A4215

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

Provides for enhanced penalties for the crime of engaging in prostitution as a patron. In New Jersey, the offense of prostitution encompasses different conduct by various actors; penalties for the offense vary, depending on the unlawful conduct. This bill addresses conduct by persons who purchase sexual activity, commonly referred to as “johns.” Under the bill, a person commits this offense if the actor engages in prostitution as a patron. The bill increases prostitution by a patron to a crime of the fourth degree, except that a fourth violation remains a crime of the third degree.