NH HB1639

Creates petition-initiated special grand juries that must be convened when 500 qualified county electors submit a petition, with the superior court required to order the grand jury within 60 days of verification

Expands grand jury investigative authority to cover detention facilities, nursing homes, public entities receiving taxpayer funds, election administration, tax collection, financial institutions holding public funds, corporate misconduct, professional licensing boards, federal overreach, and war crimes by state employees

Increases grand juror compensation from $10 per half day to $200 per day, with estimated state costs of approximately $950,400 annually once fully implemented

Requires grand juries to be housed in secure, confidential space within county sheriff's departments, with counties responsible for operational costs including auditors, investigators, and experts approved by the superior court

Takes effect January 1, 2027, with county commissioners required to publicly discuss grand jury findings within 60 days of issuance