This bill establishes a new chapter in New Hampshire law concerning the litigation of state constitutional rights violations. It asserts that individuals who can demonstrate that their rights under the state constitution have been violated are entitled to legal remedies, even in the absence of proven monetary damages. The bill introduces new legal language that specifies courts must provide relief for such violations, which may include declaratory judgments, nominal damages, and other equitable remedies. It clarifies that these remedies can be awarded based on the state constitution, the authority granted by this statute, or the court's common law equitable jurisdiction. Additionally, the bill emphasizes that it does not limit individuals' constitutional rights or the remedies available to them.
The bill also includes a severability clause, ensuring that if any part of the chapter is deemed invalid by a court, the remaining provisions will still be enforceable. The effective date for this legislation is set for 30 days after its passage. The fiscal impact of the bill is estimated to be less than $10,000 for each fiscal year from 2025 to 2028, as determined by the Legislative Budget Assistant.