HB1576

I recently had a chance to review HB 1576, as introduced, and am writing to support this bill. This bill makes important updates and changes to RSA 651:64 especially in the areas of reevaluation for ability to pay restitution, specific guidance for enforcement of restitution obligations and notice to victims. For too long, many victims of crime have been absorbing the financial costs for the actions of others. These updates to a statute untouched for almost three decades are long overdue. This bill ought to pass. Thank you.

I am a surviving victim of an impaired driver crashing into us. My dear wife didn't survive. Perpetrator was supposed to serve 6,5 years but DOC released him early contrary to their written policy and Truth in Sentencing Agreement. For some reason the judge presiding over the criminal case was same judge hearing my civil case, so she denied restitution in here criminal sentences. I'm out 1.4 million dollars and now have to try to collect damages in Civil Court. I suffered horrible catastrophic injuries leaving my partially crippled and alone. Of course the worse of the nightmare is the loss of my dear wife of 40 years. Yes, I am available to discuss my firsthand experience with these restitution matters. . MR. GARY L BAUMANN .

Per the NH Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Violence- Restitution allows victims of violent crime to be financially compensated for economic losses directly resulting from the crimes committed against them. This process helps reimburse victims for any out-of-pocket expenses related to the crime they experienced, including lost wages, medical bills, property damage, or funeral expenses. Restitution is also a crucial part of how the state holds offenders accountable. During sentencing, NH courts can mandate offenders to make payments to their victim(s) in acknowledgement of the harm that they incurred. HB1576 will help improve this process and ensure that important communications are taking place regarding expected payments, allow the NHDOC to regularly reevaluate an offender's ability to make payments, and give the department tools to appropriately enforce this process so that victims are not left without necessary financial stability after experiencing a violent crime.

I support this bill because it gives teeth to some things that are already in place to support victims in being properly restituted as mandated by our courts. It should be easy for victims to receive the legal and proper due and this bill helps with that. Please advance it.

HB1576 makes necessary updates to New Hampshire’s criminal restitution statute, ensuring that victims receive timely notification and that payment obligations are met. HB1576 also establishes new mechanisms for enforcing offenders’ criminal restitution obligations and strengthens the NH Department of Correction’s (NHDOC) communications with victims. Victims have a statutory right to restitution under the Victims’ Bill of Rights (RSA 21-M:8-k). It is critical that these rights be upheld and enforced. The NHDOC is also statutorily required to uphold these rights. HB1576 will help ensure the NHDOC meets these essential obligations.

I support this bill. I have been in victim services in prosecution for 34 years. I have seen firsthand the devastation that financial consequences of crime and leave on a victim's life. Picking up the pieces can be insurmountable. Victims look forward to knowing that a defendant will be held accountable financially only to be frustrated and let down by a system that has no teeth, no consequences, for defendants who make no effort to pay, to make a victim whole. There must be a solution to this broken system. I have no doubt the committee will hear many examples. Try to imagine the immeasurable damage of some of these crimes, and to be left with no reparation. Thank you for your time.