Criminal Justice (Courts)

vetoed · New Hampshire · House Aug 19, 2026

HB 1766: relative to cruelty to livestock.

HB 1766 limits when animals can be taken from livestock owners during cruelty investigations. It requires the state veterinarian to accompany officers in livestock cases to confirm if immediate danger exists before confiscation, and prohibits taking animals unless someone is charged with cruelty or the animal faces imminent harm. The bill also mandates a court hearing within 14 days of confiscation, protects ownership rights for non-accused owners, and requires convicted individuals to cover costs for animal care during legal proceedings. This directly affects livestock owners, law enforcement, courts, and state veterinarians by setting clear rules for animal seizure and custody.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill mandates court hearings, vet oversight, and protects ownership rights during cruelty investigations, enhancing procedural safeguards in law enforcement actions.75% confidence

Sub-Topics Courts Law Enforcement

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failed · New Hampshire · House Mar 5, 2026

HB 1116: relative to judicial privilege and relative to the litigation of small claims.

HB 1116 modifies two areas of New Hampshire law. It removes a judge's ability to refuse to testify in criminal cases when they have firsthand knowledge of relevant facts, after a court determines the testimony is material. The bill also requires courts to send written notice of small claims cases to defendants within 10 days of filing, by mail to their last known address, with a 30-day response window. These changes directly affect judges who might be subpoenaed for criminal testimony and defendants in small claims cases. The bill aims to improve transparency in criminal proceedings and streamline small claims litigation.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeRemoves judicial privilege to refuse testimony in criminal cases with firsthand knowledge, enhancing transparency in criminal proceedings per criminal justice reform indicators.92% confidence

Sub-Topics Courts Judges

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died · New Hampshire · House Mar 3, 2026

HB 1302: relative to post-arrest photograph distribution by law enforcement officers.

HB 1302 prohibits law enforcement from publicly releasing mugshots of individuals arrested for nonviolent offenses before they are convicted. This applies to all such photographs taken during arrest, with exceptions only for immediate public safety threats (e.g., locating a dangerous suspect) or when a defendant fails to appear in court after bail. The bill also specifies that these restrictions do not apply to individuals unlawfully present in the U.S., who may have mugshots released regardless of conviction status. Law enforcement must document any permitted release, including the reason and recipient. The policy aims to reduce reputational harm for unconvicted individuals while maintaining public safety exceptions.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeRestricts pre-conviction mugshot releases for nonviolent offenses, protecting defendants' rights and reducing stigma - core criminal justice reform principle.90% confidence ✗ ImmigrationOpposes ImmigrationBill explicitly excludes 'unlawfully present in U.S.' from mugshot privacy protections, limiting immigrant rights as defined by immigration status.85% confidence ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyRestricts public release of arrest photos, enhancing data privacy protections for nonviolent offenders.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Courts Law Enforcement

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failed · New Hampshire · House Mar 5, 2026

HB 1291: criminalizing the use of small unmanned aircraft systems for the purposes of flying over critical infrastructure and events without authorization.

HB 1291 would make it a class A misdemeanor to operate a small drone without permission over large public gatherings (like sports events, concerts, or festivals) or over critical infrastructure, such as power plants, water treatment facilities, military sites, or government buildings. The bill defines "critical infrastructure" to include specific facilities like petroleum refineries, electric substations, and public safety buildings. This law would take effect on January 1, 2027, and applies to all drone users who fly without prior authorization in these scenarios. The bill does not require new funding but may impact law enforcement and court processes if violations occur.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeExpands criminalization by creating new misdemeanor offense for unauthorized drone use over infrastructure/events, aligning with OPPOSE indicators.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Courts Law Enforcement

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signed · New Hampshire · Senate May 12, 2026

SB 412: relative to the conditional release of delinquent minors and children in need of services.

SB 412 allows courts to continue handling violations of conditional release conditions for two groups: minors found delinquent (who broke laws) and children in need of services (due to family or safety concerns). The bill explicitly permits courts to retain jurisdiction over these cases as long as violations are reported during the release period, rather than requiring immediate action. This change clarifies that courts can address breaches of conditions like curfews or school attendance throughout the entire release term. It directly affects juvenile court proceedings for these minors and the judges overseeing their cases. The law takes effect January 1, 2027.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill permits courts to address minor violations of conditional release through continued supervision rather than immediate punitive action, reducing unnecessary incarceration for minors and aligning with rehabilitation-focused reform.92% confidence

Sub-Topics Courts Juvenile Justice

vetoed · New Hampshire · House Aug 19, 2026

HB 1565: relative to the penalty for false reports of suspected abuse and neglect made to the division for children, youth, and families, relative to owner's project manager services for school building aid projects, and relative to long-term care eligibility and making an appropriation therefor.

HB 1565 makes it a misdemeanor to intentionally file false reports of child abuse or neglect with New Hampshire's Division for Children, Youth, and Families. It directly affects individuals who submit false reports (subject to criminal penalties) and people harmed by such reports (who can sue for civil damages). The bill clarifies that reports may include the reporter's name and creates a legal pathway for victims to seek monetary compensation through civil court. This changes existing law by adding specific criminal penalties for false reports and establishing a private right to sue, effective July 1, 2026.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeBill creates a new misdemeanor for false child abuse reports, expanding criminalization. This aligns with 'oppose' indicator of expanding criminalization.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Courts

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failed · New Hampshire · House Mar 5, 2026

HB 1465: establishing mandatory reporting of civil rights violations committed by members of the judiciary.

HB 1465 requires certain state employees, including court staff, judges, attorneys, and bar association members, to report suspected civil rights violations or breaches of judicial conduct rules committed by judicial branch members. If they have reasonable cause to believe a violation occurred (e.g., in person or reported to them), they must immediately notify the Attorney General’s office. Failure to report is punishable as a misdemeanor, with a $1,500 fine and up to one week in jail. The Attorney General forwards reports to the court administrative office, county sheriffs, and the chief justice, while protecting good-faith reporters from retaliation. The bill takes effect January 1, 2027.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeMandates reporting of judicial civil rights violations, enhancing accountability within courts and aligning with criminal justice reform goals.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Civil Rights Corrections Courts

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passed both · New Hampshire · Senate Jun 1, 2026

SB 625: establishing a committee to study options for family members of intentional homicide victims where the department of justice does not file charges in a case, repealing the refugee resettlement program in the department of health and human services, and prohibiting expenditure of state funds on refugee resettlement.

SB 625 allows immediate family members (parents, spouses, or children) of homicide victims to request an evidentiary hearing when the Department of Justice (DOJ) does not file criminal charges or seek a retrial after a hung jury in a homicide case. Families must first request a written explanation from the DOJ for not filing charges, and if they believe probable cause exists, they can petition a superior court to review the DOJ’s decision. The court will assess whether the evidence supports charging a suspect, potentially requiring the DOJ to provide investigative reports for private review and holding a hearing to evaluate witness credibility. If the court finds probable cause, it will recommend prosecution to the DOJ but only inform the family that probable cause exists - not the detailed recommendation.

Topics ✗ Budget & TaxesOpposes Budget & TaxesBill explicitly prohibits expenditure of state funds on refugee resettlement, directly restricting government spending.85% confidence ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeAllows families to challenge DOJ non-prosecution decisions via court review, enhancing prosecutorial accountability and transparency in criminal justice proceedings.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Government Spending Courts Victims' Rights Violent Crime

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failed · New Hampshire · House Feb 19, 2026

HB 1632: 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.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeMandates standardized lethality assessment for domestic violence cases, enhancing victim safety and court decision-making in criminal justice reform.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Courts Domestic Violence Law Enforcement

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failed · New Hampshire · House Feb 12, 2026

HB 1642: relative to extreme risk protection orders.

HB 1642 establishes a new legal process for courts to issue temporary orders restricting access to firearms for individuals deemed to pose an immediate risk of harm to themselves or others. Eligible petitioners - including family or household members, intimate partners, or law enforcement officers - must file a court petition with a sworn affidavit detailing specific safety concerns, such as recent threats or dangerous behavior involving firearms. The court may issue an initial temporary order without the person at risk being present, followed by a prompt hearing where they can respond. The order requires the individual to surrender firearms and ammunition and remains in effect until the court decides otherwise, prioritizing public safety while ensuring due process.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeEstablishes court process for firearm restrictions to prevent violence, aligning with criminal justice reform goals of reducing harm through proactive measures.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Courts Firearms Law Enforcement

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