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Bill

HB 1047

relative to the offense of capital murder.

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Tim Lang and 1 co-sponsor

HB 1047 modifies New Hampshire's capital murder statute, but the committee voted unanimously to find it inexpedient to legislate, effectively halting its advancement.

Inexpedient to Legislate: MA VV 03/05/2026 HJ 6 P. 3
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Bill Summary · HB 1047

Legislative bill overview

HB 1047 addresses the legal definition and elements of capital murder in New Hampshire. The bill was introduced in January 2026 and referred to the Criminal Justice and Public Safety Committee for review. A public hearing was held on January 28, 2026, followed by an executive session and committee vote.

Why is this important

Capital murder legislation directly impacts the severity of criminal penalties available to prosecutors and judges in the most serious homicide cases. Changes to capital murder statutes can affect sentencing outcomes, prosecutorial discretion, and fundamental questions about how states define and punish the most extreme criminal conduct.

Potential points of contention

  • Whether New Hampshire should expand, narrow, or maintain current definitions of crimes eligible for capital sentencing
  • Constitutional considerations around due process and proportionality in capital cases
  • Debate over whether specific circumstances (e.g., murder of law enforcement, multiple victims) warrant enhanced penalties

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

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