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SB 2391

PROSTITUTION DECRIMINALIZATION

104th Regular Session Introduced by Lakesia Collins and 7 co-sponsors

Illinois bill removes criminal penalties for consensual sex work while maintaining anti-trafficking laws and public solicitation restrictions.

Added as Co-Sponsor Sen. Sara Feigenholtz
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · SB 2391

Legislative bill overview

SB 2391 would decriminalize prostitution in Illinois by removing criminal penalties for individuals engaging in sex work while maintaining laws against trafficking, coercion, and solicitation in public spaces. The bill represents a shift from criminalization toward a harm-reduction approach to sex work regulation.

Why is this important

Decriminalization affects an estimated thousands of sex workers in Illinois who currently face criminal records, jail time, and collateral consequences like difficulty finding housing or employment. The policy change could influence how law enforcement allocates resources and how sex workers interact with public health and safety systems.

Potential points of contention

  • Public health and safety concerns: Opponents argue decriminalization may increase sex trafficking or public health risks, while proponents counter that criminalization actually increases vulnerability to exploitation and disease by pushing the industry underground
  • Law enforcement authority: The bill maintains restrictions on public solicitation and trafficking, creating questions about enforcement mechanisms and how police distinguish between consensual and exploitative situations
  • Moral and social values: Differs significantly from current law, making this contentious among legislators and constituents with varying ethical perspectives on sex work regulation

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

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