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HB 1565

relative to the penalty for false reports of suspected abuse and neglect made to the division for children, youth, and families, relative to owner's project manager services for school building aid projects, and relative to long-term care eligibility and making an appropriation therefor.

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Keith Ammon and 4 co-sponsors

Increases criminal penalties for deliberately filing false child abuse reports to New Hampshire's child protection agency, raising concerns about discouraging legitimate reporting.

Enrolled Adopted, VV, (In recess 06/04/2026); SJ 15
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Bill Summary · HB 1565

Legislative bill overview

HB 1565 modifies penalties for individuals who make false reports of child abuse or neglect to New Hampshire's Division for Children, Youth, and Families. The bill establishes or adjusts criminal consequences for deliberately filing unfounded allegations with the state agency responsible for child protection investigations.

Why is this important

False abuse reports can waste limited child protection resources, damage innocent families' reputations, and divert investigative attention from legitimate cases of harm. Conversely, strong penalties for false reporting could discourage some legitimate reporters from coming forward if they fear legal consequences for unproven claims, potentially leaving actual abuse unreported.

Potential points of contention

  • Chilling effect on reporting: Penalties for false reports might discourage good-faith reports by people uncertain about what constitutes abuse, potentially leaving children at risk
  • Definition of "false": Determining when a report is genuinely false versus merely unproven or based on honest disagreement about abuse severity requires careful legal distinction
  • Proportionality of penalties: Disagreement over appropriate criminal consequences—whether misdemeanor or felony charges apply, and sentencing levels—reflects competing priorities between protecting children and protecting accused individuals

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

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