Committee Summary for House Criminal Justice and Public Safety (01/21/2026)

Bill/Time	Type	Title	Sponsor
HB1346 00:06:53.600 - 9:01:35 AM	Public Hearing	authorizing the director of the police standards and training council to detail law enforcement training specialists employed by the council for law enforcement and crowd control services.	Roy, Terry(R)[B]2025
HB1805 00:36:20.720 - 9:31:02 AM	Public Hearing	relative to physical fitness performance requirements for certified law enforcement officers.	Colby, Eleana (D)[F]2025
HB1587 01:46:00.560 - 10:40:42 AM	Public Hearing	requiring police body-worn camera footage be subject to the right-to-know law.	Sabourin dit Choinière, Matt(R)[A-]2025
HB1696 03:25:32.399 - 12:20:14 PM	Public Hearing	relative to the issuance of a summons instead of arrest.	Rhodes, Jennifer(R)[B+]2025
HB1424 03:43:21.520 - 12:38:03 PM	Public Hearing	relative to services of a summons.	Popovici-Muller, Daniel(R)[A-]2025
HB1361 04:37:44.400 - 1:32:26 PM	Public Hearing	relative to the procedure concerning search warrant inventories.	Roy, Terry(R)[B]2025
HB1348 04:45:40.000 - 1:40:22 PM	Public Hearing	relative to possession of human remains for law enforcement training purposes.	Roy, Terry(R)[B]2025
HB1428 05:06:08.718 - 2:00:50 PM	Public Hearing	relative to the procedure for complaints submitted to the attorney general's office's criminal justice bureau, public integrity unit.	Flanagan, Jack(R)[B]2025
HB1510 05:23:28.240 - 2:18:10 PM	Public Hearing	relative to responsibility for the custody or control of persons ordered to a county correctional facility.	Trottier, Douglas(R)[IN]2025
HB1091 05:36:58.160 - 2:31:40 PM	Public Hearing	relative to the penalty for violations of municipal ordinances related to sleeping or camping outside.	Newell, Jodi(D)[CT]2025

HB1346: Representative Mark Pru, Hillsboro 15 Information Only00:06:53.600 - 9:01:35 AM; Representative Pru introduced HB 1346, stating it is a useless bill since it has already become law, and declined to take questions.
HB1805: Representative Elena Colby, Hopkinton and Bow Support00:36:20.720 - 9:31:02 AM; Representative Colby introduced HB 1805, which extends the physical fitness exam recertification from every 3 years to every 5 years and offers a voluntary exemption after 19 years of service. She highlighted staffing shortages in law enforcement, including a 14% drop in patrol officers statewide, 17% in State Police, and 46% in Corrections. The bill aims to address recruitment and retention issues by reducing burnout and overtime, allowing more time for training and family. It provides flexibility for agencies to set local standards for veteran officers in administrative roles, promoting a sustainable career path without lowering overall standards. She noted the Cooper Institute standards may not reflect real-world duties and that the council is researching alternatives.
HB1805: Mr. Miller Support00:48:50.079 - 9:43:32 AM; Mr. Miller supported the intent of HB 1805, emphasizing the value of veteran officers' wisdom and de-escalation skills over strict physical tests. He advocated for extending the testing interval and providing a waiver after 19 years to retain experienced mentors. He suggested refinements to promote long-term wellness and shared a personal anecdote about injuring his foot during a 2021 PT test, arguing for a holistic approach to fitness rather than one-day tests.
HB1805: John Santoro, Chief of Police, Plaistow Hampshire Police Department Support00:51:07.440 - 9:45:49 AM; Chief Santoro supported HB 1805, arguing that extending physical testing from 3 to 5 years does not lower standards but addresses recruitment and retention crises. He noted nationwide staffing shortages and how frequent testing discourages lateral transfers, veterans, and older candidates. For retention, he cited an example of a detective sergeant forced to resign due to an on-the-job injury preventing test passage, leading to loss of institutional knowledge. He emphasized that public safety is maintained through ongoing evaluations, medical exams, and training, and that fewer tests could reduce injury-related claims. The change aligns with modern policing's demands for problem-solving and community engagement, urging passage to sustain a professional workforce.
HB1805: Tim Cwley, Chief of Police, Atkinson Oppose01:00:19.200 - 9:55:01 AM; Chief Cwley, with 43 years of experience, strongly opposes the bill to eliminate the three-year fitness standard. He highlights that only single-digit numbers of the over 3,000 officers tested every three years fail, emphasizing that officers knew this requirement when hired. He argues the current standard is too lenient at the 35th percentile and should be strengthened, not removed, as it promotes health and wellness crucial for handling job stresses. He shares examples from training history showing that without mandates, fitness levels drop, and stresses that physical fitness improves mental resilience, decision-making, and reduces use-of-force incidents. He urges maintaining the standard to keep New Hampshire officers at a higher level than other states.
HB1805: John Skipa, Director of New Hampshire Police Standards and Training Information Only01:13:41.120 - 10:08:23 AM; Director Skipa provides historical context, noting he implemented the 2001 fitness testing program. Representing the 17-member council, he reports receiving pleas for relief from losing experienced officers due to test failures, with 6 suspensions last cycle and 91 officers overdue. The council supports amending the bill to eliminate mandatory three-year testing, replacing it with a required triennial medical exam certifying ability to perform essential functions from a recent job task analysis. This allows chiefs flexibility for local wellness policies, promotes daily wellness over punitive testing, and includes safeguards like model policies, due process, and optional objective tests. He clarifies this applies only to incumbent officers, not recruits, and addresses disparities across departments while emphasizing global wellness.
HB1805: Representative Hope Damon, State Representative Support01:42:01.520 - 10:36:43 AM; As a co-sponsor with 40+ years as a dietician, Rep. Damon supports the bill and proposed amendments for broader wellness focus beyond periodic tests. She shares experience consulting for police fitness programs and stresses adapting requirements to community needs—e.g., speed for urban patrol vs. community work in small towns. She advocates flexibility for local departments over state mandates, noting differences in roles for senior vs. junior officers, and appreciates the shift toward ongoing wellness.
HB1587: Representative Matt Sabodish, Rockingham District 30 Support01:46:00.560 - 10:40:42 AM; State Representative Matt Sabodish introduces HB 1587, which requires police worn body camera footage to be subject to RSA 91-A. The bill mandates that public bodies or agencies respond to requests within five business days. He emphasizes that this continues the tradition of Article 8 of the New Hampshire Constitution, promoting transparency and accountability in governance, including for law enforcement officers. He introduces Carla Garrick, president of Right to Know New Hampshire, to provide further testimony and fields questions.
HB1587: Carla Garrick, President of Right to Know New Hampshire Support01:47:01.040 - 10:41:43 AM; Carla Garrick speaks in strong support of HB 1587, advocating for police body cam footage to be subject to right-to-know laws. She highlights her background as a plaintiff in the landmark federal case Garrick v. Bean, affirming citizens' rights to film police in public. She argues that body cameras, funded by taxpayers, were meant for accountability but are currently exempt under RSA 91-A:5X, defeating their purpose. The bill repeals this exemption with mandatory redactions for privacy, such as personal information, medical data, minors, and sexual assault victims. Agencies must respond within five business days, document redactions, and charge actual costs. She cites examples from Colorado and Washington where access improved police-community relations and clarified incidents. Garrick shares personal stories, including her 2010 arrest where she couldn't access footage and a COVID-era incident where she was denied footage despite waiving privacy. She addresses concerns about costs and privacy, suggesting safeguards and noting that current exemptions lead to lawsuits costing taxpayers. She proposes starting with access for parties in the footage and emphasizes balancing transparency with privacy in a surveillance state.
HB1587: Representative Jennifer Rhodes, Chester County District 17 Oppose02:05:38.080 - 11:00:20 AM; Representative Jennifer Rhodes testifies on behalf of Representative Dennis Manion, a retired law enforcement officer and judiciary chairman, in strong opposition to HB 1587. She explains that the current RSA 91-A:5X framework, amended by prior legislation like HB 1584 in 2016, balances public access with privacy protections. Body cam footage is exempt except in limited cases like use of force, firearm discharge, or felony arrests, without invading privacy. This promotes accountability in high-stakes situations while protecting everyday interactions. She warns that broad disclosure would burden departments, leading most to discontinue voluntary body cam programs due to endless requests. She urges the committee to vote inexpedient to legislate on the bill.
HB1587: Jacob Abhav Support02:08:16.320 - 11:02:58 AM; Jacob Abhav shared a personal experience from a couple of years ago at the town clerk's office where he was denied vehicle plates and faced threats of arrest despite no disruption. The police chief intervened but later refused to release body camera footage citing RSA 105D exemptions, leading to a year-long dispute with the ombudsman's office that ruled against him due to lack of clarity on 'restraint.' He argued that the footage, created with taxpayer money and involving no privacy issues, should be accessible to promote transparency, especially in cases of public official misconduct. He highlighted the appearance of conflicts of interest when police hold evidence involving town employees and supported broader public access to prevent cover-ups.
HB1587: Carla Slaughter Oppose02:16:50.879 - 11:11:32 AM; Carla Slaughter opposed the bill, arguing that perceived injustices can be addressed through existing mechanisms like discovery in criminal cases, electing different town officials, or filing formal complaints against police. She criticized the bill's vagueness, particularly regarding protections for juveniles (e.g., redaction extent) and victims of domestic violence, questioning safety and privacy impacts. She also noted that redaction processes via Axon are extremely time-consuming and frame-by-frame, likely leading to more litigation rather than solutions.
HB1587: Captain Brian Treffy, Nashua Police Department Oppose02:19:09.760 - 11:13:51 AM; Captain Brian Treffy opposed the bill, emphasizing the inefficient and time-intensive redaction process (e.g., 4 hours for a 30-minute video) under current RSA 91-A exceptions. He argued existing protections suffice for transparency and accountability, including civil discovery, complaint reviews by independent bodies like the conduct review committee, and in-person viewing options. He raised concerns about 'curiosity requests' leading to inappropriate pre-trial broadcasts of arrests, especially salacious cases, and questioned how public interest could outweigh privacy for minors or sexual assault victims. He supported individuals in videos requesting copies with redactions but noted costs should be recoverable. He warned of potential administrative burdens from frivolous or malicious requests causing reputational harm.
HB1587: Captain Jason Smith, Salem Police Department, on behalf of New Hampshire Association of Chiefs of Police Oppose02:31:39.520 - 11:26:21 AM; Captain Jason Smith strongly opposed the bill, testifying it would overwhelm departments with 91-A requests, leading to discontinuation of body-worn camera programs to save costs. He detailed the fiscal impact statement's inaccuracies, as RSA 91-A:4 limits charges to copying, not man-hours for redactions, which can take days (e.g., 2 days for 90 seconds of footage involving multiple cameras). He outlined extensive required redactions beyond the bill's scope, including driver privacy (RSA 260:14), investigative files (Supreme Court two-prong test), victim rights (RSA 21-M:8-K), and ambiguities like 'minors' definitions. He shared an example of 'auditor' abuse of 91-A for harassment and stressed body cams enhance safety, evidence, and training but would end without state funding for full-time redaction staff.
HB1587: Honorable Neil Kirk, Warner Oppose02:46:43.920 - 11:41:25 AM; Former legislator Neil Kirk, who helped draft the relevant statute, opposed the bill as written, explaining it balances police needs, finances, and privacy by limiting retention to 180 days to prevent a surveillance state like Britain's CCTV. He suggested considering access for individuals depicted in footage but with obscuring of others' faces, acknowledging high redaction costs. He noted audio-only release might reduce costs but still requires redactions for sensitive info.
HB1587: Major Brendan Davey, New Hampshire State Police Oppose02:52:09.920 - 11:46:51 AM; Major Brendan Davey opposed the bill as overbroad, risking public privacy and administrative overwhelm. He detailed redaction challenges (1 hour per 3 minutes of video) and past efforts (e.g., month-long for YDC videos), underestimating costs for additional positions. He argued current law suffices for accountability via litigation and complaints, while body cams capture unintended private moments (e.g., in vehicles or homes) requiring complex redactions, including 'inverse redaction' not yet feasible. He questioned who determines 'public interest' outweighing privacy, inviting litigation, and noted statutes limit constant recording. He supported limited access for complainants and noted risks like AI deepfakes. He advocated minor expansions for PR but recommended inexpedient to legislate.
HB1587: County Attorney Paul Halverson, Merrimack County Oppose03:10:20.720 - 12:05:02 PM; County Attorney Paul Halverson opposed the bill, reiterating RSA 105-D:2 prohibitions on editing, copying, or distributing body cam footage except for law enforcement purposes, requiring court orders for releases. He warned removing 91-A exceptions disrupts synchronization with 105-D's 3-year retention for key events. The bill's language defaults to 105-D limits, nullifying releases. He emphasized protecting sexual assault victims from image release, as no public interest outweighs privacy. He raised concerns about treating evidence as releasable records, potential for photos to follow, mismatches with retention statutes (RSA 33-A:3-a), and privacy rights under Part I, Article 2-B requiring notice and objection. For individuals in videos, review without copies complies with 105-D; waiving privacy risks unredacted release to all under 91-A (e.g., ACLU v. City of Concord). He highlighted AI alteration risks, citing an ongoing case, and urged inexpedient to legislate.
HB1696: Representative Jennifer Rhodess, Chester District 17 (Winchester, Richmond, Swanzey, Troy, Fitzwilliam) Support03:25:32.399 - 12:20:14 PM; Representative Rhodess introduces HB 1696, explaining that during work on previous bail legislation, the committee could not locate a statutory definition for 'good behavior' required for those on bail. She notes that Prosecutor Slaughter informed her it is addressed under RSA 642:8 as bail jumping and obstruction of government operations. The bill aims to define good behavior specifically for summons issued instead of arrest and establish penalties for violations. She defers technical questions to Prosecutor Slaughter.
HB1696: Kayla Slaughter, Prosecutor (Campton, Lincoln, Woodstock, Holderness, Waterville Valley) Support03:27:57.120 - 12:22:39 PM; Prosecutor Slaughter provides background on a case where a defendant issued a hand summons in lieu of arrest violated the 'good behavior' provision by committing further crimes while released. She explains the challenges in prosecuting under current law, as the bail jumping statute only covers non-appearance, not bad behavior, and attempts to charge indirect criminal contempt failed because the summons is an executive, not judicial, directive. The bill would align summons with bail statutes, define good behavior mirroring bail forms, establish enforcement mechanisms, reduce unnecessary detentions and bail commissioner usage, and outline defenses. She addresses committee questions on separation of powers, double jeopardy, and county attorney input, emphasizing uniformity and due process protections.
HB1424: Representative (unnamed sponsor) Support03:43:21.520 - 12:38:03 PM; The sponsor introduces HB 1424 as a bipartisan bill to amend RSA 516:5 by adding workplace delivery as a method of serving summons to law enforcement employees and public officials, in addition to existing methods. The intent is to reduce confrontational in-person service, especially at homes, creating a win-win by allowing delivery to the workplace front desk with a signature, simplifying the process, saving costs, and easing tensions in polarized environments. Addresses concerns about employment impacts, reputational harm, delivery reliability, and scope by noting the narrow application, potential for sealed envelopes, and that it codifies existing practices like those with public defenders. Emphasizes proactive de-escalation without disrupting case law significantly.
HB1361: Representative Terry Roy, Rockingham 31 Support04:37:44.400 - 1:32:26 PM; Representative Roy introduces HB 1361 at the request of the Department of Public Safety to update search warrant procedures. The bill changes requirements so inventories can be made by any present law enforcement officer, not just the affiant, accommodating remote applications and executions. It also allows inventories for electronically stored information from providers like Amazon or AT&T without a witness, provided the officer attests to accuracy, reflecting modern electronic processes.
HB1361: Tamara Hester, Lieutenant, New Hampshire State Police, Special Investigations Unit Support04:40:17.200 - 1:34:59 PM; Lieutenant Hester explains the bill modernizes RSA search warrant inventory requirements. It allows any law enforcement officer to prepare the inventory instead of the affiant, useful in cases like homicides with multiple locations or DWI blood draws across the state, where the affiant cannot be present. For electronic warrants to service providers (e.g., AT&T, social media), no witness is needed as submissions are via portals with electronic returns, but physical searches still require witnesses. This aligns with current electronic practices without changing physical search protocols.
HB1348: Representative Terry Roy, Rockingham 31 Support04:45:40.000 - 1:40:22 PM; Introduced HB 1348 on behalf of the Department of Public Safety. The bill addresses the handling and possession of human remains for training law enforcement cadaver dogs, emphasizing respectful and proper disposal. Deferred detailed explanation to the state trooper.
HB1348: Lieutenant Storm, NH State Police Support04:47:02.080 - 1:41:44 PM; The Department of Safety supports HB 1348, which fills a legal gap allowing law enforcement to possess human remains for cadaver dog training with dignity, transparency, and accountability. Cadaver dogs are vital for locating missing persons and evidence. The bill includes safeguards like written consent, professional oversight, health regulations, chain of custody, and licensed disposition. Worked with stakeholders including law enforcement, funeral professionals, and academics. Mentioned an amendment to align with DES protocols for medical waste, shift oversight to Police Standards and Training, and clarify processes with funeral homes and educational institutes. UNH supports the bill. Current practice uses old samples without proper renewal or disposal options; samples are small tissue or bone fragments. No assistance from other agencies; NH is self-sustained, with Fish and Game starting a program.
HB1348: Representative Hacken Phillips Information Only04:50:38.240 - 1:45:20 PM; Asked about current procedure for cadaver dog training without permitting human remains and if outside agencies assist.
HB1348: Elizabeth Sergeant, NH Funeral Directors Association Support04:52:27.360 - 1:47:09 PM; Supports HB 1348, having worked with NH State Police to ensure dignified management mirroring voluntary anatomical donation programs. Addresses procurement, safekeeping, and ethical disposition of tissue samples used as training aids, which may last years. After use, decedents are prepared for final disposition by funeral homes. Recognizes value in returning remains to families for grief. Supports the amendment and requests ought to pass. Explained opt-in similar to organ donation, via forms and possibly driver's license; very limited use, perhaps 1-2 per year from willing donors.
HB1348: Representative Lals Information Only04:54:18.560 - 1:49:00 PM; Asked how someone volunteers for this donation, noting they are an organ donor on their driver's license.
HB1348: Representative Roy, Rockingham 31 (follow-up) Information Only04:55:12.160 - 1:49:54 PM; Clarified that the donation will be on the driver's license and is very limited, perhaps one or two per year from willing donors.
HB1348: Representative Terry Roy, Rockingham 31 Support04:57:00.718 - 1:51:42 PM; Introduced HB 1363 at the request of the Department of Public Safety. Addresses technicalities in employee background checks, compliance with CJIS, delegation of authority, and aligning law with practice to avoid audit issues.
HB1348: Lieutenant Victor Muzzy, NH State Police Support04:58:21.120 - 1:53:03 PM; Supports HB 1363 as a technical fix for FBI CJIS audits every 3 years. Current statute limits background check receipt to the Commissioner, which is cumbersome for the seven divisions in Department of Safety. Practice delegates to colonels or others like himself, but law doesn't align, leading to audit findings. Bill allows delegation within the agency. Proposes small amendment to add 'within the Department of Safety' on line nine to ensure records stay internal and satisfy CJIS legal review. Not yet involving third parties. Requests committee support to comply with audits.
HB1348: Representative [Unnamed] Information Only05:02:19.520 - 1:57:01 PM; The representative discusses the amendment to limit line nine to anyone designated by the commissioner within the Department of Safety, questioning if more precision is needed to avoid issues in statutory interpretation, particularly with the word 'anyone'.
HB1428: Sponsor [Unnamed] Support05:06:08.718 - 2:00:50 PM; The sponsor introduces HB 1428, explaining it codifies rules established by Governor Sununu for the public integrity unit at the Attorney General's office to investigate public officials. He cites the case of Associate Justice Maronei, alleging the Attorney General charged her without a complaint based on the unit's rules, which this bill would make into enforceable law to prevent abuse and ensure accountability.
HB1428: Peter Rondo Support05:09:42.320 - 2:04:24 PM; Peter Rondo supports the bill as written, arguing it addresses a gap in enforcement for crimes by municipal public officials. He shares a personal experience of being unable to report crimes due to conflicts of interest at local police, state police, sheriff, county attorney, and the public integrity unit, leading to lawlessness at the local level.
HB1428: Dan Himenez, Chief of Public Integrity Unit, NH Department of Justice Oppose05:11:52.320 - 2:06:34 PM; Dan Himenez opposes the bill as written, stating it changes 'should' to 'shall' in policies, leading to absurd results like inability to act on credible tips without written complaints, even in urgent cases like domestic violence or media reports of theft. It also limits the Attorney General's discretion by imposing strict statutory mandates not applied to other law enforcement. He notes policies are public and offers to help with local issues.
HB1510: Joe Stanzel, Superintendent of Hillsborough County Information Only05:23:28.240 - 2:18:10 PM; Joe Stanzel introduces himself and discusses recent conversations with Sheriff Bill Wright about the bill's language, expressing interest in further discussion to find common ground before taking a stance.
HB1091: Representative Jodie Newell, Cheshire District 4 and Keene Support05:36:58.160 - 2:31:40 PM; Representative Newell introduces HB 1091, motivated by concerns from an advocate about ticketing unhoused people for sleeping outside when shelters are full. Post the Supreme Court's Grants Pass decision, municipalities have increased enforcement of camping ordinances, fining up to $1,000, which is counterproductive as it burdens those unable to pay. The bill proposes non-monetary remedies like community service or service connections to help achieve housing stability instead of exacerbating the issue.
HB1091: Representative Lauren Celig, Strafford District 10 Support05:46:56.080 - 2:41:38 PM; Representative Celig supports the bill, highlighting Strafford County's failing nursing home and lack of warming shelters, with people referred to Portsmouth's full Crossroads shelter. She argues fining the unhoused for sleeping in public perpetuates tragedy rather than helping build people up through compassionate alternatives.
HB1091: Representative Paige Boschman, Nashua Ward 4 Support05:49:15.040 - 2:43:57 PM; Representative Boschman, a nurse working with Nashua's unhoused, supports the bill. Nashua's recent ordinance fines up to $1,000 for public sleeping despite full shelters and opposition from social workers. She shares a story of a formerly housed single mom now in an encampment helping her community, who has accrued $300 in fines, emphasizing the need for non-monetary alternatives to prevent further harm.
HB1091: Representative Jonah O'an Wheeler, Peterborough and Sharon Support05:53:45.600 - 2:48:27 PM; Representative Wheeler, as a co-sponsor, shares a personal story of his childhood homelessness and a conversation with a former homeless individual in Washington DC about the dehumanizing treatment of the homeless. He emphasizes the need to acknowledge homeless people as human beings and argues against criminalizing poverty. He notes that HB 1091 is not a complete solution but prevents further harm to those at rock bottom, especially amid mental health crises. He supports potential amendments to ensure public safety concerns are addressed without penalizing the homeless.
HB1091: Brody Dees, New Hampshire Municipal Association Oppose06:00:22.558 - 2:55:04 PM; Brody Dees opposes HB 1091 as drafted, viewing it as a mandate requiring municipalities to adopt non-monetary penalties for ordinances prohibiting sleeping and camping outdoors, without clear definitions of locations (public, state, county property) or who elects the penalty (individual, law enforcement, or governing body). He suggests the bill should be amended for clarity or made a local option, allowing municipalities to choose alternative punishments. He highlights resource struggles for more shelter beds, public safety issues with encampments, and the need for state funding support. He notes the bill limits municipal authority to address public health and safety concerns from encampments on public and private property.

Roy, Terry(Chairman)(R)[B]2025	Murray, Alissandra(Clerk)(D)[D-]2025	Rhodes, Jennifer(V Chairman)(R)[B+]2025
Harriott-Gathright, Linda(D)[CT]2025	Proulx, Mark(R)[C+]2025	Lascelles, Richard(R)[B+]2025
Morency, Pete(R)[B]2025	Paquette, Kathleen(R)[B+]2025	Murphy, Nancy(D)[CT]2025
Newman, Ray(D)[F]2025	Meuse, David(D)[F]2025	Devoid, Ricky(R)[A-]2025
Scherr, Buzz(D)[D-]2025	Sabourin dit Choinière, Matt(R)[A-]2025