HB 1696-FN (2026): relative to the issuance of a summons instead of arrest.

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MLA: “HB 1696-FN (2026): relative to the issuance of a summons instead of arrest.” Granite Record, https://graniterecord.org/bill/2026/hb1696. Accessed 19 Oct. 2026.
APA: Granite Record. (n.d.). HB 1696-FN (2026): relative to the issuance of a summons instead of arrest. Retrieved 19 Oct. 2026, from https://graniterecord.org/bill/2026/hb1696
Chicago: Granite Record. “HB 1696-FN (2026): relative to the issuance of a summons instead of arrest.” Accessed 19 Oct. 2026. https://graniterecord.org/bill/2026/hb1696.
BibTeX: @misc{bill-2026-hb1696, title = {HB 1696-FN (2026): relative to the issuance of a summons instead of arrest.}, howpublished = {Granite Record}, url = {https://graniterecord.org/bill/2026/hb1696}, note = {Accessed 19 Oct. 2026} }

HB 1696-FN (2026)

relative to the issuance of a summons instead of arrest.

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: 75

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 21, 2026, with 5 people signed in online: 2 in support, 2 in opposition and 1 as neutral. The committee met in executive session on February 18, 2026 to vote on its recommendation. The committee voted 11–1 to recommend that the House pass it, and the report was placed on the consent calendar. On March 5, 2026 the House voted to pass it on a voice vote. It crossed to the Senate on March 5, 2026 and was referred to the Senate Judiciary committee. The committee held a public hearing on March 24, 2026. The committee voted unanimously, 5–0, to recommend that the Senate pass it, and the report was placed on the consent calendar. On April 9, 2026 the Senate voted to pass it on a voice vote and ordered it to a third reading. The bill was enrolled on May 7, 2026 — the final check of the text before it goes to the governor. The governor signed it on May 18, 2026, making it Chapter 75 of the session laws.

Hearings and Sessions

January 21, 2026, 11:30 AM: public hearing, House Criminal Justice and Public Safety, GP 159
February 18, 2026, 11:30 AM: executive session, House Criminal Justice and Public Safety, GP 159
March 5, 2026: consent calendar, House
March 24, 2026, 1:50 PM: hearing, Senate Judiciary, SH 100
April 9, 2026: consent calendar, Senate

Votes

March 5, 2026, House: Ought to Pass — voice vote, passed
April 9, 2026, Senate: Ought to Pass — voice vote, passed

The Docket

January 7, 2026: Introduced 01/07/2026 and referred to Criminal Justice and Public Safety
January 21, 2026: Public Hearing: 01/21/2026 11:30 am GP 159
February 18, 2026: Executive Session: 02/18/2026 11:30 am GP 159
February 18, 2026: Committee Report: Ought to Pass 02/18/2026 (Vote 11-1; CC)
March 5, 2026: Ought to Pass: MA VV 03/05/2026
March 5, 2026: Introduced 03/05/2026 and Referred to Judiciary
March 24, 2026: Hearing: 03/24/2026, Room 100, SH, 01:50 pm
April 9, 2026: Committee Report: Ought to Pass, 04/09/2026; Vote 5-0; CC
April 9, 2026: Ought to Pass: MA, VV; OT3rdg; 04/09/2026
May 7, 2026: Enrolled Adopted, VV, (In recess 05/07/2026)
May 7, 2026: Enrolled (in recess of) 05/07/2026
May 18, 2026: Signed by Governor Ayotte 05/18/2026; Chapter 75; eff. 01/01/2027

Laws It Would Change

RSA 594:14

Related Bills

SB 38-FN (2023): amending the procedure for issuing a summons instead of an arrest.
HB 316 (2021): requiring a person issued a summons to remain of good behavior.