New Hampshire's House Criminal Justice and Public Safety Committee convened on January 22, 2025, to discuss a pivotal piece of legislation aimed at addressing child neglect. The proposed bill, HB 257, also known as Charlotte's Law, seeks to establish criminal neglect of a child as a prosecutable offense, a move that advocates argue is essential for protecting vulnerable children in the state.

The bill's supporters, including county attorneys and law enforcement officials, emphasized the urgent need for legal tools to address cases of child neglect that currently fall through the cracks of existing statutes. Emily Garrod, the Stratford County attorney, highlighted the limitations of current laws, which often require proof of purposeful harm, making it difficult to prosecute cases where neglect leads to serious injury or death. She shared a harrowing example of a child who suffered abuse due to a caregiver's inaction, underscoring the need for a more comprehensive legal framework.

Detective Alex Marvin of the Newport Police Department echoed these sentiments, stating that children are often unable to advocate for themselves, leaving law enforcement with limited options to intervene in neglect cases. He pointed to high-profile tragedies, such as the Harmony Montgomery case, as evidence of systemic failures in child protection. Marvin argued that HB 257 would empower law enforcement to act before neglect escalates into irreversible harm.

The emotional testimonies of family members affected by child neglect further underscored the bill's significance. Tina DiLorenzo recounted the tragic death of her granddaughter, Charlotte, due to medical neglect, emphasizing that current laws failed to hold the responsible parties accountable. Similarly, Mary Anne LaRocque shared her granddaughter Sophia's story of severe neglect, illustrating the dire consequences of inadequate legal protections.

However, the bill faced opposition from the National Association of Social Workers (NASW), which cautioned against the potential for criminalizing poverty. They argued that many families struggling with economic hardship could be unfairly targeted under the proposed law, leading to further entanglement in the criminal justice system without addressing the root causes of neglect.

The committee's discussions highlighted the delicate balance between protecting children and ensuring that families receive the support they need. As the bill moves forward, its implications for child welfare and the legal system will be closely scrutinized. Advocates for HB 257 remain hopeful that it will provide a necessary framework for addressing child neglect more effectively, ultimately safeguarding the well-being of New Hampshire's most vulnerable residents.