Committee Summary for House Criminal Justice and Public Safety (11/13/2025)

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

Bill/Time	Type	Title	Sponsor
SB15 2025-3096h 00:20:54.720 - 9:19:40 AM	Executive Session	(New Title) relative to incorporating hard labor as a sentencing option for capital murder and serious sexual assaults on children, defining hard labor, establishing medical exemptions and penalties for abuse thereof, providing alternative punitive measures for legitimate medical exemptions, and authorizing jury determination of hard labor in qualifying cases.	Gannon, Bill(R)[B-]2025
HB206 2025-3098h 00:37:37.359 - 9:36:23 AM	Executive Session	relative to government agent entries into secured premises.	Spillane, James(R)[A]2025

SB15 2025-3096h: Committee Chair Support00:20:54.720 - 9:19:40 AM; The Chair moves amendment 2025-3096h to SB15, narrowing hard labor to those convicted of capital murder and aggravated felonious sexual assault on a child under 13. References enlightening testimony from the Department of Corrections that inmates are kept busy, but distinguishes hard labor from regular work. The amendment defines hard labor, gives the commissioner broad latitude to assign or withhold it based on staffing, security, and public safety, includes medical exemptions, and ensures alternative activities for exempted inmates. Emphasizes public safety and punitive measures for serious crimes.
SB15 2025-3096h: Representative Sher Oppose00:24:22.159 - 9:23:08 AM; Opposes the amendment due to public safety risks of allowing capital murder or aggravated felonious sexual assault convicts to work outside prison walls, even at the commissioner's discretion. Notes it would require more resources than current low-risk outside work programs, which are for inmates nearing release with minimal supervision. References concerns from Portsmouth police chief about policy implications.
SB15 2025-3096h: Unnamed Representative Support00:26:28.159 - 9:25:14 AM; Supports hard labor for serious offenses, citing conversations with four police chiefs on the New Hampshire law enforcement accreditation commission who favor it and trust the Department of Corrections' supervision capabilities. Notes no incidents of serious offenders escaping and harming others while outside.
SB15 2025-3096h: Representative Muse Oppose00:27:29.520 - 9:26:15 AM; Opposes the amendment due to lack of fiscal note or cost estimate, potential high expenses similar to the Michael Briggs case, and challenges in classifying, assigning jobs, and ensuring safety for staff, other inmates, and these high-risk individuals. Argues it shifts from rehabilitation to retribution, contradicting successful Department of Corrections policies that have reduced recidivism, and could have far-reaching costly implications.
SB15 2025-3096h: Unnamed Representative Support00:29:52.080 - 9:28:38 AM; Supports the amendment, arguing that for heinous crimes outside societal norms, punishment and deterrence are necessary alongside rehabilitation. Believes hard labor, such as menial tasks like breaking rocks in the hot sun with no practical purpose, can serve as a strong deterrent to prevent future crimes.
SB15 2025-3096h: Representative Sher Information Only00:31:48.320 - 9:30:34 AM; Representative Sher argues against increasing sentence lengths as a deterrent, stating that research shows no evidence it prevents crimes, especially impulsive ones. He appreciates the instinct but believes it won't have a practical effect.
SB15 2025-3096h: Unnamed Representative Support00:33:02.640 - 9:31:48 AM; The speaker counters concerns about costs by comparing to expensive death penalty appeals. He asserts that the Department of Corrections follows legislative policy, and for crimes like raping children under 13, hard labor is appropriate retribution. He notes public push for harsher penalties like the death penalty and shares military experience where hard labor deters infractions. He cites studies from states with hard labor showing deterrence and moves to accept the amendment.
HB206 2025-3098h: Chairman Roy Support00:37:37.359 - 9:36:23 AM; Chairman Roy introduces and explains the amendment narrowing 'government agent' to law enforcement and those acting on their behalf, exempting others like municipalities and power companies. He clarifies 'secured premises' to require a real fence or posting to avoid legal ambiguities. The amendment passes unanimously 16-0. He then moves for ought to pass, recapping that it requires warrants for posted or fenced property, respects citizen rights, and balances law enforcement needs with exceptions for emergencies. The bill passes unanimously 16-0 on consent.