Committee Summary for House Criminal Justice and Public Safety (01/22/2026)

Bill/Time	Type	Title	Sponsor
HB1087 00:01:58.240 - 9:00:44 AM	Public Hearing	relative to citizen's arrests by private persons.	Aures, Cyril(R)[B+]2025
HB1203 00:31:49.440 - 9:30:35 AM	Public Hearing	relative to the return of firearms following a not guilty verdict or dismissal of the proceeding.	Morse, Bryan(R)[A-]2025
HB1570 01:04:20.079 - 10:03:06 AM	Public Hearing	relative to governmental budget authority for agreements for law enforcement agencies to participate in federal immigration enforcement.	Scherr, Buzz(D)[D-]2025
HB1576 01:39:04.800 - 10:37:50 AM	Public Hearing	relative to the enforcement of criminal restitution obligations.	Paquette, Kathleen(R)[B+]2025
HB1686 03:06:24.479 - 12:05:10 PM	Public Hearing	relative to establishing an intelligent speed assistance program as an alternative to license suspension for certain motor vehicle offenses.	Long, Patrick(D)[D]2025
HB1822 03:30:58.399 - 12:29:44 PM	Public Hearing	relative to reporting of civil immigration detentions by state, county, and local law enforcement and correctional facilities.	Manos, Zoe(D)[CT]2025
HB1715 03:56:30.239 - 12:55:16 PM	Executive Session	relative to the electronic filing of domestic violence and stalking petition case documents.	Manos, Zoe(D)[CT]2025
HB1570 04:00:51.600 - 12:59:37 PM	Executive Session	relative to governmental budget authority for agreements for law enforcement agencies to participate in federal immigration enforcement.	Scherr, Buzz(D)[D-]2025
HB1248 04:06:37.680 - 1:05:23 PM	Public Hearing	relative to the penalties for intoxication or under the influence of drug offenses.	Markell, Jay(R)[B]2025
HB1822 04:24:16.880 - 1:23:02 PM	Executive Session	relative to reporting of civil immigration detentions by state, county, and local law enforcement and correctional facilities.	Manos, Zoe(D)[CT]2025

HB1087: Representative Sirill Ors Marramac, District 13 Support00:01:58.240 - 9:00:44 AM; The sponsor introduced the bill as a measure to protect Second Amendment rights and the right to self-defense amid national concerns. He expressed flexibility to convert it into a study to examine extending immunity to citizens for justified use of force, noting potential issues with the current draft after discussions.
HB1087: Dave Suckman, Chief of Police, Alexandria, representing NH Chiefs of Police Association Oppose00:05:00.880 - 9:03:46 AM; The chief opposed the bill as written, appreciating the sponsor's willingness to amend it into a study but maintaining opposition without further testimony.
HB1203: Mark Pru, Representative from Hillsboro District 15 Information Only00:31:49.440 - 9:30:35 AM; Introduced the bill on behalf of the absent sponsor, explaining it requires returning seized firearms within 24 hours after a not guilty verdict or dismissal. Declined questions as it is not his bill.
HB1203: Representative Timothy Han, Strafford County District 10 Oppose00:32:54.880 - 9:31:40 AM; Opposed the bill as written, arguing it goes too far by mandating immediate return without considering other disqualifying factors like red flag warnings or ongoing risks. Noted inconsistencies, such as not addressing other potential weapons like cars, and urged a no vote, sharing a personal anecdote about poor firearms handling.
HB1203: Captain Victor Muzzy, New Hampshire State Police Information Only00:36:50.720 - 9:35:36 AM; Provided neutral testimony highlighting concerns with the bill's 24-hour return mandate and prohibition on background checks, as other disqualifiers could arise during proceedings, potentially violating federal law. Discussed the need for consistency in background check processes similar to firearm purchases, suggesting adjustments for timelines and notifications to balance property return with public safety. Engaged in committee questions on checks, liabilities, and reasonable timeframes.
HB1203: Lauren Warner and Jessica Humphrey, Judicial Branch Information Only00:57:40.720 - 9:56:26 AM; Lauren Warner, deputy general counsel for the judicial branch, and Jessica Humphrey, domestic violence program manager, provided information on the current process for returning firearms following the recent law update effective January 1st. They explained that the court orders background checks through the state police gun line, with a 10-day timeline developed collaboratively to ensure timely processing, though not statutorily mandated. The process involves a standardized form for narratives on delays or denials, and firearms are returned once cleared without needing additional judicial orders. They noted collaboration with state police experts and that notification to victims relies on prosecutors, not the court.
HB1570: Buzz Sher, Portsmouth Police Commission Support01:04:20.079 - 10:03:06 AM; Buzz Sher, representing Rockingham District 26 and incoming chair of the Portsmouth Police Commission, sponsored HB 1570 to require final budget authorities in towns, cities, and municipalities to approve police departments entering or maintaining 287(g) agreements with ICE. He emphasized the bill's focus on budgetary control, as local agencies bear the costs of officer training and time acting as ICE proxies without federal reimbursement, unlike county houses of correction that receive fees. Sher clarified the bill does not address broader ICE cooperation, such as honoring detainers, but ensures local taxpayers are not funding federal immigration enforcement. He highlighted variations in budget oversight across municipalities and noted agreements allow opt-out provisions for budget reasons.
HB1570: Unnamed Expert (continuing) Information Only01:15:34.239 - 10:14:20 AM; The speaker explains procedures for police interactions with ICE detainers without a 287g agreement, including notifying ICE for detained individuals but not for minor stops. With a 287g agreement, police can detain as ICE proxies. Details three scenarios: routine stops, arrests on state charges, and full agreements allowing detention until ICE pickup or transfer to authorized facilities.
HB1570: Unnamed Expert (continuing) Information Only01:16:51.520 - 10:15:37 AM; Responds to questions on 287g agreements: 14 departments in NH, mostly northern and sheriffs. Departments apply to ICE, undergo screening, and sign a contract. Departments like Rockingham County limit use to specific circumstances, avoiding raids. They can opt out if not satisfied. Simplifies as deputization giving dual ICE powers after training, similar to DEA or ATF agreements. Notes no monetary reimbursement confirmed, though equipment possible; some join for training value. Acknowledges hiring crises and budget strains in police departments.
HB1570: Unnamed Expert (continuing) Information Only01:17:37.040 - 10:16:23 AM; Continues on Portsmouth's budget cuts reducing funded police positions from 70 to 62 amid national staffing shortages. Supports bill for local budget control over 287g expenditures. In Portsmouth, police commission decides on applying, but city council approves budget. Currently, council has final budget authority. Aware of rumored ICE reimbursements up to 25% salary, but unconfirmed; bill allows cancellation for budgetary reasons if unreimbursed. Nationally, agreements surged with payments; bill could serve as bargaining chip for reimbursement without hindering.
HB1570: Representative Timothy Hrigon, Durham Support01:26:51.760 - 10:25:37 AM; Supports HB 1570, agreeing with prior testimony. Argues NH should not fund ICE at all, ideally banning them due to overreach harming immigrants, US citizens (e.g., shootings, property seizures, family separations, Second Amendment violations). Bill is a good first step to check ICE, preventing issues seen elsewhere. Notes ICE needs total reorganization like the Department of Education. Praises CBP professionalism but criticizes ICE. Emphasizes risk to any US citizen.
HB1570: Representative Paige Boschman, Nashua Ward 4 Support01:30:21.679 - 10:29:07 AM; Represents Nashua's second-largest Spanish-speaking community. Emphasizes local control over budgets amid tax concerns and rising tensions/division. Local say in tax spending could alleviate community tension and provide control over ICE-related impacts.
HB1570: Anna Linden, Dover Support01:32:07.280 - 10:30:53 AM; Citizen and mom from Dover, representing neighborhood conversations. Highlights community confusion and fear over ICE actions, like rumored agents in Portsmouth causing panic. Worries for teen sons working in ethnic restaurants amid police hiring shortages and stretched resources. Supports bill for local control to know neighbors and clarify lines of authority. Contrasts with transparent local debates (e.g., school fields) versus ICE's fear-inducing opacity. Seeks to reduce panic for everyday people across political lines.
HB1570: David Hull, Somersworth Support01:36:16.000 - 10:35:02 AM; Supports bill for community control over unclear 287g expenses. Criticizes ICE's racist campaign; federal funding should cover it, not local. Notes ACLU's failed right-to-know requests on hidden online training with no printed materials. Hidden costs include officer time. Cites Merrimack incident where police monitored ICE site unknowingly, incurring extra costs. Opposes any local funding for ICE.
HB1576: Kathleen Pocket, Representative, Hillsboro 25, Manchester Support01:39:04.800 - 10:37:50 AM; Kathleen Pocket introduced HB 1576, explaining restitution as a court-ordered part of a criminal sentence to compensate victims for financial harm, distinct from fines. She shared her personal experience as a victim since 2018, detailing inconsistent payments after her offender's parole in 2020, lack of communication from the Department of Corrections (DOC), and recent software issues delaying $1 million in 2025 collections. She highlighted systemic failures affecting over 13,000 victims. The bill amends RSA 651:63 to allow payments to victims' estates, require annual offender financial re-evaluations, provide DOC tools for accountability, ensure timely victim communications, prompt fund disbursement, and ongoing victim services support until full payment. She noted an upcoming amendment removing criminal charges and driver's license provisions at DOC's request. During Q&A, she clarified restitution's role in completing sentences, the amendment timeline, notification requirements for payment changes, and DOC's intermediary role in collections.
HB1576: Pamela Kylig, New Hampshire Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Violence Support01:53:53.679 - 10:52:39 AM; Pamela Kylig expressed strong support for HB 1576, noting it addresses long-standing issues in the restitution system, exacerbated by recent disruptions. She referenced a supportive letter from a county attorney and quotes from victim advocates praising the bill. She acknowledged DOC's efforts but emphasized the need for statutory changes, citing a press release on payment notification challenges. She introduced her colleague Meg Chant for technical details.
HB1576: Meg Chant, New Hampshire Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Violence Support01:55:24.159 - 10:54:10 AM; Meg Chant, formerly a victim advocate at DOC, supported HB 1576 for enforcing offender obligations and improving DOC communications with victims. She stressed that failures in notification and payments revictimize survivors, violating RSA 21-M:8-k (Victim's Bill of Rights) and RSA 21-H:3 mandates. She noted all states have victim rights and restitution processes, but NH's laws are outdated (over 30 years without major updates). She compared NH to states like Maryland, Pennsylvania, Maine, Florida, and Vermont with stronger enforcement like contempt protocols, asset seizures, and wage garnishment. She highlighted unreported disruptions since last year affecting 13,000 victims without notice. During Q&A, she clarified existing jailing mechanisms for willful non-payment and noted restitution's commonality in sexual assault/domestic violence cases, also funding the general victim compensation fund. She mentioned limited public access to statistics, with DOC filing annual reports.
HB1576: Nicole Kibet, Director of Violence Prevention Support02:03:10.080 - 11:01:56 AM; Nicole Kibet, with 18 years in victim advocacy and DOC administration, and a crime survivor, strongly supported HB 1576 for effective, restorative restitution practices. She explained restitution's uniqueness in directly aiding victims for costs like lost wages, medical bills, and property damage, often insufficient but vital for acknowledgment. She described challenges post-parole, with automatic 10% deductions during incarceration dropping thereafter, unlike higher rates in other states (e.g., 25% in PA/ME, 20-50% in CA). She detailed coordinating minimal payments ($25/month) but frequent victim frustrations from inconsistencies. She endorsed bill provisions for written notifications, prompt offender change reporting, and annual re-evaluations. She viewed restitution restoratively, benefiting victims, offenders, and community safety, citing a 2018 Providence College study linking higher restitution payments to lower recidivism (supported by Penn State and Canadian research). During Q&A, she discussed challenges in large restitution cases (e.g., $5M fraud), emphasizing consistent efforts, and noted current laws lack 'teeth' for post-parole enforcement like wage garnishment.
HB1576: Jessica Cororon, Assistant Commissioner, Department of Corrections Support02:11:59.199 - 11:10:45 AM; Jessica Cororon provided DOC testimony supporting HB 1576 for enhancing enforcement tools and resources to ensure timely victim payments and clear communications. DOC manages 13,000 cases for 21,000 victims with only four collections officers (down from 11 a decade ago), leading to overload. About 60% of offenders (8,000) are non-compliant for 60+ days, making monitoring, enforcement, and prosecutions unfeasible with current staff. The bill's requirements (e.g., financial monitoring, enforcement actions) align with core functions but strain resources; software upgrades for offender management will need costly vendor support. Despite $25M budget cuts, DOC supports the bill but needs additional funding and positions. During Q&A, she explained no current wage garnishment tools (bill would enable court-ordered ones), funding would require new appropriations for staff/software, re-evaluations might involve offender outreach (not forms/hearings specified), and no IRS connections exist but the bill could allow withholding tax returns.
HB1686: Sponsor (Representative, name not specified) Support03:06:24.479 - 12:05:10 PM; The sponsor introduces HB 1686 as a response to constituent complaints about habitual speeding in residential neighborhoods. The bill proposes installing speed limiting devices on vehicles of habitual speeders as an alternative to license suspension, physically preventing them from speeding. Details need input from Department of Public Safety and Transportation. Requests retaining the bill and sending to subcommittee for refinement based on expert feedback.
HB1686: Jeff Rogers, Board Member, BikeWalk Alliance of New Hampshire, Manchester Support03:09:35.680 - 12:08:21 PM; Jeff Rogers shares a personal near-fatal crash in 2015 due to high-speed impact. Representing BikeWalk Alliance, he supports the bill for allowing ISA devices on dangerous drivers' vehicles instead of suspension, preventing speeding. Suggests improvements via study, noting the bill's focus on speeds over 100 mph misses other dangerous speeding like in neighborhoods. Cites rising speeding incidents, ineffectiveness of suspensions, and proven ISA technology with GPS. Compares to DWI interlocks; several states have adopted similar laws. Urges serious study for an ought to pass vote.
HB1686: Dennis Storm (Department of Safety representative) Information Only03:15:01.120 - 12:13:47 PM; Dennis Storm testifies on the companion Senate bill, recommending referral to the Traffic Safety Commission for study with HB 1686. Notes high fiscal note for DMV and need to ensure alignment with NH needs regarding funding, enforcement, and technology. Explains device variants: audible alerts, GPS-based slowing, or accelerator governors. Technology exists for all vehicles including motorcycles, used in other states. For repeat offenders, suggests study to confirm effectiveness for all stakeholders. Addresses potential for new drivers but notes logistics challenges; this is a penalty bill, not for graduated licensing.
HB1822: Zoe Manos, Representative from Stratham Support03:30:58.399 - 12:29:44 PM; Rep. Zoe Manos introduces HB 1822 to collect basic data on ICE detentions by state/county facilities and law enforcement, requiring semiannual reports to the Attorney General on numbers and lengths of detentions, who then reports to legislative leaders. Modeled on Northern Border Alliance reporting but requires less. Questions the fiscal note's need for a new hire, as similar reporting exists. Bill arose from an unclear ICE detention in Exeter last June involving a school; legislators couldn't get basic details despite efforts. Urges OTP vote.
HB1822: Paige Boschman, Representative from Nashua Ward 4 Support03:36:50.239 - 12:35:36 PM; Rep. Paige Boschman represents Nashua's high Spanish-speaking community and supports families affected by detentions. Notes unconfirmed reports of detentions without criminal offenses. Supports the bill to gather data, reduce division, and provide evidence on occurrences. This would inform constituents, ease concerns, or reveal realities, building confidence in government.
HB1822: David Holt, Summersworth Support03:41:31.359 - 12:40:17 PM; David Holt supports the bill, noting undocumented individuals pay payroll taxes without accessing benefits, contributing more than they cost. Immigrants are less likely to commit crimes. Urges OTP vote to track detentions accurately.
HB1822: Representative Timothy Ham, Durham Support03:43:36.000 - 12:42:22 PM; Representative Ham supports HB 1822, suggesting reports should be more frequent than semiannually for better clarity on ICE activities in New Hampshire. He notes ICE's increasing funding and personnel, emphasizing that civil immigration issues are not crimes. He mentions a possible amendment from Representative Lelis but notes it might be non-germane. He prefers 'undocumented immigrants' over 'illegal aliens' for accuracy, highlighting that immigrants pay taxes, work, and contribute economically. He argues immigrants generally contribute more than they consume through low-paid work, urging support for the bill while considering amendments.
HB1715: Representative Rhodess Oppose03:56:30.239 - 12:55:16 PM; Representative Rhodess moves inexpedient to legislate, acknowledging the sponsor's intent related to a recent murder but criticizing the bill's requirement for electronic filing of petitions, which hinders domestic violence victims. He notes the exorbitant fiscal note and states the bill cannot pass in its current form.
HB1715: Representative Pru Oppose03:57:36.000 - 12:56:22 PM; Representative Pru seconds the motion, agreeing with Representative Rhodess's points without adding further comments.
HB1715: Unnamed Representative Oppose03:58:38.080 - 12:57:24 PM; The representative supports electronic filing as part of broader access improvements for victims but argues the committee cannot fix every bill due to workload. Suggests the sponsor consult courts for a polished bill, noting merit in the idea but not in this specific vehicle.
HB1570: Chairman Roy Oppose04:00:51.600 - 12:59:37 PM; Chairman Roy moves inexpedient to legislate, explaining research showed 13 departments involved, including three in his district. He notes ICE reimburses training and expenses, and local budgets already provide control, viewing the bill as unnecessary micromanagement.
HB1570: Representative Pru Oppose04:02:04.800 - 1:00:50 PM; Representative Pru seconds the motion without additional comments.
HB1570: Representative Shear Support04:04:15.520 - 1:03:01 PM; Representative Shear argues the bill ensures local awareness and control over 287(g) costs, emphasizing fiscal responsibility. He disputes full reimbursement claims, citing unreimbursed wages and training hours from Rockingham County Sheriff's Department, clarifying the bill focuses on state fiscal oversight, not ICE policy.
HB1248: Representative Jay Markel, District 18 Support04:06:37.680 - 1:05:23 PM; Representative Markel, a practicing attorney, introduces HB 1248 to close a loophole where a reduced charge like reckless operation (with substance abuse conditions) does not count as a prior DWI for sentencing. He highlights impaired driving's severity, citing statistics: 38% of fatal crashes involve impairment, 11.8% of arrests are DWIs. Argues repeat offenders are dangerous, as first offenses are wake-up calls. Notes the bill treats such priors as enhancing factors for sentencing, withstands constitutional challenges, and suggests amendments based on trooper input. Addresses questions on retroactivity, clarifying it's a sentencing enhancer, not ex post facto.
HB1248: Lieutenant Christom, NH State Police Information Only04:20:22.399 - 1:19:08 PM; Lieutenant Christom supports preventing recidivism and agrees the bill needs language refinement. Offers to work with Representative Markel on an amendment to ensure it functions properly, noting concerns about reckless operations unrelated to impairment. Confirms other states have similar enhancements that have withstood scrutiny. Explains courts cannot always determine if a plea-down started as DWI, leading to repeat offenders evading penalties, though administrative suspensions provide some checks.
HB1822: Chairman Roy Oppose04:24:16.880 - 1:23:02 PM; Chairman Roy moves inexpedient to legislate, arguing the bill provides only partial data from 13 entities, unlikely to include federal info or shared under agreements. Advocates for comprehensive data to avoid erroneous assumptions, notes costs from emergency care for undocumented immigrants passed to public, and prefers federal delegation handle ICE inquiries rather than state involvement in federal policy.
HB1822: Representative Pru Oppose04:27:16.880 - 1:26:02 PM; Representative Pru seconds the motion without comments.
HB1822: Representative Shear Support04:27:16.880 - 1:26:02 PM; Representative Shear argues some data is better than none as a starting point for fiscal responsibility and local control over 287(g) costs. Emphasizes value for budget authorities and border issues, countering that partial data is useful like Northern Alliance reporting.
HB1822: Representative Muse Support04:28:22.880 - 1:27:08 PM; Representative Muse supports starting data collection for informed decisions, noting current ICE website lacks state-specific access. Argues transparency aids fact-based debates, does no harm, and aligns with prior bipartisan efforts like Northern Alliance.
HB1822: Representative Murray Information Only04:31:41.120 - 1:30:27 PM; Representative Murray clarifies 13 agreements include counties, and last year's law prevents municipalities from opting out or withholding county tax funding for 287(g), affecting towns like Deerfield under Rockingham County.
HB1822: Unnamed Representative Support04:35:41.919 - 1:34:27 PM; The representative argues data would inform town-level decisions on 287(g) participation and northern border issues, valuable even if targeted rather than global.

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