NH
New Hampshire House Bill HB135

New Hampshire 2024 Regular Session

New Hampshire House Bill HB135

Introduced
12/23/22  
Refer
12/23/22  
Report Pass
3/15/23  
Report DNP
3/15/23  
Engrossed
3/24/23  
Refer
3/24/23  
Report DNP
5/1/23  
Report Pass
12/18/23  
Enrolled
6/27/24  
Chaptered
7/22/24  

Caption

Relative to requisites for a criminal search warrant.

Impact

If enacted, HB 135 would alter existing laws around how search warrants can be executed in New Hampshire. The changes would require law enforcement to provide notice and announce their presence before entering premises in most situations, thereby enhancing accountability and potentially reducing confrontational incidents that can arise from surprise searches. The bill reflects growing public concern about the use of no-knock warrants and aims to promote transparency and more responsible police practices.

Summary

House Bill 135 aimed to impose stricter regulations on the issuance and execution of no-knock search warrants. The bill restricts law enforcement officers from seeking, executing, or participating in the execution of such warrants, except under specific and limited circumstances. These circumstances include situations where there is reasonable grounds to believe that announcing the officer's presence would pose an imminent threat to safety, or in urgent cases involving human trafficking or missing persons. The legislation is a response to concerns over the safety and rights of individuals subjected to no-knock raids.

Contention

There have been notable discussions and debates around the appropriateness and necessity of no-knock warrants in police procedures. Supporters of HB 135 argue that the use of such warrants can lead to unnecessary violence and violate civil liberties, while critics may contend that they are sometimes essential for officer safety and effective law enforcement. Detractors worry that limiting these warrants could hinder police effectiveness in high-risk situations, indicating a critical balance between public safety and individual rights.

Companion Bills

NH HB135

Carry Over Prohibiting no-knock warrants.

Previously Filed As

NH HB135

Prohibiting no-knock warrants.

NH HB481

Relative to arrest warrants and search warrants.

NH HB498

Requiring fish and game officers to obtain a warrant to conduct a search and seizure.

NH HB431

Permitting qualifying patients and designated caregivers to cultivate cannabis for therapeutic use.

NH HB2

Relative to state fees, funds, revenues, and expenditures.

NH HB407

Relative to regulations on alcohol.

NH HB400

Relative to certain assault offenses, bail eligibility for commission of certain assault offenses, and making a false report to a law enforcement officer.

NH HB639

Relative to the legalization and regulation of cannabis and making appropriations therefor.

NH HB593

Relative to the forfeiture of assets in connection with a drug offense.

NH HB46

Establishing a committee to study replacement of bail commissioners with court magistrates and relative to delinquent payment of accounts by on premises and off premises licensees and relative to electronic payments to employee debit cards.

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