NH HB1717

Replaces marital masters in the Circuit Court Family Division with 12 administrative law judges (ALJs), requiring a minimum of 10 years professional experience with at least 50% in family law matters

Requires all ALJ recommendations to be signed by a constitutional judge who certifies the correct legal standard was applied, ensuring full judicial/constitutional review of family division decisions

Mandates ALJs complete training in court procedures, mediation, negotiation, and psychological maltreatment, and requires them to purchase and maintain liability bonds

Assigns new duties to the Administrative Judge including ensuring litigants receive copies of complaint processes and are informed about federal Title IV-D funding arrangements between the judicial branch and NH Department of Health and Human Services

Estimated General Fund expenditures of $1,672,000 in FY 2027 (half-year plus fit-up costs) and $3,127,000 annually in FY 2028 and beyond for the 12 new ALJ positions, with an effective date of January 1, 2027