This bill amends the existing law regarding penalties for trafficking in persons under 18 years of age. Specifically, it increases the minimum sentence for individuals convicted of maintaining or making available a minor for commercial sex acts or sexually explicit performances from 7 years to 18 years, and raises the maximum sentence from 30 years to life imprisonment. Additionally, the bill establishes similar penalties for those who recruit, entice, harbor, transport, or provide a person under 18 for trafficking purposes, with the same minimum and maximum sentences applied.

The changes are reflected in the amendments to RSA 633:7, II and III, where the terms "7" and "30 years" are deleted and replaced with "18" and "life imprisonment," respectively. The bill emphasizes that knowledge of the victim's actual age is not required for prosecution, and consent from the individual does not serve as a defense. The act is set to take effect on January 1, 2026.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 633:7
Version adopted by both bodies: 633:7
CHAPTERED FINAL VERSION: 633:7