This bill mandates the use of a lethality assessment program (LAP) screening tool by all law enforcement agencies during investigations related to domestic violence, violations of protective orders, and suspected stalking incidents. Specifically, the bill introduces new legal language to amend various statutes, including RSA 631:2-b, RSA 173-B:9, RSA 633:3-a, and RSA 458:16, requiring that the LAP screening tool be administered with the victim present in these situations. The results of each screening must be filed by the law enforcement agency or prosecutor with the court at the arraignment of the defendant.

The bill does not provide funding or authorize new positions to support the implementation of this requirement, which is expected to increase the demand for training and data management within the Department of Justice. While the Department anticipates that troopers will be able to conduct the screenings as part of their normal duties, the lack of funding for additional personnel to manage the program could pose challenges. The estimated costs associated with the necessary positions for training and support are projected to be significant in the following fiscal years, although the bill does not allocate any appropriations for these expenses.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 631:2-b, 633:3-a, 458:16
HB1632 text: 631:2-b, 173-B:9, 633:3-a, 458:16