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New HampshireHB3692025-2026 Regular SessionHouse

HB369

Sponsored By: Kelley L Potenza (Republican)

Signed by Governor

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

2 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.

New appeals for misdemeanor jury trials

Beginning January 1, 2026, you can get a new jury trial in superior court after a class A misdemeanor conviction in circuit court, at the time your sentence is declared. If you were sentenced in district court after a trial (or under Rule 21(a)), you can also appeal to superior court for a jury trial. These appeal rights do not apply in minor‑victim sexual assault cases under RSA 632‑A:9‑a, or in district courts served by a regional jury trial court. You must file by the next return day unless the superior court gives you more time for good cause. If the superior‑court jury finds you guilty, that court sentences you; if you later waive a jury after appealing, the case goes back and the original sentence is imposed.

Jury-trial choice in minor-victim cases

Beginning January 1, 2026, in circuit‑court cases for misdemeanor sexual assault where the victim was 16 or younger when the case began, the defendant must choose within 30 days after arraignment. You can appeal to superior court for a jury trial under Rule 21(a), or you can go to trial in circuit court. Choosing circuit court gives up your right to a jury and to appeal for a jury trial under RSA 502‑A:12 and RSA 599:1. Before a circuit‑court trial can proceed, the judge must confirm you knowingly and voluntarily waive the jury right.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Kelley L Potenza

    Republican • House

Cosponsors

  • Bob J. Lynn

    Republican • House

  • Claudine R Burnham

    Republican • House

  • Denise Ricciardi

    Republican • Senate

  • Katelyn T Kuttab

    Republican • House

  • Marie Louise Bjelobrk

    Republican • House

  • Matt R Sabourin dit Choini�re

    Republican • House

  • Victoria Sullivan

    Republican • Senate

Roll Call Votes

No roll call votes available for this bill.

Actions Timeline

  1. Signed by Governor Ayotte 07/15/2025; Chapter 182; eff. 01/01/2026 HJ 18

    7/22/2025House

  2. Enrolled (in recess of) 06/26/2025 HJ 18 P. 59

    7/7/2025House

  3. Enrolled Adopted, VV, (In recess 06/26/2025); SJ 18

    7/3/2025Senate

  4. House Concurs with Senate Amendment 2025-2168s (Rep. Lynn): MA VV 06/12/2025 HJ 17 P. 14

    6/12/2025House

  5. Ought to Pass with Amendment #2025-2168s, MA, VV; OT3rdg; 05/22/2025; SJ 14

    5/22/2025Senate

  6. Committee Amendment # 2025-2168s, AA, VV; 05/22/2025; SJ 14

    5/22/2025Senate

  7. Committee Report: Ought to Pass with Amendment # 2025-2168s, 05/22/2025; Vote 3-0; CC; SC 22

    5/14/2025Senate

  8. Hearing: 05/13/2025, Room 100, SH, 02:30 pm, on proposed amendment #2025-1875s; SC 21

    5/8/2025Senate

  9. Hearing: 04/17/2025, Room 100, SH, 01:10 pm; SC 17

    4/10/2025Senate

  10. Introduced 03/27/2025 and Referred to Judiciary; SJ 10

    3/28/2025Senate

  11. Ought to Pass: MA VV 03/26/2025 HJ 10 P. 11

    3/26/2025House

  12. Committee Report: Ought to Pass 03/19/2025 (Vote 14-1; CC) HC 17 P. 9

    3/19/2025House

  13. Executive Session: 03/19/2025 10:00 am LOB 202-204

    3/10/2025House

  14. ==CANCELLED== Executive Session: 03/14/2025 10:00 am LOB 202-204

    3/6/2025House

  15. Referred to Criminal Justice and Public Safety 02/13/2025 HJ 5 P. 39

    2/13/2025House

  16. Ought to Pass with Amendment 2025-0167h: MA VV 02/13/2025 HJ 5 P. 38

    2/13/2025House

  17. Amendment # 2025-0167h: AA VV 02/13/2025 HJ 5 P. 38

    2/13/2025House

  18. Committee Report: Ought to Pass with Amendment # 2025-0167h 02/03/2025 (Vote 11-1; RC) HC 11 P. 15

    2/4/2025House

  19. Executive Session: 01/29/2025 11:00 am LOB 206-208

    2/4/2025House

  20. Public Hearing: 01/29/2025 11:00 am LOB 206-208

    1/15/2025House

  21. Introduced 01/08/2025 and referred to Judiciary HJ 2 P. 17

    1/8/2025House

Bill Text

  • Enrolled

    7/3/2025

    HTML

  • Introduced

    1/8/2025

    PDF

  • CHAPTERED FINAL VERSION

    PDF

  • Version adopted by both bodies

    PDF

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