| Vote Recommendation | Economic Freedom | Property Rights | Personal Responsibility | Limited Government | Individual Liberty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Yes | Neutral | Neutral | Positive | Positive | Neutral |
Relating to a prohibition on prosecuting or referring to juvenile court certain persons for certain conduct constituting the offense of prostitution and to a change in terminology involving certain conduct constituting the offense of compelling prostitution.
No significant fiscal implication to the State is anticipated.
HB 3875 would prohibit a juvenile from being referred to juvenile court for engaging in prostitution and would exclude engaging in prostitution from the definition of delinquent conduct. If enacted, a person younger than 17 years old would not be able to be criminally prosecuted for engaging in prostitution.
Texas Action supports HB 3875 because it would advance personal responsibility and limited government. Juveniles who engage in prostitution, either by choice or by being compelled, should not be held criminally responsible. Situations in which a juvenile engages in prostitution are very often out of their control. HB 3875 would properly focus criminal penalties on those who coerce juveniles to engage in prostitution, rather than subjecting victims to prosecution.