Prosecutors, law enforcement officials, and advocates in Kansas are backing a Senate bill that would make buying sexual relations a felony on the first offense. The legislation also includes mandatory participation in an educational program on commercial sexual exploitation and raises the minimum fine to $2,000. Attorney General Kris Kobach and Shawnee County District Attorney Mike Kagay are among those supporting the bill, which aims to address human trafficking and hold buyers accountable for their actions.
The bill, known as Senate Bill 71, would elevate commercial sexual exploitation to a Level 9 felony by July 1, 2026, and allow offenders to enter a diversion agreement once in their lifetime. The goal is to educate offenders on the prevalence of human trafficking and the trauma experienced by victims. Advocates, including a sex trafficking survivor, emphasized the need to target buyers to reduce demand and deter traffickers.
The bill has received widespread support, with no opposition during a recent Senate hearing. If passed, the legislation would move cases from municipal courts to district courts, allowing for better documentation of cases and providing a more comprehensive record for prosecutors.
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