FRESNO (KMJ) – The state of California has moved to help sex workers who report crimes and more.
A new law will shield sex workers from arrest if they report crimes or are caught with condoms.
Governor Gavin Newsom signed the measure into law on Tuesday.
It protects workers from arrest for misdemeanor-level sex-related crimes if they report that they are victims or witnesses to serious or violent felonies, such as rape.
It also bars police and prosecutors from using condoms as evidence that a suspect is engaged in sex work.
SB-233 will take effect in January.
Democratic Sen. Scott Wiener of San Francisco says his bill is the first in the nation to provide such health and safety protections.
