Criminal Justice

died · New Hampshire · House Apr 23, 2026

HB 1633: expanding the information provided to survivors of sexual assault regarding their existing rights.

HB 1633 requires health care providers, law enforcement, and other designated entities to provide sexual assault survivors with clear, written information about their existing rights regarding medical examinations and evidence preservation. The bill defines "sexual assault survivor" broadly to include individuals reporting non-penetrative assault, attempted rape (even without legal terminology), and deceased victims. It mandates the attorney general to post a simplified summary online detailing evidence collection timelines, preservation periods (up to 20 years or the statute of limitations), and survivors' right to request extended preservation of evidence kits. This ensures consistent, accessible information without creating new rights, focusing on transparency in how evidence is handled.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeMandates clear rights information for sexual assault survivors, enhancing victim protections and system transparency within criminal justice framework.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Law Enforcement Victims' Rights Violent Crime

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died · New Hampshire · House Feb 24, 2026

HB 1235: legalizing certain quantities of cannabis.

HB 1235 legalizes possession and personal use of cannabis for New Hampshire residents aged 21 or older, with specific quantity limits: up to 2.5 ounces of flower/trim, 10 grams of concentrate, or products containing no more than 2,000mg THC. It defines key terms like "cannabis products" (including edibles) and excludes hemp (under separate law) and certain plant parts. Possession of small amounts by those under 21 remains a violation punishable by fines ($100-$300), not criminal charges. The bill shifts enforcement focus from minor cannabis offenses to serious crimes while establishing clear limits for adult use.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeDecriminalizes cannabis possession for adults (21+), replacing criminal charges with fines, reducing system burden and aligning with reform goals like reducing non-violent incarceration.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Drug Policy

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failed · New Hampshire · House Feb 12, 2026

HB 1570: relative to governmental budget authority for agreements for law enforcement agencies to participate in federal immigration enforcement.

HB 1570 requires New Hampshire law enforcement agencies to obtain written approval from their local budget authority before entering federal immigration enforcement agreements (Section 287(g) agreements with ICE). The budget authority must review the agreement, consider the estimated yearly cost to the agency (including employee hours), and notify residents before authorizing participation. Agencies must submit quarterly reports detailing costs, officer activities, and federal reimbursements, and the budget authority can terminate the agreement at any time due to cost concerns. Failure to comply results in the state withholding all state funding from the agency.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeRestricts local law enforcement from entering federal immigration agreements without budget approval and reporting, limiting their participation in federal enforcement activities.85% confidence ✓ ImmigrationSupports ImmigrationRequires written approval and cost review for law enforcement to enter federal immigration agreements, limiting state cooperation with federal enforcement, an indicator of support.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Law Enforcement Detention Enforcement Sanctuary Policies

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signed · New Hampshire · House Jun 24, 2026

HB 1361: relative to the procedure concerning search warrant inventories.

HB 1361 modifies New Hampshire law governing search warrant inventories by requiring law enforcement officers to create inventories in the presence of the person searched (or a neutral witness if they're absent), rather than the warrant applicant. It also allows electronic inventories for digital evidence with officer verification, and specifies a standardized return form for warrant execution. The bill directly affects police officers executing searches and ensures clearer documentation for individuals whose property is seized. It takes effect January 1, 2027, as requested by the Department of Safety.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeRequires officer presence during search inventories with witness, enhancing transparency and accountability in law enforcement procedures.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Law Enforcement Policing

failed · New Hampshire · House Feb 19, 2026

HB 1203: relative to the return of firearms following a not guilty verdict or dismissal of the proceeding.

HB 1203 requires courts to immediately order the return of firearms or ammunition seized during a criminal case when the case ends in a not guilty verdict or is dismissed by the state. It mandates that law enforcement agencies must return the property within 24 hours of the court order, eliminating the need for background checks in these specific situations. The bill directly affects individuals whose firearms were temporarily seized as part of a criminal proceeding that did not result in a conviction. This policy change ensures a streamlined process for returning property without additional screening once a case concludes without a guilty finding.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill protects defendant rights by requiring immediate firearm return after not guilty verdict, eliminating unnecessary background checks, aligning with criminal justice reform goals.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Courts Firearms Law Enforcement

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passed · New Hampshire · House Apr 21, 2026

HB 1438: enabling mental health caseworkers to report instances of animal abuse by their clients.

HB 1438 requires licensed mental health caseworkers in New Hampshire to report instances of animal abuse they learn about from clients, including cases of cruelty, neglect, or unsafe living conditions for animals. This applies specifically to professionals working under New Hampshire’s mental health licensing framework, who typically handle confidential client information. The bill mandates that reports be made to local law enforcement or the New Hampshire Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (NH SPCA), and explicitly protects caseworkers from legal liability when reporting in good faith. The law takes effect 60 days after enactment.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeMandates reporting animal abuse (criminal offense) to law enforcement, directly supporting law enforcement's role in criminal justice enforcement.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Law Enforcement

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died · New Hampshire · House Mar 4, 2026

CACR 23: relative to legislative oversight of the judicial branch.establishing legislative oversight of the judicial branch.

This bill proposes a constitutional amendment to establish legislative oversight of New Hampshire's judicial branch. It would create a commission (primarily composed of state legislators) with authority to investigate complaints against judges, hold hearings, recommend disciplinary actions (including censure, suspension, or removal), and publish annual performance reports. The measure directly affects judges and the judicial branch by shifting oversight from the current system (where the judiciary self-regulates, with impeachment as the sole remedy) to legislative authority. If approved by voters in the 2026 election, it would amend the state constitution to grant the general court this new power. The amendment requires a two-thirds majority vote in the election to take effect.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill creates legislative oversight commission for judges, enhancing accountability within courts (a criminal justice component) by enabling investigations and disciplinary actions.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Courts Judges

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signed · New Hampshire · House Jul 10, 2026

HB 1651: establishing sexual assault orders of protection and relative to sexual assault survivors' rights.

HB 1651 establishes sexual assault protective orders, allowing survivors to file civil petitions in circuit court to obtain court-issued orders for their safety. These orders, modeled after existing protective orders under RSA 173-B, can last up to one year initially and be extended for up to five years with court approval, requiring annual safety reviews. The bill also updates survivors' rights by guaranteeing free preservation of sexual assault evidence kits for up to 20 years (or the statute of limitations, whichever is longer), disclosure of kit results without compromising investigations, and written information about kit handling procedures. It directly affects sexual assault survivors and defendants facing these orders, while clarifying that attorneys may contact survivors under strict conditions for legitimate legal purposes.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeEstablishes sexual assault protective orders and guarantees 20-year evidence preservation, directly strengthening survivor protections and victim rights within criminal justice system.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Courts Domestic Violence Violent Crime

died · New Hampshire · House Aug 20, 2026

HB 1067: relative to the mental health courts.

HB 1067 establishes a state grant program to fund new mental health courts in New Hampshire, requiring counties, districts, or non-profits to apply through a standardized process managed by the judicial branch's Office of the Statewide Treatment Courts. The bill revises mental health court procedures to allow judges to dismiss charges or withhold prosecution upon successful completion of treatment programs, while mandating risk and clinical assessments for participants. It requires the judicial branch to develop application standards, track outcomes like recidivism, and provide training to ensure program effectiveness. The goal is to reduce incarceration costs and improve treatment access for individuals with mental illness through structured court interventions.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill establishes grants for mental health courts, allowing charge dismissal upon treatment completion to reduce recidivism and promote rehabilitation through clinical assessments.95% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareFunds mental health courts via state grants, allowing treatment completion to dismiss charges, directly advancing mental health services and access.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Corrections Courts Mental Health

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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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