Res. No. 842
Resolution calling on the New York State Assembly to pass and the Governor to sign A.2264-A, which would amend the New York State Penal Law by establishing criminal sanctions for patronizing a prostitute and promoting prostitution within one thousand feet of school grounds.
By Council Members Rivera, Chin, Comrie, Fidler, James, Koslowitz, Mendez, Palma, Recchia, Rose, Williams and Ulrich
Whereas, Prostitution continues to be a blight on New York City neighborhoods; and
Whereas, For example, the area surrounding the West Farms elementary school, located in the Bronx, has been inundated by prostitutes; and
Whereas, According to The New York Times, prostitutes are known to have sex inside a tent visible to students near the school's playground, resulting in students being exposed to the lewd nature of the sex trade industry; and
Whereas, There have been accounts of hypodermic needles and used condoms being strewn across the school's grounds, resulting in custodians having to hastily dispose of these biohazards before students arrive in the morning; and
Whereas, While there are enhanced criminal penalties for certain crimes committed near schools, prostitution is not one of them; and
Whereas, A.2264-A, currently pending in the New York State Assembly, seeks to enhance criminal punishments for individuals participating in prostitution; and
Whereas, A.2264-A would make it a class E felony for any person patronizing a prostitute or promoting prostitution within one thousand feet of school grounds; and
Whereas, A.2264-A would make it a class C felony for any person who knowingly advances or profits from prostitution by managing, supervising, controlling or owning a prostitution business located within one thousand feet of school grounds; and
Whereas, S.1313-A, the companion bill to A.2264-A, was passed by the New York State Senate on May 10, 2011 and delivered to the Assembly on the same date; and
Whereas, Enacting A.2264-A would help remove prostitutes from around schools by providing law enforcement with the ability to better combat prostitution, giving the district attorneys the authority to prosecute such individuals under enhanced penalties, and ensuring students of a safer learning environment; now, therefore, be it
Resolved, That the Council of the City of New York calls on the New York State Assembly to pass and the Governor to sign A.2264-A, which would amend the New York State Penal Law by establishing criminal sanctions for patronizing a prostitute and promoting prostitution within one thousand feet of school grounds.
WJH
LS 2392
5/18/11