human trafficking, thereby protecting vulnerable populations, particularly minors.

Key Provisions

Amendments to Existing Laws

  1. Promoting Prostitution in the First Degree:

    • Defines the offense and establishes penalties:
      • Class D felony for coercing individuals into prostitution.
      • Class C felony for first offenses involving profits from coercive conduct.
      • Class B felony for repeat offenses.
    • Introduces fines ranging from $2,500 to $10,000 based on the number of offenses.

  2. Promoting Prostitution in the Second Degree:

    • Targets individuals managing or profiting from prostitution enterprises.
    • Class A misdemeanor for first offenses, escalating to Class C felony for repeat offenses.
    • Similar fine structure as the first degree.

  3. Promoting Prostitution in the Third Degree:

    • Addresses individuals with ownership interests in premises used for prostitution.
    • Class B misdemeanor for first offenses, escalating to Class D felony for repeat offenses.
    • Fines range from $1,000 to $10,000.

New Offense: Promoting Prostitution at a Business

  • Establishes civil liability for businesses that knowingly permit or facilitate prostitution.
  • Penalties include:
    • 30-day suspension of business licenses and a $5,000 fine for first violations.
    • 60-day suspension and a $10,000 fine for second violations.
    • Increased penalties for subsequent violations.

Fund Allocation

  • Fines collected will be split equally between the Safe Harbor Fund for Sexually Exploited Children and the Human Trafficking Victim Support Fund.

Impact

  • Individuals: The bill primarily affects individuals involved in prostitution, including those who manage or profit from prostitution-related activities.
  • Businesses: Establishes strict penalties for businesses that fail to prevent prostitution on their premises, thereby holding them accountable.
  • Community: Aims to reduce human trafficking and protect minors from exploitation.

Procedural Timeline

  • March 11, 2025: Bill introduced and referred to the Judiciary Committee.
  • April 1, 2025: Amendment #1 adopted; bill reported correctly engrossed.
  • April 10, 2025: Passed by the House and ordered transmitted to the Senate.
  • April 18, 2025: Notification that SB 427 is now Act 663.

Related Legislation

  • HB 491: A companion bill addressing similar issues related to prostitution and human trafficking.

This summary provides an overview of Senate Bill 427, highlighting its purpose, key provisions, and potential impact on individuals and businesses in Arkansas. The bill reflects a legislative effort to combat prostitution and human trafficking through enhanced penalties and accountability measures.

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

Sign in to ask a question.