1 New Trials; Time. Amend RSA 526:4 to read as follows:

526:4 Time.

A new trial shall not be granted unless the petition is filed within three years after the rendition of the judgment complained of, or the failure of the suit.

2 Effective Date. This act shall take effect January 1, 2026.

1 New Trials; Time. Amend RSA 526:4 to read as follows:

526:4 Time.

I. A new trial shall not be granted unless the petition is filed within 3 years after the rendition of the judgment complained of, or the failure of the suit.

II. The time limit in paragraph I shall not apply if:

(a) The petitioner seeks a new trial in a criminal case that resulted in a conviction of a felony or a class A misdemeanor;

(b) The petitioner is either incarcerated, subject to the terms of a sentence, or subject to collateral consequences of the sentence; and

(c) The petition alleges that newly discovered evidence exists.

III. For purposes of this subsection, "newly discovered evidence" includes, but is not limited to, evidence that can be subjected to new or additional forensic testing or new scientific understanding and evidence that was not admissible at the time of trial but is admissible at the time the petition is filed.

IV. Nothing in this section is intended to supersede the standard for granting a motion for new trial as set out in RSA 526:1.

2 Effective Date. This act shall take effect January 1, 2026.