Statement on Senate Bill 591

Concord, NH – Attorney General John M. Formella issued the following statement regarding the State Senate’s vote to concur with the House’s amendment to Senate Bill 591:

"It is my hope that today’s passage of Senate Bill 591 will represent a landmark moment for justice and healing for YDC victims. This legislation represents a compromise negotiated in good faith between the State and plaintiffs’ counsel that will expand the scope of claims covered, increase settlement caps in certain circumstances, and simplify and streamline the settlement process, all while providing with State with budgetary certainty and protecting the interests of the State’s taxpayers. While each victim retains their choice as to how to proceed and the re-worked process may not work for every victim, we believe this new process will provide a good alternative to traditional litigation for the vast majority of victims. I am thankful to the legislature and am proud of the New Hampshire Department of Justice and our team’s steadfast efforts to establish and now improve this process. I also extend my appreciation to plaintiffs’ counsel, and in particular the attorneys at Rilee & Associates and Nixon Peabody, for coming to the table to engage in the tough but respectful negotiations that lead to the passage of this legislation. Once the bill is signed, we look forward to working with Administrator Broderick, plaintiffs’ counsel, and most importantly the victims themselves, to implement the changes included in this legislation and to ensure that the re-worked process is conducted fairly, respectfully, and efficiently so that victims truly have a just and fair alternative to litigation.”