People seeking illegal prostitution could face harsher penalties under a proposed Assembly bill.
The bill would financially penalize the buyers and send them to rehabilitation programs.
The bill’s sponsor, Jill Tolles, (R-Reno) told a judiciary committee Wednesday that the bill is intended to reduce the number of repeat offenders and to reduce crimes of violence related to prostitution.
Offenders would face fines of up to $1,300, but allows for suspended sentences for first time offenders if they attend programs like so-called john schools. Victim impact panels similar to those used for certain DUI offenders were also discussed as possible programs to deter repeat offenses.
Committee members asked for more research about the impact of john schools, data on the state’s experience with similar programs, and the impact of legal versus illegal prostitution.
No other action was taken on the bill.
