HB 1637 (2026): relative to the scheduling of hearings on certain motions to modify or revoke bail.

HB 1637 (2026)

relative to the scheduling of hearings on certain motions to modify or revoke bail.

• Status: Signed into law
• Term: 2025-2026
• House committee: Criminal Justice and Public Safety
• Senate committee: Judiciary
• Subject: Crimes, Criminal Procedure and Corrections
• Chapter law: 237

The Story

It was introduced on January 7, 2026 and referred to the House Criminal Justice and Public Safety committee. The committee held a public hearing on January 16, 2026, with 7 people signed in online: 6 in support and 1 in opposition. The committee held a public hearing on February 11, 2026, with 8 people signed in online: 4 in support and 4 in opposition. The committee met in executive session on February 13, 2026 to vote on its recommendation. The committee voted unanimously, 13–0, to recommend that the House pass it, and the report was placed on the consent calendar. On March 11, 2026 the House voted to pass it on a voice vote. It crossed to the Senate on March 12, 2026 and was referred to the Senate Judiciary committee. The committee held a public hearing on April 28, 2026. The committee voted unanimously, 5–0, to recommend that the Senate pass it with changes (amendment 2026-1920s), and the report was placed on the consent calendar. The committee's amendment (2026-1920s) was adopted on a voice vote on May 14, 2026, changing the text of the bill. On May 14, 2026 the Senate voted to pass it with changes on a voice vote and ordered it to a third reading. On May 21, 2026 the House adopted “House Concurs with Senate Amendment 2026-1920s” on a voice vote, on a motion by Rep. Terry Roy. The bill was enrolled on June 4, 2026 — the final check of the text before it goes to the governor. The governor signed it on July 2, 2026, making it Chapter 237 of the session laws.

Sponsors

• Rep. Zoe Manos (D - Rock 12) (prime sponsor)
• Sen. Debra Altschiller (D - SD24)
• Rep. Paige Beauchemin (D - Hills 3)
• Rep. Alicia Gregg (D - Hills 7)
• Rep. Erik Johnson (D - Straf 11)
• Rep. David Meuse (D - Rock 37)
• Rep. Jodi Newell (D - Ches 4)
• Rep. Loren Selig (D - Straf 10)
• Rep. Marjorie Smith (D - Straf 10)

Hearings and Sessions

• January 16, 2026, 3:00 PM: public hearing, House Criminal Justice and Public Safety, GP 159
• February 11, 2026, 11:00 AM: public hearing, House Criminal Justice and Public Safety, GP 159
• February 13, 2026, 10:00 AM: executive session, House Criminal Justice and Public Safety, GP 159
• March 11, 2026: consent calendar, House
• April 28, 2026, 1:20 PM: hearing, Senate Judiciary, SH 100
• May 14, 2026: consent calendar, Senate
• May 21, 2026: floor debate, House

Votes

• March 11, 2026, House: Ought to Pass — voice vote, passed
• May 14, 2026, Senate: Ought to Pass with Amendment # 2026-1920s — voice vote, passed
• May 21, 2026, House: House Concurs with Senate Amendment 2026-1920s — voice vote, passed

The Docket

Laws It Would Change

• RSA 597:6-e
• RSA 597:2
• RSA 597:7-a

From the General Court

• Bill text
• Bill status page
• Docket
• HJ 1, page 29
• HC 10, page 11
• HJ 7, page 16
• SJ 7
• SC 17
• SC 18A
• SJ 12
• HJ 14, page 22
• SJ 14
• HJ 15, page 52