WHAT: A roundtable discussion to address SB140, which establishes a domestic violence fatality review committee within the Department of Justice. The committee will conduct comprehensive, multidisciplinary reviews of deaths related to domestic violence to identify barriers to victim safety, evaluate law enforcement and agency responses, and recommend improvements to systemic and community responses. The roundtable discussion will focus on the committee’s role, domestic violence prevalence and prevention strategies, police training needs, and the need for coordinated efforts to enhance public safety. Additionally, the roundtable will cover recent bail changes from new laws passed in 2025, including HB592, which rolls back portions of the 2018 bail reform to give judges more discretion in detaining defendants pre-trial.

WHEN: Wednesday, August 20, 2025
4:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. ET

WHERE: White Mountain Community College – Berlin, NH 03570

WHO: Hosted by New Hampshire Executive Councilors Joe Kenney and John Stephen.

• Joe Kenney: Executive Councilor representing the North Country, committed to addressing rural community safety and policing needs.
• John Stephen: Executive Councilor representing the greater Manchester area and former prosecutor as Assistant Attorney General.

Invited Guests:

• Chief Jeff Lemoine: Berlin Chief of Police.
• Mayor Robert Cone: Mayor of Berlin.
• Berlin Police Commission: Representatives to discuss the commission formed under SB140.
  Additional participants may include local law enforcement, community leaders, and state officials.

WHY: SB140, passed in 2025, establishes a domestic violence fatality review committee to analyze deaths related to domestic violence, aiming to improve victim safety and systemic responses. The committee includes representatives from law enforcement, legal services, victim services, and the New Hampshire Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Violence. This roundtable will discuss the law’s implications, strategies to combat domestic violence, and training needs to ensure effective implementation. The event will also cover bail reform efforts under HB592, which introduces significant changes to bail processes to enhance public safety. The event aims to foster collaboration among local leaders, law enforcement, and policymakers to support safer communities.

MEDIA CONTACT:
For more information, RSVPs, or interview requests, contact:
Chris Maidment Phone: (540) 598-1130 Email: [email protected]