Bill > HB1632

This bill requires law enforcement agencies to use the Lethality Assessment Program (LAP) screening tool in four specific types of investigations: domestic violence incidents, violations of protective orders, stalking cases with domestic violence elements, and restraining order violations. The LAP is a standardized screening process designed to help identify high-risk domestic violence situations by asking victims a series of questions that assess their potential danger. Under this legislation, whenever law enforcement responds to these types of incidents, they must administer the LAP screening tool and, if the screening indicates a high-risk situation (referred to as being "screened in"), the results must be filed by the law enforcement agency or prosecutor with the court at the defendant's arraignment. Currently, LAP participation is voluntary, but this bill would make it mandatory for all law enforcement agencies. The bill does not provide additional funding for implementation but acknowledges that the Department of Justice may need to add two positions to support training and data management. The new requirements will take effect 60 days after the bill's passage, aiming to improve victim safety by ensuring a consistent, comprehensive risk assessment in domestic violence-related cases.

Justice

https://gc.nh.gov/bill_Status/billinfo.aspx?id=2222&inflect=2