removing the power of courts within the judicial branch family division to issue criminal determinations, judgments, and penalties.

HB 1687 removes the authority of New Hampshire's family division courts to issue criminal penalties, judgments, or determinations in cases they handle. The bill specifically prohibits these courts from imposing criminal sanctions (like fines or jail time) for matters within their jurisdiction, such as family-related cases. Instead, criminal matters must now be handled exclusively by superior courts, as outlined in RSA 592-A:1. This change ensures family courts remain focused on civil matters like custody disputes, while criminal penalties are reserved for appropriate judicial bodies. The bill takes effect January 1, 2027.