NH SB625

Parents, spouses, or children of homicide victims may request a written explanation from the Department of Justice when charges are not filed or not refiled in cases where the medical examiner ruled the death a homicide

Family members who believe probable cause exists may petition superior court for review of the Department's decision not to prosecute, with the court limited to granting one review request per homicide investigation

The court may conduct in camera review of investigative reports and hold evidentiary hearings with witnesses, during which any suspect under consideration has full rights including counsel and cross-examination

If the court finds probable cause exists, it provides a written recommendation to the Department of Justice to prosecute, though the Department is not required to follow the recommendation and must respond within 90 days

Applies only to cases closed or declined for retrial after the effective date of January 1, 2027, with no retroactive application