Lawmakers look to expunge felony prostitution records in Illinois

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WICS/WRSP) — Illinois lawmakers are looking to clear all felony conviction records for prostitution in Illinois.

Senate Bill 2136 would expunge felony prostitution records across every law enforcement agency in Illinois.

The state stopped giving felony charges for prostitution back in 2013.

Proponents of the legislation say that if Illinois doesn’t charge people with a felony for the crime anymore, then past convictions shouldn’t exist either.

State Sen. Jacqueline Collins, D-Chicago, introduced the legislation. She said a felony record can make it very challenging to find housing and employment.

In a statement, Collins said in part:

“To allow felony charges to persist for sex workers is to send the message that they are akin to armed robbers or kidnappers. This, in turn, makes the business even more dangerous and exploitative.”

The bill would also remove the current drug testing requirement needed for those requesting an expungement of a felony drug conviction.

The legislation is currently awaiting a vote on the Senate floor.