Due to outdated loopholes, fifteen- to seventeen-year-olds are not consistently protected from commercial sexual exploitation under state law. That means traffickers and buyers can exploit older minors with fewer consequences—and young people who are harmed may not receive the protection they deserve.

This legislation would fix that.

The bill ensures that all minors under eighteen are fully covered by prostitution-related statutes and brings New York into alignment with federal law and nearly every other state, making it a felony to purchase sex from a minor. Most importantly, it makes clear that children cannot consent to commercial sexual activity and that accountability belongs with exploiters, not victims.

New York has long been a leader on child protection and human rights. Closing these loopholes is a critical step toward preventing exploitation, strengthening accountability, and ensuring that every child—no matter their age—has the full protection of the law.

📢 Take action today: Tell New York lawmakers to support this bill and protect all children from sexual exploitation.