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Bill to create private right of action under New Hampshire Civil Rights Act draws support from AG's office with amendment
Summary
Legislation (HB 641) to permit private lawsuits under the state's civil rights statute drew informational testimony from the attorney general's civil‑rights unit and support from civil‑rights groups, while officials proposed language allowing the Department of Justice to intervene in private cases.
The House Judiciary Committee heard testimony on House Bill 641, which would add a private right of action to New Hampshire's Civil Rights Act, 3 54‑B, allowing individuals to seek relief in state court for violations currently enforceable only by the attorney general.
Representative Linda Gathright introduced the bill, saying it would permit "a person to have the right to have a lawyer to represent them for any civil rights violations they think might have been against them." Representative Jonah Wheeler, a co‑sponsor, described it as a "common nonpartisan" measure intended to increase access to remedies for victims.
Sean Locke, senior assistant attorney general and head of the Department of Justice civil rights unit,…
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