CONCORD, NH — Gov. Chris Sununu on Friday issued the following statement regarding bail reform in New Hampshire:
“Within the next two weeks, I plan to convene a bipartisan group of legislators to find solutions to not only fix bail reform in New Hampshire, but to overhaul the system,” said Governor Chris Sununu. “When bail reform became law last year, I pledged that we would closely monitor its implementation. It is clear that there have been some unintended consequences, and I remain committed to overhauling the system in an expedited manner. I agree with the many stakeholders that have called for reform, and look forward to continuing to work with them to develop a new approach. We can find a solution that ensures public safety while not needlessly incarcerating someone simply because they cannot afford bail.”
Manchester Police Chief Carlo Capano has been one of those who has been critical of the state’s bail reform, and “unintended consequences,” which often mean those arrested by his officers are released before the ink is dry on the paperwork.
In response to Sununu’s announcement, Capano said on Friday that he is very thankful that the Governor is in support of looking into the issues and concerns that he has regarding bail reform, and he will work with him any way he can.
To date, the Governor’s Office has met with superintendents of jails, lawmakers, police chiefs, city government, non-profit leaders, members of the judicial branch, the ACLU and advocates to discuss further overhauls of the bail reform system.
