Revision: March 5, 2025, 9:55 a.m.
Sen. Abbas, Dist 22
Sen. Fenton, Dist 10
March 4, 2025
2025-0713s
09/08
Floor Amendment to SB 267-FN
Amend the bill by replacing all after the enacting clause with the following:
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 department of justice for the purposes of funding the New Hampshire human trafficking collaborative task force.
2 New Paragraph; Prostitution and Related Offenses. Amend RSA 645:2 by inserting after paragraph I the following new paragraph:
I-a. A person is guilty of a class A misdemeanor if the person pays, agrees to pay, or offers to pay another person to engage in sexual contact as defined in RSA 632-A:1, IV or sexual penetration as defined in RSA 632-A:1, V, with the payor or with another person.
3 Repeal. RSA 645:2, I(f), relative to misdemeanor offense for paying, agreeing to pay, or offering to pay for sexual contact or penetration, is repealed.
4 Effective Date. This act shall take effect January 1, 2026.
2025-0713s
AMENDED 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 to the department of justice for the purposes of funding the New Hampshire human trafficking collaborative task force.
This bill also enhances the penalty for paying, agreeing to pay, or offering to pay another person to engage in sexual contact or penetration with the payor or another person from a misdemeanor to a class A misdemeanor.