This bill introduces a mandatory $500 fine for individuals convicted of engaging in prostitution as patrons, in addition to any other penalties that may apply. The new legal language specifies that the court must impose this fine without the option to reduce or suspend it, although it allows for deferred or periodic payments if the defendant is unable to pay immediately. Furthermore, the bill stipulates that these fines will not incur additional penalty assessments and must be forwarded to the victims' assistance commission to support the victims' assistance fund.

The bill amends RSA 645:2 by adding a new paragraph that outlines these provisions, while also ensuring that the fines collected are specifically allocated for victim assistance. The act is set to take effect on January 1, 2026, and is projected to have a fiscal impact of less than $10,000 for each fiscal year from 2026 to 2028.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 645:2