Committee Summary for House Criminal Justice and Public Safety (04/23/2025)

Bill/Time	Type	Title	Sponsor
CACR8 00:02:37.680 - 9:01:28 AM	Public Hearing	relating to sheriffs. Providing that no person shall hold the office of county sheriff after he or she has attained the age of seventy-five years.	Abbas, Daryl(R)[C+]2024
SB58 00:31:49.440 - 9:30:40 AM	Public Hearing	(New Title) relative to venue in criminal prosecutions of distribution of a controlled drug with death resulting.	Pearl, Howard (R)[C+]2024
CACR8 01:40:27.440 - 10:39:18 AM	Executive Session	relating to sheriffs. Providing that no person shall hold the office of county sheriff after he or she has attained the age of seventy-five years.	Abbas, Daryl(R)[C+]2024
SB41 01:42:43.760 - 10:41:34 AM	Executive Session	changing the reckless driving minimum penalties.	Birdsell, Regina(R)[C+]2024
SB49 01:44:55.600 - 10:43:46 AM	Executive Session	establishing the crime of and penalties for unlawful use of unmanned aircraft systems.	Birdsell, Regina(R)[C+]2024
SB62 01:47:09.520 - 10:46:00 AM	Executive Session	relative to law enforcement participation in a federal immigration program.	Gannon, Bill(R)[C+]2024
SB71 01:51:36.800 - 10:50:27 AM	Executive Session	relative to cooperation with federal immigration authorities.	Gannon, Bill(R)[C+]2024
SB140 01:54:21.599 - 10:53:12 AM	Executive Session	establishing a domestic violence fatality review committee.	Birdsell, Regina(R)[C+]2024
SB143 01:56:55.040 - 10:55:46 AM	Executive Session	(New Title) relative to the impaired driver care management program and recovery residences.	Prentiss, Suzanne(D)[F]2024
SB145 01:58:29.119 - 10:57:20 AM	Executive Session	(New Title) establishing an evidence shipping pilot program and providing an appropriation therefor.	Altschiller, Debra(D)[CT]2024
SB149 01:59:40.639 - 10:58:31 AM	Executive Session	relative to the crime of aggravated driving while intoxicated.	Birdsell, Regina(R)[C+]2024
HB258 20251580H 02:02:07.040 - 11:00:58 AM	Executive Session	establishing a study commission to determine the readiness of the New Hampshire Seacoast Emergency Evacuation Plan.	Sabourin dit Choinière, Matt(R)
SB262 02:07:47.119 - 11:06:38 AM	Executive Session	relative to the penalty for trafficking in persons under 18 years of age.	Sullivan, Victoria(R)
SB267 02:10:56.599 - 11:09:47 AM	Executive Session	relative to the penalty for engaging in prostitution as a patron.	Fenton, Donovan(D)[F]2024
SB58 20251722H 02:17:53.439 - 11:16:44 AM	Executive Session	(New Title) relative to venue in criminal prosecutions of distribution of a controlled drug with death resulting.	Pearl, Howard (R)[C+]2024

CACR8: Senator Daryl Abbis, representing District 22 (Pelham, Salem, Atkinson, and Plaistow) Support00:02:37.680 - 9:01:28 AM; Senator Abbis, the prime sponsor of CACR8, supports increasing the mandatory retirement age for county sheriffs from 70 to 75 years. He argues that the current age limit is outdated and contributes to recruitment and retention problems in law enforcement. Abbis believes that experienced and qualified sheriffs should not be forced to retire, especially when they are willing to continue serving, and that it is not good public policy or beneficial for public safety. He suggests that if the age limit were to be removed entirely, he would support that as well. Abbis emphasizes that sheriffs, as elected officials, should have their qualifications determined by voters, not by an age restriction set in 1792.
CACR8: Representative Lels Information Only00:04:32.880 - 9:03:23 AM; Representative Lels asks Senator Abbis if a sheriff reaching the age of 75 would have to resign or finish their term. Abbis clarifies that under current law, a sheriff turning 70 must resign, even if in the middle of a term. The proposed change to 75 years would allow sheriffs to continue serving, which Abbis believes is a modest and fair increase.
CACR8: Representative Muse Information Only00:05:46.000 - 9:04:37 AM; Representative Muse inquires about any sheriffs who would be individually affected by the current age limit during their term. Senator Abbis explains that all sheriffs reaching the age limit are affected, but specific cases would need to be addressed by the sheriffs present at the hearing.
CACR8: Representative Valerino Information Only00:06:44.000 - 9:05:35 AM; Representative Valerino asks if there is an age limit for deputies working in various capacities. Senator Abbis is unsure and suggests that the sheriffs present could provide more information on that topic.
CACR8: Representative Murphy Information Only00:07:32.080 - 9:06:23 AM; Representative Murphy questions whether there are physical requirements for sheriffs similar to those for law enforcement officers. Senator Abbis defers this question to the sheriffs present, admitting he wouldn't pass a physical fitness test himself.
CACR8: Chuck Misiaszek, High Sheriff of Rockingham County Support00:08:20.160 - 9:07:11 AM; Sheriff Misiaszek advocates for extending age limits on elected sheriffs, arguing that age should not be a barrier to serving the community in such a critical role. He emphasizes that leadership qualities such as vision, communication, and decision-making often improve with age. He supports allowing voters to decide on the most qualified candidates regardless of age and stresses the importance of experience in effective law enforcement leadership. Misiaszek shares an example of hiring a retired chief over 70, illustrating the value of seasoned professionals in roles supporting law enforcement and first responders.
CACR8: Sheriff Bill Wright, Belknap County Sheriff Support00:15:37.120 - 9:14:28 AM; Sheriff Wright, in his third term and one of the youngest sheriffs in the state, supports changing the age restriction for sheriffs. He values the guidance and mentorship from experienced sheriffs like Sheriff Misiaszek. Wright explains that sheriffs do not need to be certified police officers but must meet the requirements of an elected official. He highlights the administrative nature of the sheriff's role and the importance of having qualified individuals protect the office and the people of New Hampshire. He urges the committee to support the change in age restrictions to allow more qualified individuals to serve.
SB58: Senator Howard Pearl, representing District 17 (Loudon) Support00:31:49.440 - 9:30:40 AM; Senator Pearl introduces Senate Bill 58, requested by the Merrimack County prosecutor to address issues stemming from a Supreme Court ruling in State v. Fortune. The bill aims to fix the venue determination for prosecutions involving death resulting from drug use, particularly when drugs are obtained out of state. Pearl notes the complexity of such cases and the need for effective prosecution, deferring detailed questions to the accompanying legal experts.
SB58: Paul Halverson, Merrimack County Attorney Support00:34:41.719 - 9:33:32 AM; Paul Halverson supports Senate Bill 58, explaining that it is necessary to effectively prosecute individuals who provide drugs leading to death in New Hampshire, especially when the drugs are sourced from out of state. He describes the impact of the Supreme Court's decision in Fortune, which has made it difficult to prosecute such cases due to venue issues. Halverson provides examples of cases affected by the ruling and urges immediate passage of the bill to prevent further loss of prosecutions, emphasizing that it only establishes venue and does not create new crimes.
SB58: Tom Valardi, Assistant Attorney General Support00:42:05.760 - 9:40:56 AM; Tom Valardi supports Senate Bill 58, reiterating the need to fix the venue issue caused by the Fortune decision. He explains that the bill would allow either the sale or the death to establish venue, aligning with constitutional principles. Valardi notes that without this fix, many families would be unable to see justice served in cases of drug-related deaths and emphasizes the urgency of the bill's passage.
SB58: Representative Newman Information Only00:48:00.240 - 9:46:51 AM; Representative Newman seeks clarification on how Senate Bill 58 would address venue issues for drug-related deaths, both within New Hampshire across counties and across state lines. Paul Halverson explains that the bill would allow prosecution in the county where the death occurred or where the drugs were sold, making it more feasible to prosecute cases where the investigation primarily occurs in the county of the death.
SB58: Representative Sheer Information Only00:52:09.200 - 9:51:00 AM; Representative Sheer expresses concern about Senate Bill 58 potentially conflicting with the state constitution regarding venue. Paul Halverson and Tom Valardi clarify that the bill aligns with precedents set in other statutes, which have not been successfully challenged, and argue that it is necessary to address the practical issues caused by the Fortune decision.
SB58: Representative Lel Information Only00:59:28.680 - 9:58:19 AM; Representative Lel inquires about the extent to which Senate Bill 58 could trace back the drug distribution chain in cases of death resulting from drug use. Paul Halverson and Tom Valardi explain that typically, prosecutions focus on the immediate seller to the deceased, with one instance where they were able to go back one additional step in the chain, but it is challenging to go further due to the need to prove direct causation.
SB58: Adam Kazowski, Detective with the Portsmouth, New Hampshire Police Department Support01:01:33.839 - 10:00:24 AM; Detective Adam Kazowski from the Portsmouth Police Department spoke in support of the legislation. With 19 years in the department and 12 years as a detective, he has been involved in many death investigations related to narcotics, particularly fentanyl. He described the challenges of these investigations, including the emotional toll on families and the difficulties posed by a recent New Hampshire Supreme Court decision limiting the jurisdiction for prosecuting such cases. This ruling, he noted, hampers law enforcement's ability to charge dealers when drugs are bought in one jurisdiction and used in another, especially when the drugs originate from out of state, like Massachusetts. He recounted a specific case where he had to halt an investigation due to this ruling. Kazowski urged the passage of the legislation to give law enforcement the tools needed to prosecute across jurisdictions, similar to other laws like phone harassment. He also discussed his limited experience with federal prosecutions of such cases.
CACR8: Representative Lel Support01:40:27.440 - 10:39:18 AM; Representative Lel moved for an 'ought to pass' on CACR8, arguing that the mandatory retirement age of 70 is outdated and does not reflect productivity, especially for elected positions where voters should decide.
CACR8: Representative Moreny Support01:41:20.880 - 10:40:11 AM; Representative Moreny seconded the motion without additional comments, agreeing with the points made by Representative Lel.
SB41: Representative Rhodess Information Only01:42:43.760 - 10:41:34 AM; Representative Rhodess moved to retain Senate Bill 41, explaining that it is similar to another bill already passed by the committee. He suggested retaining it to see the outcome of the other bill to avoid duplication.
SB41: Representative Sher Support01:44:02.400 - 10:42:53 AM; Representative Sher seconded the motion to retain SB41, endorsing the reasons given by Representative Rhodess.
SB49: Chairman Roy Information Only01:44:55.600 - 10:43:46 AM; Chairman Roy moved to retain Senate Bill 49, noting that it had already been passed by the committee with much detail and was adopted by the Senate as passed. He recommended retaining it to ensure its passage through the legislative process.
SB49: Representative Sher Support01:45:46.320 - 10:44:37 AM; Representative Sher seconded the motion to retain SB49 without additional comments.
SB62: Representative Pru Support01:47:09.520 - 10:46:00 AM; Representative Pru moved for an 'ought to pass' on Senate Bill 62, which would allow law enforcement to enter into agreements with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to assist in their operations. He argued that this would help enforce both state and national laws.
SB62: Representative RHS Support01:47:09.520 - 10:46:00 AM; Representative RHS seconded the motion to pass SB62 without additional comments.
SB62: Representative Sher Oppose01:47:09.520 - 10:46:00 AM; Representative Sher expressed opposition to the bill, stating his disagreement with allowing state law enforcement to assist ICE, though his statement was cut off.
SB62: Unnamed Speaker Information Only01:47:56.000 - 10:46:47 AM; The speaker discussed agreements between counties, houses of correction, and the state police regarding cooperation with the federal government. They argued that such decisions should be made by local units and not legislated, suggesting that the federal government should handle any renditioning issues.
SB62: Representative Muse Oppose01:49:10.400 - 10:48:01 AM; Representative Muse expressed concern about the cooperation with the federal government leading to the renditioning of people to foreign prisons without due process. They emphasized the importance of sending a message that New Hampshire will not be complicit in such actions.
SB62: Representative Schulz Oppose01:50:19.760 - 10:49:10 AM; Representative Schulz supported Representative Muse's concerns about complicity with federal actions and highlighted the issue of spending money over fears related to the northern border. They mentioned that the apprehended individuals are from various countries, not just French Canadians, and stressed the need for cooperation with the federal government.
SB62: Committee Vote01:51:36.800 - 10:50:27 AM; The committee voted on the motion to pass SB62. The vote resulted in 9 votes in favor and 7 votes against, with the motion carrying.
SB71: Chairman Information Only01:51:36.800 - 10:50:27 AM; The chairman moved to retain SB71, citing its similarity to a bill already debated and passed on the House floor. The motion was seconded by Representative Eric Gath, and the committee voted unanimously to retain the bill.
SB140: Representative Rhodess Support01:54:21.599 - 10:53:12 AM; Representative Rhodess moved for the bill to pass, explaining that it would help identify gaps in addressing domestic violence and sexual assault. The motion was seconded by Representative Murphy, and the bill passed unanimously.
SB143: Chairman Support01:56:55.040 - 10:55:46 AM; The chairman moved for the bill to pass, stating that it clarifies and expands requirements for individuals convicted of OUI. The motion was seconded by Representative Murphy, and the bill passed unanimously.
SB145: Representative Lales Support01:58:29.119 - 10:57:20 AM; Representative Lales moved for the bill to pass, explaining that it would allow for more expeditious and financially prudent transport of evidence using common carriers like UPS. The motion was seconded by Representative Her Gather, and the bill passed unanimously.
SB149: Chairman Information Only01:59:40.639 - 10:58:31 AM; The chairman moved to retain SB149, noting its similarity to a bill already passed and sent to the Senate. The motion was seconded by Representative Rhodess, and the bill was retained unanimously.
HB258 20251580H: Representative Rhodess Support02:02:07.040 - 11:00:58 AM; Representative Rhodess moved to adopt the amendment, which clarifies that individuals who receive nefariously obtained gift cards without awareness will not be held responsible. The motion was seconded by Representative Pearl, and the amendment was adopted unanimously.
HB258 20251580H: Representative Rhodess Support02:03:13.679 - 11:02:04 AM; Representative Rhodess moved for the bill to pass as amended, explaining that the amendment addresses the issue of stolen gift cards and the penalties for those involved in such thefts. The motion was seconded by Representative Subabor, and the bill passed unanimously.
HB258 20251580H: Representative Muse Support02:05:21.840 - 11:04:12 AM; Representative Muse supported the bill but noted that it does not address the security measures needed to prevent such thefts. They urged retailers to enhance their security processes.
HB258 20251580H: Unnamed Speaker Support02:06:30.079 - 11:05:21 AM; The speaker argued in favor of punishing the thieves rather than increasing security measures, stating that putting criminals behind bars would prevent theft.
SB262: Representative Pru Support02:07:47.119 - 11:06:38 AM; Representative Pru moved for the bill to pass, stating that it updates penalties for trafficking people under 18. The motion was seconded by an unnamed representative, and the bill passed with 9 votes in favor and 7 against.
SB262: Representative Shear Oppose02:08:42.159 - 11:07:33 AM; Representative Shear opposed the bill, arguing against the necessity of mandatory minimums and stating that the difference between 7 and 18 years in jail was not significant enough to justify the bill.
SB262: Representative Pearl Support02:09:51.840 - 11:08:42 AM; Representative Pearl supported the bill, emphasizing the need to keep traffickers off the streets for longer periods and the unreliability of federal prosecutions.
SB267: Representative Rhodess Support02:10:56.599 - 11:09:47 AM; Representative Rhodess moved for the bill to pass, explaining that it aligns state laws with federal laws on human trafficking and addresses prostitution. The motion was seconded by Representative Subenda, and the bill passed with 14 votes in favor and 2 against.
SB267: Representative Sheer Oppose02:14:28.000 - 11:13:19 AM; Representative Sheer opposed the bill, arguing that it does not effectively address human trafficking and that the mandatory $500 fine for patronizing sex workers is minimal. They also raised concerns about the allocation of funds to the New Hampshire Human Trafficking Collaborative.
SB267: Representative Murphy Support02:15:33.360 - 11:14:24 AM; Representative Murphy supported the bill, stating that targeting the buyers of sex services would reduce human trafficking and that the funding mechanism was necessary to ensure resources are allocated appropriately.
SB58 20251722H: Representative Rhodess Support02:17:53.439 - 11:16:44 AM; Representative Rhodess moved to adopt the amendment, which changes the effective date to upon passage to prevent further unnecessary deaths. The amendment was adopted unanimously.
SB58 20251722H: Unnamed Speaker Support02:23:41.120 - 11:22:32 AM; The speaker moved for the bill to pass as amended, explaining that it addresses issues with prosecuting drug-related deaths across different counties or states. The motion was seconded by Representative Rhodess, and the bill passed with 10 votes in favor and 6 against.
SB58 20251722H: Representative Newman Support02:21:02.800 - 11:19:53 AM; Representative Newman moved to adopt another amendment to clarify the definition of an act under the death resulting statute. The amendment was opposed by the county attorneys, and it failed with 6 votes in favor and 10 against.

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)