Effective Approaches for Reducing Prostitution

Report: Effective Approaches for Reducing Prostitution in Texas: Proactive and Cost-Efficient Strategies to Help People Leave the Streets (April 2013)

Fact Sheet: H.B. 2801 Fact Sheet [legislation creating diversion program]

Fact Sheet: S.B. 1712 Fact Sheet [companion bill]

Texas incarcerates sex workers at a higher rate than most other states, and it is the only state in the nation to charge individuals engaging in prostitution with a felony. This punitive approach has not significantly deterred individuals from prostitution or decreased the number of prostitution arrests. Instead, Texas’ policies have resulted in high costs associated with policing, prosecuting, and incarcerating these individuals, and they have created collateral consequences for the arrested individuals themselves and the communities where prostitution occurs. Indeed, individuals face lifelong barriers associated with conviction, including limited access to housing and employment, while communities struggle to address populations that are under-employed or homeless, and thus draining local budgets.

Prostitution diversion programs throughout the country, including one in Dallas, have a proven track record of success in offering individuals a safe and permanent exit from prostitution. In a new TCJC report, we urge the expansion of such programs throughout the state. We also support H.B. 2801 by Representative Eric Johnson, and its companion, S.B. 1712 by Senator José Rodríguez, which will help to slow the destructive practice of prostitution by allowing for participation in available pretrial intervention or deferred prosecution programs. Without assistive services in place, it is not easy for prostitutes to simply abandon their primary means of support.