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HB 1556 · 2026 · House · Criminal Justice and Public Safety Committee

Harsher penalties for domestic violence near children

AI-generated

relative to the commission of domestic violence offenses in the presence of a child.

Establishes enhanced penalties for committing a domestic violence offense in the presence of a child under 18 years of age and provides for mandatory reporting and training on such offenses.AI-generated

Status

Killed in the House — Inexpedient to Legislate · February 5, 2026
  1. ✓Introduced
  2. ✕House
  3. Senate
  4. Governor
  5. Law

Analysis

This bill establishes enhanced penalties for the commission of a domestic violence offense in the presence of a child under 18 years of age, and provides for mandatory reporting and training on such offenses.

From the bill's official ANALYSIS section.

Official record

Bill page — docket & status

gc.nh.gov · the authoritative source

Sponsors

Rep. Lori KorzenRPrime
  • Rep. Mike OuelletRVice Chair· Fish and Game and Marine Resources
  • Sen. Keith MurphyRDeputy President Pro Tempore

Also: Rep. Arnold DavisR, Rep. David LoveR

Public testimony

6 signed in online · 3 wrote testimony

33% support67% oppose0% neutral

In their wordsVerbatim, exactly as submitted

“I oppose HB 1556 because it expands mandatory minimum penalties without evidence that harsher sentences improve child safety.…”
— Kathleen Malsbenden, Newmarketopposes
“I am a licensed clinical mental health counselor in the State of New Hampshire and have worked with children and families for 15 years. I oppose this bill. New Hampshire hates children and on spec, this bill is well intended and I think a version of it could be beneficial.…”
— Stephanie Vazzano, Concordopposes
“Opposition Testimony for HB 1556: Domestic Violence Offenses in the Presence of a Child HB 1556 proposes increased penalties for domestic violence offenses committed in the presence of a child, aiming to enhance protections for vulnerable minors.…”
— georgina Lambert, Belmontopposes

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

Read the testimony · as of Aug 12, 2026

Hearings

  • 2026-01-1510:00 amHouse Criminal Justice and Public SafetyGP 159Public hearing

Legislative history

  1. Jan 7, 2026HouseIntroduced 01/07/2026 and referred to Criminal Justice and Public Safety HJ 1 P. 25
  2. Jan 15, 2026HousePublic Hearing: 01/15/2026 10:30 am GP 159
  3. Jan 23, 2026HouseExecutive Session: 01/23/2026 12:00 pm GP 159
  4. Jan 23, 2026House: Inexpedient to Legislate 01/23/2026 (Vote 11-0; RC) HC 5 P. 20
  5. Feb 5, 2026HouseInexpedient to Legislate: MA VV 02/05/2026 HJ 3 P. 24

Coverage

No reporting linked yet.

Documents (PDF)

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