Carson applauds step towards strengthening NH laws against perpetrators of sex trafficking

Concord, NH -Today, HB 1628 was signed, which will make it a crime for a person who agrees to pay for sexual encounters with a person under the age of 18 in New Hampshire. This bill takes an important step to protect children who have been subjected to sex trafficking by establishing felony convictions for individuals who pay for sexual activities with underage persons in New Hampshire.

Senator Sharon Carson (R-Londonderry) issued a statement following the bill being signed.

“While it may seem that human trafficking is a problem felt in big cities alone, we know it happens everywhere, including right here in New Hampshire. This new law is a critical tool that will help put an end to this heinous crime and lets perpetrators and participants alike know that we have zero tolerance for crimes against our children. Prior to this legislation, there was no statute in place by which to prosecute these offenders. This bill will establish the necessary recourse to hold these criminals accountable for perpetuating this horrific practice and hopefully serve to eliminate sex trafficking of underage children from taking place in this state altogether.”

“As legislators, it is our duty to take common sense steps, like this bill, to protect our children. I appreciate all of the hard work that has gone into this measure by both the House and the Senate. This important law will ensure anyone involved in sex trafficking with underage children will be held accountable for their actions.”