Committee Summary for House Criminal Justice and Public Safety (03/19/2025)

Bill/Time	Type	Title	Sponsor
HB257 00:08:19.360 - 9:08:10 AM	Executive Session	(New Title) relative to the crime of endangering the welfare of a child or incompetent.	Rollins, Skip(R)[A-]2025
HB369 00:12:47.079 - 9:12:38 AM	Public Hearing	(New Title) relative to misdemeanor sexual assault prosecutions and relative to the duty to report for sexual offenders and offenders against children.	Potenza, Kelley(R)[A]2025
HB369 00:16:43.759 - 9:16:34 AM	Executive Session	(New Title) relative to misdemeanor sexual assault prosecutions and relative to the duty to report for sexual offenders and offenders against children.	Potenza, Kelley(R)[A]2025
HB240 00:18:21.159 - 9:18:12 AM	Executive Session	(New Title) relative to nonpayment of dog licensing fees.	Mannion, Tom(R)[A+]2025
HB597 00:20:21.400 - 9:20:12 AM	Executive Session	establishing a designated behavioral health access point within the enhanced 911 system.	Boyd, Bill(R)[C]2025
HB602 1093h 00:23:59.279 - 9:23:50 AM	Executive Session	requiring certain offenders to participate in a victim impact program.	Murphy, Nancy(D)[CT]2025
HB609 00:47:41.040 - 9:47:32 AM	Executive Session	relative to the general court's authority over the sale, purchase, ownership, use, possession, transportation, licensing, permitting, taxation, and other matter pertaining to firearms, stun guns, Tasers, pepper spray devices, knives and other self-defense tools.	Farrington, Samuel(R)[A+]2025
HB638 00:49:43.480 - 9:49:34 AM	Executive Session	allowing an older prisoner serving a sentence of life without parole to be eligible for parole upon meeting certain criteria.	Meuse, David(D)[F]2025
HB670 2025-0325 01:04:49.960 - 10:04:40 AM	Executive Session	(New Title) adjusting the minimum fine for attacks by nuisance dogs.	Turcotte, Len(R)[B]2025
HB700 01:09:20.520 - 10:09:11 AM	Executive Session	relative to orders of protection.	Potenza, Kelley(R)[A]2025
HB767 01:13:08.840 - 10:12:59 AM	Executive Session	expanding requirements for reports to law enforcement by the department of health and human services.	Love, David(R)[B+]2025
HB776 01:15:04.800 - 10:14:55 AM	Executive Session	(New Title) relative to the crime of aggravated driving while intoxicated and relative to proclaiming the Virginia opossum the state marsupial of New Hampshire.	Roy, Terry(R)[B]2025

HB257: Representative RHS Information Only00:08:19.360 - 9:08:10 AM; Representative RHS moved to retain House Bill 257, explaining that the bill had been passed out of committee but there was confusion and division about its passage. There were concerns from stakeholders about the bill's language, but they did not want it killed. The suggestion was to retain it over the summer to work on it further.
HB257: Representative Sher Support00:09:19.440 - 9:09:10 AM; Representative Sher supported the motion to retain HB257, mentioning that he had submitted an amendment to address the issue of protecting children without over-criminalizing poor parenting. He believed the issue was complex and worth further consideration.
HB257: Unnamed Speaker Information Only00:09:19.440 - 9:09:10 AM; An unnamed speaker mentioned that another bill dealing with children exposed to drug users had been passed, suggesting that this should be considered in relation to HB257. The speaker supported retaining the bill to explore these issues further.
HB369: Representative Ro Support00:12:47.079 - 9:12:38 AM; Representative Ro explained that HB369 had already passed the Judiciary Committee on the consent calendar, indicating support from all stakeholders. The bill aims to streamline court proceedings for minors who are survivors of sexual assault, reducing the trauma of potentially facing two trials by allowing the defendant to choose between a bench trial in the Circuit Court or an immediate appeal to the Superior Court for a jury trial.
HB369: Representative Sher Oppose00:14:32.399 - 9:14:23 AM; Representative Sher opposed HB369, expressing concern about altering the judicial system and creating exceptions. He argued that giving defendants fewer statutory rights in certain cases could set a precedent for further exceptions, which he viewed as problematic. He suggested there might be other ways to address the issue without changing the system.
HB369: Unnamed Speaker Information Only00:14:32.399 - 9:14:23 AM; An unnamed speaker concurred with Representative Sher's concerns about bypassing court procedures and rules, which could increase the burden on other courts. However, the speaker acknowledged that if exceptions were to be made, cases involving victimized children, especially in sexual assault prosecutions, might justify such measures.
HB369: Unnamed Speaker Support00:15:40.120 - 9:15:31 AM; The speaker expressed support for the bill, emphasizing the lifelong impact of sexual assault on children and the burden of multiple trials. They believe that exceptions should be made in law to mitigate this impact, suggesting that this bill is a worthy place for such an exception.
HB369: Representative Newman Information Only00:16:43.759 - 9:16:34 AM; Representative Newman inquired about the bill's wording, specifically whether it requires a minor under 16 to make a decision independently or if it involves adults working with them. It was clarified that the decision-making process would involve adults.
HB369: Chairman Vote00:17:32.360 - 9:17:23 AM; The chairman closed the public hearing and moved into an executive session on HB369. A motion to pass the bill was made and seconded, followed by a roll call vote where the motion to pass was carried with a vote of 14-1.
HB240: Representative AndD Oppose00:18:21.159 - 9:18:12 AM; Representative AndD moved not to pass HB240, explaining that the bill changes the language in RSA from 'shall' to 'may', allowing local governing bodies the option to issue warrants for unlicensed dogs within 20 days from June 20th. They described it as a pro-liberty bill that relieves burdens on local governments and promotes autonomy for dog owners.
HB240: Representative Deire Support00:19:32.640 - 9:19:23 AM; Representative Deire supported the motion, agreeing that changing 'shall' to 'may' would relieve municipalities from the obligation to issue warrants if unnecessary.
HB240: Chairman Vote00:20:21.400 - 9:20:12 AM; The chairman called for a vote on the motion not to pass HB240. The motion was carried with a unanimous vote of 15-0.
HB597: Representative Murphy Support00:20:21.400 - 9:20:12 AM; Representative Murphy moved to pass HB597, explaining that the bill allows the 911 system to transfer non-emergency calls, particularly Behavioral Health calls, to the 988 access point. This would streamline the process and potentially save lives by ensuring callers receive the appropriate help without having to make additional calls.
HB597: Representative Sher Support00:22:44.600 - 9:22:35 AM; Representative Sher supported the bill, noting their experience with the Portsmouth Police Department and mobile crisis units. They confirmed that the bill would not interfere with existing efforts and would enhance the ability to connect callers with mobile crisis services.
HB597: Chairman Vote00:23:59.279 - 9:23:50 AM; The chairman called for a vote on the motion to pass HB597. The motion was carried unanimously with a vote of 16-0.
HB602 1093h: Representative Murphy Support00:23:59.279 - 9:23:50 AM; Representative Murphy moved to pass HB602 with Amendment 1093h, stating that the amendment removes the requirement for participants to pay a fee for the program, ensuring no cost to the state or counties. They emphasized the need for additional tools to address the rise in DUI cases.
HB602 1093h: Representative Brhs Information Only00:25:16.840 - 9:25:07 AM; Representative Brhs asked for clarification on the amendment, specifically regarding the language about exceptional circumstances and payment requirements. It was explained that the language allows for court discretion in cases of developmental delays or language issues.
HB602 1093h: Representative Sher Oppose00:27:36.440 - 9:27:27 AM; Representative Sher opposed the amendment, arguing that it treats individuals the same despite different financial circumstances. They believe that forcing someone in economic distress to pay the same as someone who can afford it is discriminatory. They support the underlying bill but not the amendment.
HB602 1093h: Chairman Information Only00:30:05.279 - 9:29:56 AM; The chairman responded to Representative Sher's argument, stating that when individuals get behind the wheel, they are similarly situated regardless of financial status. They know the law and the penalties, suggesting that financial status should not affect the consequences of breaking the law.
HB602 1093h: Chairman Information Only00:44:56.040 - 9:44:47 AM; The Chairman reopened the executive session on House Bill 602 and confirmed the motion on the floor was for the adoption of the amendment. A roll call vote was conducted, and the amendment was adopted with a vote of 13-3. The bill was then opened for further motion, and Representative Murphy moved to pass the bill as amended, citing the effectiveness of the program discussed.
HB609: Representative Shabon Danir Information Only00:47:41.040 - 9:47:32 AM; Representative Shabon Danir moved to retain House Bill 609, suggesting that the bill was complex and needed further work before proceeding. The motion was seconded by Representative Roads, who agreed with the need for more time.
HB609: Representative Muse Oppose00:48:49.799 - 9:48:40 AM; Representative Muse strongly opposed the bill, describing it as terrible and arguing against further work on it.
HB638: Chairman Oppose00:49:43.480 - 9:49:34 AM; The Chairman moved to find House Bill 638 inexpedient to legislate, arguing that life sentences without parole should be upheld as intended by the court and society. He emphasized the message such sentences send to society about the severity of the crime.
HB638: Representative RH Oppose00:50:21.839 - 9:50:12 AM; Representative RH supported the Chairman's motion, highlighting the financial cost of incarceration but also stressing the emotional toll on victims' families. He argued against the concept of 'aging out' of prison and the repeated trauma to victims' families from parole discussions.
HB638: Representative Muse Support00:51:34.920 - 9:51:25 AM; Representative Muse supported the bill, clarifying that it would only make certain inmates eligible for a parole hearing, not automatically release them. He discussed a specific case of a Vietnam veteran with PTSD, suggesting that rehabilitation and the possibility of change should be considered, even in severe cases.
HB638: Representative Pro Oppose00:55:13.839 - 9:55:04 AM; Representative Pro opposed the bill, sharing a personal story about his brother-in-law's murder and the ongoing trauma his family experienced due to parole hearings for the accomplices. He argued that those convicted of murder should serve their full sentences without the possibility of parole.
HB638: Representative Murray Information Only00:55:54.319 - 9:55:45 AM; Representative Murray intended to present data from the hearing but was cut off in the transcript.
HB638: Unnamed Representative Information Only00:56:40.079 - 9:56:31 AM; The speaker discussed the importance of judicial processes and the impact of parole on wrongful convictions. They mentioned statistics about wrongful convictions and the preference of crime survivors for shorter sentences combined with rehabilitation services. They emphasized the need for inmates to have a chance at rehabilitation and parole, arguing that it's important for society to allow individuals the opportunity to demonstrate change.
HB638: Representative LEL Information Only00:58:56.559 - 9:58:47 AM; Representative LEL asked about provisions in New Hampshire law for retrials based on new circumstances for individuals sentenced to life without parole. The discussion clarified that new trials can be requested based on new evidence that could affect the jury's decision, but changing a life without parole sentence is much more difficult due to statutory mandates.
HB638: Representative Share Information Only01:00:19.119 - 10:00:10 AM; Representative Share elaborated on the complexities of changing life without parole sentences, noting that such sentences are mandatory for first-degree murder in New Hampshire. They discussed the lack of judicial discretion in these cases and the difficulty of obtaining a pardon, emphasizing that the bill under discussion effectively addresses the issue of life without parole.
HB638: Representative Information Only01:01:30.000 - 10:01:21 AM; The speaker, who had experience with the public defender program, shared personal insights into the criminal justice system and the potential for rehabilitation. They expressed difficulty in supporting life without parole sentences, believing in the possibility of rehabilitation and the value of giving inmates hope.
HB638: Representative Information Only01:02:42.960 - 10:02:33 AM; The speaker argued against the concept of life without parole, suggesting that if society wants to change this, it should be done directly rather than circumventing the existing law. They referenced the abolition of the death penalty and the subsequent introduction of life without parole, questioning the consistency of current legislative efforts.
HB638: Committee Vote01:03:48.000 - 10:03:39 AM; The committee voted on the motion to recommend the bill as inexpedient to legislate. The vote resulted in 9 yes votes and 7 no votes, with the motion carrying.
HB670 2025-0325: Representative NLE Support01:04:49.960 - 10:04:40 AM; Representative NLE proposed an amendment to HB670, which originally aimed to increase fines for nuisance dogs. The amendment changes the fine structure to a warning for the first offense, $50 for the second within 12 months, and $100 for subsequent offenses within the same period. They argued that the original bill's intent was focused on vicious dogs, not nuisance dogs, and the amendment aligns better with the sponsor's intentions.
HB670 2025-0325: Representative Murray Support01:07:32.520 - 10:07:23 AM; Representative Murray seconded the motion to adopt the amendment, expressing support for the changes to the fine structure for nuisance dogs.
HB670 2025-0325: Committee Vote01:08:44.359 - 10:08:35 AM; The committee voted unanimously to adopt the amendment with 16 yes votes. Subsequently, they voted to pass the bill with the amendment, also with 16 yes votes.
HB700: Representative RHS Oppose01:09:20.520 - 10:09:11 AM; Representative RHS moved to recommend HB700 as inexpedient to legislate, arguing that the bill questions the truthfulness of victims and adds unnecessary barriers for them. They highlighted that victims already swear to the truthfulness of their statements under penalty of perjury.
HB700: Representative Murray Oppose01:10:20.920 - 10:10:11 AM; Representative Murray seconded the motion, agreeing with Representative RHS and adding that the bill seems targeted at one individual's experience and could stigmatize victims further. They emphasized that if someone is dangerous enough to be violent without weapons, they shouldn't have had them in the first place.
HB700: Representative Oppose01:11:20.560 - 10:11:11 AM; The speaker reinforced the points made by Representatives RHS and Murray, stating that victims already swear to the truthfulness of their statements under penalty of perjury, and adding another layer of questioning their honesty is unnecessary and stigmatizing.
HB700: Committee Vote01:13:08.840 - 10:12:59 AM; The committee voted unanimously to recommend HB700 as inexpedient to legislate, with 16 yes votes.
HB767: Representative Rootes Information Only01:13:08.840 - 10:12:59 AM; Representative Rootes moved to retain HB767, citing that while there were aspects of the bill they liked, the current form was not workable. They expressed a desire to revisit the bill with stakeholders to improve it.
HB767: Representative Pro Support01:14:09.639 - 10:14:00 AM; Representative Pro seconded the motion to retain HB767, recalling that the Department had testified about confusion regarding the bill's necessity. They supported further review.
HB767: Committee Vote01:15:04.800 - 10:14:55 AM; The committee voted to retain HB767, with 14 yes votes and 2 no votes.
HB776: Chairman Roy Support01:15:04.800 - 10:14:55 AM; Chairman Roy moved to pass HB776, which aims to classify driving the wrong way on a highway as aggravated OUI due to the severe danger it poses. He emphasized the need for harsh penalties to deter such dangerous behavior.
HB776: Representative Murray Support01:16:10.080 - 10:16:01 AM; Representative Murray seconded the motion, supporting the bill and adding that in Massachusetts, detection systems notify law enforcement of wrong-way drivers. They noted New Hampshire's decision not to pursue such systems and the necessity of punitive measures to protect public safety.
HB776: Representative Share Support01:17:07.159 - 10:16:58 AM; Representative Share expressed overall support for the bill but raised concerns about its application to smaller one-way streets. They hoped the Senate would address this issue, noting the bill's focus on divided highways.
HB776: Representative Information Only01:18:31.159 - 10:18:22 AM; The speaker discussed the horror of wrong-way driving accidents, particularly when drivers do not have their lights on, and supported the bill to increase public awareness and deter such behavior.
HB776: Representative Newman Information Only01:19:31.239 - 10:19:22 AM; Representative Newman suggested using red reflectors at the end of highways to indicate wrong-way driving, a less invasive and less expensive solution than tracking systems.
HB776: Representative Mar Information Only01:20:29.199 - 10:20:20 AM; Representative Mar clarified that most bills in the committee have a January 1st effective date for the following year due to changes in criminal penalties.
HB776: Committee Vote01:20:29.199 - 10:20:20 AM; The committee voted unanimously to pass HB776, with 16 yes votes.

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