The proposed bill, known as the "Capital Offenses Against Children Act," seeks to reinstate the death penalty in New Hampshire for specific crimes committed against minors under 13 years of age. It defines "capital offenses against a child" to include first-degree murder, second-degree murder, and aggravated felonious sexual assault involving sexual penetration. The bill mandates that individuals aged 18 or older found guilty of these offenses must be sentenced to death, with no mitigating circumstances allowed to alter this sentence. Additionally, the bill introduces a new section to RSA 630, which outlines the procedures for capital offenses against children, including the method of execution and the expedited appeal process, which must be resolved within one year of conviction.

The bill also amends the chapter heading of RSA 630 to include "AND CAPITAL OFFENSES" and establishes that the new provisions will apply only to offenses committed after the act's effective date. The legislation emphasizes the right of the victim's family to provide input during sentencing. While the bill does not provide specific funding, it is expected to significantly increase expenditures for the judicial system due to the resources required for capital cases, including additional court personnel and legal expenses. The fiscal impact is indeterminable, but estimates suggest costs could range from $1,000,000 to $7,500,000 annually, depending on the number of cases filed.