CONCORD, N.H. (AP) - The Senate has voted to strengthen New Hampshire’s laws against human trafficking, including making it a felony to use minors as prostitutes.
The Senate voted 24-0 Thursday on the bill that would also protect juveniles from being prosecuted for being forced to perform illegal acts, make it a felony to force someone to engage in labor or sex acts and allow victims to sue traffickers.
The bill also would allow victims tattooed or branded to have their removal paid for by the state’s victim compensation fund.
Advocates say New Hampshire is ranked the second worst state in the legal protections offered to trafficking victims. The bill is the product of the Attorney General’s Task Force on Human Trafficking.
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