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 new legal language stipulates that sheriffs must 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 requires federal law enforcement agencies to 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, sheriffs have the authority to deem such actions unauthorized and terminate them.

The bill is expected to have an indeterminable fiscal impact on county expenditures, as it may necessitate the presence of sheriff's office personnel at all federal warrant services and arrests, potentially leading to increased overtime costs. The New Hampshire Association of Counties has indicated that these responsibilities fall outside the current scope of work for sheriff's offices, which could result in additional litigation due to the lack of authority to compel federal agencies to share information. The bill is set to take effect 60 days after its passage.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 104:5