This bill amends the existing law regarding false reports to law enforcement by introducing new provisions that specifically address false allegations against police officers. It establishes that a person is guilty of a misdemeanor if they knowingly report false or baseless information regarding misconduct by a law enforcement officer while the officer is performing their official duties. Additionally, if the false report pertains to allegations of criminal conduct by a law enforcement officer, the offense is elevated to a class A misdemeanor. The bill modifies the language of the current law, replacing the previous structure with clearer definitions and consequences for such actions.

The bill also includes specific insertions and deletions to the existing statute, RSA 641:4. Notably, it replaces the previous sections with new subsections that clarify the definitions of false reporting, including the gender-neutral language of "he or she." The effective date for this act is set for January 1, 2026. The fiscal impact of the bill is indeterminable, as it may affect the judicial and correctional systems, potentially influencing costs related to prosecution, incarceration, probation, and parole for the state and local governments.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 641:4