A push to strengthen penalties for adults who buy sex from minors could stall as New York lawmakers race toward the end of the legislative session, according to Spectrum News. Advocates say a gap in state law allows some offenses involving 15- to 17-year-olds to be charged less severely than under federal law.
Supporters want New York to automatically classify the commercial sexual exploitation of all minors as trafficking and increase penalties for offenders. The effort has drawn support from advocates and survivors of Jeffrey Epstein’s abuse, who argue current laws fail to adequately protect older teenagers.
The proposal remains stuck in committee with only days left in the legislative session. If lawmakers don’t act before adjournment, supporters may have to wait until next year to advance the measure.
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