The "Transparency and Protection in Communications Act" allows for one-party consent for audio and video recordings of conversations, provided that the recordings do not violate privacy laws as defined in RSA 644:9 and are not used for blackmail or harassment. This new legal provision is inserted into RSA 570-A:2, II as a new subparagraph (n), which states that any party to an oral communication or telecommunication may record the conversation without the consent of the other party under the specified conditions. The bill also mandates the Department of Justice to create a public information campaign to educate the public about these changes in law.

In addition to the new provisions, the bill does not authorize any new funding or positions but anticipates an increase in state expenditures due to the costs associated with the public awareness campaign and training resources for law enforcement and prosecutors. The estimated one-time cost for the media campaign is projected to be at least $500,000, with additional costs for a potential full-time employee to manage the campaign. The act is set to take effect 60 days after its passage.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 570-A:2
HB1508 text: 570-A:2