The bill would amend various codes as they relate to the offense of prostitution. Under the provisions of the bill, the punishment for solicitation of prostitution would be increased to a state jail felony or, in the case of previous prostitution offense convictions, to a third-degree felony. Under existing statute, this offense is punishable as a Class A misdemeanor or, in the case of previous prostitution offense convictions, as a state jail felony.
The Office of Court Administration and the Department of Criminal Justice indicate the modifications outlined in the bill's provisions will not result in a significant fiscal impact. This analysis assumes implementing the provisions of the bill addressing felony sanctions would not result in a significant impact on the demand for state correctional resources.
The bill would repeal a Class A misdemeanor. A Class A misdemeanor is punishable by a fine of not more than $4,000, confinement in jail for a term not to exceed one year, or both. Lost revenue from reduced fines imposed and collected is not anticipated to have a significant fiscal impact.
The Texas Association of Counties does not anticipate a significant fiscal impact to counties.