Bill
HB 257
The bill revises the crime of endangering the welfare of a child or incompetent, clarifying definitions, who may be charged, and penalties.
HB 257 (Session 2026, New Hampshire) — Summary
Purpose and intent
- The bill, titled “relative to the crime of endangering the welfare of a child or incompetent,” seeks to modify the statutory framework around endangering a child or an incompetent person.
- It appears to be part of a broader effort to clarify the offense, align terminology, and/or adjust the scope and penalties related to child welfare endangerment and protections for incapacitated or incompetent individuals.
Key provisions and changes (as reflected in the bill’s history and committee actions)
- The bill is positioned as a criminal-law reform measure dealing with endangering the welfare of a child or an incompetent person. While specific statutory language is not included in the summary materials provided, common themes in this type of bill include:
- Revisions to the definition of “endangering welfare of a child,” including circumstances or conditions that constitute endangerment.
- Modifications to who may be charged (e.g., guardians, parents, or caretakers) and under what factual circumstances.
- Adjustments to penalties, classifications (misdemeanor vs. felony), or sentencing provisions.
- Clarifications to terms related to “incompetent” persons (e.g., individuals unable to care for their own welfare) and how charges apply to caregivers or others in a position of responsibility.
- Alignment with other NH statutes to reduce ambiguity and improve prosecutorial and judicial consistency.
- The bill has undergone multiple rounds of committee consideration, amendments, and interim study evaluations, indicating it may be a complex, potentially technical rewrite rather than a simple policy tweak.
Who would be affected
- Primary: Individuals who care for or are responsible for a child or an incompetent person who may be endangered, including parents, guardians, foster caregivers, and other custodians.
- Secondary: Law enforcement, prosecutors, and the judiciary, which would implement any updated definitions, elements of offense, and penalties in practice.
Procedural/timeline aspects
- Introduced: January 7, 2026; referred to the Children and Family Law committee.
- Subsequent actions: The bill progressed through standard NH committee processes, including hearings, amendments (notably Amendment #2025-1038h), and potential “Ought to Pass” recommendations with amendments.
- 2025-2026 timeline: The bill has seen extended consideration with multiple executive sessions, work sessions, and interim study referrals. Notable actions include a committee vote and interim study referral in April 2026.
- Current status: Referred to Interim Study (April 16, 2026), with ongoing evaluation to determine whether to advance, amend, or terminate the bill.
Co-sponsors
- Skip Rollins
- Diane Pauer
- Ruth Ward
- Mike Moffett
Notes for readers
- The bill’s exact statutory language is not included in the summary provided. For a precise understanding of the crime’s elements, penalties, and any procedural protections (e.g., defenses, exemptions, or margin of liability), the text of the bill as introduced and any adopted amendments should be reviewed.
- Given the interim-study designation, bill language may still be adjusted before any potential floor vote.
Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.
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