Coffin calls for $5 tax on prostitution services

Sen. Bob Coffin, D-Las Vegas, Monday introduced legislation to create an excise tax on the use of prostitutes.

The tax in SB369 would not be on prostitutes' earnings but $5 levied on the patron for use of the prostitute's services.

While the bill gives the Taxation Department the authority to examine the books kept for or by sex workers, neither Coffin nor the language in the bill explains how they would track down those people who aren't managers of a legal and licensed brothel.

It says that the state can make an agreement with county fair and recreation officials, commissioners or city officials to exchange information that can identify potential taxpayers.

Coffin said there would be no pressure on taxation officials to enforce the tax on the streets.

He said George Flynt, lobbyist for the legal brothel industry, has offered in the past to have brothels pay a tax to the state.

"I'm taking them up on it," said Coffin.

Coffin said the bill contains other provisions beyond the tax, primarily creation of an Ombudsman for Sex Workers within the Department of Employment, Training and Rehabilitation.

"The ladies doing this illegally need to be able to access the ombudsman," he said pointing out they have nowhere to go for help because their business is a crime.

The bill directs the prostitute to either collect the tax from each patron or pay it herself, fill out a quarterly form on her activities and pay the department the money owed.

Contact reporter Geoff Dornan at gdornan@nevadaappeal.com or 687-8750.