This bill establishes a commission to study alternatives to incarceration for nonviolent offenders who are primary caregivers, recognizing the negative impact that incarceration can have on families, particularly children. The commission will be formed by inserting a new section, RSA 651:25-a, into current law, which outlines the composition of the commission, including members from the House of Representatives, the Senate, the Department of Corrections, the Department of Health and Human Services, and various nonprofit organizations. The commission will be tasked with studying current sentencing practices, identifying potential alternatives to incarceration, examining models from other jurisdictions, and evaluating the implications of these alternatives.

Additionally, the bill includes a provision for the prospective repeal of RSA 651:25-a, which will take effect on November 30, 2026, while the remainder of the act will take effect upon its passage. The commission is required to submit a report of its findings and recommendations by November 1, 2026, to key legislative and executive leaders. The bill aims to explore home-based or community-based alternatives to incarceration, thereby addressing the needs of nonviolent offenders who are primary caregivers and their dependents.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 651:25-a