BONNIE BRUNO | Oppose HB1047

Expands New Hampshire’s capital murder statute to create new death-penalty-eligible offenses based on the political status of the victim, reinforcing capital punishment and undermining abolitionist principles. Why This Bill Is Dangerous Expands capital punishment Adds new categories of crimes eligible for the death penalty, reversing New Hampshire’s slow movement toward abolition and re-entrenching capital punishment in statute. Creates a hierarchy of victims Elevates the lives of political officials and candidates above others, implying some victims are more deserving of the harshest punishment than ordinary citizens. Weaponizes motive Ties capital charges to political motive, increasing prosecutorial discretion, speculative intent arguments, longer trials, higher costs, and unequal application of justice. Uses fear to re-legitimize the death penalty Exploits fear of political violence to normalize and justify capital punishment rather than addressing violence through prevention, security, or democratic resilience.