The prime factorization of 144 is:
\[
144 = 2^4 \times 3^2
\]
Step 1: Identifying the prime factors.
The prime factors of 144 are 2 and 3.
Step 2: Summing the powers of the prime factors.
The powers of the prime factors are 4 and 2 (for 2 and 3, respectively).
The sum of the powers is:
\[
4 + 2 = 6
\]
Step 3: Conclusion.
Therefore, the sum of the powers of prime factors in the prime factorization of 144 is 6. The correct answer is (B).