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Committee hears testimony on HB 194 to clarify and strengthen 'interference with custody' enforcement
Summary
Lawmakers and witnesses urged clearer enforcement of New Hampshire's interference-with-custody statute (RSA 633:4), saying police sometimes treat withholding children as a civil family-court matter rather than a crime. Sponsors and witnesses proposed clarifying language and stronger directions for law enforcement.
Rep. David Love, a cosponsor of House Bill 194, opened the committee’s public hearing by describing the measure as an amendment to New Hampshire RSA 633:4 to strengthen penalties and ensure law enforcement enforces court orders.
Supporters told the Criminal Justice and Public Safety Committee they encounter cases where officers tell parents withholding children to take the issue to family court rather than pursue criminal charges, leaving parents waiting weeks for hearings. Rep. Love said HB…
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