One Year Later: New Bail Law is Delivering Results, Improving Public Safety

CONCORD, NH - One year after Governor Kelly Ayotte signed a law to fix New Hampshire's broken bail system, law enforcement officials across the state report the law is improving public safety, keeping dangerous offenders off the streets, and protecting crime victims from further harm.

"One year since I signed this bipartisan law to fix our broken bail system,this law is protecting victims, stopping repeat offenders, and keeping dangerous criminals off our streets," said Governor Ayotte. "New Hampshire will remain the safest state in the nation thanks to the hard work of our law enforcement, prosecutors, victim advocates, and legislators on both sides of the aisle who came together to get this done.

Officials say the early results show the law is working as intended - holding repeat offenders accountable, reducing reoffending, and strengthening protections for victims and communities.

"Since the 2025 bail law took effect, we're seeing it work across New Hampshire,holding repeat offenders accountable and keeping dangerous individuals off the streets while their cases move through the courts," said Attorney General John Formella. "State Troopers and local law enforcement have used the law to detain drivers with multiple DUI arrests, violent offenders, and habitual criminals who previously might have been released. From Coos to Merrimack to southern New Hampshire, and all throughout the State, these reforms are giving judges, prosecutors, and police the tools they need to protect victims and strengthen public safety."

Law enforcement agencies are reporting real-world impacts:

• New Hampshire State Police have detained repeat offenders who previously would have been released, including impaired drivers reoffending while on bail and high-speed, intoxicated drivers with prior violations.
• Prosecutors and county corrections officials report bail decisions are now more focused on public safety, victim protection, and prior conduct.
• In Coös County, pretrial detentions have increased by approximately 50 percent, reflecting greater use of the law in serious cases.
• Derry Police say the law is helping end the "catch-and-release" cycle, with repeat offenders more likely to be detained after repeated violations or new criminal activity.
• Manchester Police report cases where repeat offenders with a history of noncompliance are now being held without bail after continued offenses.

"Since the 2025 bail reform law took effect, we're seeing real, tangible results in Nashua and across Hillsborough County," said Chief Kevin Rourke of the Nashua Police Department. "Repeat offenders who commit new crimes while out on bail are now more consistently held, helping break the long-standing 'catch-and-release' cycle and improving victim safety. When the law is applied as intended, it reduces repeat offenses, eases the burden on law enforcement and courts, and keeps our communities safer."

Officials say the law is having a significant impact in domestic violence cases:

• In Portsmouth, preventive detention and strict monitoring conditions allowed investigators to continue building a case involving threats and alleged violence, potentially preventing further harm to the victim.
• In Nashua, prosecutors secured detention for a defendant charged with domestic assault after it was revealed he was already facing multiple domestic violence cases involving different victims.

"The new bail law is helping local departments like ours better protect victims in serious cases involving domestic violence and other offenses," said Ryan Grogan, Victim Witness Advocate for The City of Portsmouth. "When offenders are held on preventative detention, we can stop tragedies before they happen and ensure victims are protected and kept safe."

Watch video from today's press conference.