OKLAHOMA CITY – Rep. Eric Roberts, R-Oklahoma City, on Wednesday passed legislation in the Oklahoma House of Representatives that increases penalties for those who purchase prostitution services.

House Bill 2054 increases the penalty for someone who purchases prostitution services from a misdemeanor to a felony.

"This bill aims to curb sex trafficking by reducing the demand for prostitution services," Roberts said. "Many of those engaging in prostitution are victims of human trafficking."

The Oklahoma City Police Department Vice Unit requested that the penalty for purchasing prostitution be changed from a misdemeanor to a felony. Texas made a similar penalty change and found it successful in reducing trafficking.

Under HB2054, a person can be sentenced to up to three years in prison and is subject to a fine of up to $1,000 for a first offense, $2,500 for a second offense and up to $5,000 for a third or subsequent offense.

If the victim of the offense is a minor, the penalty is a maximum of ten years imprisonment and provides a fine of up to $5,000 for a first offense, $10,000 for a second offense and up to $15,000 for a third or consecutive offense.

The measure would also require the offender to register as a sex offender upon a third conviction. The bill does not increase penalties for people engaging in prostitution.

HB2054 passed the House 76-15 and now moves to the Senate.