Criminal Justice (Civil Rights)

SB 139 creates a private right of action in civil rights cases, allowing any person subjected to unlawful interference with their civil rights to file a lawsuit directly. Currently, only the New Hampshire Attorney General can initiate such cases under the Civil Rights Act (RSA 354-B). The bill requires courts to notify the Attorney General by sending copies of the complaint and final judgment to their office. The law will take effect on January 1, 2026.

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.

This bill requires New Hampshire state and local law enforcement officers who assist U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) under the federal 287(g) program to display their name or badge number, refrain from wearing facial coverings, and keep body-worn cameras active during these duties. It mandates that law enforcement agencies establish disciplinary measures for officers who violate these requirements and directs all complaints about violations to the state Department of Justice’s Civil Rights Unit for investigation. The bill applies only to officers participating in the 287(g) program and takes effect 60 days after enactment. It does not alter existing requirements for officers not engaged in federal immigration enforcement.