New York State has passed a new law granting conditional immunity from prosecution for prostitution-related offenses to survivors and witnesses of crimes who seek help or act in good faith. Signed by Governor Hochul and supported unanimously by the legislature, the legislation aims to remove barriers that have historically prevented sex workers and trafficking survivors from reporting violence, exploitation, or other crimes. Modeled partly after New York’s Good Samaritan law, the new protections prioritize safety over punishment, encouraging individuals to come forward without fear of arrest.

Advocates, including Decriminalize Sex Work (DSW), praise the law as a vital public safety measure that strengthens law enforcement’s ability to investigate and prosecute offenders while creating safer pathways for survivors to access support. By fostering greater cooperation with authorities, the law is expected to reduce underreporting and improve accountability for violent crimes. With New York joining eleven other states with similar protections, DSW plans to continue pushing for survivor-informed policies and the broader decriminalization of consensual adult sex work nationwide.