Committee Summary for House Criminal Justice and Public Safety (05/23/2025)

Bill/Time	Type	Title	Sponsor
SB151 00:01:21.920 - 9:00:32 AM	Public Hearing	relative to accessible parking permit verification and fraud prevention.	Abbas, Daryl(R)[C+]2024
SB151 00:10:57.600 - 9:10:08 AM	Public Hearing	relative to accessible parking permit verification and fraud prevention.	Abbas, Daryl(R)[C+]2024
SB263 00:35:07.480 - 9:34:18 AM	Public Hearing	criminalizing and creating a private right of action for the facilitation, encouragement, offer, solicitation, or recommendation of certain acts or actions through a responsive generative communication to a child.	Carson, Sharon(R)[C]2024
SB263 1717H 01:28:41.000 - 10:27:52 AM	Public Hearing	criminalizing and creating a private right of action for the facilitation, encouragement, offer, solicitation, or recommendation of certain acts or actions through a responsive generative communication to a child.	Carson, Sharon(R)[C]2024
SB266 01:35:17.440 - 10:34:28 AM	Public Hearing	relative to safety and accountability of drivers under 18 years of age.	McConkey, Mark(R)
SB14 2025-2372h 03:19:03.840 - 12:18:14 PM	Executive Session	relative to the penalty for certain fentanyl-related offenses.	Gannon, Bill(R)[C+]2024
SB151 03:43:19.880 - 12:42:30 PM	Executive Session	relative to accessible parking permit verification and fraud prevention.	Abbas, Daryl(R)[C+]2024
SB266 03:53:09.520 - 12:52:20 PM	Executive Session	relative to safety and accountability of drivers under 18 years of age.	McConkey, Mark(R)
SB266 03:53:09.520 - 12:52:20 PM	Executive Session	relative to safety and accountability of drivers under 18 years of age.	McConkey, Mark(R)
HB263 2402h 03:59:18.880 - 12:58:29 PM	Executive Session	relative to applications to the cost of care fund for livestock care.	Comtois, Barbara(R)[A]2024

SB151: Senator Abbis Information Only00:01:21.920 - 9:00:32 AM; Senator Abbis was invited to introduce the bill but did not provide detailed information about the bill during the hearing.
SB151: Richard Losales, Lichfield Support00:02:31.920 - 9:01:42 AM; Richard Losales, representing the town of Litchfield, introduced SP 151, a bill that requires walking disability placards to contain specific driver's license information and increases fines for unauthorized use of these spots. He shared personal experiences of frustration when seeing able-bodied individuals misuse disabled parking spots, emphasizing the need for the bill to prevent such misuse, particularly during peak shopping times like before Christmas. He expressed concerns about enforcement, questioning how the law could be effectively implemented without burdening businesses.
SB151: Richard Losales, Lichfield Support00:05:39.240 - 9:04:50 AM; Continuing his testimony, Richard Losales discussed the enforcement issues of the proposed bill. He noted his personal use of a disabled veteran plate alongside a placard and raised concerns about the privacy implications of displaying driver's license information on placards. He also mentioned a personal anecdote about refusing to lend his placard to his son, underscoring his support for the bill's intent to prevent misuse.
SB151: Melinda Sims, United Spinal Association Support00:10:57.600 - 9:10:08 AM; Melinda Sims, representing the United Spinal Association and speaking as a person in a power chair, conditionally supports SB 151 with critical amendments. She emphasized the importance of enforcement over fines, citing Illinois' success in reducing violations through an effective enforcement system. She proposed amendments to include 'expired and altered in any manner' in the fraud language, dedicate 15-20% of penalty revenue to infrastructure, and add immediate towing authority. On a personal note, she highlighted safety concerns and the impact of illegal parking on her ability to live independently, stressing that these amendments would help not only people with disabilities but also business owners and the police, potentially making New Hampshire a model for accessibility.
SB151: Unknown Speaker Information Only00:09:02.000 - 9:08:13 AM; The speaker discussed the legal obligations associated with handicapped parking placards, mentioning the agreement made at the DMV when obtaining a placard, which includes not using the handicapped spot for dropping off if the person with the disability is not present. They also mentioned that the placard holder agrees not to park in handicapped spots if they are not using the placard for themselves.
SB151: Grant Bossy, Deputy Chief of Staff of the New Hampshire Senate Information Only00:22:56.440 - 9:22:07 AM; Grant Bossy, on behalf of Senator Abbis, apologized for the senator's absence due to an oversight on the committee schedule. He conveyed Senator Abbis' support for the bill and the amendment from the House Transportation Committee. The bill aims to address the frequent unauthorized use of handicapped parking spaces, noting the difficulty in enforcement due to drivers forgetting to display their placards. The bill proposes to increase the fine from $250 to $500 and adjust the revenue split between the state and municipalities from 80/20 to 50/50 to incentivize better enforcement by local police. Senator Abbis emphasized the importance of the bill in ensuring that handicapped spaces are available for those who need them.
SB151: Rod Sims, Caregiver from Ohio Information Only00:32:09.760 - 9:31:20 AM; Rod Sims, who cares for Melinda Sims, shared his experiences with handicapped parking issues. He explained the challenges of finding appropriate parking spaces, particularly in bad weather, due to unauthorized use of handicapped spots. He suggested that clearer signage specifying the types of vehicles allowed to park in these spaces could help. Sims also mentioned the importance of educating drivers through the license handbook about handicapped parking rules and rights. He noted that a similar issue in Ohio required specific signage to enforce the rules effectively.
SB263: Grant Bossy, Deputy Chief of Staff of the New Hampshire Senate Information Only00:35:07.480 - 9:34:18 AM; Grant Bossy introduced Senate Bill 263 on behalf of Senator Sharon Carson. The bill aims to address the mental health crisis among youth exacerbated by social media and the internet. It proposes to update laws to protect children from online threats by prosecuting owners of online services that endanger children through AI chat programs. The bill allows for legal action against services that facilitate harmful activities like sexual conduct, drug use, self-harm, or violence against children. Bossy highlighted the extensive amendments made by both the Senate and House Judiciary Committees to address stakeholder concerns.
SB263: Barb Patch, Resident of Merrimack, Director of All Girls Allowed, Representative of New Hampshire TrafficFree Coalition Support00:38:14.839 - 9:37:25 AM; Barb Patch expressed support for Senate Bill 263, emphasizing the dangers of AI chatbots to children. She provided examples of harmful interactions between chatbots and minors, including instances where chatbots suggested violent or illegal activities. Patch highlighted the lack of safeguards in these systems for children's vulnerabilities and the need for legal action to hold companies accountable. She also mentioned ongoing lawsuits and international actions against AI services, and stressed the urgency of addressing these issues before they escalate further.
SB263: Chris Gilra, TechNet Representative Information Only01:08:34.799 - 10:07:45 AM; Chris Gilra, representing TechNet, acknowledged the intent of Senate Bill 263 to protect children but raised concerns about the bill's scope and enforcement through private rights of action. He noted the potential for frivolous lawsuits and the impact on small businesses, suggesting that enforcement should be handled by the state's attorney general. Gilra proposed using existing laws to address AI-related crimes and suggested amendments to narrow the bill's focus on specific harmful activities by AI companion technologies. He also addressed the complexity of regulating a borderless internet ecosystem and the need for federal-level solutions.
SB263 1717H: Kyle Sepy, Computer and Communications Industry Association (CCIA) Northeast Region State Policy Manager Support01:28:41.000 - 10:27:52 AM; Kyle Sepy from CCIA supports the House amendments to SB263, particularly amendment 1717H, but opposes the original draft and Senate amendments. He acknowledges the House's efforts to improve the bill and emphasizes the need for continued discussion. Sepy highlights that CCIA believes in greater security and privacy for children online, with members developing parental tools and suggesting digital or AI curriculum in schools. He appreciates the revised language concerning endangering the welfare of a child but notes that the bill still lacks clear definitions for compliance and could stifle AI innovation. He stresses the importance of defining 'child' clearly and suggests that exemptions for sales or customer service bots could reduce ambiguity. Sepy also appreciates the proposed 90-day cure period as a significant improvement over the original private right of action.
SB263 1717H: Rod Sims, representing humanity Information Only01:32:18.960 - 10:31:29 AM; Rod Sims references Isaac Asimov's three laws of robotics and their relevance to current AI and robotics discussions. He shares his observations from his experiences with coders, emphasizing the need for a 'guardian program' to prevent harmful outcomes. Sims advocates for a simplified approach to defining harm, suggesting that if a program causes harm to any living being, it should be considered bad and not allowed to proceed.
SB266: Grant ASI, Deputy Chief of Staff of the New Hampshire Senate, representing Senator Mark McConni Support01:35:17.440 - 10:34:28 AM; Grant ASI introduced SB 266 on behalf of Senator Mark McConni, emphasizing the need for responsible driving among New Hampshire's youngest drivers. The bill aims to increase the maximum suspension length for youth operator licenses and require in-person driver programs for repeat offenders. It also proposes a mandatory 90-day suspension for youth operators caught driving 30 mph over the speed limit, coupled with an in-person driver attitude program. The bill has been supported by both the Senate and House and seeks to encourage safer driving habits among young drivers.
SB266: Lieutenant Chris Storm, New Hampshire Office of Highway Safety, Division of State Police Support01:37:53.639 - 10:37:04 AM; Lieutenant Chris Storm supports SB 266 and explains the need for longer suspension periods and educational components for young drivers. He notes that current penalties are insufficient and that education is crucial for addressing risky behaviors. Storm discusses the differentiation in suspension lengths based on the severity of the offense, emphasizing the need for in-person classes to ensure understanding of consequences. He assures that data will be kept on the decision-making process for suspension lengths.
SB14 2025-2372h: Chairman Roy Information Only03:19:03.840 - 12:18:14 PM; Chairman Roy proposed amendment 2025-2372h to SB 14, which rewrites the bill to include a 'judicial safety valve' allowing judges to exempt certain offenders from minimum mandatory sentencing under specific conditions. The amendment addresses concerns about minimum mandatories being ineffective and overly harsh, particularly in cases involving fentanyl. The conditions for exemption include no prior convictions for violent felonies or drug-related offenses within seven years, no involvement in violence or firearms, not being a leader in a drug operation, providing assistance to law enforcement, completing substance use disorder evaluations and treatment, and not knowingly distributing deceptive forms of fentanyl. The amendment also includes community service and probation requirements for those exempted from minimum mandatories. The amendment passed with a vote of 9-7.
SB14 2025-2372h: Representative Sher Oppose03:39:40.479 - 12:38:51 PM; Representative Sher proposed amendment 2025-2266h to SB 14, which removes mandatory minimums, increases the possession threshold to 30 grams, raises the maximum term of imprisonment to 50 years, and retains the 'magic mushroom' provision. Sher argued against mandatory minimums, citing their ineffectiveness and high costs, and emphasized the importance of judicial discretion. The amendment failed with a vote of 7-9.
SB151: Representative Pquette Support03:43:19.880 - 12:42:30 PM; Representative Pquette supports SB 151, viewing it as a good start to addressing parking violations but acknowledges the need for future improvements. He believes the bill is a step in the right direction to tackle the issue.
SB151: Representative Pru Support03:43:19.880 - 12:42:30 PM; Representative Pru seconds the motion to pass SB 151, agreeing it's a good initial step but sees potential for further enhancements in the future. He emphasizes the importance of continued legislative efforts to improve the bill.
SB151: Chairman Roy Information Only03:43:19.880 - 12:42:30 PM; Chairman Roy acknowledges the need for future improvements to SB 151 but supports its passage due to time constraints. He plans to sponsor further legislation in September to address the suggestions made during testimony and invites others to join in this effort. The bill passed unanimously.
SB151: Representative Muse Support03:45:44.800 - 12:44:55 PM; Representative Muse supports SB 151 as a starting point but highlights the need for broader enforcement strategies, as states focusing solely on penalties have seen limited success. He emphasizes achieving better results through comprehensive approaches.
SB151: Representative Sher Support03:47:01.520 - 12:46:12 PM; Representative Sher reluctantly supports SB 151, cautioning that legislation cannot force quicker police responses to parking violations. He acknowledges the need for future amendments to improve the bill and suggests using technology as a force multiplier for enforcement.
SB266: Representative Pru Support03:53:09.520 - 12:52:20 PM; Representative Pru supports SB 266, emphasizing the need for stricter penalties and education to make an impression on young drivers. He appreciates the bill's provisions for suspension lengths and in-person driver programs but suggests education could be introduced earlier. Pru highlights the severe consequences of reckless driving among young drivers and supports the bill's measures to encourage safer driving habits.
SB266: Representative Harry Gather Support03:53:09.520 - 12:52:20 PM; Representative Harry Gather supports SB 266, appreciating the addition of an educational component alongside the penalties. He notes the bill's applicability up to the age of 21, which he finds beneficial.
SB266: Representative Muse Support03:53:09.520 - 12:52:20 PM; Representative Muse supports SB 266, particularly praising the inclusion of an educational component. He values the approach of addressing root causes alongside increasing penalties and sees it as a model for future legislation.
SB266: Representative Lels Support03:53:09.520 - 12:52:20 PM; Representative Lels supports SB 266, highlighting the issue of speeding among young drivers. He also points out the problem of inattention due to cell phone use and wishes for more emphasis on this aspect in future legislation.
SB266: Representative Lels Information Only03:53:09.520 - 12:52:20 PM; Representative Lels concluded their remarks on the speeding element of the bill, expressing agreement on the need to address the issue.
HB263 2402h: Representative Shar Support03:59:18.880 - 12:58:29 PM; Representative Shar proposed an amendment incorporating a definition of responsive open-ended generative communication, citing its clarity and importance in new statutory areas. They referenced a witness, Barbara Patch, who supported the definition.
HB263 2402h: Representative Murray Information Only03:59:18.880 - 12:58:29 PM; Representative Murray seconded the amendment but did not provide additional comments.
HB263 2402h: Unnamed Representative Oppose04:00:36.479 - 12:59:47 PM; An unnamed representative expressed concerns about the amendment's broadness and potential loopholes that could hinder prosecution, leading them to not support it.
HB263 2402h: Representative Shoronda Support04:01:50.279 - 1:01:01 PM; Representative Shoronda moved for the bill to pass, citing the urgency of addressing artificial intelligence issues and the good testimony heard earlier. They noted a floor amendment was planned.
HB263 2402h: Representative Roy Support04:01:50.279 - 1:01:01 PM; Representative Roy seconded the motion to pass the bill, echoing the need for action on AI and trusting the judiciary committee's work.
HB263 2402h: Representative Murray Support04:02:49.279 - 1:02:00 PM; Representative Murray expressed support for the bill but had concerns about its specificity, particularly around terms like 'imminently' and the lack of AG's office input. They hoped for further refinement.
HB263 2402h: Unnamed Representative Support04:03:45.359 - 1:02:56 PM; An unnamed representative supported the bill but highlighted the complexities and rapid changes in AI, suggesting the need for extensive work and possibly a floor amendment.
HB263 2402h: Representative Newell Support04:04:48.800 - 1:03:59 PM; Representative Newell supported the bill, appreciating the curing period but raised concerns about repeated offenses and the lack of differentiation between first and subsequent offenses.
HB263 2402h: Unnamed Representative Information Only04:05:34.479 - 1:04:45 PM; An unnamed representative suggested contacting the AG's office and using a floor amendment to address concerns.
HB263 2402h: Representative Harry Gather Oppose04:05:34.479 - 1:04:45 PM; Representative Harry Gather expressed concerns about lines 13-21 of the bill and its shift from a private action to an attorney general's bill, leading them to vote against it.
HB263 2402h: Representative Muse Oppose04:06:49.640 - 1:06:00 PM; Representative Muse questioned the bill's effectiveness against large corporations and the resource strain on the AG's office. They also mentioned the removal of the private action clause and uncertainty due to pending federal legislation, suggesting tabling the bill for further refinement.
HB263 2402h: Representative Shear Oppose04:07:49.840 - 1:07:00 PM; Representative Shear agreed with Representative Muse, emphasizing the importance of the bill but the need for more time to refine the language, suggesting tabling or retaining it for the next session.

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)