HB1346

Dear Chair and Members of the Committee, My name is Kim Lawrence, and I am writing to respectfully oppose HB 1346-FN. While I recognize the real public safety needs faced by state, county, and local law enforcement agencies — especially during large events — this bill expands law enforcement authority and crowd control powers without sufficient guardrails, oversight, or accountability protections. HB 1346 would authorize the director of the Police Standards and Training Council to detail law enforcement training specialists for law enforcement and crowd control services for both public and private events, including “extra duty functions,” with full authority to enforce criminal and motor vehicle laws. This is a significant expansion of operational policing powers for employees whose primary function is training and standards. My opposition is not based on opposition to law enforcement support. Rather, it is based on concerns that HB 1346 lacks clear limits and protections such as: clear oversight requirements and reporting to the public clear jurisdiction and command structure on details clear complaint and accountability procedures clear restrictions on use in crowd control contexts, including protests and political demonstrations transparency requirements, particularly when used for private events clear standards for how individuals’ constitutional rights will be safeguarded during crowd control operations Without these protections, the bill creates a risk of blurred authority and inconsistent accountability when enforcement actions are taken under this detail system. Public trust is a cornerstone of community safety, and laws that expand crowd control powers must include strong transparency and oversight from the start. If the intent of HB 1346 is to help communities address staffing shortages for large public events, I urge the Legislature to pursue a narrower approach focused on mutual aid and public event safety — with explicit guardrails — rather than broad authorization covering both public and private events with full enforcement powers. For these reasons, I respectfully urge the Committee to vote Inexpedient to Legislate (ITL) on HB 1346-FN, or to retain the bill for amendments that establish strong safeguards and transparency requirements. Thank you for your time and consideration. Sincerely, Kim Lawrence Resident of New Hampshire

Position recorded without written comment.

Position recorded without written comment.