Human Trafficking Bill Passes State Senate

CONCORD, NH - The state Senate has approved HB 1628, which makes it a crime for a person to engage in sexual contact with a person under the age of 18 in New Hampshire.

“One of the most important duties of government is to protect our citizens and the bill passed by the Senate today addresses the gap that has existed in our state’s ability to prosecute human trafficking by establishing felony convictions for individuals who pay for sexual activities with underage persons," said State Sen. Sharon Carson, R-Londonderry, in a statement. “Human trafficking has firmly planted roots right here in New Hampshire, and testimony shared with the committee explained that one of the first cases of sex trafficking to be charged federally came out of Litchfield."

This issue, she noted, was prevalent in the state and nationwide, and by strengthening the ability to prosecute would-be offenders, "we are acting to eliminate the horrific reality of human trafficking" taking place in the Granite State.

“As legislators, it is our duty to take common sense steps like this bill does, to prevent these crimes from being perpetuated by holding the individuals involved accountable for their actions and I thank the Senate for their support of this measure," she added.