Governor Hassan Ceremonially Signs Domestic Violence Related Laws

Statement

Governor Maggie Hassan was joined today by legislators, community leaders and advocates, including ​Bob Marriott, father of Liz Marriott, ​as she ​ceremonially ​signed three domestic violence laws in the Governor and Council Chamber​ of the State House​. Governor Hassan issued the following statement on the new laws:

"Maintaining the safety of New Hampshire's communities and citizens is the most important job of state government, and these laws will help us strengthen our efforts to address domestic violence and ensure that there is justice for victims and their loved ones."

"The measure requiring criminal defendants to be present in the courtroom for victim impact statements was spurred following the tragic loss of Liz Marriott, and I want to recognize Liz's father, Bob, for his courageous advocacy for this law."

"These bipartisan measures will help deter crime and bring closure to victims' families and loved ones. I thank​ Rep. Cushing for sponsoring these three bills and​ legislators from both parties for passing these important ​measures that I am honored to sign into law."

HB 225 is a bill requiring a criminal defendant to be present in courtroom for victim impact statements. HB 616 is a bill relative to compensation to claimants under the victims' assistance fund. HB 681 is a bill establishing a fine for persons convicted of domestic violence and increasing the marriage license fee, with the funds to be used to increase support for domestic violence abuse victims and prevention efforts.

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