This bill establishes sexual assault protective orders and enhances the rights of sexual assault survivors. It introduces a new section, RSA 632-A:5-a, allowing 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 for violations mirroring those in RSA 173-B. The bill also allows for protective orders to be issued regardless of the plaintiff's or defendant's minority status and sets specific timeframes for the duration and renewal of these orders.

Additionally, the bill amends RSA 21-M:18, I(b) to extend the preservation period for sexual assault evidence collection kits from a shorter duration to a longer one, specifically for the maximum applicable statute of limitations or 20 years. It also mandates that survivors be informed of the status and location of their evidence kits, alongside the existing rights to be informed of results from these kits. The bill will take effect on January 1, 2027.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 21-M:18
As Amended by the House: 21-M:18
As Amended by the Senate: 21-M:18
Version adopted by both bodies: 21-M:18
CHAPTERED FINAL VERSION: 21-M:18
HB1651 text: 21-M:18