NH HB1696

Amends RSA 594:14 to make it a misdemeanor to fail to remain of "good behavior" while released on a summons in lieu of arrest, in addition to the existing misdemeanor for failure to appear in court

Defines "good behavior" as not committing any felony, misdemeanor, or major motor vehicle offense while on release; proof of a criminal conviction is not required, but the state must prove the underlying acts beyond a reasonable doubt

Requires any imprisonment term for violating summons conditions to be served consecutively to sentences for other offenses

Provides an affirmative defense for failure to appear if uncontrollable circumstances prevented appearance and the person appeared as soon as those circumstances ended

Takes effect January 1, 2027, with indeterminable fiscal impact on state general fund expenditures and county/local expenditures due to potential changes in judicial and correctional system costs