A new bill proposed by state lawmakers would decriminalize people in prostitution and eliminate past prostitution convictions.

Nicole Bell, founder of the nonprofit Living in Freedom Together, said typically, the criminal focus is on the victim who is being bought and sold rather than the person doing the buying. Bell said this legislation would flip that dynamic and help create pathways for healing and getting out of prostitution.

"It will eliminate those barriers to housing and employment for those that are out and that are looking for safety and employment and to return to being a part of our community," Bell said.

"Even myself, I'm a survivor of prostitution and had over 30 prostitution convictions on my record by the time I got out. Never once did anyone offer me help, did anybody ask me if I was being forced to do it. I think it's important to note that I think we have criminalized and punished victims of this for too long."

Those who oppose the bill say prostitution needs to stay criminalized, while other are looking to decriminalize the sex trade in its entirety, which Bell called a dangerous idea.