New Hampshire House Bill HB1632

New Hampshire 2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 12/10/25
• Refer: 12/10/25
• Report DNP: 2/11/26

Caption

Relative to the lethality assessment program screening tool.

Impact

The legislation is expected to significantly alter state law surrounding domestic violence response protocols by ensuring that all law enforcement agencies systematically engage with LAP screening tools, which currently operate on a voluntary basis. This systematic approach could lead to improved data reporting and potentially better protective measures for victims of domestic violence, as screening results would need to be filed with courts at the time of arraignment for defendants. However, the bill does anticipate an increase in expenditures related to training and resources needed for its implementation, which are projected to rise in subsequent fiscal years.

Summary

House Bill 1632 is an act focused on enhancing responses to domestic violence through the implementation of a lethality assessment program (LAP). This bill mandates that law enforcement agencies conduct a Lethality Assessment Program screening tool in various domestic violence-related investigations. The changes proposed would make the use of this screening tool a compulsory procedure during interactions involving domestic violence, stalking, and violations of protective orders. The aim is to improve the identification and management of potentially lethal situations arising from domestic incidents.

Sentiment

The sentiment around HB 1632 appears to be generally supportive among legislators who prioritize victim safety and enhanced law enforcement engagement in domestic violence cases. Proponents believe that making lethality assessments mandatory will improve outcomes for victims by ensuring that more cases are correctly assessed for danger. However, some concerns have been raised regarding the financial requirements and the potential strain on resources for law enforcement agencies tasked with training and compliance with the new mandates.

Contention

While the bill is designed to bolster protections for victims, there are notable points of contention regarding its funding and resource implications. Critics may argue about the financial viability of the bill, as it does not allocate specific funds or positions to support increased operational demands on law enforcement agencies. There's a clear expectation that the Department of Justice will need to provide training and support, which may require additional staffing without clear funding provisions in place. This could lead to a disparity in how effectively the legislation is executed across different jurisdictions.