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Lawmakers, local officials seek tougher penalties and licensing changes to curb trafficking-linked massage parlors
Summary
State lawmakers heard town officials, law enforcement and advocates urge immediate legislative action to strengthen criminal penalties and regulatory tools aimed at illicit massage parlors tied to human trafficking, and asked for coordinated drafting of a bill.
State Rep. Charles Foote, a Derry resident and town councilor, told the Criminal Justice and Public Safety subcommittee that illicit massage parlors are a “real concern in Derry and statewide,” and urged lawmakers to raise criminal penalties so prosecutors and police can act more effectively.
Advocates, local officials and law enforcement who testified on House Bill 405 told the committee the current mix of misdemeanor-level offenses, licensing gaps and enforcement barriers allow operators to shift locations and keep illicit activity moving. Dave Karan, Derry town administrator, told the panel a three-part approach is needed: a statewide…
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