Bill > SB141

This bill modifies the existing law regarding petitions for a new trial by creating an exception to the standard three-year time limit for filing such petitions. Specifically, the bill allows individuals convicted of a felony or class A misdemeanor who are currently incarcerated, serving a sentence, or experiencing collateral consequences of a sentence to petition for a new trial beyond the original three-year timeframe if they can present newly discovered evidence. The term "newly discovered evidence" is broadly defined to include evidence that can be subjected to new forensic testing, new scientific understanding, or evidence that was previously inadmissible but is now admissible in court. Importantly, the bill does not change the fundamental standard for granting a new trial as outlined in existing law (RSA 526:1), but rather provides a more flexible timeline for those who may have compelling new information after the initial three-year period. The bill is set to take effect on January 1, 2026, and while it may have potential fiscal implications for the judicial system, the exact financial impact is currently considered indeterminable.

Justice

https://gc.nh.gov/bill_status/legacy/bs2016/bill_docket.aspx?lsr=996&sy=2025&sortoption=&txtsessionyear=2025&txtbillnumber=SB141