This bill amends the existing law regarding criminal venue by allowing prosecution in the county or judicial district where any element of the offense occurred, rather than requiring that all elements of the offense occur within a single county or judicial district. The specific legal language added to the law states that if parts of an offense are committed or different elements of the offense occur in more than one county or judicial district, the offense shall be deemed to have been committed in either location, allowing for prosecution and trial in either jurisdiction. The bill is a request from the office of the Merrimack county attorney.

The bill is set to take effect on January 1, 2026, and is expected to have a fiscal impact on the General Fund. While it does not provide specific funding, it is estimated that the costs associated with prosecution could increase by $10,000 to $100,000, depending on the location of witnesses and the resulting travel expenses. The Judicial Branch also anticipates potential additional costs related to increased litigation, which could be $10,000 or less. However, the exact fiscal impact remains indeterminable at this time.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 602:1