Bill > HB587

This bill modifies New Hampshire's existing law (RSA 570-A:2) to allow individuals, except law enforcement officers acting in their official capacity, to make or possess audio or video recordings under specific circumstances. Specifically, the bill permits a person to record or keep a recording that they reasonably believe contains evidence of a crime, with the intention of providing that recording to law enforcement agencies or using it as evidence in court proceedings. This change appears to be aimed at expanding individuals' ability to document potential criminal activities without legal repercussions, potentially providing a new tool for gathering evidence of crimes. The bill will take effect on January 1, 2026, and while it may have some indeterminable fiscal impact on judicial and correctional systems, it does not create any direct new state revenues or require immediate appropriations. The legislation seems designed to give private citizens more legal protection when they record what they believe to be criminal activity, potentially aiding law enforcement investigations.

Justice

https://gc.nh.gov/bill_status/legacy/bs2016/bill_status.aspx?lsr=0760&sy=2025&sortoption=&txtsessionyear=2025&txtbillnumber=HB587