This bill establishes sexual assault orders of protection and enhances the rights of sexual assault survivors. It introduces a new section, RSA 632-A:5-a, which allows individuals to file civil petitions in circuit court for protective orders if they can demonstrate they have been victims of sexual assault. The court is required to grant necessary relief to protect the victim's physical, psychological, or emotional well-being, with procedures and penalties aligned with existing laws. The bill also specifies that the minority of a plaintiff or defendant does not prevent the issuance of protective orders and outlines the duration and extension of such orders, as well as the rights of defendants regarding contact with plaintiffs under certain conditions.

Additionally, the bill amends RSA 21-M:18, I(b) to enhance the rights of sexual assault survivors, including the preservation of evidence collection kits for a longer duration and the requirement to inform survivors about the status and location of these kits. The bill also introduces penalties for violations of protective orders, classifying them as misdemeanors or felonies based on prior offenses. The effective date for this act is set for January 1, 2027. Overall, the bill aims to provide stronger legal protections and support for sexual assault survivors while ensuring that the judicial system can effectively enforce these protections.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 21-M:18
As Amended by the House: 21-M:18
HB1651 text: 21-M:18