New Hampshire Senate fast-tracks bail law overhaul

A bill to change New Hampshire's bail law is moving quickly to Gov. Kelly Ayotte for approval. The Senate Judiciary Committee discussed the bill during a meeting on Tuesday, where Ayotte showed her support for law enforcement. The proposed law would require certain offenders charged with violent crimes to see a judge before being released. This is a shift from the 2018 bail reform law that allowed more offenders to avoid jail after being arrested. Ayotte expressed her desire to sign the bill, stating it is important to protect the public from repeat offenders. She noted the need to prevent a "revolving door" for criminals who might commit more crimes after being released. The bill received unanimous support from both parties in the committee and will soon be presented to the full Senate for a vote.