This bill amends existing law to expand the category of individuals who must demonstrate a compelling reason before being allowed to change their name to include those convicted of violent felonies or crimes against children. Previously, this requirement applied to incarcerated individuals, those on probation or parole, and sexual offenders or offenders against children no longer under department of corrections supervision. The bill mandates that a copy of the petition for a name change must be served to the initial prosecuting jurisdiction in addition to the department of corrections or the department of safety, as appropriate. Furthermore, the bill defines "crime against a child" and "violent felony" to include specific offenses such as murder, manslaughter, assault, sexual assault, kidnapping, arson, robbery, and trafficking in persons.

Additionally, the bill introduces a new paragraph that requires the initial prosecuting jurisdiction to make reasonable efforts to notify the victim or the victim's next of kin about the name change petition. The victim or their representative is given the opportunity to appear before the judge, through counsel, or submit a written statement to express their views on the offense, the offender, and the implications of granting a name change. The judge is instructed to take into account these statements when deciding whether to approve the name change. The act is set to take effect 60 days after its passage, with an effective date of July 30, 2024.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 547:3-i
As Amended by the House: 547:3-i
As Amended by the Senate: 547:3-i
Version adopted by both bodies: 547:3-i
CHAPTERED FINAL VERSION: 547:3-i