Upgrades offense of prostitution as patron; directs fines collected to "Human Trafficking Survivor's Assistance Fund.

This bill increases the offense of prostitution by a patron to a crime of the fourth degree, except that a fourth violation remains a crime of the third degree. It also mandates that any fines collected from convictions be deposited into the "Human Trafficking Survivor's Assistance Fund." Additionally, the bill requires convicted patrons to participate in an educational program about prostitution and human trafficking, unless a prosecutor requests a waiver. The fund uses the collected monies for services to victims of human trafficking, awareness promotion, and program development.

Upgrades offense of prostitution as patron; directs fines collected to "Human Trafficking Survivor's Assistance Fund.

This bill increases the offense of prostitution by a patron to a crime of the fourth degree, except that a fourth violation remains a crime of the third degree. It also mandates that any fines collected from convictions be deposited into the "Human Trafficking Survivor's Assistance Fund." Additionally, the bill requires convicted patrons to participate in an educational program about prostitution and human trafficking, unless a prosecutor requests a waiver. The fund uses the collected monies for services to victims of human trafficking, awareness promotion, and program development.