New Hampshire Senate Bill SB38

New Hampshire 2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/6/23
• Refer: 1/6/23
• Report Pass: 2/16/23
• Engrossed: 3/20/23
• Refer: 3/20/23
• Report Pass: 4/13/23
• Enrolled: 5/23/23
• Chaptered: 6/2/23
• Passed: 6/2/23

Caption

Amending the procedure for issuing a summons instead of an arrest.

Impact

If enacted, SB38 will have a notable impact on how law enforcement interacts with individuals accused of minor crimes, arguably reducing the number of arrests for low-level offenses. This change can alleviate certain pressures on the court system, including decreasing the number of bail hearings and potentially reducing pretrial detention rates. The bill emphasizes a shift toward a more civil approach to minor infractions, thus supporting a reform-oriented perspective of the judicial system and promoting a more equitable treatment of individuals in these situations.

Summary

Senate Bill 38 (SB38) proposes an amendment to existing state law regarding the procedures for issuing a summons instead of making an arrest in cases where a peace officer has probable cause to believe that a misdemeanor or violation has occurred. This bill is a significant step aimed at reforming the criminal justice process by allowing law enforcement officers greater discretion in how they handle minor offenses. Under this legislation, officers may issue a written summons to the individual rather than making an arrest, except in specific circumstances involving more serious offenses such as abuse or violation of protective orders.

Contention

Some of the discussions surrounding SB38 may involve concerns about the implications of allowing officers to issue summonses at their discretion. Critics may argue that this could lead to inconsistencies in enforcement or create loopholes where certain individuals might evade accountability. Additionally, the definition of what constitutes a proper scenario for the issuance of a summons versus an arrest may be a point of contention among lawmakers, advocates for civil liberties, and the public. Overall, while SB38 aims to provide clarity and efficiency in the judicial process, the balance between enforcement discretion and accountability remains a critical issue to address.