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HB 1302 · 2026 · House · Criminal Justice and Public Safety Committee

Limits on post-arrest photo release

AI-generated

relative to post-arrest photograph distribution by law enforcement officers.

Prohibits law enforcement from releasing post-arrest photographs for nonviolent offenses, subject to certain exceptions.AI-generated

Status

Committee recommended Inexpedient to Legislate; died at adjournment · March 3, 2026
  1. ✓Introduced
  2. ✕House
  3. Senate
  4. Governor
  5. Law

Analysis

This bill prohibits the release of post-arrest photographs for nonviolent offenses, subject to certain exceptions.

From the bill's official ANALYSIS section.

In the bill's words

Quoted verbatim from the bill as introduced. Passages chosen from the operative text.Computed by this site

“"Violent offense" means any felony or class A misdemeanor that has as an element the use, attempted use, or threatened use of physical force against a person.”
RSA 105:20
“Post-arrest photographs, or mugshots, taken by law enforcement officers of persons arrested for nonviolent offenses shall be considered records compiled for investigatory purposes and shall not be subject to RSA 91-A, and shall not be published, released, or disseminated to the public or the media unless and until the subject has been convicted of an offense arising out of the arrest.”
RSA 105:20
“Law enforcement officers may release post-arrest photographs for nonviolent offenses prior to conviction if:”
RSA 105:20
“The restrictions in this section shall not apply to individuals who are determined by law enforcement or federal authorities to be unlawfully present in the United States.”
RSA 105:20

Official record

Bill page — docket & status

gc.nh.gov · the authoritative source

Sponsors

Rep. Daniel Popovici-MullerRPrime
  • Rep. James SpillaneRChair· Fish and Game and Marine Resources

Also: Rep. Jonah WheelerD, Rep. Donald McFarlaneR

Public testimony

15 signed in online · 4 wrote testimony

80% support20% oppose0% neutral

In their wordsVerbatim, exactly as submitted

“Post-arrest photos should only be published after conviction, except in the case of public safety.”
— Amber Kehoe, Northfieldsupports
“I was under the impression we are innocent until proven guilty; and while that may be under fire at the Federal Level, I argue that now is especially the time for State Government to keep the privacy of its constituents as a high priority.…”
— Kate D, Manchestersupports
“Having their names published (easily searchable) by publications like The Patch is plenty, nobody needs the mug shots too.”
— Margaret Konze, Pembrokesupports

Verbatim excerpts of submitted testimony, quoted from the testimony tool.

Read the testimony · as of Aug 12, 2026

Votes

yeanay
Starting text: Bill as introduced
  • Feb 13, 2026HouseCommittee report· regular calendarCommittee report: Inexpedient to Legislate7–6
    Overall
    54% yea

Hearings and debates

  • Jan 30, 2026Public hearingHouse Criminal Justice and Public Safety30:25–31:351m 10slocated in the stream transcriptPublic Hearing

Timestamps locate where this bill is taken up in the chamber's YouTube stream.

Legislative history

  1. Jan 7, 2026HouseIntroduced 01/07/2026 and referred to Criminal Justice and Public Safety HJ 1 P. 14
  2. Jan 30, 2026HousePublic Hearing: 01/30/2026 10:30 am GP 159
  3. Feb 13, 2026HouseExecutive Session: 02/13/2026 10:30 am GP 159
  4. Feb 13, 2026House: Inexpedient to Legislate 02/13/2026 (Vote 7-6; RC) HC 10 P. 81

Coverage

No reporting linked yet.

Documents (PDF)

Bill text & amendments link direct to gc.nh.gov; committee reports stream from the state record.