A bill that unanimously passed the Minnesota Senate would substantially increase penalties for those *intending* to hire a minor for prostitution, so they’re the same as penalties for those who *actually* hire an underage person for prostitution. The bill’s sponsor is Saint Paul Democrat Sandy Pappas

The maximum penalty is currently 30 days in jail and a thousand-dollar fine for those intending to hire a minor for prostitution. The bill’s objective is to make law enforcement sting operations more effective.