NH
New Hampshire Senate Bill SB569

New Hampshire 2024 Regular Session

New Hampshire Senate Bill SB569

Introduced
12/14/23  
Refer
12/14/23  

Caption

Relative to the powers and duties of the attorney general as the state's attorney.

Impact

The implementation of SB569 is expected to significantly impact the procedural landscape regarding investigations into civil rights violations. By empowering the Attorney General with subpoena authority, the bill is designed to streamline the process of gathering evidence and testimonies crucial for civil rights cases. This change could enhance the capacity of the Attorney General's office to address potential violations swiftly, thereby ensuring accountability and protection for affected citizens. Additionally, the provisions ensuring the payment of fees and mileage to witnesses aim to comply with legal standards, making testimony participation feasible for more individuals.

Summary

SB569 seeks to enhance the powers and duties of the Attorney General concerning the enforcement of civil rights laws in New Hampshire. The legislation grants the Attorney General the authority to issue subpoenas and conduct investigations prior to filing civil actions, aiming to ensure comprehensive enforcement of civil rights protections. This measure reflects a legislative effort to strengthen the state's commitment to civil rights and to provide the Attorney General with the tools necessary to pursue violations effectively.

Contention

While the bill's proponents argue that these enhanced powers will strengthen the enforcement of civil rights laws, there are potential areas of contention surrounding the implications of such authority. Concerns could arise over the scope of the Attorney General's investigatory powers, particularly regarding privacy issues and the potential for perceived overreach. Stakeholders may express fears that broad subpoena powers could be misused or lead to undue pressure on witnesses, which could deter individuals from coming forward with information pertinent to civil rights investigations.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

NH HB307

Relative to attorney's fees in actions under the right to know law.

NH HB593

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

NH HB655

Relative to the office of professional licensure and certification.

NH SB86

Relative to health care workforce development and making appropriations therefor.

NH HB409

Relative to the organization of the office of professional licensure and certification and adoption of the interstate social work licensure compact.

NH HB337

Relative to directing the office of professional licensure and certification to provide notice of public meetings and an opportunity for comment from the public, and creating a new attorney II position.

NH SB75

Relative to the division of personnel in the department of administrative services.

NH HB468

Making an appropriation to the department of education for an attorney to recodify education laws.

NH HB318

Eliminating bail commissioners, and relative to the release of a defendant pending trial and establishing new circuit court judge positions.

NH HB301

Relative to recusal by members of the general court for conflicts of interest.

Similar Bills

CT SB00121

An Act Concerning The Attorney General, The Banking Commissioner, The Dodd-frank Wall Street Reform And Consumer Protection Act And Telephonic Sales Calls For Soliciting Consumer Goods Or Services.

VA HB1756

Attorney-issued subpoenas; release of witness.

CA AB2766

Unfair Competition Law: enforcement powers: investigatory subpoena.

LA HB908

Provides relative to the issuance of certain subpoenas

VA HB1435

Subpoenas; release of witness.

VA SB1010

Subpoenas duces tecum; financial records of nonparty, report.

CT HB05317

An Act Concerning The Office Of The Attorney General And The Dodd-frank Wall Street Reform And Consumer Protection Act.

MS HB1310

Subpoenas; authorize attorneys who have entered an appearance to issue.