Committee Summary for House Criminal Justice and Public Safety (01/15/2025)

Bill/Time	Type	Title	Sponsor
Unclear 00:08:34.399 - 9:08:00 AM	General Working Session	Unclear

Unclear: Chief Justice Information Only00:08:34.399 - 9:08:00 AM; The Chief Justice provided an extensive overview of the New Hampshire state justice system. He began by discussing the structure of the judicial branch, which includes two trial courts (Circuit Court and Superior Court) and one appellate court (Supreme Court), all supported by the Administrative Office of the Courts (AOC). He detailed the Circuit Court's creation in 2011, its organization into 10 circuits across the state, and its current staffing status with 49 judges. He highlighted the significant case load of the Circuit Court, particularly mentioning 45,000 criminal cases processed in 2023, and discussed the Superior Court's jurisdiction over felonies and civil cases exceeding $255,000. He noted the recent addition of three magistrates to assist with weekend duties and other judicial tasks. The Chief Justice also discussed the Supreme Court's appellate function and its productivity metrics for 2023 and 2024, emphasizing the importance of final dispositions. He touched on the challenges facing the judicial system, including safety and security, the impact of the YDC matter on case loads, access to justice, and the crisis in the indigent defense system. He mentioned opportunities like treatment courts and initiatives to better serve those with mental illness. Lastly, he discussed innovations in the judicial system, such as the landlord-tenant diversion program and the use of technology to improve efficiency and communication.
Unclear: Unnamed Committee Member Information Only00:24:56.559 - 9:24:22 AM; An unnamed committee member inquired about the possibility of mandating pro bono hours for attorneys as a condition of bar membership to address the indigent defense crisis. The Chief Justice responded that while there is no mandate, there is encouragement for pro bono activity. He noted that the Supreme Court had convened large law firms to help with the crisis, and the response was extraordinary, with many attorneys volunteering to assist. The committee member also asked about potential partnerships with UNH Law to offer tuition waivers in exchange for pro bono hours, to which the Chief Justice mentioned that while no such program exists in New Hampshire, there are interesting initiatives in other states addressing similar issues.
Unclear: Unnamed Committee Member Information Only00:28:52.640 - 9:28:18 AM; Another committee member asked about the main organizations through which attorneys perform pro bono work. The Chief Justice explained that while New Hampshire Legal Assistance and 603 Legal Aid are significant hubs for coordinating pro bono programs, they are not the only opportunities available. He mentioned their collaboration with the domestic violence emergency program as an example of how these organizations facilitate pro bono work for attorneys.
Unclear: Aon K, General Counsel for the Court System Information Only00:30:29.640 - 9:29:55 AM; Aon K introduced herself as the general counsel for the court system and provided her contact information to the committee members, emphasizing her role as a single point of contact for any judicial branch information needed for legislative work. She encouraged members to reach out to her for assistance with any legislation impacting the judiciary and offered to attend hearings upon request.
Unclear: Matt Broadhead, Associate Attorney General Information Only00:32:12.440 - 9:31:38 AM; Matt Broadhead, the head of the division of legal counsel from the Attorney General's office, introduced himself to the committee but did not provide further details in the transcript provided.
Unclear: Thomas Fardi, Associate Attorney General, Director of the Division of Public Protection Information Only00:32:20.760 - 9:31:46 AM; Thomas Fardi introduced himself as the Director of the Division of Public Protection within the Department of Justice. He outlined the structure and functions of his division, which includes criminal, consumer, and environmental bureaus. He oversees seven units and bureaus, including the litigation unit in the Civil Bureau, the client counseling unit, the charitable trust unit, the debt Recovery Unit, the Civil Rights unit, and the election law unit. He emphasized the division's role in providing legal counsel to state agencies, particularly the State Police and the Department of Safety. Fardi highlighted their approach to legislative review, focusing on fiscal impact rather than policy due to their obligation to defend and enforce laws passed by the legislature. He confirmed their availability to assist committee members with questions about legislation.
Unclear: Helen Hanks, Commissioner of the Department of Corrections Information Only00:36:59.920 - 9:36:25 AM; Commissioner Helen Hanks, accompanied by Jane Graham, the Strategic Communications Administrator and Legislative Liaison, provided a comprehensive overview of the Department of Corrections. She discussed the department's mission and vision, focusing on balancing public safety and rehabilitation. Hanks detailed the department's value statement and organizational structure, including 11 district offices across New Hampshire. She presented data on incarceration rates, demographics, and crime categories, emphasizing the high rate of sexual assault convictions and the department's efforts in reducing recidivism. Hanks highlighted initiatives like the 1115a re-entry waiver for Medicaid, educational and vocational programs, and mental health services aimed at reducing reincarceration. She also addressed staffing challenges and the department's commitment to recruitment and retention efforts. Hanks concluded by expressing gratitude for legislative support and inviting members for facility tours.
Unclear: Stephen Enders, Merrimack County Attorney's Office Information Only01:07:36.279 - 10:07:02 AM; Stephen Enders, representing the Merrimack County Attorney's Office, provided an overview of the role and responsibilities of county attorneys in New Hampshire. He explained that county attorneys prosecute all felonies within their counties, except for specific cases like homicides and Medicaid fraud, which are handled by the Attorney General's office. Enders also highlighted their involvement in misdemeanor and violation cases in circuit courts, often contracted by specific towns such as Chester, Canterbury, Hopkinton, Bradford, Newbury, and New London. Additionally, he discussed handling issues like competency and involuntary admissions, emphasizing the collaborative nature of county attorneys' work across the state.
Unclear: Sheriff Bill Wright, Belknap County Sheriff's Office and President of the New Hampshire Sheriff's Association Information Only01:11:28.120 - 10:10:54 AM; Sheriff Bill Wright introduced himself as the Sheriff of Belknap County and President of the New Hampshire Sheriff's Association, which consists of all 10 sheriffs in the state. He outlined the association's monthly meetings and their focus on discussing and drafting legislation, sharing resources, and maintaining open communication among sheriffs. Wright emphasized the political nature of their offices and the importance of discussing legislation before it becomes a bill, to understand its impact on sheriff's offices. He also highlighted their role in the criminal justice system, particularly in dealing with issues like bail reform and probation/parole, and stressed the significance of conversation and collaboration with legislators.
Unclear: Suzanne Kage, Interim Executive Director of the New Hampshire Public Defenders Information Only01:17:05.040 - 10:16:31 AM; Suzanne Kage, recently appointed as Interim Executive Director of the New Hampshire Public Defenders, provided insights into the current crisis in the public defender system. She explained the role of public defenders in providing legal representation to indigent defendants as mandated by the Sixth Amendment, and the challenges they face due to high caseloads, particularly in rural areas like Coos and Grafton counties. Kage discussed strategies to mitigate the issue, including recruiting lateral attorneys and working with UNH School of Law, and the potential need to adjust Rule 36 to allow third-year law students to practice under supervision. She also highlighted the impact of mandatory sentencing laws and the broader implications of legislation on public defenders' workloads.
Unclear: Tim Crowley, Chief of Police in the town of Alton and President of the New Hampshire Association of Chiefs of Police Information Only01:34:54.239 - 10:34:20 AM; Tim Crowley, representing the New Hampshire Association of Chiefs of Police, emphasized the association's role in maintaining high standards for law enforcement in the state. He discussed the association's meetings, which include perspectives from various-sized departments, and their focus on best practices in recruitment, hiring, training, and retention. Crowley underscored the importance of working with legislative committees to keep New Hampshire safe, highlighting the challenges and responsibilities of law enforcement in preventing and solving crimes. He also addressed the growing adoption of body cameras among police departments and the associated costs, suggesting potential legislative support through grants for smaller agencies.
Unclear: Amanda Arbour, Policy Director of the ACLU of New Hampshire Information Only01:41:54.080 - 10:41:20 AM; Amanda Arbour, the new Policy Director of the ACLU of New Hampshire, introduced herself and provided an overview of the ACLU's mission and activities. She emphasized the organization's focus on preserving individual rights and liberties, mentioning their work in litigation, legislative advocacy, education, and community organizing. Arbour highlighted the ACLU's concerns about mass incarceration, government overreach, and racial disparities within the criminal justice system. She discussed the significant financial impact of incarceration in the U.S. and the ACLU's broader advocacy on issues like privacy, free speech, and immigrants' rights, expressing readiness to collaborate with the committee on these issues.
Unclear: Amanda Grady Sexton, Director of Public Affairs for the New Hampshire Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Violence, and Pamela Kysar, Public Policy Specialist Information Only01:47:51.880 - 10:47:17 AM; Amanda Grady Sexton and Pamela Kysar from the New Hampshire Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Violence provided an overview of the coalition's work. Grady Sexton congratulated the committee members on their appointments and highlighted the importance of public safety to constituents. Kysar detailed the coalition's role as the umbrella organization for 12 member programs that address domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking, child abuse, and human trafficking. She emphasized the coalition's collaborative approach with various stakeholders and their focus on effective policy implementation. Kysar also outlined the services provided by member programs, including emergency shelters, crisis centers, and specialized programs like the human trafficking task force and the sexual assault nurse examiner program.
Unclear: Kate Fry, Vice President of Advocacy at New Futures Information Only01:59:25.560 - 10:58:51 AM; Kate Fry, Vice President of Advocacy at New Futures, introduced herself and the organization's focus on the health and wellness of New Hampshire residents. She mentioned that New Futures would be involved in issues related to harm reduction, substance use disorder, and criminal penalties associated with these areas. Fry expressed readiness to assist the committee on these topics.
Unclear: Unidentified Committee Chair Information Only02:02:13.920 - 11:01:39 AM; The committee chair discusses the schedule for the upcoming legislative sessions, emphasizing a preference to complete work early in the year. They mention meeting on Thursdays and Fridays, with occasional Wednesdays shared with Ways and Means. The chair expresses a goal to finish before the deadline, aiming to have completed the work by April as they did the previous year.
Unclear: Representative Muse Information Only02:03:00.239 - 11:02:26 AM; Representative Muse raises concerns about the new rules regarding the noticing of executive sessions, noting the challenges of dealing with complicated bills and the potential for 'gotcha' sessions. They inquire about the chair's plan to manage these situations.
Unclear: Unidentified Committee Chair Information Only02:03:47.320 - 11:03:13 AM; The chair responds to Representative Muse's inquiry, stating their intention to handle executive sessions in a traditional manner by providing notice and informing the ranking member in advance. They express a desire to avoid surprise sessions and maintain transparency.
Unclear: Unidentified Committee Chair Information Only02:04:38.559 - 11:04:04 AM; The chair introduces Brad, the committee researcher from Greenland, explaining his role in assisting with legal research and historical data on bills previously considered by the committee.
Unclear: Unidentified Committee Member Information Only02:05:52.320 - 11:05:18 AM; A committee member requests clarification on the printing policy and how to access amendments, indicating that some members may not have received the relevant information. They also offer support to new legislators by suggesting they ask for help with any confusion about the legislative process.
Unclear: Unidentified Committee Chair Information Only02:06:39.840 - 11:06:05 AM; The chair addresses the use of laptops during sessions, expressing a preference against seeing a 'wall of laptops' during testimonies but allowing their use during executive sessions or for looking up specific laws. They emphasize maintaining focus during hearings and suggest using clerks to signal questions from members.
Unclear: Unidentified Committee Chair Information Only02:08:12.360 - 11:07:38 AM; The chair continues to discuss procedural matters, such as signaling questions during hearings and ensuring breaks are taken. They also clarify the schedule for the upcoming week, noting potential issues with the distribution of meeting notices and stressing the importance of email communication.
Unclear: Unidentified Committee Chair Information Only02:09:44.159 - 11:09:10 AM; The chair concludes the session by reminding members not to eat at the tables during meetings, though drinking is allowed. They encourage members to check their emails for important updates and confirm the meeting schedule for the next week.

Roy, Terry(Chairman)(R)[B]2024	Murray, Alissandra(Clerk)(D)[D-]2024	Rhodes, Jennifer(V Chairman)(R)[B]2024
Harriott-Gathright, Linda(D)[CT]2024	Proulx, Mark(R)[B]2024	Lascelles, Richard(R)[B+]2024
Morency, Pete(R)	Paquette, Kathleen(R)	Murphy, Nancy(D)[CT]2024
Newman, Ray(D)[CT]2024	Meuse, David(D)[CT]2024	Devoid, Ricky(R)
Newell, Jodi(D)[D-]2024	Scherr, Buzz(D)	Valerino, Brian(R)
Sabourin dit Choinière, Matt(R)