New Hampshire 2024 Regular Session

New Hampshire House Bill HB1448

Introduced
12/6/23  
Refer
12/6/23  

Caption

Relative to requiring retention of a blood sample for the duration of a criminal case, including appeal.

Impact

If enacted, HB1448 could significantly modify state laws concerning the storage and retention of evidence in criminal cases. The bill stipulates that testing facilities must retain blood samples unless otherwise notified by the prosecuting authority. This change is aimed at preventing the potential loss of crucial evidence, thereby strengthening the legal process. However, the implementation may impose additional challenges on law enforcement agencies due to the need for adequate storage facilities and procedures to manage the preserved samples.

Summary

House Bill 1448 (HB1448) aims to reform the handling of blood samples collected during criminal investigations, specifically relating to incidents of driving under the influence (DUI). The legislation mandates that blood samples must be preserved until the completion of any criminal cases, which includes the appeals process. This requirement is set to enhance the validity and reliability of evidence used in court proceedings, ensuring that defendants have access to necessary resources for their legal defense.

Sentiment

The sentiment expressed around HB1448 appears to be generally supportive from legal advocacy groups who appreciate the comprehensive approach to evidence retention, viewing it as a positive step towards ensuring justice for defendants. Some concerns have been expressed regarding the financial implications for law enforcement agencies, which may struggle to adapt to the new requirements without allocated resources or personnel to manage the increased burden of storage.

Contention

Notably, potential points of contention arise from the bill's financial impacts on local law enforcement agencies, as they may need to invest in additional resources such as secure storage facilities or hire extra personnel for evidence management. Critics have voiced that without accompanying funding provisions, the bill could inadvertently strain these agencies and reduce their operational efficiencies. The discussion around HB1448 has also highlighted broader themes of balancing public safety, legal fairness, and the financial realities of law enforcement.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

NH HB67

Relative to the right to review source code of software in criminal cases.

NH HB482

Requiring the use of ballots with embedded security, traceability, and relative to the chain of custody for ballots cast in elections.

NH HB503

Relative to the rights afforded to a person accused of a crime.

NH SB119

Relative to criminal background checks for charitable games of chance license applicants.

NH HB356

Relative to the application of motor vehicle laws to bicycles.

NH SB118

Requiring children under the age of 2 years to be restrained in a motor vehicle.

NH SB39

Relative to criminal history checks for school transportation monitors.

NH HB641

Relative to clearance inspections following identification of a lead exposure hazard.

NH HB511

Relative to requiring the department of transportation to do road maintenance and repairs according to its complete streets program

NH SB188

Relative to catalytic converters.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.