Cyrus Vance Jr. announced the new policy on Wednesday and appeared virtually in court to seek the dismissal of more than 5,000 prostitution-related cases dating back to the 1970s.
Prostitution is legal in the country, but lawmakers have banned it to prevent the spread of the coronavirus. Sex workers say that has put them at risk, and they want to work legally again.
Ten years ago, a judge in Columbus developed a special docket that would direct women forced into sex work toward rehabilitation instead of the criminal justice system. Now it's a nationwide model.
Opponents of decriminalization say the multi-billion-dollar industry exploits sex workers. But activists and academics say legalization would protect workers and benefit public health.
