Lawmakers Hear Victims’ Accounts as Reforms Proposed to New Hampshire Restitution System
January 22, 2026 | Criminal Justice and Public Safety, House of Representatives, Committees , Legislative, New Hampshire
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Representative Kathleen Paquette introduced HB1576 to overhaul the Department of Corrections’ restitution administration, arguing the current system leaves victims uninformed and without payments they were owed. Paquette recounted her own experience as a victim who had trouble receiving restitution and said roughly $1 million collected in 2025 remains undispersed and more than 13,000 cases are active.
Victim‑advocate organizations — including the New Hampshire Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Violence — and former DOC victim‑services staff testified in favor, urging clearer notification protocols, annual financial reevaluations of offenders, and stronger enforcement (including garnishment and other remedies used in other states). Nicole Kivett, a former DOC victim advocate, detailed how restitution practices often end when a victim loses their point of contact and that continuity of communications matters.
Assistant Commissioner Jessica Coron of DOC acknowledged the agency supports stronger restitution enforcement and improved communications but stressed operational limits: DOC manages roughly 13,000 active restitution cases on behalf of about 21,000 victims with only four collections officers (down from 11 a decade ago). Coron said many provisions would require additional staffing and software changes and that the department had sustained recent budget cuts. DOC estimates roughly 60% of offenders have not made payments in 60 days and that outside vendor support could be required.
Committee members praised the bill’s intent and asked about fiscal notes and implementation. DOC said it supports the bill’s goals but needs funding for positions and systems to meet statutory mandates. Sponsor said she will file an amendment removing proposed criminal penalties for nonpayment and will work with DOC on implementation details.
What’s next: Sponsor and department will refine language and provide fiscal details before the committee takes further action.
Victim‑advocate organizations — including the New Hampshire Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Violence — and former DOC victim‑services staff testified in favor, urging clearer notification protocols, annual financial reevaluations of offenders, and stronger enforcement (including garnishment and other remedies used in other states). Nicole Kivett, a former DOC victim advocate, detailed how restitution practices often end when a victim loses their point of contact and that continuity of communications matters.
Assistant Commissioner Jessica Coron of DOC acknowledged the agency supports stronger restitution enforcement and improved communications but stressed operational limits: DOC manages roughly 13,000 active restitution cases on behalf of about 21,000 victims with only four collections officers (down from 11 a decade ago). Coron said many provisions would require additional staffing and software changes and that the department had sustained recent budget cuts. DOC estimates roughly 60% of offenders have not made payments in 60 days and that outside vendor support could be required.
Committee members praised the bill’s intent and asked about fiscal notes and implementation. DOC said it supports the bill’s goals but needs funding for positions and systems to meet statutory mandates. Sponsor said she will file an amendment removing proposed criminal penalties for nonpayment and will work with DOC on implementation details.
What’s next: Sponsor and department will refine language and provide fiscal details before the committee takes further action.
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