Committee Summary for House Criminal Justice and Public Safety (03/18/2026)

Bill/Time	Type	Title	Sponsor
SB409 00:05:18.259 - 9:00:49 AM	Public Hearing	relative to the penalties for the offense of disobeying an officer.	Gannon, Bill(R)[B-]2025
SB409 -	Executive Session	relative to the penalties for the offense of disobeying an officer.	Gannon, Bill(R)[B-]2025
SB410 00:33:55.786 - 9:29:26 AM	Public Hearing	relative to possession of human remains for law enforcement training purposes.	Gannon, Bill(R)[B-]2025
SB410 01:05:39.664 - 10:01:10 AM	Executive Session	relative to possession of human remains for law enforcement training purposes.	Gannon, Bill(R)[B-]2025
SB411 01:05:39.664 - 10:01:10 AM	Public Hearing	relative to the procedure concerning search warrant inventories.	Gannon, Bill(R)[B-]2025
SB411 01:05:39.664 - 10:01:10 AM	Executive Session	relative to the procedure concerning search warrant inventories.	Gannon, Bill(R)[B-]2025
SB460 01:34:09.545 - 10:29:40 AM	Public Hearing	relative to the offense of loitering or prowling.	Ricciardi, Denise(R)[B]2025
SB461 02:24:29.573 - 11:20:00 AM	Public Hearing	relative to the definition of hemp.	Fenton, Donovan(D)[F]2025
SB521 02:24:29.573 - 11:20:00 AM	Public Hearing	relative to unauthorized camping on private property.	Reardon, Tara(D)[F]2025
SB620 04:17:21.283 - 1:12:52 PM	Public Hearing	relative to refusal of consent to testing to determine alcohol concentration and penalties for aggravated driving while intoxicated.	Gannon, Bill(R)[B-]2025
SB622 -	Public Hearing	relative to the offense of identity fraud.	Innis, Daniel(R)[B]2025
SB622 05:37:05.783 - 2:32:36 PM	Public Hearing	relative to the offense of identity fraud.	Innis, Daniel(R)[B]2025
SB649 05:52:05.783 - 2:47:36 PM	Public Hearing	increasing fines for using a hand-held mobile electronic device while driving a motor vehicle.	Fenton, Donovan(D)[F]2025

SB409: Sponsor (Law Enforcement Officer) Support00:05:18.259 - 9:00:49 AM; The sponsor introduces the bill addressing the increase in vehicle pursuits, noting a 123% rise since 2017 from around 70 to over 140-150 incidents per year. Emphasizes the need for education starting in driver's education, public awareness via social media and radio, and stronger penalties as a deterrent. Explains that individuals flee due to perceptions that police no longer pursue because of risk, and highlights the dangers involved, advocating for felony classification to reflect severity. Responds to questions on demographics, injuries, attached plates, technology for disabling vehicles, and potential caveats for exceptional circumstances like language barriers or youthful drivers, suggesting prosecutorial discretion already applies but open to judicial safety valves.
SB410: Sponsor (with Beth Sargent, lobbyist) Support00:33:55.786 - 9:29:26 AM; The sponsor briefly introduces the bill, noting it provides a lawful mechanism for law enforcement to possess human remains for training cadaver dogs, developed with input from stakeholders.
SB410: Matt Imatuchi, NH State Police Support00:33:55.786 - 9:29:26 AM; Imatuchi explains the bill establishes a lawful and ethical process for possessing portions of human remains for training, with safeguards including written consent from next of kin, oversight by professionals, health compliance, chain of custody, and responsible disposition. Developed with law enforcement, funeral professionals, and academics; confirms it's identical to the House version. Clarifies training aids are small parts of the body decomposing at different rates to improve dog training, currently limited by old aids; mentions UNH creating a training area for various decomposition stages.
SB410: Committee Chair Information Only01:05:39.664 - 10:01:10 AM; The committee discusses the bill, noting it's identical to the House-passed version. Motions for interim study to avoid duplication, as the House bill is proceeding to the Senate. References past conflicts where passing duplicate bills led to Senate killing House versions to claim credit. Decides on interim study pending Senate action on the House bill.
SB411: Senator Bill Gannon, Sponsor Support01:05:39.664 - 10:01:10 AM; The sponsor introduces the bill as an administrative change to streamline search warrant inventories and reduce the need for two law enforcement witnesses.
SB411: Tamara Hester, Lt., NH State Police Support01:05:39.664 - 10:01:10 AM; Hester details the amendment allowing any law enforcement officer to sign the search warrant return, not just the affiant, due to modern practices like computer-written warrants and team executions in major cases (e.g., homicides) or remote blood warrants. For electronic service to providers like Google or Comcast via portals, eliminates the witness requirement as it's impractical and there's an electronic trail; physical seizures still require a witness. Confirms the bill is identical to the House-passed version.
SB411: Committee Vote01:05:39.664 - 10:01:10 AM; The committee votes on a motion for Ought to Pass (OTP), passing unanimously 13-0 with no objections.
SB460: Claire Roulard, Senate Information Only01:34:09.545 - 10:29:40 AM; Claire Roulard introduces Senate Bill 460FN relative to the offense of loitering or prowling on behalf of the Senate due to logistical reasons. She declines to provide testimony or answer questions.
SB460: Lieutenant Mary Canterberg, New Hampshire State Police Support01:34:09.545 - 10:29:40 AM; Lieutenant Canterberg oversees records and the sex offender registry. She reviews the bill and suggests amendments to limit restrictions to schools and childcare centers, removing churches and other places, and adding 'without a legitimate purpose' within 1,000 feet. She explains the bill's origin from incidents where sex offenders who victimized children under 13 loiter near childcare facilities, causing alarm, such as sitting on a public bench watching children play in Claremont. She defines legitimate purposes including presence of a parent/guardian, court-ordered activities, or registered events. She notes challenges with current loitering laws when offenders are not on private property.
SB460: Jackie Cowell, Early Learning New Hampshire Support01:49:09.545 - 10:44:40 AM; Jackie Cowell represents a statewide nonprofit working with childcare providers. The bill originated from Zoom calls with the childcare community discussing priorities, where providers reported menacing incidents involving sex offenders near facilities, leading to police calls but repeated returns. Examples include frosting windows due to fears of photography or watching children. Childcare setups vary, including homes and sidewalk-adjacent programs. They approached the Department of Safety for help. She acknowledges the bill's initial breadth and seeks a reasonable solution that protects children without violating rights. Incidents were not quantified, but the bill acts as a deterrent.
SB460: ACLU of New Hampshire Attorney Oppose01:54:38.134 - 10:50:09 AM; The ACLU attorney opposes the bill as drafted due to vagueness and constitutional issues. Loitering is already an offense, and this duplicates it. Phrases like 'under circumstances that would warrant alarm' are vague and under legal challenge for due process violations. Ambiguities include boundaries around facilities (e.g., structure vs. property line) and broad application to public places like parks and sidewalks, implicating rights to public fora. Existing trespass laws suffice for private property. The bill risks intermediate scrutiny for equal protection, similar to struck-down municipal residency restrictions in Franklin and Dover on constitutional grounds. A 1,000-foot radius is overly broad, potentially barring park use. An amendment might reduce vagueness but introduce equal protection issues depending on 'legitimate purpose' definition. Regulating based on discomfort in public spaces is problematic. Urges voting inexpedient to legislate (ITL), offers feedback on amendments. Notes sex offenders may have completed sentences, not under supervision. Narrowing (e.g., shorter distance, specific times/places) could mitigate but not eliminate concerns.
SB461: Matt Simon, Granite Leaf Cannabis Support02:24:29.573 - 11:20:00 AM; Matt Simon supports SB 461, the first hemp bill before the committee. Hemp and marijuana are the same plant (cannabis sativa), differing only in THC levels: hemp ≤0.3% delta-9-THC, intended as non-intoxicating. However, loopholes emerged: delta-8 conversion (closed in NH 2023), edibles with high total THC via bulk (e.g., 100-1,000mg servings), and THCA flower (non-intoxicating until heated, essentially marijuana). The bill mirrors the least controversial federal update (Nov 2023), defining hemp by total THC <0.3%, treating THCA as THC. Hemp farmers accept this. SB 624 in another committee expands further. Provides handout with support and testimony from Dr. Cynthia Whitaker on psychosis risks. Urges passage.
SB521: Senator Tara Reardon, District 15 (Concord, Bow, Hopkinton) Support02:24:29.573 - 11:20:00 AM; Senator Reardon, the sponsor, introduces SB 521, prompted by constituents. Current law prohibits camping on public property but not private. Applies to cities/towns >10,000 population (11 cities, 18 towns), addressing homeless encampments in larger areas like Concord. Trespass orders are slow (e.g., 10 days to serve, leading to $50,000 cleanup from waste/drug paraphernalia). Another case involved a backyard encampment near a swing set and railroad tracks.
SB521: Senator Tara Reardon, District 15 (Concord, Bow, Hopkinton) Support02:24:29.573 - 11:20:00 AM; Senator Reardon shares stories from constituents in Concord who experienced unauthorized camping on their properties, leading to hazardous waste and safety concerns for their children. She explains that current laws require a formal complaint and no trespass order, delaying enforcement, and the bill would allow immediate police action to order campers to leave without consent.
SB521: Rachel Potter, Policy Associate, ACLU of New Hampshire Oppose02:39:29.573 - 11:35:00 AM; Rachel Potter acknowledges property owners' rights but argues existing trespass laws suffice. She criticizes the bill for shifting enforcement to police, allowing them to penalize camping without owner complaint or written permission, potentially leading to unjust arrests, such as teenagers camping with verbal permission or informal arrangements for unhoused individuals. She notes the bill does not address homelessness root causes like housing shortages and that criminalizing camping increases barriers to stability, citing national evidence.
SB620: Senator Bill Cannon Support04:17:21.283 - 1:12:52 PM; Senator Cannon introduces SB 620, explaining it increases the administrative license suspension for refusing a chemical test from 6 to 12 months to deter impaired driving, emphasizing implied consent as a privilege of driving. He clarifies it does not criminalize refusal but provides incentive to take the test, notes judicial discretion for first-time offenders to reduce to 3 months, and highlights New Hampshire's high 70% refusal rate compared to other states. He adds that out-of-state DUI convictions will now count and stresses the bill's focus on saving lives from drunk driving fatalities.
SB620: Ryan McFarland Support04:32:21.283 - 1:27:52 PM; Ryan McFarland supports the bill, noting impaired drivers are repeat offenders and refusals allow them to avoid detection. He discusses issues with breathalyzer machines like the Intoxilizer and Draeger, favoring blood tests as the gold standard, and affirms no constitutional issues with implied consent. He sees a causal link between harsher sanctions and removing impaired drivers from roads.
SB620: Representative Decimo Support04:34:34.379 - 1:30:05 PM; Representative Decimo shares a personal story of a drunk driver crashing into her property, destroying a fence and nearly harming her family or children. As a repeat offender, the driver escaped severe consequences, and she supports the bill to prevent such incidents by keeping repeat offenders off the road.
SB620: Beth Shaw Support04:34:34.379 - 1:30:05 PM; Beth Shaw recounts the 2018 death of her 20-year-old son Tyler, killed by a repeat drunk offender, shattering her family and preventing Tyler from achieving his life goals. She argues driving is a privilege, refusal indicates impairment, and increasing suspension to 12 months deters drunk driving amid rising fatalities and New Hampshire's high refusal rate. She urges prioritizing public safety over offender rights and suggests lawmakers witness crash scenes to understand the impact.
SB620: Karen Bowen Support04:34:34.379 - 1:30:05 PM; Karen Bowen, a survivor of multiple family losses to drunk drivers (aunt in 1964 and mother in 1986, both by repeat offenders), views vehicles as lethal weapons requiring stronger consequences. She supports increasing the penalty to one year suspension (preferring two) and adding jail time for driving on a suspended license, emphasizing awareness campaigns and the lifelong impact of such tragedies.
SB620: Alicia Miles, from Vermont Support04:34:34.379 - 1:30:05 PM; Alicia Miles describes her life before May 27, 2023, when her 6-year-old daughter Olivia was killed in a crash caused by an impaired driver. Olivia was a joyful, active child involved in sports; the family had enjoyed a normal day including a T-ball game before the tragedy. The testimony cuts off, but she supports the bill to prevent such avoidable losses.
SB620: Unknown speaker sharing Olivia's story Support04:49:34.379 - 1:45:05 PM; The speaker shared the personal story of Olivia, describing her as more than a statistic but a person full of laughter, light, and love with a bright future that was tragically taken by an impaired driver who failed to consider consequences. The testimony aimed to inspire change by asking the committee to remember Olivia's name and face as a reminder of the human impact of impaired driving. The speaker expressed strong support for the bill as their reason for advocacy.
SB620: Eddy Edwards, Assistant Commissioner, NH Department of Safety Support04:52:00.000 - 1:47:31 PM; Edwards introduced himself and his colleagues, expressing excitement and support for SB 620 as one of the governor's top priorities and a recommendation from a special task force on highway safety. He emphasized that impaired driving is a behavioral choice and 100% preventable, framing the bill not as an attack on freedom but as promoting accountability essential to liberty. He highlighted the mismatch between public messaging, enforcement efforts, and current consequences for refusing tests, noting significant state investments in prevention and education, including $750,000 on messaging, and the legal obligation under implied consent.
SB620: Matt Amatucci, Captain, NH State Police Support04:54:00.000 - 1:49:31 PM; Amatucci discussed New Hampshire's high post-arrest refusal rate of chemical testing, historically 81% in 2005 and 70% in 2025 compared to the national 24%, which undermines enforcement and accountability. He praised the administrative license suspension (ALS) as the most effective countermeasure for swift consequences independent of court timelines, reducing offending through certainty. He urged the committee to recommend ought to pass on SB 620 to reinforce ALS, tighten refusal penalties, pair sanctions with treatment and interlock systems, deter impaired drivers, and provide rehabilitation paths while saving lives and reducing recidivism.
SB620: Ryan McFarlane, Administrator, Bureau of Hearings, NH Department of Safety Support04:56:00.000 - 1:51:31 PM; McFarlane, a lawyer with over 20 years in NH, supported the bill and highlighted overlooked aspects like closing the loophole for out-of-state DWI convictions or suspensions in determining repeat offender status under ALS law, unlike criminal or habitual offender laws. He stressed fairness, noting that submitters over .16 BAC face harsher penalties than refusers, who get lighter consequences despite clear impairment. He cited high refusal rates, Vermont's success with severe frameworks reducing refusals, and staggering 700+ DWI arrests from January 1, 2025, to date. During Q&A, he noted lack of specific DWI reduction percentages but emphasized scientific evidence's value and recidivism impacts.
SB620: David Rodriguez, Commissioner, NH Department of Transportation Support05:05:42.535 - 2:01:13 PM; Rodriguez thanked prior testifiers for their hard stories and noted the DOT's tens of millions annual investment in roadway safety projects like reconstruction, guardrails, markings, and rumble strips. Despite efforts, fatal crashes persist due to uncontrollable driver behaviors like impairment, speed, and distraction. He supported SB 620 as another tool to influence behavior through laws, complementing public campaigns and enhancing the effectiveness of safety investments.
SB620: Dan Goodman, Public Affairs and Traffic Safety Manager, AAA Northern New England Support05:08:00.000 - 2:03:31 PM; Goodman represented over one million AAA members across ME, NH, VT, advocating for safer roads. He supported SB 620, noting impaired driving's persistence as a preventable threat. AAA partners on awareness campaigns reinforcing that strong laws, enforcement, and education change behavior. In NH, alcohol contributes to 39% of traffic fatalities, with 260+ lives lost since 2018 (one every 10 days). Average impaired drivers offend 80 times before arrest, and NH's 70% refusal rate hampers prosecution and deterrence, creating loopholes for repeat offenders. SB 620 increases refusal penalties to close this, supporting enforcement, accountability, and interventions to prevent crashes and save lives.
SB620: Celeste Clark, Raymond Coalition of Youth Support05:10:00.000 - 2:05:31 PM; Clark, working with youth in the Raymond Coalition, supported SB 620 despite voice issues, submitting written testimony. She noted that high school students in civics and law classes learn current laws, so updating to a one-year suspension would educate future generations on prevention and the seriousness of impaired driving.
SB620: Sheriff Bill Wright, Belknap County Sheriff, President NH Sheriff's Association, and Sheriff Brian Newcomb, Hillsborough County Sheriff Support05:12:00.000 - 2:07:31 PM; The sheriffs jointly supported SB 620, building on prior testimony. They argued it protects constitutional rights by encouraging ALS tests to avoid wrongful charges based on subjective observations, reinforcing due process, evidence-based enforcement, and objective measures over visuals. It accounts for medical issues like undiagnosed diabetes mimicking impairment, addresses BAC limitations for non-alcohol factors (fatigue, illness), reduces misidentification risks, balances enforcement with rights protection, improves officer training on influencing factors, builds public trust by incentivizing tests over refusals (12-month loss), and prevents unintended harm from wrongful arrests. They urged ought to pass to secure data supporting observations and enhance public safety.
SB620: Chief George Fiore, Derry Police Department, Secretary NH Chiefs of Police Association, and Chief Tim Crowley, Atkinson Police Department, Past President Support05:15:00.000 - 2:10:31 PM; Fiore and Crowley appeared on behalf of the NH Chiefs of Police Association, strongly supporting SB 620. Fiore shared emotional experiences of notifying families of impaired driving fatalities, recalling the devastating 'knock on the door' and unanswerable 'why' questions from grieving parents. He described the lasting trauma on officers making notifications and the frustration of preventable tragedies. The bill would reduce such incidents, sparing officers and families pain, and urged passage to make NH roads safer.
SB620: Alexandria Merrill, Assistant Attorney General, NH Department of Justice, Traffic Safety Resource Prosecutor Support05:22:00.000 - 2:17:31 PM; Merrill provided written testimony with a chart explaining the post-arrest process: traffic stop, probable cause, reading DSMV 426 form, refusal leading to administrative (ALS: 180 days after 30-day window, contestable) and criminal tracks (charges filed, arraignment in 14 days, plea/trial, 9-month suspension reducible). She clarified ALS penalizes refusal under implied consent separately from criminal penalties. Corrected 700+ DWI arrests to 2026 data (5144 cases in 2024). NH saw top-five increase in impaired fatalities 2021-2022; states like VT/ME reduced via harsher laws. Despite enhanced patrols, training, DOJ efforts, reductions aren't occurring. Urged increasing ALS to deter, save lives, as one fatality is too many, citing examples of innocent victims.
SB620: Melissa Staples, Director, and Matt Howe, Supervisor Breath Alcohol Unit, NH State Police Forensic Laboratory Support05:30:00.000 - 2:25:31 PM; Staples and Howe described state investments in scientific DUI analysis: toxicology unit (8 positions) testing blood samples (2025 average BAC 0.148 >0.08 for consenters); Breath Alcohol Unit calibrating/training on Intoxilyzer 9000s (134 units purchased via $1.14M grant 7 years ago, plus recent grant support). These efforts underscore commitment to accurate testing, implicitly supporting SB 620's reinforcement of such measures.
SB622: Senator Daniel Innes, Senate District 7, Bradford, NH Support05:37:05.783 - 2:32:36 PM; Senator Innes introduces SB 622FN, which adds the term 'entity' to the identity fraud section of the criminal code to protect businesses, governments, and individuals from fraud such as fake toll or IRS texts. The definition of entity is broad, including corporations, LLCs, governments, etc. He notes a Senate change to include 'or uses personal identifying information' to cover bad actors using brands, marks, or logos. The bill was requested by the New Hampshire Bankers Association.
SB622: Christy Merrill, President and CEO, New Hampshire Bankers Association, with Rob Deedle, Legal Counsel Support05:40:00.000 - 2:35:31 PM; Christy Merrill introduces the association representing 40 member banks and highlights their economic impact. Rob Deedle provides testimony with FTC statistics on fraud and an article example of bank impersonation via texts. They explain that current laws have ambiguity in prosecuting entity identity fraud, unlike clearer laws in states like Connecticut. The bill removes this ambiguity for easier prosecution by law enforcement. It would cover unauthorized use of company identities, such as by debt collectors, distinguishing from legitimate mailings with fine print.
SB622: Chris Hodgson, Comcast Vice President of Government and Community Affairs, representing NECTA (Broadband and Communications Industry Coalition) Support05:45:00.000 - 2:40:31 PM; Chris Hodgson testifies in support of the Senate-amended bill, noting frequent impersonation of corporate brands to access consumer information. He references the rampant fraud costs in New Hampshire and New England, as detailed in his testimony, and believes the legislation will restrain such behavior.
SB649: Senator Donovan Fenton, Senate District 10 Support05:52:05.783 - 2:47:36 PM; Senator Fenton introduces SB 649, a bipartisan bill to strengthen penalties for distracted driving, including higher fines, license suspension for repeats, and enhanced penalties if contributing to a crash. She cites 2023 data with 127 fatal crashes, at least 6 from distracted driving, and 135 fatalities in 2024, emphasizing preventable losses. Current penalties are insufficient for repeat offenders, per law enforcement and safety experts. As co-chair of the Governor's Highway Safety Task Force, she stresses the need for stronger laws alongside enforcement and education to reduce crashes. She addresses questions on education via social media and streaming, driver's ed discussions, hands-free requirements, enforcement challenges, and proof via subpoenas in serious cases.

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