Sponsor and survivor groups back bill to fine patrons of commercial sex; advocates and worker groups disagree

Senate Bill 267 would impose a mandatory $500 fine on individuals convicted of patronizing prostitution and direct those funds to the Department of Justice to support the New Hampshire Human Trafficking Collaborative Task Force. The Senate amendment elevated the penalty to a class A misdemeanor, sponsor Senator Donovan Fenton said at the hearing.

Proponents including survivors, survivor‑led organizations and the national anti‑trafficking coalition World Without Exploitation said shifting financial and criminal accountability toward buyers reduces demand and generates resources for survivor services. Abby Fabiacci of Empowered Network said "if people didn't buy people, people wouldn't sell people," and survivor witnesses described violence from buyers and urged stronger deterrents and diversion or education programs for buyers.

Opponents, including representatives of the sex‑workers'organizing community and some policy experts, said the bill's expanded criminal penalty (the amendment creating a class A misdemeanor) risks pushing commercial sexual activity underground, reducing the ability of buyers to report trafficking or identify victims, and could create safety harms for consenting adults who rely on screening. Tricia Navalu, who identified as a former sex worker and cofounder of the Sex Workers Alliance of New England, said criminalizing buyers can make it riskier for community members and outreach workers to check on people who may be exploited.

Researchers and survivor‑service providers offered contrasting evidence. Michael Shively, a long‑time researcher of trafficking, argued penalties and buyer‑focused enforcement reduce demand and fund services; other experts warned of unintended consequences for harm reduction and outreach.

The New Hampshire Human Trafficking Collaborative Task Force and the New Hampshire Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Violence supported the bill, stressing the need for funded services, training and multidisciplinary response. Several witnesses urged that funds collected be dedicated to survivor services, diversion and prevention programs. The hearing closed with supporters urging the committee to pass the bill; no committee vote is recorded in the transcript.