Governor Hassan Signs Bipartisan Human Trafficking Bill

Press Release

Continuing her efforts to combat domestic and sexual violence and the heinous crime of human trafficking, Governor Maggie Hassan today signed House Bill 1628, bipartisan legislation that makes it a Class B felony to purchase or agree to purchase a human trafficking victim under the age of 18.

"Human trafficking is a global humanitarian crisis, and we must continue our efforts to protect against this heinous crime," Governor Hassan said. "In 2014, we worked across party lines to strengthen protections for human trafficking victims and penalties for those who sell victims under the age of 18, and this bipartisan bill builds on those efforts by addressing the potential purchase of human trafficking victims under the age of 18. Combined with our other efforts to combat domestic and sexual violence, such as Joshua's Law, House Bill 1628 creates another important tool to crack down on human trafficking and reinforces New Hampshire's commitment to fighting these deplorable crimes and equal justice for all."

Governor Hassan joined domestic and sexual violence advocates, Nashua Police Chief Andrew Lavoie and Franklin Police Chief David Goldstein at Bridges Domestic and Sexual Violence Support in Nashua to sign House Bill 1628, which builds on the bipartisan bill that Governor Hassan signed in 2014 to strengthen protections for human trafficking victims and to address the seller of human trafficking victims. House Bill 1628 also requires registration on the sex offender registry for persons convicted of human trafficking.

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