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HB 1641-FN

relative to petitions for certain orders of protection where the subject of the order is either released on bail or on probation.

Filed 2026 · Died on the table · Criminal Justice and Public Safety · Civil Actions

Official record at gencourt.state.nh.us ↗

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On the record

Quoted from the General Court bill status page, not worked out from the docket.

StatusHOUSE
In the HouseDIED ON THE TABLE
Introduced1/7/2026
Floor date2/19/2026
LSR number3047
Local government impactno
Committee codeH26

Bill text (PDF) ↗

Where it stands

House: DIED ON THE TABLE

Every floor vote on this bill was a voice or division vote, so there is no record of how individual legislators voted.

The bill was set aside during the session and never taken back up, so it died when the session ended.

Sponsors

Manos, Zoe(D) Rock 12, Altschiller, Debra(D) Rock 24, Beauchemin, Paige(D) Hills 3, Gregg, Alicia(D) Hills 7, Johnson, Erik(D) Straf 11, Meuse, David(D) Rock 37, Newell, Jodi(D) Ches 4, Read, Ellen(D) Rock 10, Scherr, Buzz(D) Rock 26, Selig, Loren(D) Straf 10, Smith, Marjorie(D) Straf 10
Prime sponsor in bold. From the General Court sponsor file.

What happened

Every action recorded in the official docket, in order. Each line ends with the journal or calendar that recorded it; where we have the document, that citation links to it.

Votes

Roll call tallies and individual votes from the General Court roll call files. Presiding, excused and absent are shown separately: one member presides over each House roll call and does not vote except to break a tie.

Lay HB1641 on Table (Rep. Rhodes)

February 19, 2026 · House · 287–48, adopted

Decided on a division vote. Only the outcome was recorded — there is no count of how any member voted.

Committee reports

Reproduced from the House Calendar in the committee’s own words.

Majority — INEXPEDIENT TO LEGISLATE

Rep. Terry Roy

While the intent behind this bill, to streamline processes for protective orders in cases of domestic violence, stalking, and civil restraining matters, may appear beneficial on the surface, it overlooks critical risks to victims. Mandating electronic filing of petitions, except in extraordinary circumstances, reduces options for survivors at a time when they need more avenues to seek safety, not fewer. Electronic filing, while convenient in some contexts, should remain an option rather than the default, as it can expose victims to heightened danger. Survivors of domestic violence often face abusers who exert control through surveillance of their electronic devices. According to the National Network to End Domestic Violence, 97% of U.S. domestic violence programs report that survivors experience technology-facilitated abuse. Specifically, 71% of abusers monitor victims’ device activities, and 54% install stalkerware or spyware on phones and computers. Another survey found that 79% of programs report abusers monitoring survivors’ social media accounts, and 74% indicate abusers frequently check in via text or calls to track victims. Requiring electronic submission of a petition could inadvertently alert an abuser who is covertly monitoring the victim’s phone, computer, or online activity, allowing them to intercept the process before protection is granted. Statistics underscore the peril of this exposure: the most dangerous period for a domestic violence victim is when they attempt to leave the relationship, with a 75% increase in violence upon separation lasting at least two years. Up to 77% of domestic violence-related homicides occur upon separation. The first step toward escape is often seeking a protective order, and if an abuser discovers this attempt through device monitoring, it could precipitate immediate violence, leaving the victim without timely intervention. The minority highlights delays in the current paper-driven system and the unbuilt electronic sharing platform funded two years ago. However, these issues can be addressed without compromising victim safety by mandating electronic filing. Improving paper processes, ensuring rapid manual transmission where needed, or providing secure, in-person electronic filing options at courthouses or crisis centers would better serve survivors. Victims deserve systems that prioritize their immediate safety over procedural efficiency that could endanger them further. Vote 12-1.

Minority — OUGHT TO PASS

Rep. David Meuse

This bill requires the clerk’s office in every circuit and superior court to transmit domestic violence, stalking, and civil restraining orders to prosecutors and probation offices within 24 hours, except weekends, when the defendant is subject to bail or probation. The current system is paper-driven and complex. The resulting delays can lead to defendants who are out on bail or probation, who become the subject of a protective order, to remain free, at risk to their victims, despite violating their bail or probation conditions. It should be noted that two years ago, the legislature authorized the Department of Safety and Judicial Branch to develop and implement a platform that would have enabled electronic sharing of an individual’s bail condition status with law enforcement. $1.7 million was appropriated for this purpose, but the system was never built. Victims of domestic violence and stalking deserve better.

Hearings and recordings

Recordings are the General Court’s own, on YouTube. Start times are estimates unless stated otherwise, and the player opens early.

Page generated 2026-09-03 from data published by the New Hampshire General Court. Granite Record is an independent project, not affiliated with the General Court. The official record always takes precedence. Corrections: [email protected]