Fines Going Up For Prostitution Violations

BATON ROUGE, La. (AP) - Louisiana is ramping up the fines for people convicted of soliciting prostitutes.

Gov. John Bel Edwards on Tuesday said he's signed a proposal to raise fines based on the number of prior prostitution offenses and the age of the sex worker.

The bill imposes a fine of at least $1,500 for someone convicted of soliciting prostitutes for the second time. It also levies a fine of at least $5,000 for someone who solicits sex from a person under the age of 14.

The measure also requires people convicted of soliciting sex to enter a program that would educate them about the harms of prostitution.

Sen. Beth Mizell, a Franklinton Republican, sponsored the bill. It takes effect Aug. 1.

Senate Bill 335: www.legis.la.gov

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