Bill > HB1465

This bill establishes a mandatory reporting system for civil rights violations committed by members of the judicial branch in New Hampshire. Specifically, the bill requires certain individuals, including state employees, bar association members, attorneys, state and federal employees working in New Hampshire, and court personnel, to report any suspected violations of civil rights or judicial conduct codes to the attorney general's office. Reporters must have "reasonable cause to believe" a violation has occurred, which includes direct observations or reports received verbally or in writing. The attorney general's office is then required to forward these reports to the administrative office of the court, the county sheriff, and the chief justice of the New Hampshire Supreme Court. Failure to report such violations will result in a misdemeanor charge, punishable by a $1,500 fine and one week of incarceration. To protect whistleblowers, the bill includes a provision that shields good faith reporters from retaliation. The bill is set to take effect on January 1, 2027, and aims to increase accountability and transparency within the judicial system by creating a structured mechanism for reporting potential misconduct.

Justice

https://gc.nh.gov/bill_Status/billinfo.aspx?id=2321&inflect=2