Bill Text: NH HB641 | 2025 | Regular Session | Introduced
Bill Title: Establishing a private right of action for civil rights violations.
Sponsorship: Partisan Bill (Democrat 14)
Status: (Introduced - Dead) 2025-03-26 - Inexpedient to Legislate: Motion Adopted DV 195-146 03/26/2025 House Journal 10 P. 79 [HB641 Detail]
Download: New_Hampshire-2025-HB641-Introduced.html
HB 641-FN - AS INTRODUCED
2025 SESSION
25-0717
11/09
HOUSE BILL 641-FN
AN ACT establishing a private right of action for civil rights violations.
SPONSORS: Rep. Harriott-Gathright, Hills. 10; Rep. Georges, Hills. 23; Rep. Jeudy, Hills. 23; Rep. Kluger, Hills. 6; Rep. Manohar, Hills. 9; Rep. Meuse, Rock. 37; Rep. Newell, Ches. 4; Rep. Scherr, Rock. 26; Rep. Vail, Hills. 6; Rep. Wheeler, Hills. 33; Sen. Long, Dist 20; Sen. Rosenwald, Dist 13; Sen. Watters, Dist 4; Sen. Fenton, Dist 10
COMMITTEE: Judiciary
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ANALYSIS
This bill allows a person who is the subject of a civil rights violation to bring suit and receive punitive damages.
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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Matter which is either (a) all new or (b) repealed and reenacted appears in regular type.
25-0717
11/09
STATE OF NEW HAMPSHIRE
In the Year of Our Lord Two Thousand Twenty Five
AN ACT establishing a private right of action for civil rights violations.
Be it Enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives in General Court convened:
1 New Section; 354-B. Amend RSA 354-B by inserting after section 354-B:2 the following new section:
354-B:2-a Private Rights of Action.
I. Any person who has been subjected to, or the target of, the unlawful interference with, or the attempt to interfere with, the rights secured by this chapter, may bring a private action under chapter 354-B.
? II. Any person injured by another's use of any method, act, or practice declared unlawful under this chapter may bring an action for damages and for such equitable relief, including an injunction, as the court deems necessary and proper. If the court or jury finds for the plaintiff, recovery shall be in the amount of actual damages or $10,000, whichever is greater. If the court or jury finds that the use of the method of competition or the act or practice was a willful or knowing violation of this chapter, it shall award as much as 3 times, but not less than 2 times, such amount. In addition, a prevailing plaintiff shall be awarded the costs of the suit and reasonable attorney's fees, as determined by the court. Any attempted waiver of the right to the damages set forth in this paragraph shall be void and unenforceable. Injunctive relief shall be available to private individuals under this chapter without bond, subject to the discretion of the court.
III. Upon commencement of any action brought under this section, the clerk of court shall mail a copy of the complaint or other initial pleadings to the attorney general and, upon entry of any judgment or decree in the action, shall mail a copy of such judgment or decree to the attorney general.
2 Effective Date. This act shall take effect January 1, 2026.
25-0717
1/7/25
HB 641-FN- FISCAL NOTE
AS INTRODUCED
AN ACT establishing a private right of action for civil rights violations.
FISCAL IMPACT:
The Office of Legislative Budget Assistant is unable to complete a fiscal note for this bill as it is awaiting information from the Department of Justice. The Department was contacted on 1/7/25 for a fiscal note worksheet. When completed, the fiscal note will be forwarded to the House Clerk's Office.
AGENCIES CONTACTED:
Department of Justice
