This bill amends the penalties for trafficking offenses involving individuals under 18 years of age, significantly increasing the severity of the punishment. Specifically, it modifies RSA 633:7, II and III to establish that individuals convicted of maintaining or making available a person under 18 for commercial sex acts or sexually explicit performances will face a minimum sentence of 18 years and a maximum of life imprisonment, replacing the previous minimum of 7 years and maximum of 30 years. Additionally, the bill clarifies that knowledge of the victim's age is not required for conviction, and consent from the victim does not serve as a defense.

Furthermore, the bill addresses the recruitment and transportation of individuals under 18 for trafficking purposes, imposing the same minimum and maximum sentencing guidelines as outlined above. This change aims to enhance the legal framework surrounding the protection of minors from trafficking and ensure that offenders face more stringent consequences for their actions. 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