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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.

In the bill's words

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

“In addition, a law enforcement official who responds to a scene where they determine that there is probable cause that a domestic violence offense, as defined by RSA 631:2-b, was committed in the presence of a child, as defined by RSA 651:2, II-i, shall immediately report the same.”
RSA 169-C:29

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

Votes

yeanay
Starting text: Bill as introduced
  • Jan 23, 2026HouseCommittee report· regular calendar: Inexpedient to Legislate11–0
    Overall
    100% yea
  • Feb 5, 2026HouseVoice voteInexpedient to Legislateadopted

Hearings and debates

  • Jan 15, 2026Public hearingHouse Criminal Justice and Public Safety2:49:35–2:55:175m 42slocated in the stream transcriptPublic Hearing
  • Feb 5, 2026Floor debateHouse floor1:27:16–1:28:241m 8slocated in the stream transcriptInexpedient to Legislate — adopted, voice vote

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. 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.