New HampshirePeople could sue over unlawful civil rights interference if enacted
If enacted, SB 139 would let people sue when they face unlawful interference with rights under New Hampshire's civil rights law, including attempts.
What it does
If enacted, people subjected to or targeted by unlawful interference with rights under New Hampshire's civil rights law could sue, including over attempts to interfere.
If enacted, court clerks would send the attorney general the first papers in these private lawsuits and the court's decision when it issues a judgment or decree.
Argument forIf enacted, people targeted by unlawful interference could seek help from a court without waiting for the attorney general to sue.
Argument againstIf enacted, private lawsuits could add work for the attorney general's office, which says it may need more resources to review them.
More detail
People could bring their own civil rights lawsuits if the bill becomes law. This covers people subjected to or targeted by unlawful interference or an attempt to interfere. The interference, or attempt to interfere, must involve rights protected by New Hampshire's civil rights law. The introduced proposal lists January 1, 2026 as its effective date.
Court clerks would mail the attorney general copies of the first case papers and any judgment or decree. This applies to private lawsuits brought under the proposed civil rights section. Clerks would send the first papers when a case begins and any judgment or decree when the court enters it.
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Where it stands
- Introduced
- Passed Senate
- Passed House
- To Governor
- Became Law
Looking ahead
No hearings or votes scheduled.
History
- 2026
- Jan 7Refer to Interim Study, MA, VV; 01/07/2026; SJ 1Latest
- 2025
- Nov 3Committee Report: Referred to Interim Study, 01/07/2026; Vote 5-0; CC; SC 46
- Mar 6Rereferred to Committee, MA, VV; 03/06/2025; SJ 6Minor
- Feb 21Committee Report: Rereferred to Committee, 03/06/2025; Vote 5-0; CC; SC 11
- Feb 12Hearing: 02/18/2025, Room 100, SH, 01:40 pm; SC 10
- Jan 22Introduced 01/09/2025 and Referred to Judiciary; SJ 3Introduced
Civil Rights & Voting