New Hampshire 2022 Regular Session

New Hampshire House Bill HB1145

Introduced
11/23/21  
Refer
11/23/21  

Caption

Relative to a motor vehicle exception to criminal restraint or false imprisonment and relative to civil immunity and physical force in defense of a person.

Impact

If enacted, HB 1145 would change the interpretation of criminal restraint under New Hampshire law, particularly concerning motor vehicle detainments. By delineating circumstances under which confinement is not deemed unlawful, the bill aims to alleviate fears of criminal charges for those who inadvertently block another’s path in a vehicle due to unavoidable circumstances. Furthermore, it emphasizes the rights of individuals to protect themselves or others without facing civil repercussions, potentially leading to increased use of force in defensive situations.

Summary

House Bill 1145 proposes amendments to existing statutes regarding criminal restraint and false imprisonment, specifically creating an exception for temporary detainment in a motor vehicle. The bill addresses concerns around how such detainment situations, often resulting from temporary circumstances like traffic or protests, should be viewed under the law to avoid criminal liability. Additionally, it seeks to clarify civil immunity for individuals using physical force in defense of themselves or others, ensuring they are not held liable for injuries inflicted on a perpetrator during such incidents.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HB 1145 appears to be largely supportive among law enforcement and Second Amendment advocates who view the bill as a necessary clarification of rights related to self-defense. However, there could be skepticism from civil rights groups concerned about potential misuse of the expanded definition of civil immunity and the application of force, fearing it may lead to excessive force in confrontational situations.

Contention

Notable points of contention may arise around the definitions and circumstances under which civil immunity applies and how these provisions could be interpreted in court. Critics may argue that the bill could lead to an environment where individuals feel justified in using excessive force under the vague guidelines of 'protection', potentially leading to increased incidences of violence. The balance between self-defense rights and the responsibility not to escalate confrontations remains a key area of debate surrounding this legislation.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

NH HB1279

(New Title) relative to the use of physical force in defense of a person and relative to authorization of seclusion or restraint during a personal safety emergency by a physician, physician associate, or advanced practice registered nurse.

NH SB19

Providing civil and criminal immunity for use of force in defense of self, real and personal property

NH SB501

relative to authorization of seclusion or restraint during a personal safety emergency by a physician, physician associate, or advanced practice registered nurse.

NH AB2393

False imprisonment: false arrest: remedies.

NH HB408

Relating to self-defense, to amend Section 13A-3-23, Code of Alabama 1975, to provide a person's use of physical force in defending himself, herself, or another person is presumed reasonable; to further provide for the immunity received by a person whose use of physical force on another person is justified self-defense; to shift the burden of proving a person's use of physical force is not justified to the state; and to make nonsubstantive, technical revisions to update the existing code language to current style

NH HB237

Provides relative to the use of seclusion and physical restraint to address the behavior of students with exceptionalities (OR INCREASE GF EX See Note)

NH HB4106

Relating to transportation of persons subject to involuntary treatment; prescribing an effective date.

NH HB2552

Establishes the offense of false imprisonment

NH SB2807

Relating to motor vehicles, including automated motor vehicles; creating a criminal offense.

NH HB1046

AN ACT Relating to protecting the vulnerable by providing immunity from civil liability for damage to a motor vehicle arising from the rescue of vulnerable persons or domestic animals;

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.