Criminal Justice

HB 1822 requires state, county, and local law enforcement agencies and correctional facilities to submit semi-annual reports to the Attorney General about individuals detained for civil immigration violations (including under immigration detainers or federal 287(g) agreements). Reports must include the number of people detained and the length of each detention, with the first reports due December 31, 2026. The Attorney General must then summarize this data in a semi-annual report to the Governor, Senate President, and House Speaker, starting February 1, 2027. The bill imposes no new funding but notes potential administrative costs for the Attorney General’s office.

HB 1279 modifies New Hampshire's self-defense law to clarify when physical force can be used against someone committing a felony. It specifies that force is justified if a person reasonably believes another is "likely to use any unlawful force in the commission of a felony" against them or a third person within their vehicle, dwelling, or immediate property (curtilage). The bill expands the legal standard by focusing on the likelihood of a felony occurring, not just an immediate threat. This change directly affects individuals defending themselves or others in their home, car, or nearby property during potential felony crimes. The law takes effect January 1, 2027.

SB 620 increases license suspension periods for drivers who refuse alcohol testing and modifies penalties for aggravated driving while intoxicated (DWI). For a first refusal of testing, license suspension rises from 180 days to 12 months; for repeat offenders with prior DWI convictions or refusals, it increases from 2 to 3 years. The bill also adds new requirements for aggravated DWI convictions, including a mandatory 17-day jail sentence (suspensible), a substance use disorder evaluation within 60 days of release, and installation of an ignition interlock device. These changes directly affect drivers arrested for DWI who refuse testing or are convicted of aggravated DWI offenses. The policy focuses on stricter consequences for refusal and repeat offenses, with court discretion to suspend up to 6 months of license revocation if treatment requirements are met.

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.