Bill > HB1302

This bill addresses the distribution of post-arrest photographs (mugshots) by law enforcement, establishing new restrictions on their public release for nonviolent offenses. Specifically, the bill prohibits law enforcement from publishing or sharing mugshots of individuals arrested for nonviolent offenses until they are actually convicted, recognizing that premature public release can cause significant reputational harm and create an unfair presumption of guilt. The bill defines nonviolent offenses as those that do not involve physical force against a person and creates limited exceptions for releasing such photographs, such as when the arrested individual poses an immediate public safety threat or has failed to appear in court and needs to be located. The legislation also requires law enforcement to document any photograph releases and allows continued sharing of mugshots with other law enforcement agencies, prosecutors, and witnesses. Notably, the bill explicitly excludes individuals determined to be unlawfully present in the United States from these protections, allowing their mugshots to be released regardless of conviction status. The new law will take effect 60 days after its passage, giving law enforcement agencies time to adjust their practices to comply with the new requirements.

Justice

https://gc.nh.gov/bill_Status/billinfo.aspx?id=2083&inflect=2