relative to the lethality assessment program screening tool.

This bill requires all New Hampshire law enforcement agencies to use a standardized lethality assessment tool (LAP) during responses to suspected domestic violence incidents, violations of protective orders, and stalking cases involving domestic violence. It mandates that officers administer the LAP screening with victims and submit the results to the court at the defendant's arraignment. Currently, participation in the LAP program is voluntary, with only about 45% of departments reporting data; this bill makes statewide use mandatory. The policy directly affects police departments, victims in these cases, and court proceedings by ensuring consistent assessment of risk during critical early stages of investigations.