This bill aims to enhance the enforcement of criminal restitution obligations in New Hampshire by introducing several key reforms. It mandates annual financial reevaluations of offenders' ability to pay restitution, allowing for adjustments to payment schedules based on any increases in financial capacity. The bill also establishes additional enforcement mechanisms for noncompliance, such as wage garnishment and interception of tax refunds, and imposes penalties for intentional nonpayment, including interest on unpaid balances. Furthermore, it requires the Department of Corrections to provide timely notifications to victims regarding payment statuses and any changes in the restitution process.

Significant changes to existing law include the repeal and reenactment of RSA 651:64, III, which now outlines the mandatory financial reevaluation process and the consequences of noncompliance. The bill also stipulates that restitution payments must be disbursed to victims within 45 days of receipt and extends restitution obligations to a victim's estate when appropriate. Notably, the bill removes the provision that monetary restitution shall not bear interest, except as authorized by the new section. These reforms are intended to modernize the restitution system, ensuring that victims receive timely payments and that offenders are held accountable for their obligations. The bill is set to take effect on June 1, 2027.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 651:64, 651:67
As Amended by the House: 651:64
HB1576 text: 651:64, 651:67