SB427

Senate Bill 427 amends Arkansas law regarding the promotion of prostitution by increasing penalties for first, second, and third-degree offenses. The bill reclassifies various degrees of promoting prostitution to more severe felony categories, particularly for repeat offenses. It mandates substantial financial fines for individuals convicted of paying for sexual activity, with proceeds directed to the Safe Harbor Fund for Sexually Exploited Children and the Human Trafficking Victim Support Fund. Additionally, the bill creates a new offense and civil liability structure for businesses involved in prostitution violations. This includes license suspensions and escalating civil penalties for businesses that knowingly permit, facilitate, or profit from prostitution on their premises or through their operations. For a third violation, businesses face license revocation and a $100,000 fine.