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H0493

Idaho House Bill 493: Revising Penalties for Soliciting Commercial Sexual Activity

Last scannedAug 24, 2026, 7:59 AM

In one sentence

This bill changes Idaho law to set specific jail time and fines for people who pay or offer to pay others for sexual contact, with stricter penalties based on the person's age.

Revises Section 18-5614 of the Idaho Code regarding soliciting commercial sexual activity.
Sets a minimum jail sentence of five days in county jail for first-time offenders aged 18 to under 21, which cannot be suspended or reduced by the court.
Makes a second or later offense by someone aged 18 to under 21 a felony instead of a misdemeanor.
Classifies the act as a felony for anyone age 21 or older, requiring a minimum jail sentence of six months in county jail that cannot be suspended or reduced.
Sets maximum fines up to $2,000 for younger offenders and up to $10,000 for those aged 21 and older.

People who pay, offer to pay, or agree to pay another person a fee for sexual contact.
People who offer or agree to provide a third person to engage in sexual contact in return for a fee.
Courts that sentence individuals convicted under this law, as they cannot suspend the minimum jail time.

The bill text does not explain the reasons or goals behind changing these penalties.
It is unclear how many people will be charged under this law once it takes effect on July 1, 2026.
The source material does not state if existing cases before the effective date are affected by these new rules.

Plain language

Soliciting commercial sexual activity: Paying or offering to pay someone for sex, or arranging for a third person to have sex in return for money.
Misdemeanor: A less serious crime under this law that can result in up to one year of jail time and fines up to $2,000.
Felony: A more serious crime under this law that carries a minimum six-month sentence, potential sentences up to three years, and higher fines.

Official record

Source attached

Commercial sexual activity, penalty

Official activity