This bill, HB 1740-FN, amends RSA 173-B to enhance protections for individuals facing domestic violence by establishing clearer definitions for terms such as "abuse," "domestic violence," and "family or household member." It introduces mandatory law enforcement responses to reports of abuse, requiring agencies to investigate allegations, create written reports, and submit them to the appropriate prosecuting authority within 24 hours. The bill also outlines the prerequisites for filing civil protective orders, emphasizing that these orders cannot replace criminal investigations. Additionally, it creates a Domestic Violence Law Enforcement Training and Support Fund to improve law enforcement responses, funded by fines from civil contempt proceedings and legislative appropriations.

Key changes include the insertion of legal language that affirms the right of individuals with valid protective orders to use physical or deadly force under specific conditions, while clarifying that such force is not justified in response to mere presence without a reasonable belief of imminent harm. The bill also emphasizes the confidentiality of victims' addresses and ensures no penalties for individuals who leave their homes to escape abuse. It establishes a law enforcement coordinator position to oversee the fund and requires annual reporting on its distributions and outcomes. The bill is set to take effect on January 1, 2027, and anticipates increased local expenditures related to the enforcement of protective orders, which may be offset by reimbursements from the newly created fund.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 6:12
HB1740 text: 6:12