Governor Chris Sununu Signs Comprehensive Criminal Justice Reform Bill Into Law

Concord, NH - Today, Governor Chris Sununu issued the following statement after signing HB 1645, relative to superior court judgments; adding a bail commissioner to the commission on pretrial detention, pretrial scheduling, and pretrial services and the release of a defendant pending trial; prison privatization; misdemeanor domestic violence offenses; immunity from arrest or prosecution for certain alcoholic beverage violations; police officers reporting misconduct; criminal mischief; screening for all law enforcement officers for psychological stability prior to assuming their duties as certified officers; and prohibiting the use of chokeholds by law enforcement officers, into law:

"I would like to thank all of those involved in making this bill a reality," said Governor Chris Sununu. "This is a good first step, and I look forward to our continued work with the Commission on Law Enforcement Accountability, Community, and Transparency."

The law signed by the Governor:

• Prohibits the use of chokeholds by law enforcement;
• Prohibits private prisons in New Hampshire;
• Requires police officers to report misconduct;
• Further reforms bail reform;
• Provides funding to municipalities for psychological stability screening for candidates seeking certification as law enforcement officers