Failed Bail Reform Experiment Officially Over in New Hampshire

CONCORD, NH - A new law ending New Hampshire's failed bail reform social experiment took effect on Sunday, September 21, 2025. Governor Kelly Ayotte signed House Bill 592 into law in March of this year to shut and lock the revolving door for violent criminals in the Granite State.

"The failed bail reform social experiment created a revolving door for violent criminals. Today, that revolving door is finally shut and locked," said Governor Ayotte. "I was proud to sign this bipartisan law back in March so we can support our law enforcement, protect victims, and make sure dangerous criminals stay locked up. Thanks to the tireless work of law enforcement, victim advocates, and leaders from both sides of the aisle at every level of government, New Hampshire will remain the safest state in the nation."

State leaders joined Governor Ayotte in commending the bipartisan effort to pass the new bail law and prevent violent offenders from doing further harm.

"The 2018 bail reform law had tragic consequences - from a stabbing in my home city of Manchester to the murder of an innocent woman in the North Country," added Executive Councilor John Stephen of Manchester. "I'm both relieved and proud that a new law is now in effect to get violent offenders off of our streets and protect vulnerable Granite Staters. I thank Governor Ayotte for leading on this issue, and I am confident that the Attorney General and our state leaders will work tirelessly to make sure this law is implemented successfully so we can keep New Hampshire the safest state in the nation."

"The disastrous impact of our failed bail law hit far too close to home with the murder of Marisol Fuentes in Berlin," said Executive Councilor Joe Kenney of Wakefield. "My constituents and all Granite Staters can breathe easier knowing that a new law is now in place that would keep criminals like the one who murdered Marisol behind bars. I'm proud to see this bail law take effect today and will continue working with the Governor and our state leaders to make sure we prevent future tragedies like what happened in my district."

Governor Ayotte discussed the new bail law now in effect on CloseUp yesterday with WMUR's Adam Sexton. Watch the video.