HB 653-FN - AS AMENDED BY THE HOUSE
3Jan2024... 2465h
2023 SESSION
23-0072
04/05
HOUSE BILL 653-FN
AN ACT relative to providing additional duties to the interbranch criminal and juvenile justice council.
SPONSORS: Rep. Berry, Hills. 39; Rep. Baroody, Hills. 39; Rep. Cushman, Hills. 28; Rep. Ankarberg, Straf. 7; Rep. Alexander Jr., Hills. 29; Rep. Infantine, Hills. 16; Sen. Bradley, Dist 3
COMMITTEE: Criminal Justice and Public Safety
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AMENDED ANALYSIS
This bill provides additional duties to the interbranch criminal and juvenile justice council and requires the chairperson to be the chairman of the criminal justice and public safety committee of the house of representatives.
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Explanation: Matter added to current law appears in bold italics.
Matter removed from current law appears [in brackets and struckthrough.]
Matter which is either (a) all new or (b) repealed and reenacted appears in regular type.
3Jan2024... 2465h 23-0072
04/05
STATE OF NEW HAMPSHIRE
In the Year of Our Lord Two Thousand Twenty Three
AN ACT relative to providing additional duties to the interbranch criminal and juvenile justice council.
Be it Enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives in General Court convened:
1 New Paragraphs; Interbranch Criminal and Juvenile Justice Council; Duties. Amend RSA 651-E:3 by inserting after paragraph IV the following new paragraphs:
V. The council shall investigate and propose legislation that would develop a statewide model for pretrial services for counties to adopt where, if minimum criteria established in the model are met, the county would be able to apply for reimbursement from a fund to be established by the legislature. As a part of the recommended legislation, a source for funding should be identified as well as the appropriate number and kind of services that must be included to qualify for reimbursement, based on the needs of a particular county that may not require all of the services outlined in the model plan.
VI. The council shall investigate and propose legislation that would establish a modern electronic system within the courts for case tracking, with different levels of access from outside entities based upon need. This shall include, law enforcement, defense counsel, bail commissioners, and the general public for research purposes. This system shall connect all courts within the state and shall allow for electronic filings, orders of the court, and any other such information as the commission deems necessary after investigating the matter.
VII. The council shall investigate and propose legislation to establish offices of victim and witness advocates within the offices of the county attorneys, to the extent such services are not already available, and using the office of victim/witness assistance at the department of justice as a model. The offices will provide support for victims of crime and witnesses to crime who are testifying on behalf of the state. This office should provide information related to the rights of victims in criminal cases, including, but not limited to, their ability to give victim impact statements, to be notified of all dates, times, and locations of proceedings in their cases, to be notified of the pending release of defendants, and to obtain protective orders; as well as information on the availability of various public and private assistance for victims of domestic violence or with food and shelter and on the availability of medical insurance and services; and any other roles as may deemed appropriate by the council. The council shall make recommendations for funding sources for this office, such as criminal fines or other sources.
2 Interbranch Criminal and Juvenile Justice Council. Amend RSA 651-E:4, I to read as follows:
I. [The members of the council shall elect a chairperson from among the members.] The chairperson shall be the chairman of the criminal justice and public safety committee of the house of representatives. The first meeting of the council shall be called by the speaker of the house of representatives or the speaker's designee. The first meeting of the council shall be held within 45 days of the effective date of this section. Twelve members of the council shall constitute a quorum.
3 Effective Date. This act shall take effect upon its passage.
23-0072
Amended 1/8/24
HB 653-FN- FISCAL NOTE
AS AMENDED BY THE HOUSE (AMENDMENT #2023-2465h)
AN ACT relative to providing additional duties to the interbranch criminal and juvenile justice council.
FISCAL IMPACT: [ ] State [ ] County [ ] Local [ X ] None
METHODOLOGY:
The Office of Legislative Budget Assistant states this bill, as amended, has no fiscal impact on state, county and local expenditures or revenue.
AGENCIES CONTACTED:
None