This bill amends RSA 104:5 by adding a new paragraph that assigns county sheriffs and their deputies the responsibility of overseeing all federal law enforcement actions within their counties. The sheriffs are required to maintain a nonparticipating presence during the execution of federal warrants and arrests to ensure the rights of New Hampshire residents are upheld and that federal actions adhere to best practices for minimizing the use of deadly force. Additionally, the bill mandates that federal law enforcement agencies provide advance notice to sheriffs regarding any actions planned within their jurisdiction. If prior notice is not given or if best practices are not followed, the sheriff has the authority to deem such actions unauthorized and unlawful, allowing them to terminate these actions.

The fiscal impact of this bill is expected to be indeterminable, as it may lead to increased expenditures for county sheriffs' offices due to the requirement for their presence at federal law enforcement activities, which could result in overtime costs. The New Hampshire Association of Counties has indicated that these duties fall outside the current scope of work for sheriffs, and the requirement for advance notice from federal agencies may lead to additional litigation, further complicating the financial implications for county governments. The Department of Justice does not anticipate any revenue or expenditure changes resulting from this bill.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 104:5