Bill > HB611

This bill, effective January 1, 2026, amends the laws regarding the repayment of appointed counsel fees for indigent criminal defendants. It reinstates a system where the state can require repayment of legal fees from adult defendants who received state-funded legal representation, regardless of whether they are ultimately convicted of a crime. This means that even if a defendant is acquitted or charges are dropped, they may still be ordered to repay the costs of their appointed attorney, with the amount determined by their ability to pay and subject to a maximum set by the state's flat rate for contract attorneys. The bill also clarifies that juveniles receiving appointed counsel, or those legally responsible for them, can also be ordered to repay these fees, with that liability generally ending when the juvenile reaches adulthood unless they were tried as an adult. The court will issue specific repayment orders, and defendants can petition for relief if they are unable to comply, with the state retaining the ability to investigate and seek new repayment orders for up to six years. Additionally, the bill removes the phrase "IF I AM CONVICTED" from the statement that defendants must sign when requesting court-appointed counsel, reinforcing that repayment may be required even without a conviction.

Budget and Finance, Justice

https://gc.nh.gov/bill_Status/billinfo.aspx?id=371&inflect=2