Bill > HB1576

This bill modernizes New Hampshire's criminal restitution system by introducing comprehensive new mechanisms to improve enforcement and victim support. The legislation requires the Department of Corrections to conduct mandatory financial reevaluations of offenders at least annually, with the ability to adjust payment schedules upward if an offender's financial situation improves. For incarcerated offenders, the bill mandates automatic 10 percent deductions from their resident accounts to pay restitution. The bill establishes robust enforcement actions for non-compliant offenders, including wage garnishment, tax refund interception, license suspension, and property liens. Additionally, the legislation creates a new class A misdemeanor for purposely failing to make restitution payments. Victims will receive enhanced communication, including quarterly payment status updates, immediate notifications of payment schedule changes, and guaranteed disbursement of funds within 45 days of receipt. The original prosecuting authority will continue providing victim services until restitution is fully satisfied. The bill is remedial in nature and will apply to both existing and future restitution orders, with an effective date of June 1, 2027. While the bill does not provide direct funding, the Department of Corrections anticipates needing additional staff to manage the expanded requirements, with estimated increased expenditures of $36,000 in the first partial year, rising to $328,000 in the following fiscal year.

Budget and Finance, Justice

https://gc.nh.gov/bill_Status/billinfo.aspx?id=2099&inflect=2