Senator Finchem Introduces Legislation to Hold Online Platforms Accountable for Prostitution, Child Sex Trafficking
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Wednesday, January 14, 2026
PHOENIX, ARIZONA – Arizona Senator Mark Finchem is introducing legislation to close legal loopholes that allow online platforms to facilitate prostitution and the sexual exploitation of children. The measure aims to strengthen accountability in the digital space and ensure that Arizona law keeps pace with the evolving tactics used by traffickers and those who profit from exploitation.
SB 1077, sponsored by Senator Finchem, would make it a felony offense for any person or enterprise that knowingly operates or controls an interactive computer service or content provider to facilitate, promote, or solicit prostitution, pandering, or child sex trafficking. Violations involving minors ages 15-17 would be classified as a Class 5 felony, while offenses involving children under the age of 15 carry a Class 2 felony with enhanced sentencing. The legislation also establishes penalties for exposing minors to harmful sexual material without reasonable age verification and prohibits individuals or enterprises from receiving or soliciting financial benefits tied to these activities.
This legislation is the direct result of work conducted by the Human and Sex Trafficking Task Force, formed last session by Senate President Warren Petersen. The task force brought together law enforcement, prosecutors, survivors, lawmakers, and policy experts to identify gaps in Arizona law as technology increasingly enables exploitation. Their findings highlighted the need to modernize statutes to ensure online actors who profit from or enable these crimes can be prosecuted, particularly when children are exposed to sexual material or trafficked through digital platforms.
"Technology should never be used as a shield for those who profit from exploitation," said Senator Finchem. "Criminal activity has adapted to the digital age, and our laws must do the same. SB 1077 makes it clear that if you knowingly operate or benefit from an online service that facilitates prostitution or child sex trafficking, you will be held accountable. Protecting children and shutting down modern avenues of exploitation must remain a top priority, and this legislation reflects that commitment."
"It is no secret that sexual predators and human traffickers use the internet to sell the most vulnerable among us for a profit," said Yavapai County Sheriff David Rhodes. "Senator Finchem's SB 1077 will protect women and children from these criminals, as well as give law enforcement a needed tool in the prevention of crime."
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For more information, contact:
Kim Quintero
Director of Communications | Arizona State Senate Republican Caucus