SB 267-FN (2025): relative to the penalty for engaging in prostitution as a patron.

SB 267-FN (2025)

relative to the penalty for engaging in prostitution as a patron.

• Status: Signed into law
• Term: 2025-2026
• House committee: Criminal Justice and Public Safety
• Senate committee: Judiciary
• Subject: Crimes, Criminal Procedure and Corrections
• Chapter law: 260

The Story

It was introduced on January 9, 2025 and referred to the Senate Judiciary committee. The committee held a public hearing on February 20, 2025. The committee voted unanimously, 4–0, to recommend that the Senate pass it. A floor amendment (2025-0713s), offered by Sen. Daryl Abbas, was adopted on a voice vote on March 6, 2025, changing the text of the bill. On March 6, 2025 the Senate voted to pass it with changes on a voice vote and ordered it to a third reading. It crossed to the House on March 27, 2025 and was referred to the House Criminal Justice and Public Safety committee. The committee held a public hearing on April 11, 2025, with 20 people signed in online: 11 in support, 8 in opposition and 1 as neutral. The committee met in executive session on April 23, 2025 to vote on its recommendation. The majority recommended that the House pass it, and the minority recommended that the House kill it, by a vote of 14–2. The report was placed on the regular calendar. On May 22, 2025 the House failed “Lay SB267 on Table” on a roll call 110–253, on a motion by Rep. Michael Harrington. A floor amendment (2025-2330h), offered by Rep. Jennifer Rhodes, was adopted on a voice vote on May 22, 2025, changing the text of the bill. On May 22, 2025 the House voted to pass it with changes on a roll call 292–72. On June 12, 2025 the Senate voted to agree to the other chamber's changes on a voice vote, on a motion by Sen. Bill Gannon. The bill was enrolled on June 26, 2025 — the final check of the text before it goes to the governor — and an enrolled bill amendment (2025-2913e) was adopted on a voice vote to correct technical errors found after passage. The governor signed it on July 29, 2025, making it Chapter 260 of the session laws. It took effect on January 1, 2026.

Sponsors

• Sen. Donovan Fenton (D - SD10) (prime sponsor)
• Sen. Suzanne Prentiss (D - SD5)
• Rep. Nancy Murphy (D - Hills 12)
• Sen. Pat Long (D - SD20)

Hearings and Sessions

• February 20, 2025, 1:00 PM: hearing, Senate Judiciary, SH 100
• March 6, 2025: floor debate, Senate
• April 11, 2025, 1:30 PM: public hearing, House Criminal Justice and Public Safety, LOB 202-204
• April 23, 2025, 11:00 AM: executive session, House Criminal Justice and Public Safety, LOB 202-204
• May 22, 2025: floor debate, House
• June 12, 2025: floor debate, Senate

Votes

• March 6, 2025, Senate: Ought to Pass with Amendment #2025-0713s — voice vote, passed
• May 22, 2025, House: Lay on Table — yeas 110, nays 253, failed
• May 22, 2025, House: Ought to Pass with Amendment — yeas 292, nays 72, passed
• June 12, 2025, Senate: Concur with the House Amendment — voice vote, passed

The Docket

Laws It Would Change

• RSA 645:2

From the General Court

• Bill text
• Bill status page
• Docket
• SC 10
• SC 11
• House Calendar 25, 2025, committee report