New Hampshire House passes changes to bail reform law - WMUR Manchester

CONCORD, N.H. —

Lawmakers in Concord are taking another step toward addressing issues they have with New Hampshire's 2018 bail reform law.

On a 199-134 vote Tuesday, a bipartisan coalition of state representatives passed legislation to address the automatic release of repeat offenders under the 2018 law, which made it much easier for criminal defendants to get out of jail after arrest.

"We are talking about people who are already out on bail," said state Rep. Ross Berry, R-Manchester. "They are already out on bail, and they have been arrested again."

Supporters of bail reform opposed the legislation, condemning its requirement for repeat offenders to go before a judge before they can be released as an outdated and harmful practice opposed by several activist groups.

"They all see it for what it is: a return to the barbaric practice of the cash bail system," state Rep. Andrew Bouldin, D-Manchester, said.

Democrats are increasingly divided over making changes to bail reform, but those who have adjusted their position said they are doing so after hearing from their constituents.

"I needed to explain to my constituents why the same person, for example, that damaged your car last week trying to take things out of it was arrested again for damaging your neighbor's vehicle the following week," state Rep. Patrick Long, D-Manchester, said.

source: https://www.wmur.com/article/new-hampshire-house-bail-reform-law-march-15-2022/39444102

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