Bill > HB1639

This bill establishes a comprehensive framework for petition-initiated special grand juries in New Hampshire, enabling citizens to initiate investigations into various public and private entities by filing a petition signed by at least 500 qualified county electors. The grand juries will be housed within county sheriff's offices and have broad investigative powers, including examining detention facilities, auditing public entities receiving taxpayer funds, reviewing election and tax administration, investigating corporate and professional misconduct, reviewing financial institutions, and even probing potential war crimes or federal overreach. Grand jurors will be compensated at $200 per day, a significant increase from the previous $10 per half day, and the counties will be responsible for covering the operational costs of these special grand juries. The bill empowers grand juries to conduct on-site inspections, review records, interview staff and residents, examine financial documents, and issue public reports and recommendations. The special grand juries will have significant independence, with the ability to retain independent experts, access confidential records, and transmit their findings to the public, while the superior court maintains supervisory authority. The bill is set to take effect on January 1, 2027, and is expected to result in potentially significant increases in state and county expenditures due to expanded investigative capabilities and increased juror compensation.

Justice

https://gc.nh.gov/bill_Status/billinfo.aspx?id=2253&inflect=2