NH HB1651

Creates a new civil sexual assault protective order that victims can file in circuit court, with the court required to grant relief necessary to protect the victim's physical, psychological, or emotional wellbeing upon showing sexual assault by preponderance of evidence

Initial protective orders last up to one year, with extensions available for one year after the first order expires, and subsequent renewals possible for up to 5 years at court discretion

Establishes criminal penalties for violating a sexual assault protective order: class A misdemeanor for first offense, class B felony for second or subsequent offenses

Requires law enforcement to arrest without warrant anyone they have probable cause to believe violated a protective order within the past 12 hours

Extends the minimum retention period for sexual assault evidence collection kits from the shorter of the statute of limitations or 20 years to the longer of those two periods, and adds a new right for survivors to be informed of their kit's status and location

Effective date: January 1, 2027