Criminal Justice (Law Enforcement)

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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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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died · New Hampshire · House Aug 20, 2026

HB 1822: relative to reporting of civil immigration detentions by state, county, and local law enforcement and correctional facilities.

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.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeRequires transparency in immigration detentions by law enforcement, enhancing oversight and protecting civil rights through mandatory reporting of detention data.85% confidence ✓ ImmigrationSupports ImmigrationRequires transparency in immigration detentions, limiting state cooperation with federal enforcement by mandating reporting on civil detentions.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Law Enforcement Detention Enforcement Sanctuary Policies

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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 Feb 19, 2026

HB 1740: relative to the protection of persons from domestic violence.

HB 1740 updates New Hampshire's domestic violence protection laws to strengthen victim safety and law enforcement response. It requires police to immediately investigate all abuse reports, create written reports within 24 hours, and mandate arrests when probable cause exists - regardless of whether the abuse was witnessed. The bill also establishes a new domestic violence law enforcement training fund and clarifies that civil protective orders must follow criminal proceedings, not replace them. These changes directly affect victims of domestic violence, law enforcement agencies, and courts handling such cases.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeMandates police investigations, arrests on probable cause, and law enforcement training to strengthen victim safety and accountability in domestic violence cases, aligning with criminal justice reform indicators.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Domestic Violence Law Enforcement Policing

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died · New Hampshire · House Feb 24, 2026

HB 1084: relative to the relinquishment of deadly weapons by those subject to a domestic violence protective order.

HB 1084 requires individuals subject to a domestic violence protective order in New Hampshire to immediately surrender all firearms, ammunition, and deadly weapons to law enforcement officers. The bill directly affects people ordered to relinquish weapons under protective orders (RSA 173-B:4 or 173-B:5), making surrender mandatory rather than discretionary. Key provisions include replacing "may" with "shall" for weapon relinquishment, prohibiting refusal (with immediate detention for non-compliance), and requiring courts to issue search warrants if weapons remain unturned over. This bill strengthens enforcement of existing protections by ensuring weapons are removed from individuals deemed a threat under domestic violence orders.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeMandates immediate firearm surrender for domestic violence protective order subjects, enhancing victim safety and preventing gun violence. Aligns with criminal justice reform by strengthening protections and reducing recidivism.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Domestic Violence Firearms Law Enforcement

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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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