New Hampshire Judicial Branch

This report summarizes the State-Level Sequential Intercept Model (SIM) mapping workshop, which serves as a blueprint for New Hampshire stakeholders to reduce criminal justice system involvement for individuals with serious mental illness and/or substance use disorder. The workshop identified four key priorities for change: Behavioral Health Workforce Shortage, Competency Reform, Crisis Drop-Off Beds for Law Enforcement, and Housing at Re-entry. These priorities aim to improve systems, coordination, and services, ultimately preparing individuals with behavioral health needs for success within the community and reducing their engagement with the criminal justice system.

This document is an assessment of the New Hampshire Judicial Branch (NHJB) conducted by the National Center for State Courts (NCSC). Initiated in anticipation of budget reductions, the assessment identifies opportunities to maximize resource efficiency, streamline administrative functions, and propose necessary statutory or rule changes. It presents 27 recommendations spanning structural, governance, administration, judicial process and policy changes, automation, and electronic case files, aiming to guide the NHJB in adapting to future challenges while maintaining high service levels.

The committee discussed proposed rule changes in dockets 2022-001, 2023-004, and 2023-005. The discussion included concerns about the possible exposure of confidential attorney-client communication, the definition of what constitutes confidential information, and the importance of transparency and accountability. The committee also discussed the Rules of Evidence and the probable cause standard in involuntary emergency admissions cases.

This 2025 Annual Report details the New Hampshire Access to Justice Commission's progress, highlighting growth, collaboration with the Judicial Branch's Office of Access and Community Engagement (OACE), and the advancement of six ARPA-funded initiatives. Key focus areas include the continued work of six Task Force committees (User-Friendly Courts, Civil Legal Aid, LEP Litigants, Access for All, Fees and Fines, and Public Relations) to reduce barriers to justice. The report also outlines the implementation status of ARPA projects such as Forms Simplification, Language Access initiatives, Legal Spotters, Mobile Outreach, Website Enhancement, a Generative AI chatbot pilot, and Data Collection. Future plans for 2026 involve Task Force reorganization, sustained momentum on ARPA projects, and expanding public access to Commission meetings, all aimed at strengthening access to justice across the state.

The agenda includes a public hearing regarding the proposed amendment to Supreme Court Rule 42(XI)(f), which concerns admission to the bar without examination, specifically addressing the provision that prohibits applicants who have failed the bar examination four times from eligibility. The committee will also discuss and vote on items from the public hearing, approve the March 6, 2020 meeting minutes, and review items pending before the committee, including Superior Court Civil Rule 12(g) and Supreme Court Rules 38, 40, and Superior Court Administrative Rule 1-6 regarding the Code of Judicial Conduct. Additionally, the agenda covers new submissions such as 2020-005 Superior Court Rule 41 and 2020-006 Criminal Procedure Rule 12.