Committee Summary for House Criminal Justice and Public Safety (01/24/2025)

Bill/Time	Type	Title	Sponsor
HB91 00:02:38.959 - 9:02:44 AM	Public Hearing	relative to the presence of a fire department at a fireworks display.	St. Clair, Charlie(D)[D-]2024
HB143 01:12:23.560 - 10:12:29 AM	Public Hearing	relative to the issuance of no trespass orders on municipal or school district property.	Harvey-Bolia, Juliet(R)[A]2024
HB183 02:32:13.960 - 11:32:19 AM	Public Hearing	relative to reporting requirements for emergency medical services personnel.	Proulx, Mark(R)[B]2024
HB291 03:31:40.479 - 12:31:46 PM	Public Hearing	removing certain penalties for incorrect application of fertilizers.	Layon, Erica(R)[A]2024
HB218 2025-0055s 04:31:24.080 - 1:31:30 PM	Public Hearing	relative to providing victims of crime with a free police report of the investigation.	MacDonald, John(R)[B+]2024
HB397 04:59:25.040 - 1:59:31 PM	Public Hearing	establishing a multi-agency task force chaired by the department of safety.	Darby, Will(D)[CT]2024
HB397 04:59:40.520 - 1:59:46 PM	Public Hearing	establishing a multi-agency task force chaired by the department of safety.	Darby, Will(D)[CT]2024
HB511 2025-0079h 05:16:00.200 - 2:16:06 PM	Executive Session	relative to cooperation with federal immigration authorities.	Sweeney, Joe(R)[A-]2024

HB91: Mark PR, Hillsboro Information Only00:02:38.959 - 9:02:44 AM; Mark PR introduced House Bill 91, explaining that the bill would allow municipalities to issue permits for fireworks displays. The fire department would have the authority to inspect the site and the fire chief would determine the necessity of fire apparatus and personnel at the event. Mark PR noted that the bill might pertain more to private displays rather than municipal ones, but he was not certain and suggested that the bill's language could be clarified.
HB91: Philip Byron, Deputy Fire Marshal, Office of State Fire Marshal Information Only00:08:03.400 - 9:08:09 AM; Philip Byron, representing the Office of State Fire Marshal, stated that their office is neutral on HB91. He explained that the bill would provide local fire chiefs with more flexibility in scheduling fire details for fireworks displays. He clarified that the bill pertains to professional displays rather than personal use, noting that current rules require fire personnel to be present from arrival to completion of the display.
HB143: Juliet Harvey, Belknap County District 3 Support01:12:23.560 - 10:12:29 AM; Representative Juliet Harvey introduced House Bill 143, which addresses the issuance of no trespass orders on public property. She cited a case in Bow where two parents were issued such orders without due process, leading to legal action. The bill seeks to establish an appeal process and set more specific requirements for these orders. Harvey mentioned other examples, including a case involving a homeless person in Nashua, and suggested that all states have due process requirements for such orders. She proposed that the bill would require a unanimous vote by a governing body and a hearing before issuing an order, with an appeal process in place. She was open to amendments, including the possibility of temporary emergency orders and a majority vote requirement.
HB143: Representative N Information Only01:24:38.440 - 10:24:44 AM; Representative N raised concerns about the potential costs to municipalities of implementing the provisions of HB143. They questioned whether the bill would require additional expenses for public meetings, such as employing people and streaming, which are not covered by the state. They asked for any available numbers on what this might cost municipalities.
HB143: Juliet Harvey, Belknap County District 3 Information Only01:25:25.920 - 10:25:31 AM; Juliet Harvey responded to Representative N's question about the costs associated with the bill. She explained that the timing and scheduling of hearings would be up to the committee, suggesting that a hearing could be held at the next scheduled meeting or within a specified timeframe like 10 days after an order. She stated that she did not have specific costs calculated but believed that the existing meeting schedules of municipalities should not incur additional costs.
HB143: Representative Sh Information Only01:27:48.520 - 10:27:54 AM; Representative Sh raised the issue of free speech in relation to the Bow case, where a no trespass order was seen as an overreach. They asked if there were provisions in the bill to prevent such orders from being used against individuals exercising their free speech rights.
HB143: Juliet Harvey, Belknap County District 3 Information Only01:28:40.960 - 10:28:46 AM; Juliet Harvey responded to Representative Sh's question about free speech, noting that the bill does not specifically address free speech but focuses on due process. She referenced other states' approaches and provided examples of different public properties and their varying levels of public access and rights, such as schools versus Department of Transportation garages.
HB143: Representative Roads Information Only01:31:05.800 - 10:31:11 AM; Representative Roads asked whether a person with a no trespass order from a school could attend a deliberative session held in the school gym. They discussed the implications of property-based trespass versus event-based restrictions.
HB143: Juliet Harvey, Belknap County District 3 Information Only01:31:51.360 - 10:31:57 AM; Juliet Harvey clarified that a no trespass order applies to the property itself, not specific events, and that violating it could lead to arrest. She also mentioned potential legal issues if someone were barred from voting due to a trespass order, suggesting that the bill should focus on the specific issue at hand.
HB143: Representative Newman Information Only01:32:37.719 - 10:32:43 AM; Representative Newman questioned the applicability of the bill to different types of public property, specifically mentioning a Department of Transportation garage. They sought clarification on how the bill would handle nuanced situations involving different public spaces.
HB143: Juliet Harvey, Belknap County District 3 Information Only01:33:24.320 - 10:33:30 AM; Juliet Harvey explained that different types of public property have different levels of public access and rights, using examples like a school board meeting during the COVID-19 period and a case in Nashua. She noted the bill's general approach to avoid fitting just one type of property, and agreed to consider Representative Newman's concern about the broad definition of municipal property in the bill.
HB143: Representative Muse Information Only01:35:46.000 - 10:35:52 AM; Representative Muse raised concerns about the potential for disruptions in school classrooms and the need for different standards for different types of municipal property. They emphasized the importance of maintaining order in educational settings.
HB143: Juliet Harvey, Belknap County District 3 Information Only01:36:33.760 - 10:36:39 AM; Juliet Harvey agreed with Representative Muse's point about maintaining order in schools, stating that the bill aims to provide due process but does not change existing protocols for removing disruptive individuals from school premises.
HB143: Charlie Stclair, District 5, Laconia, NH Oppose01:37:46.679 - 10:37:52 AM; Charlie Stclair, representing Laconia, NH, reported that the city manager and chief of police expressed concerns about the bill's feasibility due to the need for immediate action in certain situations, which the bill's requirement for a meeting might hinder.
HB143: Juliet Harvey, Belknap County District 3 Information Only01:38:32.599 - 10:38:38 AM; Juliet Harvey responded to Charlie Stclair's concerns by suggesting that emergency processes could handle immediate issues, indicating a potential solution to the concerns raised by Laconia's city officials.
HB143: Barrett Christina, Executive Director of the New Hampshire School Boards Association Oppose01:39:01.159 - 10:39:07 AM; Barrett Christina, representing the New Hampshire School Boards Association, opposed HB143, citing the rarity of no trespass orders in schools and the need for immediate action to protect students. They also mentioned the superintendent's role in managing school grounds and provided an anecdotal case where a no trespass order was necessary for safety. Christina expressed willingness to consider an emergency procedure amendment but opposed the requirement for unanimous school board decisions.
HB143: Representative Rhodes Information Only01:42:57.000 - 10:43:03 AM; Representative Rhodes asked Barrett Christina to explain the process of receiving a no trespass order in a school setting. Christina responded that a principal would issue the order if someone was belligerent or threatening, and police would intervene if necessary, though she admitted limited knowledge on criminal law aspects.
HB143: John Morard, Trustee of the Laconia Public Library Information Only01:45:21.400 - 10:45:27 AM; John Morard, a trustee of the Laconia Public Library, shared their existing policy on no trespass orders. He explained that the library's policy allows for immediate issuance of short-term orders by staff, with longer orders issued by the director and subject to review. The policy includes an appeal process and provisions for alternative access to library materials during a no trespass order. Morard noted that the library serves a large number of patrons and issues very few no trespass orders annually.
HB143: John Morard, Trustee of the Laconia Public Library Information Only01:45:21.400 - 10:45:27 AM; John Morard provided information on the appeal process for no trespass orders at the Laconia Public Library. He mentioned that in his 25 years on the board, he dealt with two appeals where he personally met with the individuals at a homeless shelter to guide them through the appeal process. He clarified that the no trespass notices do not currently state the appeal rights, which he believes should be included.
HB143: Steven Bogard, State Rep District 5 and City Councilor Ward Five, Laconia Oppose01:58:07.520 - 10:58:13 AM; Steven Bogard expressed opposition to the current language of HB143 on behalf of the City Manager of Laconia. He emphasized the need for flexibility in issuing no trespass orders, especially in emergency situations and for the safety of public buildings like libraries that host children. He argued that the bill as written is too restrictive and does not allow for immediate action. He also mentioned that the no trespass orders should include appeal rights, and he would be open to amendments that address these concerns.
HB183: Representative Mark PR, Hillsboro 15 Support02:32:13.960 - 11:32:19 AM; Representative Mark PR introduced HB183, which aims to extend the time for EMTs to complete their EMS run forms from 24 hours to seven days, arguing that this would prevent unnecessary overtime costs, especially for routine calls. He explained that serious calls are completed within the current timeframe, but routine calls could be handled during regular shifts. He also addressed concerns about memory accuracy, stating that routine calls are straightforward and do not require immediate documentation. He suggested that the reports are mainly used for billing and insurance claims rather than patient care.
HB291: Representative Erica Layon Rockingham - District 13 Support03:31:40.479 - 12:31:46 PM; Erica Leon introduced HB291, which aims to reduce the penalty for individuals violating fertilizer application laws from a misdemeanor to a violation. She highlighted the issue of the law applying to private lawns but not to golf courses or parks, and mentioned the potential for selective enforcement. She argued that the current law, effective since January 1st, could lead to unintended violations by homeowners. She suggested that while businesses should face higher penalties for mislabeling, individuals should not face criminal charges for minor violations. She was open to amendments, including changing the effective date and escalating penalties for repeat offenses.
HB291: Unidentified Speaker, Department of Agriculture Information Only03:45:10.120 - 12:45:16 PM; The speaker presented an official notice from the Department of Agriculture issued in December, detailing restrictions on turf fertilizer use for both homeowners and commercial users. The notice prohibits application within 25 feet of water or storm drains, during or immediately before heavy rain, on non-growing or frozen ground, and on impervious surfaces. It also provides a link for further information and discusses cyanobacteria, aiming to educate recipients on compliance and environmental impact.
HB291: Representative Judy Aaron, Chair of Environment and Agriculture Committee, representing Sullivan County District 4 (Acworth, Goshen, Langdon, Lempster, and Washington) Support03:46:43.479 - 12:46:49 PM; Representative Aaron expressed support for the bill as a co-sponsor, noting that it originated from her committee the previous year. She highlighted an oversight regarding the severity of the criminal penalties associated with the bill and supported changing the penalty from a misdemeanor to a violation, aligning with Representative Leon's earlier testimony.
HB291: Unidentified Young Speaker Oppose03:47:33.640 - 12:47:39 PM; The young speaker argued that the penalty for improper fertilizer use should not be equivalent to a DUI, suggesting it should be categorized as a lesser offense. When asked about an appropriate fine, the speaker was unsure, indicating a lack of detailed knowledge on the subject but a clear stance on the need for a change in law.
HB291: Andrea Laro, President and Policy Advocate, New Hampshire Lakes Association Oppose03:49:07.319 - 12:49:13 PM; Andrea Laro opposed the bill as written but supported the idea of downgrading the penalties to violations. She emphasized the need for a fine to deter repeated violations, citing concerns from the lake community about habitual offenders who could afford minor fines. She was supportive of amendments discussed during the hearing and expressed willingness to work on refining the bill.
HB218 2025-0055s: Representative John T. McDonald, representing Wolfeboro and Tuftonboro, NH Support04:31:24.080 - 1:31:30 PM; Representative McDonald introduced HB218, emphasizing the importance of victim rights in the criminal justice system. He detailed the historical lack of victim rights and the progress made with the passage of RSA 21-M:8-k. The amendment to the bill seeks to provide victims with a free copy of the complete police report within 60 days upon request after case closure. He also mentioned discussions with law enforcement associations and requested a subcommittee to refine the bill.
HB218 2025-0055s: Pamela Klyg, Public Policy Specialist, New Hampshire Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Violence Support04:35:22.840 - 1:35:28 PM; Pamela Klyg supported HB218, stating that victims should not have to pay for police reports related to their cases. She clarified that the bill would not conflict with existing statutes but would waive fees for victims. She highlighted the necessity of timely access to police reports for victims to access services and exercise their rights, and expressed readiness to collaborate on fine-tuning the bill.
HB218 2025-0055s: Major Bill Wright, New Hampshire State Police Support04:39:00.000 - 1:39:06 PM; Major Wright supported the concept of providing police reports to victims at no cost but raised concerns about the logistics of handling large, complex cases. He discussed the potential need for more than 60 days to process extensive reports and the necessity for redactions. He was willing to work with the subcommittee to clarify and refine the bill's requirements.
HB397: Unidentified Speaker Information Only04:59:25.040 - 1:59:31 PM; The speaker opened the public hearing on House Bill 397 and invited the prime sponsor to introduce the bill.
HB397: Representative Will Derby, Hillsboro District 11, Nashua Ward 8 Support04:59:40.520 - 1:59:46 PM; Representative Derby introduced HB397, emphasizing the importance of addressing the persistent issue of insufficient Marine Patrol on New Hampshire's lakes. He highlighted the significance of outdoor tourism to the state's economy, generating over 325 million dollars annually in tax revenue and 3.9 billion dollars to the state economy. He shared his personal experience from his camp on Lake Monomonac in Rindge, noting a decline in Marine Patrol presence over the years, leading to increased unsafe behavior on the lake. Derby proposed a task force to study and propose solutions to enhance law enforcement presence on water bodies, involving multiple agencies and stakeholders. He addressed potential concerns about the necessity of the bill, explaining the worsening situation and the need for legislative direction to the Department of Safety.
HB397: Andrea Laro, President and Policy Advocate, New Hampshire Lakes Support05:07:46.558 - 2:07:52 PM; Andrea Laro expressed support for HB397, representing New Hampshire Lakes, a statewide nonprofit focused on lake health preservation. She noted the concerns from lake residents about the diminishing presence of Marine Patrol and its impact on safety and law enforcement related to water quality. Laro welcomed the idea of the task force and offered the organization's readiness to contribute if invited.
HB397: Tim Dunlevy, Department of Safety, Marine Patrol Unit of the State Police Support05:10:35.200 - 2:10:41 PM; Tim Dunlevy from the Department of Safety supported HB397, acknowledging the recruitment challenges faced by the Marine Patrol unit due to its seasonal nature. He confirmed the department's readiness to chair the proposed task force and discussed ongoing efforts to increase coverage, including recruiting from military veterans and utilizing off-duty state troopers. Dunlevy viewed the task force as an opportunity to creatively address staffing and coverage issues.
HB511 2025-0079h: Chairman Roy Information Only05:16:00.200 - 2:16:06 PM; Chairman Roy introduced and moved to adopt amendment 2025-0079h for HB511. The amendment was seconded by Representative Rhoads, and after confirming that all members had reviewed it, the amendment was passed unanimously with a vote of 16-0. Following this, Chairman Roy moved for HB511 to pass as amended, which was seconded and also passed unanimously with a vote of 16-0. The bill was then moved to the consent calendar without any objections or further discussion.

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)