Committee Summary for Senate Judiciary (03/24/2026)

Bill/Time	Type	Title	Sponsor
HB1260 00:02:39.096 - 12:01:20 PM	Public Hearing	relative to marriage registration forms and delayed certificates of marriage.	Dargie, Paul(D)[F]2025
HB1108 00:20:00.000 - 12:18:41 PM	Public Hearing	relative to the offense of criminal threatening.	McFarlane, Donald(R)[A]2025
HB1522 00:55:00.000 - 12:53:41 PM	Public Hearing	relative to amending and adding definitions related to the protection of persons from domestic violence.	Markell, Jay(R)[B]2025
HB1651 01:45:00.000 - 1:43:41 PM	Public Hearing	establishing sexual assault orders of protection and relative to sexual assault survivors' rights.	Rhodes, Jennifer(R)[B+]2025
Unclear 02:10:00.000 - 2:08:41 PM	Public Hearing	relative to requiring law enforcement to investigate allegations of child physical abuse
HB1696 02:17:39.096 - 2:16:20 PM	Public Hearing	relative to the issuance of a summons instead of arrest.	Rhodes, Jennifer(R)[B+]2025

HB1260: Representative Paul Darcy, Milford Support00:02:39.096 - 12:01:20 PM; Representative Darcy introduced HB 1260, explaining its three main sections: allowing marriage registration forms to be completed outside the clerk's presence and via fillable PDFs, adding a $25 fee for delayed certificates to cover additional clerk work, and updating statutory language to be gender neutral. He noted the bill passed the House overwhelmingly and urged an Ought to Pass motion.
HB1260: Representative Timothy Horgan, Durham Support00:10:00.000 - 12:08:41 PM; Representative Horgan, a House Judiciary Committee member, supported the gender neutral amendment added to the bill, highlighting bipartisanship on the issue and its importance following marriage equality advancements. He explained the amendment process and the need to update non-gender neutral terms in RSAs.
HB1260: Senator Riordan Information Only00:15:00.000 - 12:13:41 PM; Senator Riordan introduced a non-germane amendment 2026-1173S to HB 1260, relative to confidentiality of divorce records. The amendment seeks to seal financial details in uncontested divorces without minor children, citing constitutional access rights but addressing modern risks like identity theft due to internet availability, while keeping basic divorce information public.
HB1108: Representative Daniel Popovich-Mueller, Windham Support00:20:00.000 - 12:18:41 PM; Representative Popovich-Mueller introduced HB 1108 on behalf of the prime sponsor, explaining it expands circumstances for legally displaying a firearm to de-escalate threats perceived as likely to result in injury, death, theft, intrusion, or refusal to leave after trespass notice. He provided examples like the 2001 Zantop murders and emphasized rural response times, clarifying display means non-aggressive visibility without pointing or waving.
HB1108: Aubrey Friedman, Bridgewater Support00:32:39.096 - 12:31:20 PM; Aubrey Friedman supported HB 1108 as an extension of property rights and self-defense, emphasizing deterrence through display to prevent escalation in scenarios like theft or unlawful intrusion. He cited statistics on unreported defensive gun uses and distinguished display from brandishing, noting its effectiveness in scaring off criminals without threats.
HB1108: Penny Dean, attorney Support00:40:00.000 - 12:38:41 PM; Attorney Penny Dean strongly supported HB 1108, arguing it provides a practical affirmative defense against prosecution for innocent self-defense actions. She referenced cases like Ward Bird, rural response delays, and the Tueller Drill demonstrating reaction times, stressing the need to clarify display in various locations beyond castle doctrine, and noting enhanced penalties encourage polite behavior among carriers.
HB1108: Captain Matt Imatucci, NH State Police Oppose00:50:00.000 - 12:48:41 PM; Captain Imatucci opposed HB 1108, warning that introducing deadly force displays into non-deadly scenarios like theft or trespass could escalate to negligent homicides and public safety risks. He posed scenarios where display fails to deter or prompts self-defense claims by the intruder, questioning justification for shooting if undeterred and noting lack of property ownership limits in the bill.
HB1522: Representative Jay Markle, Atkinson Support00:55:00.000 - 12:53:41 PM; Representative Markle, a family law attorney, introduced HB 1522 to amend RSA 173B on domestic violence, motivated by the Marisol Fuentes murder-suicide. He outlined the problem's scope with 3,281 petitions filed in 2025, 82% granted temporarily, and provided exhibits on the issue's prevalence to justify updates to the statute.
HB1522: Representative (sponsor, attorney) Support01:02:39.096 - 1:01:20 PM; The speaker presents detailed information on the prevalence of domestic violence in New Hampshire, citing exhibits showing that domestic violence petitions are the second largest category in Family Division cases. They explain the current statute's requirements for protective orders, including proving a predicate criminal offense and a present credible threat to safety. The bill proposes adding non-consensual dissemination of private sexual images (revenge porn) as a predicate offense, defined under RSA 645:4-A. They define coercive control as a pattern of conduct aimed at removing personal autonomy, including isolation, deprivation of needs, monitoring activities, and compelling conduct, often not criminal on its own but indicative of abuse. Research from Evan Stark and others shows 60-80% of survivors experience it. Other states like Washington (2022), Massachusetts (2024), Maine, Connecticut, Kentucky, and New York have adopted similar provisions. Coercive control aids courts in assessing credible threats, reduces 'he said/she said' issues, and is often evidenced by texts or devices. It provides due process by allowing argument on facts without overemphasizing any aspect. The speaker shares experience representing a victim in Massachusetts using similar concepts, notes the bill passed Criminal Justice Committee 13-0, and references their article in New Hampshire Bar News. They urge passage to save lives and prevent tragedies like recent murders.
HB1522: Representative DeSimone Support01:20:00.000 - 1:18:41 PM; Representative DeSimone shares a personal story about her daughter, a pediatric nurse, who endured coercive control and abuse from her spouse without physical marks initially. She describes incidents including GPS tracking in the car, going through her phone to take photos out of context and show to their child, verbal abuse causing the child distress, holding her hostage in the bathroom, and lying about weapons (hiding guns and 500 rounds of ammunition). The daughter escaped with an escape bag, but faced challenges obtaining a restraining order due to no physical violence. DeSimone expresses fear for her daughter's and grandchildren's safety, references the murder of Marisol Pauline which could have been prevented by this law, and urges passage to stop abusers who avoid physical contact but use words and control like 'punches to the face.' She suggests naming the bill after Marisol and emphasizes New Hampshire's capability to enact smarter laws.
HB1522: Mary Krieger, New Hampshire Legal Assistance Support01:32:39.096 - 1:31:20 PM; Mary Krieger, supervising attorney for the domestic violence advocacy project at NH Legal Assistance, supports adding coercive control and non-consensual dissemination of private sexual images to RSA 173-B. They represented 209 clients in protection order hearings last year, all high lethality cases. She expresses concern about potential misuse by abusers alleging coercive control against victims and suggests amending to include it in the definition of 'credible present threat to safety' rather than as an act of abuse. This would require proving an enumerated act (criminal predicate) plus the threat, helping courts interpret behaviors indicating danger. The broad definition could raise constitutional issues lacking mens rea, as seen in U.S. Supreme Court cases like Counterman (2023), potentially leading to challenges and overturned orders. NHLA is open to working with sponsors on amendments to avoid unintended consequences while addressing the dangerous behavior seen daily.
HB1522: Lynn Cholette, New Hampshire Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Violence Support01:40:00.000 - 1:38:41 PM; Lynn Cholette supports HB 1522 for recognizing nuanced domestic violence dynamics, including adding non-consensual sexual images dissemination, used for threats and harassment. On coercive control, defined as patterns of threatening, intimidating, harassing behavior to control victims by isolation and resource deprivation, the coalition has discussed adding it for years with stakeholders. Nine states have added it, nine more similar language, and regionally Connecticut and Maine have. It ensures courts consider full abuse dynamics for decisions. They recommend amendments to address misuse concerns raised earlier, seeking judicial branch input to avoid unintended consequences or offender manipulation. Case law has shifted interpretations, and adding this provides victims relief. The coalition partners with NHLA and stakeholders on amendments.
HB1651: Representative Rhoads (sponsor) Support01:45:00.000 - 1:43:41 PM; Representative Rhoads introduces HB 1651, which extends civil protective order protections to sexual assault victims, similar to domestic violence victims, without requiring a relationship. It ensures victims can access streamlined processes in circuit court without fees. The bill also updates the Sexual Assault Survivors' Bill of Rights by providing status updates on evidence kits and requiring retention until the statute of limitations expires (e.g., up to age 40 for minors, aligning with federal changes), preventing premature destruction.
HB1651: Mary Krieger, New Hampshire Legal Assistance Information Only01:50:00.000 - 1:48:41 PM; In response to a question on batterers' intervention programs, Mary Krieger notes that while New Hampshire lacks in-state programs following proper protocols (now mostly online), this is a separate issue not problematic for HB 1651. The bill allows courts to order RSA 173-B relief, including intervention and other supports for survivors.
HB1651: Lynn Cholette, New Hampshire Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Violence Support01:55:00.000 - 1:53:41 PM; Lynn Cholette enthusiastically supports HB 1651, which amends the Sexual Assault Survivors' Bill of Rights and updates protective orders. It fills a gap for victims without legal remedies, as recognized nationwide; 23 states have standalone sexual assault orders, 14 include in statutes. Examples include college peers, coworkers, neighbors needing offender stay-away. The bill's simplicity uses existing processes. Amendments ensure kit retention to statute limits and status notifications, restoring victim control over information. Joined by Shawna Foster.
HB1651: Shawna Foster, New Beginnings Without Violence and Abuse, Laconia Support01:57:00.000 - 1:55:41 PM; Shawna Foster supports HB 1651, noting 529 services to 108 sexual assault survivors in Belknap County in 2025, including safety planning, accompaniments, and relocation aid. Victims often don't qualify for protection orders unlike domestic violence cases. Examples: a survivor assaulted by coworker denied order due to relationship; homeless survivor assaulted by another unhoused person, offender knew locations but no stalking pattern for order. Protective orders enhance safety, prevent contact/retaliation, and guide law enforcement intervention.
HB1651: Patrick Sullivan, Retired Chief, Goffstown; NH Association of Chiefs of Police Support02:00:00.000 - 1:58:41 PM; Patrick Sullivan supports HB 1651 for establishing sexual assault orders of protection and updating survivors' rights. With 40 years in law enforcement, he states current orders lack protection based on safety needs over relationship. Passing ensures victim-centered protections. Written testimony submitted.
HB1651: Stephen Endres, Attorney, Concord Support02:02:39.096 - 2:01:20 PM; Stephen Endres, criminal attorney for 25 years, supports HB 1651 for streamlining protective orders for sexual assault victims via circuit court without fees, separate from criminal reporting. It amends kit preservation to the longer of 20 years or statute of limitations (22 years post-18th birthday), correcting the current 'whichever shorter' logic.
Unclear: Representative David Love, Derry Support02:10:00.000 - 2:08:41 PM; Representative David Love introduces the bill to require law enforcement, not DCYF, to investigate child physical abuse crimes like punching or kicking, distinguishing from parental discipline like butt slaps. DCYF, as a social service agency, lacks investigative training; no DCYF staff attend state police academy. He references DCYF investigation committee stories of beaten children slipping through cracks, 19 child deaths in 11 months (2022 WMUR report), cases like Harmony Montgomery and Demetri Sepi (fired for violence, arrested for assaulting wife, yet investigated child abuse). Law enforcement is trained; children deserve expert criminal investigations for serious acts. A father reported beatings but told 'no broken bones, no hospitalization, nothing we can do.' Policy must change to prevent deaths and injuries; teachers see bruised kids but no action.
Unclear: Susan Larrabee Information Only02:15:00.000 - 2:13:41 PM; Susan Larrabee begins testimony but the transcript ends without further content.
HB1696: Ms. Laraby Information Only02:17:39.096 - 2:16:20 PM; Ms. Laraby explained that the amendment to the bill does not change current practices but codifies existing protocols for multidisciplinary responses to child abuse and neglect. She noted that the original statute dates back to 1999, predating modern joint investigations and the establishment of Child Advocacy Centers (CACs) in the early 2000s. The amendment references RSA 169-C:38A, which addresses information sharing through multidisciplinary teams, and mandates protocols developed by the Attorney General's Office, Division for Children, Youth and Families, and Granite State Children's Alliance. These protocols guide interactions between disciplines, including oral reporting to local law enforcement for alleged crimes while conducting parallel civil and criminal investigations focused on child safety and offender accountability. She emphasized that investigations occur at CACs with a single forensic interview to minimize trauma to the child, and the fiscal note is zero because no new practices are introduced. Ms. Laraby affirmed that the bill aligns with best practices and does not interrupt DCYF's minimal facts interviews or CAC processes.

Gannon, Bill(Chairman)(R)[B-]2025	Abbas, Daryl(V Chairman)(R)[B-]2025	Carson, Sharon(R)[B]2025
Altschiller, Debra(D)[CT]2025	Reardon, Tara(D)[F]2025