establishing sexual assault orders of protection and relative to sexual assault survivors' rights.
Sponsored By: Jennifer M Rhodes (Republican)
Signed by Governor
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.
New court protection for assault survivors
Beginning January 1, 2027, sexual assault survivors can seek a civil protection order in New Hampshire circuit court. They must file in the district where either party lives and prove the assault was more likely than not. Once proven, the court must grant relief needed to protect the survivor’s physical, psychological, or emotional well-being. Protection is available even when either party is a minor, using the state's domestic violence protection procedures and relief. Orders last up to one year. On the survivor’s motion, a first extension requires good cause and notice and lasts one year; later extensions can last up to five years at the court’s discretion. The court reviews each renewal, and defendants have a right to an extension hearing within 30 days of the extension. The court must explain an extension in writing if the defendant asks. Defense lawyers may contact survivors for legitimate case purposes, but must identify whom they represent and acknowledge the order. They must explain that speaking is optional, stop if the survivor objects, and meet outside the defendant’s presence unless the court permits otherwise. Violating these contact rules can lead to contempt. Courts retain authority to enforce and collect financial support owed before an order expires.
Survivors gain evidence preservation and information
Beginning January 1, 2027, survivors have the right to free preservation of their sexual assault evidence kit or its evidence-bearing contents. Preservation must last 20 years or the longest applicable legal time limit for prosecution, whichever is longer. Survivors also have the right to learn the kit’s status and location and receive written collection and preservation policies. They have the right to learn kit results, including DNA matches, toxicology reports, and other medical forensic examination information. Results must be shared when disclosure does not impede or compromise an ongoing investigation.
Arrests and penalties for protection-order violations
Beginning January 1, 2027, police can arrest without a warrant for protection-order violations occurring within the past 12 hours. Officers need probable cause but do not need to witness the violation. Arrest is required for violations of orders under RSA 173-B, RSA 458:16, RSA 461-A:10, or the new sexual assault protection law. Knowingly violating a sexual assault protection order is a class A misdemeanor for a first offense. A second or later offense is a class B felony when the complaint alleges a qualifying prior conviction. Qualifying convictions include violations of this provision or reasonably equivalent out-of-state offenses.
Sponsors & Cosponsors
Sponsor
Jennifer M Rhodes
Republican • House
Cosponsors
Alexis H Simpson
Democratic • House
Alissandra Murray
Democratic • House
Bill M. Gannon
Republican • Senate
David James Meuse
Democratic • House
Denise Ricciardi
Republican • Senate
Eileen S Kelly
Democratic • House
Jodi L Nelson
Republican • House
Katelyn T Kuttab
Republican • House
Kimberly A Rice
Affiliation unavailable
Nancy A Murphy
Democratic • House
Rebecca Perkins Kwoka
Democratic • Senate
Regina Birdsell
Republican • Senate
Terry W Roy
Republican • House
Roll Call Votes
No roll call votes available for this bill.
Actions Timeline
Signed by Governor Ayotte 07/02/2026; Chapter 238; eff. 1/1/2027
7/10/2026HouseEnrolled (in recess of) 06/04/2026 HJ 15 P. 52
6/23/2026HouseEnrolled Adopted, VV, (In recess 06/04/2026); SJ 14
6/23/2026SenateHouse Concurs with Senate Amendment 2026-1814s (Rep. Roy): MA VV 05/21/2026 HJ 14 P. 2
5/21/2026HouseOught to Pass with Amendment # 2026-1814s, MA, VV; OT3rdg; 05/07/2026; SJ 11
5/7/2026SenateSen. Gannon Floor Amendment # 2026-1814s, AA, VV; 05/07/2026; SJ 11
5/7/2026SenateHB 1651 was Removed from the Consent Calendar; 05/07/2026; SJ 11
5/7/2026SenateCommittee Report: Ought to Pass, 05/07/2026; Vote 5-0; CC; SC 17
4/30/2026SenateHearing: 03/24/2026, Room 100, SH, 01:30 pm; SC 11
3/18/2026SenateIntroduced 03/05/2026 and Referred to Judiciary; SJ 6
3/6/2026SenateOught to Pass with Amendment 2026-0139h: MA VV 03/05/2026 HJ 6 P. 9
3/5/2026HouseAmendment # 2026-0139h: AA VV 03/05/2026 HJ 6 P. 9
3/5/2026HouseCommittee Report: Ought to Pass with Amendment # 2026-0139h 02/18/2026 (Vote 12-0; CC) HC 9 P. 8
2/24/2026HouseExecutive Session: 02/18/2026 10:00 am GP 159
2/24/2026HousePublic Hearing: 01/16/2026 10:00 am GP 159
1/8/2026HouseIntroduced 01/07/2026 and referred to Criminal Justice and Public Safety HJ 1 P. 30
12/10/2025House
Bill Text
Enrolled
6/23/2026
Introduced
12/10/2025
CHAPTERED FINAL VERSION
Version adopted by both bodies
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