 |
|
6/11/2024
|
House approves immunity bill to help victims, witnesses report crimes
|
STATE HOUSE – The House today unanimously approved legislation sponsored by Rep. Edith Ajello that would encourage reporting of and cooperation in crime investigations by providing immunity from prostitution charges for a person who is the victim or a witness of a crime.
The bill (2024-H 7165A) is intended to ensure that, when an individual is the victim or witness of a crime, they are able to report it to police without fear that they will be charged. The immunity provided through the bill applies only to the charges of prostitution or loitering for the purposes of prostitution.
“All victims deserve to be able to get help from the police and the justice system for crimes perpetrated against them. The unfortunate truth is that individuals who are involved in commercial sexual activity are often assaulted, beaten or robbed. A major reason is that the perpetrators know that they are unlikely to face consequences because the victim will be afraid to call the police,” said Representative Ajello (D-Dist. 1, Providence). “No one deserves to be victimized without any route toward justice and help. This bill will provide a way for victims and witnesses to seek help and cooperate with the police without the fear that they will be the one who faces charges.”
The legislation was a recommendation of the Special Legislative Commission to Study Ensuring Racial Equity and Optimizing Health and Safety Laws Affecting Marginalized Individuals. That commission was established by former representative Anastasia Williams, and was later led by Representative Ajello until its conclusion in 2023.
Representative Ajello added that, in addition to aiding victims of crimes, the bill could help increase reporting of, and assist in investigations of human trafficking. Often those involved in commercial sexual activity are aware of instances of human trafficking, but are afraid to report it because of the risk of their own arrest.
The legislation now goes to the Senate, where Sen. Melissa A. Murray (D-Dist. 24, Woonsocket, North Smithfield) is sponsoring companion legislation (2024-S 2441).
For more information, contact:
Meredyth R. Whitty, Publicist
State House Room 20
Providence, RI 02903
(401) 222-1923
|
|