Committee advances bill targeting online facilitation of prostitution and child trafficking

The Arizona Senate Public Safety Committee gave Senate Bill 1077 a due-pass recommendation after staff described the measure as a criminal law update to hold operators or agents of interactive computer services accountable when those services knowingly facilitate prostitution, pandering or child trafficking.

Staff explained SB1077 would create felony classifications depending on victim age and conduct, and would make it a criminal offense for an operator or agent who knowingly uses a service to promote or solicit prostitution or trafficking; the bill also removes the requirement of an overt act for certain conspiracy charges in this area.

Committee members asked clarifying questions about defenses and enforcement. No public witnesses signed to speak on the bill. The committee moved SB1077 and recorded a 5–2 vote in favor of a due-pass recommendation.

The bill will proceed to the Senate calendar for further consideration.