This bill introduces new legal provisions regarding contempt of the general court by establishing both criminal penalties and civil remedies. It amends RSA 642 by adding a new section, 642:11, which outlines that any individual who knowingly fails to comply with a subpoena issued by either house of the general court, or who refuses to answer questions or produce requested documents, may be found guilty of a misdemeanor. Prosecutions for this offense can only be initiated by the Department of Justice and must occur in the superior court for Merrimack County. Additionally, the bill provides a civil contempt remedy, allowing the court to compel compliance with subpoenas and impose sanctions, including fines or incarceration, if the individual fails to demonstrate valid legal justification for their non-compliance.

The bill also clarifies that it does not limit the inherent constitutional powers of either house of the general court to enforce compliance or punish non-compliance. The effective date for this act is set for January 1, 2026. The fiscal note indicates that while the revenue impact is projected to be zero, the expenditures related to the implementation of this bill are indeterminable, suggesting potential costs for the judicial and correctional systems due to the changes in penalties and enforcement mechanisms.