ALBANY, NY (June 9, 2026) — In the final hours of this year’s legislative session, the New York State Senate and Assembly approved the Myrie-Paulin bill, aimed at closing a legal loophole in sex trafficking laws. The legislation, sponsored by Senator Zellnor Myrie and Assemblywoman Amy Paulin, seeks to strengthen penalties for adults soliciting minors for prostitution.
Senator Myrie, D-Central Brooklyn, expressed gratitude toward Assemblywoman Paulin, D-Westchester, for her partnership in ensuring accountability for sex traffickers and buyers. Myrie highlighted the need to protect vulnerable young people, particularly marginalized groups, from legal inconsistencies.
Assemblywoman Paulin emphasized the importance of the bill in addressing gaps in accountability, as highlighted by the survivors of Jeffrey Epstein’s abuse. “This legislation closes that loophole, strengthens our efforts to combat trafficking, and ensures that those who target children for sexual exploitation face appropriate consequences,” she said.
Rebecca Zipkin, Policy Director of World Without Exploitation, praised the bill for focusing on predators and buyers. She noted that the legislation aligns New York with other states and federal law, providing a victory for survivors.
Under previous laws, adults purchasing sex from minors aged 15 to 17 did not face felony charges. The new legislation ensures full coverage of all minors under prostitution-related statutes and provides law enforcement with clearer tools to combat online exploitation and trafficking.
This article was prepared with the assistance of AI tools under the direction and editing of Robert Cox.
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