Rhode Island — In Rhode Island, there is a loophole in the law that essentially allows prostitution- as long as it takes place indoors.

There have been efforts to change this in the past, but they have failed. The issue could get renewed attention following the prostitution scandal that led to the resignation of New York Governor Eliot Spitzer.

State Police Inspector Stephen Bannon told the House Judiciary Committee Wednesday that many people are unaware that prostitution is legal in Rhode Island when it occurs indoors and in private.

If the law were to be changed, it would make it easier for police to crack down on brothels and message palors that deal in prostitution.

House Majority Leader Gordon Fox said in a statement that he expects the General Assembly to look carefully at closing the loophole so any prostitution would be illegal in Rhode Island.