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Bill

Bill

SB 3390

PROSTITUTION DECRIMINALIZATION

104th Regular Session Introduced by Celina Villanueva

Decriminalize prostitution in Illinois and shift to reducing penalties while expanding access to health, social services, and supports for sex workers.

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Bill Summary · SB 3390

Summary of SB 3390 (104th Illinois General Assembly)

Purpose and intent

SB 3390 aims to decriminalize prostitution in Illinois. The bill shifts the approach from criminal penalties for engaging in or soliciting prostitution to a framework that reduces or eliminates criminal sanctions, with the goal of addressing public health, safety, and social consequences associated with sex work by focusing on support, resources, and alternatives rather than punishment.

Key provisions and changes

  • Decriminalization of certain acts: The bill alters the current criminal penalties for engaging in prostitution and/or soliciting prostitution, removing or reducing criminal charges associated with these activities. The precise scope (e.g., whether only consensual adult actions are affected or if ancillary acts are included) is defined within the bill text.
  • Focus on enforcement changes: Law enforcement and prosecutorial practices related to prostitution would be adjusted to reflect the reduced emphasis on criminal penalties. This may include eliminating criminal charges for specified acts or reclassifying offenses to non-criminal violations or civil processes.
  • Supportive services and referrals: The bill often accompanies decriminalization with the establishment or expansion of access to health, social services, and victim-centered supports (e.g., outreach, counseling, housing and addiction services) for those involved in sex work.
  • Public health and safety measures: Provisions may include data collection, reporting requirements, and public health outreach to ensure access to testing, vaccination, and health services, while safeguarding privacy and avoiding stigmatization.
  • Penalties and exceptions: Where applicable, the bill may retain certain penalties for related activities (e.g., trafficking, coercion, exploitation, or minor involvement) and specify exceptions or transitional provisions during implementation.
  • Local governance considerations: The bill could authorize or invite local jurisdictions to adopt complementary ordinances or programs, coordination with health departments, or pilot projects to assess impact.

Who is affected

  • Individuals engaged in sex work: The statutory penalties for prostitution-related conduct would be reduced or removed, potentially reducing criminal records and collateral consequences.
  • Law enforcement and prosecutors: Agencies would adjust enforcement priorities, training, and case-handling practices for prostitution-related offenses.
  • Public health and social services providers: Expanded roles in outreach, harm reduction, health services, and access to resources for sex workers.
  • Communities and neighborhoods: Changes in enforcement may affect policing patterns, arrests, and local resource allocation, with potential shifts in stigma and public perception.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Implementation timeline: The bill would specify effective dates for decriminalization provisions, transitional procedures, and any required regulatory or administrative rules.
  • Phased or statewide rollout: Depending on the bill, implementation could be statewide or include phased steps, along with guidance to local jurisdictions.
  • Reporting and oversight: The bill may require periodic reporting to the legislature on outcomes, funding usage, and program effectiveness, along with sunset or re-evaluation provisions.

Important notes

  • Specific text details (e.g., exact sections affected, precise language on which acts are decriminalized, and any retained penalties) are not provided here. For precise application, consult the bill’s official text and fiscal notes.
  • As with many reform measures, SB 3390 may interact with existing laws on trafficking, child protection, obscenity, and public health, requiring careful review to understand all cross-references and enforcement implications.

If you’d like, I can tailor this summary to a particular audience (e.g., policymakers, advocates, or the general public) or pull in the bill’s exact statutory language and fiscal impact once the official text is available.

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

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