New Hampshire hearing supports HB405 to enhance penalties against human trafficking

In a recent meeting of the New Hampshire Senate Judiciary Committee, lawmakers and experts gathered to discuss proposed legislation aimed at addressing human trafficking and illicit massage businesses in the state. The bill, known as HB 405, seeks to enhance penalties for those involved in prostitution and related activities, a move that proponents argue is necessary to deter traffickers and protect vulnerable individuals.

Key testimonies highlighted the urgency of the issue, with advocates emphasizing that New Hampshire has become a "safe haven" for traffickers due to its current laws. Pamela Keilig, a public policy specialist at the Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Violence, stated that the state must take immediate action to combat the proliferation of illicit massage businesses, which are often fronts for trafficking operations. She noted that neighboring states, such as Massachusetts, have already increased penalties, leading to a noticeable shift in trafficking patterns.

However, some experts expressed concerns about the broad scope of the proposed legislation. Rebecca Cleary, an attorney specializing in prostitution and trafficking law, cautioned that increasing penalties without thorough study could inadvertently criminalize consensual adult activities. She argued that existing robust anti-trafficking laws should be utilized more effectively before imposing harsher penalties.

Tricia Nabalu, a certified educator and founder of the Erotic Laborers Alliance of New England, echoed these sentiments, advocating for the inclusion of community voices in the legislative process. She warned that the proposed penalties could have severe consequences for individuals engaged in consensual adult work, potentially leading to unjust prosecutions.

The committee also discussed the importance of establishing a study commission to evaluate the effectiveness of current laws and the potential impact of the proposed changes. This commission would aim to gather input from various stakeholders, including those directly affected by the legislation.

As the meeting concluded, the committee members were left to consider the implications of the proposed bill. The discussions underscored the delicate balance between protecting individuals from exploitation and ensuring that consensual adult activities are not unduly criminalized. The next steps will involve further deliberation on the bill and the potential formation of the study commission to address these complex issues.