This bill seeks to strengthen the enforcement of criminal restitution obligations in New Hampshire through a series of reforms. Key provisions include the requirement for the Department of Corrections to conduct annual financial evaluations of offenders to determine their ability to pay restitution, with adjustments to payment schedules based on any increases in financial capacity. New enforcement mechanisms for noncompliance are introduced, such as wage garnishment, tax refund interception, and potential criminal proceedings for intentional nonpayment, which will incur interest and financial penalties. Additionally, the bill mandates timely notifications to victims regarding payment statuses and changes in the restitution process. Notably, it includes the insertion of provisions for retroactive adjustments to payment schedules and mandates that restitution payments be disbursed to victims within 45 days of receipt.

The bill also establishes a new class A misdemeanor for individuals who intentionally fail to make restitution payments and outlines the Department of Corrections' expanded role in managing restitution cases, which will require hiring additional staff. The projected costs for these new positions are estimated to start at $36,000 in FY 2027 and rise to $344,000 by FY 2029. Furthermore, the bill proposes automatic deductions of restitution from inmate accounts and enhanced victim notification requirements, necessitating modifications to the Department's existing offender management software. The effective date of the bill is set for June 1, 2027, although a later date of July 1, 2027, may be more appropriate to align with the fiscal year. Overall, the reforms aim to ensure that victims receive timely payments and that offenders are held accountable for their restitution obligations.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 651:64, 651:67
HB1576 text: 651:64, 651:67