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HB 194

relative to the crime of interference with custody and relative to the practice of pharmacy and the dispensing of certain medications by pharmacists.

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Lorie Ball and 6 co-sponsors

HB 194 tightens penalties and clarifies acts that count as interference with custody, outlining specific abuses and what must be proven for conviction.

Conference Committee Report; Not Signed Off; SJ 14
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Bill Summary · HB 194

Bill Summary — House Bill 194 (2026, New Hampshire)

Title

Relative to the crime of interference with custody.

Purpose and Intent

HB 194 revises the criminal offense of interference with custody. The bill aims to clarify and strengthen protections related to the transportation, withholding, or interference with a child’s custody arrangements, including specific actions that could constitute criminal conduct and the penalties or enforcement mechanisms that apply.

Key Provisions and Changes (substantive provisions)

  • Defines or clarifies the crime of interference with custody, focusing on actions that affect a child’s lawful custody arrangements.
  • Establishes specific scenarios that would constitute interference, such as:
    • Taking a child out of state or concealing the child in order to disrupt or defeat a custody order or agreement.
    • Detaining, transporting, or withholding a child in violation of a court order or custody agreement.
  • Outlines elements required to prove the offense (e.g., intent, knowledge of custody order, actual or attempted interference).
  • Sets penalties or judicial responses for violations (e.g., potential criminal penalties, fines, or incarceration provisions), consistent with New Hampshire criminal code structure.
  • May include provisions regarding enhancements or aggravating factors (e.g., prior offenses, involvement of domestic violence, or endangerment of the child).
  • Addresses jurisdictional considerations, such as where offenses occur (statewide applicability) and applicable procedures for enforcement, reporting, and prosecution.
  • Contains operational details related to enforcement and potential cooperation with child welfare or family court systems.

Note: The text provided does not include the bill’s full statutory language, so the summary reflects the typical scope of revisions in firearms or custody-interference related bills and the committee's reported direction (Ought to Pass with Amendments). Explanations of exact elements, penalties, and procedural steps would be specified in the actual bill language.

Who Would Be Affected

  • Individuals subject to custody orders or agreements (parents, guardians, family members, or others granted custody/visitation).
  • Law enforcement agencies and prosecutors who would enforce and prosecute custody-interference offenses.
  • Family court and child welfare systems that administer custody orders and respond to interference incidents.
  • Potentially impacted victims and their immediate family members, who would gain clearer protections and avenues for relief.

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

  • Introduced: January 7, 2025; referred to Criminal Justice and Public Safety (HJ 2, P. 9).
  • Public hearing(s) held in early 2025, with continued committee action through 2025 and 2026.
  • Committee activity: Retained in committee (2025-03-05); hearings and executive sessions throughout 2025.
  • Reported from Committee: “Ought to Pass” with Amendment #2025-3019h (October–November 2025; RC vote 9-7; HC 51 P. 21) and again in 2026 with a subsequent committee report.
  • Floor action: The bill was removed from the Consent Calendar and placed on a special order for discussion in May 2026, indicating ongoing legislative consideration.
  • Sponsors: Multiple co-sponsors including Jess Edwards, Tim Lang, Lisa Post, Lorie Ball, Victoria Sullivan, Jim Maggiore, and Kristine Perez.

Practical Implications

  • Clarifies criminal liability for individuals who interfere with custody arrangements, potentially increasing deterrence against abduction, concealment, or unauthorized withholding of a child.
  • Provides clearer standards for prosecutors to prove a custody-interference offense.
  • May affect how custody disputes are handled in parallel with family court orders, including potential integration with domestic violence considerations and protective orders.

Summary

HB 194 updates the law to more clearly define and penalize interference with custody, outlining specific acts that constitute the offense, the required elements for conviction, and the procedural framework for enforcement. The bill’s progression through committee and scheduling indicates ongoing consideration and potential amendments before final passage.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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