New Hampshire Senate Passes Bail Reform Bill, Governor Ayotte Expected to Sign

CONCORD, N.H. — The New Hampshire Senate has passed House Bill 592, a measure aimed at tightening the state's bail system to prevent repeat and violent offenders from being immediately released after arrest. The bill, which modifies the standards applicable to magistrates and the administration of bail, received bipartisan support and is expected to be signed into law by Governor Kelly Ayotte.

Senate Majority Leader Sharon Carson (R-Londonderry) and Senator Victoria Sullivan (R-Manchester) issued a joint statement following the bill’s passage, emphasizing the need to end what they described as a “catch-and-release” bail system.

“We must end the catch-and-release bail system in New Hampshire. We have seen far too many criminals be arrested for violent crimes, only to be immediately released and commit another crime,” said Carson. “This bill ensures that violent and repeat offenders must go before a judge before being released on bail. No one will be held simply because they cannot afford bail, but those accused of violent crimes, those who have skipped bail in the past, and career criminals should have a judge review their case before they are back on the streets.”

Sullivan highlighted concerns over the unintended consequences of previous bail reform efforts, specifically legislation passed in 2018 that led to the swift release of some offenders.

“The previous change in 2018 inadvertently made a catch-and-release program in New Hampshire, which resulted in repeat and violent offenders going on to commit violent acts while out on bail,” said Sullivan. “Every person is innocent until proven guilty. However, there is a clear pattern of systemic abuse of this bail reform law which has endangered our citizens. This has frustrated our law enforcement officers statewide who work to get dangerous people off our streets only to see them re-released hours later. This bill finally puts a stop to the bail system’s revolving door.”

Governor Ayotte expressed her gratitude to the Senate for passing the bill, calling the previous bail policies a “failed social experiment.” She praised Senate President Carson and other lawmakers for prioritizing public safety.

“I look forward to signing this into law to shut the revolving door for criminals once and for all,” Ayotte said in a statement.

If signed into law, the legislation would require that repeat and violent offenders face a judge before being granted bail, while ensuring that individuals are not held solely due to an inability to afford bail. The measure aims to strike a balance between public safety and judicial discretion in determining bail conditions.

The bill now heads to the governor’s desk, where it is expected to be signed in the coming days.