Some state lawmakers have proposed a bill to decriminalize prostitution in New York.

Advocates say regardless of its legal status, people will always be involved in the sex trade. They claim regulating legalized prostitution can help protect workers.

"What we want is for anyone that's already trading sex to be safe and able to report violence and exploitation if they experience it," says Nina Luo, of Decrim New York.

People who advocate on behalf of abuse victims say legalizing prostitution would likely worsen the problem of people being forced into prostitution.

Supporters of the bill say there aren't enough votes to pass it this year, but they're hoping for possible passage in the future.

No state legislator from Long Island is listed as a co-sponsor of the bill.