Committee Summary for Senate Judiciary (04/17/2025)

Bill/Time	Type	Title	Sponsor
HB62 00:04:16.660 - 12:03:07 PM	Public Hearing	relative to protection of persons from domestic violence and military protective orders.	Roy, Terry(R)[B]2025
HB62 00:17:42.880 - 12:16:33 PM	Executive Session	relative to protection of persons from domestic violence and military protective orders.	Roy, Terry(R)[B]2025
HB369 00:18:32.880 - 12:17:23 PM	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
HB602 00:29:06.000 - 12:27:57 PM	Public Hearing	requiring certain offenders to participate in a victim impact program.	Murphy, Nancy(D)[CT]2025
HB405 00:49:03.280 - 12:47:54 PM	Public Hearing	(New Title) establishing a commission to study human trafficking within illicit massage businesses and relative to prostitution and related offenses.	Layon, Erica(R)[A+]2025
HB405 01:51:52.199 - 1:50:43 PM	Executive Session	(New Title) establishing a commission to study human trafficking within illicit massage businesses and relative to prostitution and related offenses.	Layon, Erica(R)[A+]2025
HB602 01:53:12.960 - 1:52:03 PM	Executive Session	requiring certain offenders to participate in a victim impact program.	Murphy, Nancy(D)[CT]2025

HB62: Representative Terry Roy, Chairman of the House Criminal Justice Committee Support00:04:16.660 - 12:03:07 PM; Representative Roy introduced HB62, explaining that the bill was brought forward at the request of the Department of Defense to address domestic violence issues within the military. He highlighted that military protective orders issued by commanders are only effective on military bases and not in the civilian world, which poses a problem for victims living off-base in New Hampshire. The bill aims to help victims obtain civilian protection orders based on military orders.
HB62: Melissa Willette, New England Region Liaison for the Defense State Liaison Office Support00:06:26.880 - 12:05:17 PM; Melissa Willette testified in support of HB62, emphasizing the importance of recognizing military protective orders in civilian jurisdictions to ensure consistent safety for military families who frequently relocate. She discussed how violence impacts service members, their families, and national security, and how the bill could help victims by reducing financial burdens associated with legal proceedings through access to travel funds.
HB62: Pamela Kylie, Public Policy Specialist at the New Hampshire Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Violence Support00:09:14.240 - 12:08:05 PM; Pamela Kylie expressed strong support for HB62, highlighting its benefits for military members in New Hampshire. She explained that the bill would provide financial assistance for victims participating in legal proceedings and would define military protective orders within the state's domestic violence statutes to ensure their recognition in civilian cases.
HB62: Nicole Desile Bixler, Deputy Adjutant General for the Department of Military Affairs and Veteran Services Support00:11:30.880 - 12:10:21 PM; Nicole Desile Bixler supported HB62, explaining that military protective orders are not enforceable outside military installations, which is problematic for National Guardsmen living in the community. She stated that the bill would make these orders admissible as evidence in civilian proceedings for protective orders and would also provide travel funds for victims attending related legal proceedings.
HB62: Major Ryan Alice, Associate General Counsel for the New Hampshire National Guard Support00:13:06.880 - 12:11:57 PM; Major Ryan Alice testified in support of HB62, highlighting the limitations of current military protective orders, which are only enforceable while the subject is on military orders and cannot be enforced by civilian law enforcement. He noted that National Guard members spend most of their time in civilian status, thus making these orders ineffective for victim protection. He explained that the bill would help make military protective orders enforceable in civilian contexts and clarify their admissibility in court. Additionally, the bill would provide financial support for victims attending administrative separation hearings.
HB62: Kevin Grady, State Veterans Advisory Committee, Hooksett, NH Support00:15:43.959 - 12:14:34 PM; Kevin Grady, representing the State Veterans Advisory Committee and a resident of Hooksett, NH, expressed strong support for HB62. He emphasized the stress on military families and the need for seamless protection between military and civilian jurisdictions. He stated that military protective orders should be quickly communicated to civilian authorities to protect families until situations are resolved.
HB62: Committee Vote00:17:42.880 - 12:16:33 PM; The committee moved into an executive session to discuss HB62. A motion to pass the bill was made and seconded, followed by a unanimous vote in favor of passing the bill. The committee then moved out of the executive session.
HB369: Representative Kelly Patenza, Strafford, District 19 Support00:18:32.880 - 12:17:23 PM; Representative Kelly Patenza introduced HB369, explaining its personal relevance as her daughter is a victim of sexual assault. She described the lengthy judicial process and the emotional toll it takes on victims, particularly when cases are appealed. The bill aims to allow defendants to choose between a bench trial in circuit court or a jury trial in superior court, preventing victims from having to testify twice. She highlighted the challenges faced due to the change in the prosecutor handling her daughter's case.
HB369: Pamela Kylig, New Hampshire Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Violence Support00:25:24.799 - 12:24:15 PM; Pamela Kylig supported HB369, emphasizing the impact of judicial delays on victims of domestic and sexual violence. She explained that the bill would streamline court proceedings for minor victims of sexual assault, allowing defendants to choose their trial type upfront, thus reducing the trauma of multiple trials. She underscored the importance of supporting child survivors and ensuring accountability for offenders.
HB602: Representative Murphy Information Only00:29:06.000 - 12:27:57 PM; Representative Murphy introduced HB602, which requires certain offenders to participate in a victim impact program. The discussion was brief and focused on the introduction of the bill.
HB602: Representative Nancy Murphy, Marlow, Hillsboro County, District 12 Support00:29:40.880 - 12:28:31 PM; Representative Nancy Murphy introduced HB 602, emphasizing the need for an online victim impact panel program to address DUI and related offenses in New Hampshire. She highlighted the significant problem of impaired driving, mentioning that in 2024 alone, 135 lives were lost due to such accidents. The bill aims to decrease offender recidivism and save lives by offering a new tool for law enforcement and courts. The impetus for the bill came from a conversation with her local police chief about an online program. The bill requires offenders to complete the program, which is already in use across the U.S. and New Hampshire. The program is free for indigent individuals, but a fee is required for other participants. Various stakeholders, including law enforcement and safety officials, have contributed to the bill's development. Representative Murphy believes that the bill aligns with the Governor's Task Force on Highway Safety and hopes it will be sent to the floor with an OTP recommendation.
HB602: Denise Roy, Nashua, former Chief of Police of Marlborough Support00:36:48.960 - 12:35:39 PM; Denise Roy, a former police chief of Marlborough, supported HB 602, sharing her experiences with the devastating impacts of impaired driving. She noted the high number of DWI arrests in New Hampshire and emphasized the need for additional steps beyond traditional victim impact panels, which are not widely utilized in New England. Roy explained that effective victim impact panels should influence participants emotionally, encouraging behavioral change without shaming or lecturing. She stressed the importance of diverse speakers to connect with offenders and reduce recidivism, advocating for mandatory attendance at such panels.
HB602: Tara Diamond, raised in New England Support00:42:52.079 - 12:41:43 PM; Tara Diamond supported HB 602, discussing the broader impacts of impaired driving on families and communities. She shared personal experiences as a teacher and mother, emphasizing the ripple effects of impaired driving arrests and the significant loss of life and financial costs associated with them. Diamond highlighted the effectiveness of victim impact panels in reducing recidivism rates from 30% to 4% and stressed the importance of connecting offenders with the human consequences of their actions.
HB602: Chief Lebe, Marlborough Support00:44:59.520 - 12:43:50 PM; Chief Lebe of Marlborough supported HB 602, sharing his personal experience with the online victim impact panel program. He found the program powerful and insightful, noting its focus on both short-term and long-term consequences of impaired driving, such as ongoing healthcare costs for victims. He believes the program encourages self-reflection and can significantly decrease recidivism, and mentioned that the Chief's Association also supports the bill.
HB602: Bethany Catrell Support00:46:01.920 - 12:44:52 PM; Bethany Catrell expressed support for HB 602 but did not provide further testimony.
HB405: Representative Terry Roy, Rockingham 31, Chairman of the Criminal Justice Committee Support00:49:03.280 - 12:47:54 PM; Representative Terry Roy introduced HB 405, which addresses the issue of human trafficking and illicit businesses in New Hampshire. He noted the difficulty law enforcement faces in interdicting these businesses due to their mobility and the need for probable cause to obtain warrants. Roy emphasized the need for a comprehensive legislative approach involving various stakeholders, including legitimate massage providers, towns, health departments, law enforcement, and the real estate community. He highlighted the plight of trafficked women and the need for legislation to both rescue victims and prosecute perpetrators. Roy urged the committee to adopt the bill as amended and passed by the House, without further amendments, to form a commission to address this issue effectively.
HB405: Representative Erica Layon Rockingham - District 13 Support00:53:33.680 - 12:52:24 PM; Representative Leon, the sole sponsor of the bill, spoke about the issue of human trafficking in Derry, emphasizing the need for a solution beyond just licensing. She highlighted the challenges of using licensing to combat trafficking, as it does not address the nocturnal movement of victims and the severity of the crime compared to licensing violations. She stressed the importance of sections 3 through 5 of the bill, which increase penalties for prostitution. Leon suggested adding representatives from relevant advisory boards to the commission studying the issue and proposed retaining the criminal penalty reforms while further studying licensing solutions. She also mentioned the possibility of using one-party recording to gather evidence in these establishments.
HB405: Dave Karen, Town Administrator from Derry Support00:59:52.480 - 12:58:43 PM; Dave Karen, representing the town of Derry, supported the passage of HB405 as recommended by the House. He mentioned that the Derry Town Council has been actively addressing the issue at the local level, including adopting an ordinance and rescinding licenses for violations. Karen stressed the need for statewide help due to the transitory nature of the profession, lack of a statewide database, and issues with license reciprocity. He hoped that the enhanced penalties and the establishment of a commission would help address human trafficking on a broader scale.
HB405: George Foli, Chief of Police from Derry Support01:02:56.640 - 1:01:47 PM; Chief Foli supported HB405 on behalf of the Derry Police Department and the New Hampshire Association of Chiefs of Police. He described the presence of six illicit massage businesses in Derry and the ongoing challenge of enforcement. Foli noted that these businesses are likely part of larger criminal syndicates, citing an example where a business was closed due to a prostitution-related conviction but attempted to reopen the next day under new ownership. He emphasized the need for the bill to pass to address the proliferation of such businesses statewide.
HB405: Dave McCormack, Retired Lieutenant from New Hampshire State Police and Task Force Officer with US Department of Homeland Security Support01:05:55.039 - 1:04:46 PM; Dave McCormack, with experience in both state and federal law enforcement, supported the bill, highlighting the need for stronger penalties for facilitating prostitution. He mentioned his involvement in a recent arrest in Derry and the immediate reopening of the business, suggesting a well-organized operation. McCormack discussed the plight of Chinese nationals smuggled into the US and forced into sex work to pay off debts, advocating for felony charges to address the owners of these establishments more effectively.
HB405: Charles Foot, Representative from Derry, New Hampshire, Rockingham 13, Town Council Chairman Support01:11:34.560 - 1:10:25 PM; Charles Foot, a representative from Derry, supports HB405. He has been working with the economic development director for seven years to address the issue of illicit massage parlors. He highlighted that these businesses frequently change locations and owners, making it difficult to regulate them effectively. Foot emphasized the need for stronger laws in New Hampshire to combat human trafficking, pointing out that it's an international issue. He urged the committee to support the bill to create a commission to address this problem.
HB405: Jodie Nelson, Representative from Derry, New Hampshire, Rockingham 13 Support01:14:22.320 - 1:13:13 PM; Jodie Nelson, representing Derry, expressed strong support for HB405. She highlighted the community's concern about human trafficking in local massage parlors, noting their proximity to schools and the impact on residents. Nelson appreciated the efforts of Representative Leyon and the committee in amending the bill. She believes that a commission with all stakeholders could effectively address the issue and mentioned monitoring a website where clients discuss the services, indicating serious public health concerns due to unsafe practices.
HB405: Jennifer Rhodess, Representative from Chester County District 17, Winchester, Richmond, Swanzey, Troy, and Fitzwilliam, Vice Chairwoman of the Criminal Justice and Public Safety Committee Support01:18:33.920 - 1:17:24 PM; Jennifer Rhodess supports HB405 as amended. She explained that the original bill was for a study committee, but stakeholders requested a more comprehensive approach. The amendment aims to bring all parties together to address human trafficking effectively. Rhodess emphasized the need to end sexual slavery and mentioned the challenges in passing similar legislation in the past. She stressed the importance of the interim report to allow for legislative action in the next session.
HB405: Rebecca Cleary, Attorney and Expert on Prostitution and Trafficking Law and Policy Information Only01:22:50.239 - 1:21:41 PM; Rebecca Cleary provided information on the bill. She supports the study aspect of HB405 but is concerned about the sections that increase penalties without further study. Cleary believes that existing laws are robust enough to address trafficking but are not being used effectively. She highlighted the potential overreach of the proposed law, which could criminalize consensual prostitution in private spaces. Cleary suggested studying how current laws can be better utilized before increasing penalties.
HB405: Trisha Nabalu, Certified Sex Educator, Intimacy Coordinator, Founder of Erotic Laborers Alliance of New England, former resident of Stratham, New Hampshire Information Only01:30:55.639 - 1:29:46 PM; Trisha Nabalu discussed the impact of HB405 on the erotic labor community. She supports the study commission but believes it should include local community members, like the Erotic Laborers Alliance. Nabalu highlighted the potential unintended consequences of the increased penalties on consenting adults. She used the example of Vicki, a massage therapist, to illustrate how the law could criminalize consensual erotic activities. Nabalu suggested allowing the study commission to proceed with all stakeholders to better understand the issue.
HB405: Pamela Kylig, Public Policy Specialist, Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Violence, New Hampshire Support01:37:29.840 - 1:36:20 PM; Pamela Kylig expressed full support for HB405 as amended by the House. She highlighted the urgency of the bill, noting that it addresses a long-identified need to combat human trafficking. She mentioned that New Hampshire is currently seen as a safe haven for traffickers due to less stringent penalties compared to neighboring states. Kylig appreciated the support for the bill and emphasized the opportunity for immediate action.
HB405: Meg Chant, Program Director, Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Violence, Director of the New Hampshire Human Trafficking Collaborative Task Force, New Hampshire Support01:39:02.800 - 1:37:53 PM; Meg Chant provided detailed insights into the issue of human trafficking in New Hampshire, focusing on illicit massage businesses. She explained the task force's efforts to combat these businesses and clarified that the term 'illicit massage business' does not include legal therapeutic massage or non-coercive sex work. Chant discussed the negative impact of these businesses on legitimate massage therapists, including increased sexual harassment and safety risks. She supported HB405 as a crucial step to protect communities and prevent the operation of fraudulent businesses. She also highlighted the complexity of human trafficking investigations and the challenges in prosecuting these cases, emphasizing the need for the bill to address these issues effectively.
HB405: Committee Members Vote01:51:52.199 - 1:50:43 PM; The committee moved into an executive session where a motion to pass HB405 was made and seconded. There was no discussion recorded, and the motion to pass was approved by consent.
HB602: Committee Members Vote01:53:12.960 - 1:52:03 PM; In the executive session, a motion to pass HB602 was made and seconded. Discussion included appreciation for the bill's approach to not naming specific programs but acknowledging existing resources. A senator mentioned the issue of drunk driving in their district and appreciated the bill's potential to address it. Another senator discussed the 'carrot' of the bill, which involves reducing charges from drunk driving to reckless or negligent operation, potentially aligning penalties and programs more effectively. The motion to pass was approved by consent.

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