HB 1591 · 2026 · House · Judiciary Committee
Faster release of escrowed funds
AI-generatedrelative to the release of escrowed funds by the judicial branch.
Requires the judicial branch to release escrowed funds upon receipt of a final order and provides penalties for noncompliance.AI-generated
Status
Killed in the House — Inexpedient to Legislate · March 11, 2026- ✓Introduced
- ✕House
- Senate
- Governor
- Law
Analysis
This bill requires the release of escrowed funds by the judicial branch upon receipt of a final order, and provides for penalties for noncompliance.
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
“The administrative office of the courts (AOC) shall promptly disburse any funds or property held in escrow, registry, or trust by or under the control of the judicial branch to the party or parties entitled to such funds pursuant to a final, non-appealable court order or judgment.”
“After entry of a final order and expiration of the appeal period, the AOC shall not withhold or delay disbursement except as expressly required by federal law or by a subsequent court order entered after the judgment.”
“Internal policy or discretionary review shall not be grounds to deny or delay disbursement.”
“The AOC shall complete disbursements within 30 days of receipt of a copy of the final court order awarding the funds.”
Official record
gc.nh.gov · the authoritative source
Sponsors
- Rep. JD BernardyRClerk· Science, Technology and Energy
- Rep. Marie Louise BjelobrkRClerk· Municipal and County Government
- Rep. Katelyn KuttabRClerk· Judiciary
Also: Rep. Jose CambrilsR, Rep. Jim KofaltR, Rep. Lori KorzenR
Public testimony
23 signed in online · 5 wrote testimony
30% support70% oppose0% neutral
In their wordsVerbatim, exactly as submitted
“Why do you people always put in petty legislation like this and never do anything that makes life better for all in this state..”
“As someone who has gone through the excitement of pregnancy and the terrible experience of protecting my health and life. I oppose this proposal that ultimately reduces a women’s choice and options for her own medical needs.”
“TO: House Judiciary Committee FROM: Rep. Terry W. Roy, Chair of Criminal Justice and Public Safety RE: Support for the Principles of HB 1591 with Operational Concerns DATE: February 25, 2026 Chairman Lynn and Members of the Judiciary Committee, I am writing to address HB…”
Verbatim excerpts of submitted testimony, quoted from the testimony tool.
Read the testimony · as of Aug 12, 2026
Votes
yeanay- Feb 25, 2026HouseCommittee report· consent calendar: Inexpedient to Legislate17–0Overall100% yea
- Mar 11, 2026HouseVoice voteInexpedient to Legislateadopted
Hearings and debates
- Feb 25, 2026Public hearingHouse Judiciary4:24:21–4:31:337m 12slocated in the stream transcriptCommittee Report: Inexpedient to Legislate; Public Hearing; Executive Session
- Mar 11, 2026Floor debateHouse floorWatchnot located in the transcript — opens the full streamInexpedient to Legislate — adopted, voice vote
Timestamps locate where this bill is taken up in the chamber's YouTube stream.
Legislative history
- Jan 7, 2026HouseIntroduced 01/07/2026 and referred to Judiciary HJ 1 P. 27
- Feb 25, 2026HousePublic Hearing: 02/25/2026 01:30 pm GP 230
- Feb 25, 2026HouseExecutive Session: 02/25/2026 01:30 pm GP 230
- Feb 25, 2026HouseCommittee Report: Inexpedient to Legislate 02/25/2026 (Vote 17-0; CC) HC 10 P. 27
- Mar 11, 2026HouseInexpedient to Legislate: MA VV 03/11/2026 HJ 7 P. 55
Coverage
No reporting linked yet.
Documents (PDF)
Bill text & amendments link direct to gc.nh.gov; committee reports stream from the state record.