NH HB1591

Requires the Administrative Office of the Courts (AOC) to disburse escrowed funds within 30 days of receiving a final, non-appealable court order, with internal policy or discretionary review prohibited as grounds for delay

Imposes penalties for noncompliance including statutory interest accruing from the date disbursement was due, plus reasonable attorney's fees and costs if court action is needed to compel release

Applies retroactively to cases from 5 years prior to the effective date where disbursement was improperly delayed, with claimants required to file within 18 months of the effective date

Mandates annual public reporting by September 1 listing all funds held more than 30 days after a final order, including case docket numbers, amounts, and order dates

Estimated fiscal impact of $45,000 annually starting FY 2027 for a part-time Case Management Financial Services Technician to handle reporting requirements