NH bill would have provided right to counsel to certain forfeiture defendants
07/22/2024
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New Hampshire
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Legislation
, Forfeiture (incomplete)
In 2024, New Hampshire introduced HB 593, a bill that would have provided a right to counsel to indigent defendant in civil asset forfeiture matters. Specifically, an individual represented by a public defender or appointed counsel in a criminal matter would have been entitled to representation in any related forfeiture proceeding. Though the bill was enacted, the right to counsel provision was removed through amendment. The enacted law simply calls for a study committee of forfeiture generally.
Last action (on 07/22/2024): Signed by Governor Sununu 07/12/2024; Chapter 180; eff. 07/12/2024
In February 2023, the NCCRC submitted testimony in support of this bill to the House Committee on Criminal Justice and Public Safety.
