All Roll Calls
Yes: 134 • No: 4
Rhode IslandH53582025 Regular SessionHouseWALLET
AN ACT RELATING TO CRIMINAL OFFENSES -- COMMERCIAL SEXUAL ACTIVITY .
Sponsored By: Edith H. Ajello (Democratic)
Signed by Governor
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Legal defense for people forced into prostitution
Effective upon passage, Rhode Island provides a legal defense for people forced into commercial sex and prosecuted for prostitution. This defense applies when the separate protection from citation, arrest, and prosecution does not apply. Qualifying force includes physical harm, restraint, threats of either, or threats involving misuse of law or legal proceedings. It also includes taking or destroying identification papers, or intimidation that makes the person fear for their physical safety. This is a defense against the charge, not an automatic bar on arrest or prosecution.
Prostitution protections for people reporting crimes
Effective upon passage, Rhode Island bars citations, arrests, and prosecution under two prostitution-related laws: §§ 11-34.1-2 and 11-34.1-4. Protection covers people who witnessed a crime, were victims, or learned someone else was victimized. They must promptly report it to police in good faith, or help or try to help investigate or prosecute it. This includes giving truthful testimony. The crime must occur around the time of, or relate to, conduct covered by those laws. Protection continues if safety or physical or emotional health concerns cause them to stop cooperating. It applies even without prosecution or conviction for the reported crime.
Sponsors & Cosponsors
Sponsor
Edith H. Ajello
Democratic • House
Cosponsors
Jennifer Boylan
Democratic • House
Robert E. Craven, Sr.
Democratic • House
Cherie L. Cruz
Democratic • House
Leonela Felix
Democratic • House
Jenni A. Furtado
Democratic • House
Michelle E. McGaw
Democratic • House
Mary Ann Shallcross Smith
Democratic • House
June Speakman
Democratic • House
Teresa A. Tanzi
Democratic • House
Roll Call Votes
House vote • 6/10/2025
COMMERCIAL SEXUAL ACTIVITY PASSAGE PASSAGE OF AMENDMENT
Yes: 69 • No: 0
House vote • 6/10/2025
COMMERCIAL SEXUAL ACTIVITY PASSAGE AS AMENDED
Yes: 65 • No: 4
Actions Timeline
Signed by Governor — Chapter 432
7/2/2025GovernorTransmitted to Governor
6/27/2025GovernorSenate passed Sub A as amended in concurrence
6/20/2025SenatePlaced on the Senate Consent Calendar (06/20/2025)
6/18/2025SenateHouse passed Sub A as amended (floor amendment)
6/10/2025HousePlaced on House Calendar (06/10/2025)
6/6/2025HouseCommittee recommends passage of Sub A
5/22/2025Proposed Substitute
5/16/2025Scheduled for consideration (05/22/2025)
5/16/2025Committee recommended measure be held for further study
2/25/2025Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (02/25/2025)
2/21/2025Introduced, referred to House Judiciary
2/7/2025House
Bill Text
H5358 - As Introduced
2/7/2025
H5358 - Substitute
2/7/2025
H5358 - Substitute As Amended
2/7/2025
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