Bill > HB1801

This bill, known as the "Clean Cops Act," introduces several significant changes to law enforcement and judicial procedures in New Hampshire. The bill establishes a new framework for claims of wrongful detention, where if a plaintiff makes a prima facie case of unlawful detention, the state must prove the detention was lawful, with damages calculated at a set rate of $100 per hour (adjusted annually). It substantially reforms drug forfeiture proceedings by creating more complex procedural requirements, increasing protections for property owners, and shifting the burden of proof to make forfeitures more difficult. The bill also adds new requirements for law enforcement certification, including prohibiting certification of officers terminated for cause from other agencies and mandating additional psychological screenings for officers with misconduct findings. Furthermore, the bill creates a new violation-level offense for law enforcement officers who knowingly make false entries on written reports. These changes aim to increase accountability and procedural fairness in law enforcement actions, with the provisions set to take effect on January 1, 2027. The bill's implementation is expected to have potential fiscal impacts, including increased administrative costs for state agencies and potentially reduced forfeiture revenues, though the exact financial implications are currently indeterminate.

Justice

https://gc.nh.gov/bill_Status/billinfo.aspx?id=2258&inflect=2