Speaking up for Sex Workers’ Rights in Oregon
To: House Committee on Judiciary
From: Woodhull Freedom Foundation
Date: 2/9/2026
Re: Oppose HB 4157
Chair Kropf, Vice-Chairs Wallen, Chotzen, and members of the committee,
My name is Mariah Grant, Woodhull Freedom Foundation Advocacy Consultant. Woodhull Freedom Foundation is a national organization dedicated to defending sexual freedom as a fundamental human right. In carrying out this work, we defend the human rights of sex workers, including their right to choice of employment and to safe and healthy working conditions. We submit this testimony in opposition to HB 4157.
While we appreciate the intent to address trafficking concerns, this bill was developed without meaningful consultation with sex worker-led organizations and carries significant risks for consensual sex workers.
The bill creates a hearsay exception for charges including trafficking in persons, purchasing sex with a minor, promoting prostitution, and compelling prostitution. However, this expansion of prosecutorial discretion lacks necessary guardrails in a system that already applies discretion inequitably.
Inclusion of “Promoting Prostitution” is particularly problematic. This charge criminalizes anyone who assists in prostitution—including drivers, safe contacts, family members, or other sex workers. Unlike compelling prostitution, promoting prostitution doesn’t require force, fraud, or coercion. Including it in this hearsay exception will further isolate sex workers and increase their risk by criminalizing their support networks.
Woodhull calls for meaningful engagement with sex worker and survivor-led organizations before advancing any legislation affecting these communities. We urge you to oppose HB 4157 in its current form and instead work with sex worker-led organizations to develop legislation that addresses trafficking without harming consensual sex workers.
In submitting this testimony, we also share Woodhull’s Fact Checked series on sex work which dispels myths about sex work in the United States as part of our efforts to protect the human rights of sex workers and promote sexual freedom. In this series we address law enforcement’s biased treatment of sex workers which is crucial to informing the development of HB 4157 including how stigma against sex workers may influence law enforcement’s application of the law.
We welcome the opportunity to discuss this matter further and work toward a solution that best serves all parties involved.
Your consideration of these matters is very much appreciated.
Sincerely,
Mariah Grant
Advocacy Consultant
Woodhull Freedom Foundation