Bad Bill
Sponsors: Sen. Lisa Cutter (D-Jefferson), Sen. Nick Hinrichsen (D-Summit/Eagle), Rep. Lorena García (D-Adams), Rep. Rebekah Stewart (D-Arapahoe)
The bill repeals five state criminal offenses: prostitution under C.R.S. 18-7-201, soliciting for prostitution under 18-7-202, keeping a place of prostitution under 18-7-203, patronizing a prostitute under 18-7-205, and prostitute making display under 18-7-204. The legislation declares decriminalization “a matter of statewide concern” and preempts all local government ordinances, resolutions, regulations, or codes criminalizing commercial sexual activity among consenting adults.
Current penalties for pandering when it involves menacing or criminal intimidation remain under C.R.S. 18-7-203.5. Current penalties for pimping remain under C.R.S. 18-7-206. The bill changes statutory terminology from “prostitution” to “commercial sexual activity” in remaining criminal provisions.
The bill eliminates the court program established under C.R.S. 18-7-208 for persons charged with prostitution-related offenses. Current law authorizes courts to order participation in educational programs addressing prostitution’s impact on individuals and communities as an alternative to criminal penalties.
The legislation comes as the Senate considers SB26-015, which increases penalties for human trafficking of minors for sexual servitude from Class 2 to Class 1 felony with mandatory life imprisonment. Both bills address commercial sexual activity but apply different legal frameworks—one decriminalizing adult activity while the other mandates maximum penalties for activity involving minors.
The bill assigns to Senate Judiciary Committee. No hearing is scheduled. The four sponsors serve from Jefferson, Summit, Eagle, Adams, and Arapahoe counties.
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