SB 267-FN - AS INTRODUCED
2025 SESSION
25-1117
09/08
SENATE BILL 267-FN
AN ACT relative to the penalty for engaging in prostitution as a patron.
SPONSORS: Sen. Fenton, Dist 10; Sen. Long, Dist 20; Sen. Prentiss, Dist 5; Rep. N. Murphy, Hills. 12
COMMITTEE: Judiciary
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ANALYSIS
This bill establishes a mandatory $500 fine for engaging in prostitution as a patron, in addition to any other penalty, and directs that the funds are to be forwarded for use in the victims' assistance fund.
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Explanation: Matter added to current law appears in bold italics.
Matter removed from current law appears [in brackets and struckthrough.]
Matter which is either (a) all new or (b) repealed and reenacted appears in regular type.
25-1117
09/08
STATE OF NEW HAMPSHIRE
In the Year of Our Lord Two Thousand Twenty Five
AN ACT relative to the penalty for engaging in prostitution as a patron.
Be it Enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives in General Court convened:
1 New Paragraph; Prostitution and Related Offenses. Amend RSA 645:2 by inserting after paragraph IX the following new paragraph:
X. In addition to any other penalty authorized by law, the court shall levy a fine of $500 for each conviction under this section where the court finds that the defendant engaged in prostitution as a patron. The court shall not reduce or suspend any sentence or the payment of any fine imposed under this paragraph. If the court determines that the defendant is unable to pay the fine on the date imposed, the court may defer payment or order periodic payments thereof. Fines imposed under this paragraph shall not be subject to an additional penalty assessment and shall not be subject to the provisions of RSA 618:8 or 618:9. The clerk shall forward all fines collected under this paragraph to the victims' assistance commission for the purposes of funding the victims' assistance fund pursuant to RSA 21-M:8-g, 21-M:8-h and 21-M:8-i.
2 Effective Date. This act shall take effect January 1, 2026.
25-1117
1/13/25
SB 267-FN- FISCAL NOTE
AS INTRODUCED
AN ACT relative to the penalty for engaging in prostitution as a patron.
FISCAL IMPACT:
The Legislative Budget Assistant has determined that this legislation has a total fiscal impact of less than $10,000 in each of the fiscal years 2026 through 2028.
AGENCIES CONTACTED:
Judicial Branch
| Date | Body | Type |
|---|---|---|
| Feb. 20, 2025 | Senate | Hearing |
| March 6, 2025 | Senate | Floor Vote |
Feb. 21, 2025: Committee Report: Ought to Pass, 03/06/2025, Vote 4-0; SC 11
Feb. 12, 2025: Hearing: 02/20/2025, Room 100, SH, 01:00 pm; SC 10
Jan. 23, 2025: Introduced 01/09/2025 and Referred to Judiciary; SJ 3