New Hampshire House Bill HB113

New Hampshire 2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 12/23/22
• Refer: 12/23/22

Caption

Relative to the physical fitness performance requirements for law enforcement officers.

Impact

If passed, HB113 will significantly alter the expectations for physical fitness among law enforcement personnel in New Hampshire. It removes a structured approach to maintaining fitness levels among officers, which some argue could lead to a decline in overall body fitness and preparedness for the challenges faced by law enforcement officers. The removal of penalties could result in lack of accountability among officers regarding their physical condition, thereby possibly impacting public safety.

Summary

House Bill 113 proposes a repeal of the existing physical fitness performance requirements established for certified law enforcement officers in New Hampshire. The bill specifically targets provisions within RSA 106-L that mandate specific fitness standards and penalties for officers who do not meet these standards. This legislative change seeks to eliminate the regulatory framework governing the physical fitness benchmarks previously enforced by the police standards and training council.

Contention

The bill has drawn attention and is likely to face opposition from various stakeholders within the law enforcement and public safety sectors. Proponents of the repeal argue that the requirements may be seen as overly stringent or unnecessary, while critics assert that physical fitness is a critical component of effective law enforcement. There is concern that without mandated fitness standards, it could hinder the ability of officers to perform their duties effectively, leading to safety issues for both officers and the public.