HB257

Relative to the crime of endangering the welfare of a child or incompetent.

Chamber Passed·1/15/26
Text Text

Modifies the definition of endangering the welfare of a child or incompetent in New Hampshire.

New Hampshire HB257 amends RSA 639:3, I to redefine the crime of endangering the welfare of a child or incompetent. Under the new definition, a person is guilty if they knowingly or recklessly endanger the welfare of a child under 18 or an incompetent person by violating a duty of care or by inducing them to engage in dangerous conduct. This change takes effect on January 1, 2026.

Included in complete analysis

  • Overview
  • Core Provisions
  • Implementation
  • Impact
  • Legal Framework
  • Critical Issues

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Where it stands

Last
Passed the House · Jan 15
Current
The Senate
Next
Session adjourned — paused until it reconvenes

Sponsors

DDD
3
4
RRRR
Democratic CaucusRepublican Caucus

Calendar

Mar 19

9:40 AM

Children and Family Law Hearing

Oct 22, 2025

10:00 AM

Criminal Justice and Public Safety Work Session

History

Apr 10

Senate

Refer to Interim Study, Motion Adopted, Voice Vote; 04/16/2026; Senate Journal 9

Apr 7

Senate

Committee Report: Referred to Interim Study, 04/16/2026; Vote 3-0; Consent Calendar; Senate Calendar 14

Mar 12

Senate

Hearing: 03/19/2026, Room 100, State House, 09:40 am; Senate Calendar 10