This bill aims to enhance the enforcement of criminal restitution obligations in New Hampshire by introducing new mechanisms for financial reevaluation and penalties for noncompliance. Key provisions include mandatory annual financial reevaluations of offenders by the Department of Corrections, which will assess their ability to pay restitution and adjust payment schedules accordingly. The bill also establishes that any missed payments or intentional delays will trigger enforcement actions, such as wage garnishment and tax refund interception. Additionally, it mandates that the Department of Corrections provide timely notifications to victims regarding payment statuses and any changes in the offender's financial situation.

The bill modifies existing laws by inserting provisions that require restitution payments to be made promptly and to be disbursed to victims within 45 days of receipt. It also clarifies that restitution obligations will continue to apply to an offender's estate and may benefit the victim's estate. Notably, the bill specifies that monetary restitution will not accrue interest unless authorized, and it introduces penalties for intentional nonpayment, including interest at the civil judgment rate and additional financial penalties. The changes are designed to modernize the restitution system, ensuring better communication with victims and more consistent enforcement of payment obligations.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 651:64, 651:67
As Amended by the House: 651:64
Version adopted by both bodies: 651:64
CHAPTERED FINAL VERSION: 651:64
HB1576 text: 651:64, 651:67