New Hampshire HB 1279: relative to the use of physical force in defense of a person.

Bill Text

HB 1279 - AS AMENDED BY THE SENATE

05/14/2026 1545s

05/14/2026 1944s

2026 SESSION

 26-2855

 09/08

HOUSE BILL 1279

AN ACT 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.

SPONSORS: Rep. Polozov, Merr. 10; Rep. Aures, Merr. 13; Rep. Avellani, Carr. 4; Rep. Giasson, Hills. 29; Rep. McFarlane, Graf. 18; Rep. Sabourin dit Choiniere, Rock. 30; Rep. Sirois, Hills. 32; Rep. Thibault, Merr. 25; Rep. Roy, Rock. 31; Sen. Sullivan, Dist 18

COMMITTEE: Criminal Justice and Public Safety

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ANALYSIS

 This bill:

 I. Modifies the standard for when force can be used against someone likely to use unlawful force in the commission of a felony.

 II. Authorizes a physician, physician associate, or advanced practice registered nurse (APRN) to order seclusion or restraint during a personal safety emergency at New Hampshire hospital and other designated receiving facilities.

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Explanation: Matter added to current law appears in bold italics.

 Matter removed from current law appears [in brackets and struckthrough.]

 Matter which is either (a) all new or (b) repealed and reenacted appears in regular type.

05/14/2026 1545s

05/14/2026 1944s 26-2855

 09/08

STATE OF NEW HAMPSHIRE

In the Year of Our Lord Two Thousand Twenty-Six

AN ACT 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.

Be it Enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives in General Court convened:

 1 Physical Force in Defense of a Person. Amend RSA 627:4, II(d) to read as follows: 

 (d) Is likely to use any unlawful force in the commission of a felony against the actor or a third person within such actor's dwelling or its curtilage.

 2 New Hampshire Mental Health Services System; Treatment Rights; Seclusion or Restraint. Amend RSA 135-C:57, V to read as follows: 

 V. Freedom from seclusion or physical or pharmacological restraint. Notwithstanding any state law to the contrary, seclusion or restraint shall be administered only by order of a physician, physician associate, or an APRN with the consent of the person, who has made an informed decision, or as a form of emergency treatment imposed by law or by rules, adopted by the commissioner under RSA 541-A. 

 3 Effective Date. 

 I. Section 1 of this act shall take effect January 1, 2027.

 II. The remainder of this act shall take effect 60 days after its passage.