The State of New Hampshire will invest in a new system to ensure timely restitution payments for crime victims following approval by the Governor and Executive Council today.

The Governor’s Office and the New Hampshire Department of Corrections (NHDOC) worked to deliver this solution following an issue with the State’s previous payment system that temporarily disrupted restitution payments.

“New Hampshire is the safest state in the nation because we protect victims of crime and hold offenders accountable, and we have an obligation to ensure timely restitution payments for those who have been harmed,” said Governor Ayotte. “Commissioner Hart and his team at the Department of Corrections worked tirelessly to identify a solution that would make the system more efficient, transparent, and accountable. I thank the Executive Council for approving this contract today. Together, we are bringing more justice and peace of mind to victims.”

NHDOC manages approximately 13,000 restitution cases involving more than 21,000 victims, with over $2.6 million in court-ordered payments collected annually.

“The contract the Council approved today provides a much-needed system upgrade to ensure that the more than 21,000 victims receiving restitution payments get the timely service they deserve,” said Executive Councilor Janet Stevens. “I thank Commissioner Hart and his team for the time and effort devoted to resolving this matter. I’m committed to working with Governor Ayotte, my fellow Councilors, leadership at NHDOC, and all our state public safety officials to protect victims.  We must hold those responsible for making restitution payments accountable and ensure we meet our restitution obligations outlined in the law. Presently, 60 percent of those required to make restitution payments have not done so within 60 days. This is unacceptable.”

The agreement has a total value not to exceed $600,000 and is funded at no cost to New Hampshire taxpayers. NHDOC will use revenue from its 15% administrative surcharge for offenders paying restitution to fund the new system.

“Restitution is about more than just a financial obligation; it’s about accountability and justice for victims,” said NHDOC Commissioner William Hart. “We know the delays over the past year have been frustrating and have had a real impact on people’s lives. This new system will help make the process more reliable and transparent. Victims deserve that, and it’s something we are committed to getting right.”

New Hampshire residents are being encouraged to check their voter registration status ahead of upcoming elections, according to information provided by the League of Women Voters of New Hampshire.

Any U.S. citizen who is at least 18 years old and resides in the state has the constitutional right to vote. However, residents who have moved, changed their name or not voted recently may need to re-register. Even those who believe they are registered are advised to confirm their status, as voters can occasionally be removed from rolls without notice.

Voters can check their registration by visiting their local town or city clerk’s office or by using the New Hampshire Secretary of State’s online voter information lookup tool.

Under updated procedures effective June 2, 2026, residents may register to vote either in advance at their clerk’s office or on Election Day at their polling place. New Hampshire does not offer online voter registration.

To register, voters must provide proof of identity, age, residency and citizenship, such as a driver’s license, passport, utility bill or birth certificate.

When voting in person, a government-issued photo ID is required. Absentee voting remains available for those unable to appear at the polls due to illness, disability, work obligations, travel or religious reasons, though additional identification requirements for absentee ballots have been in place since 2025.

The League of Women Voters encourages residents to verify their registration early to avoid delays or complications on Election Day.

PORTSMOUTH, NH — Downtown will again turn its focus to families next month when Pro Portsmouth presents Children’s Day on Sunday.

The annual event, planned across downtown Portsmouth, with a block party and live performances on Pleasant Street, will be held from noon to 4 p.m.

Families will be able to use an activity map and legend to follow the alphabet through downtown. Along the way, children can take part in crafts, games, and interactive activities hosted in shops and restaurants.

Entertainment scheduled for the Pleasant Street block party includes Bryson Lang, Juggler Extraordinaire!, Musical Fun with Friend Andrea, and Movin’ & Groovin’ with musician, TJ Wheeler. The announcement describes Children’s Day as a “kid-friendly” event for Seacoast families.

The Children’s Day map will be available at the event and can also be downloaded or printed from the Pro Portsmouth website. Information about street closures and parking is also posted online as families make plans for the downtown event.

Support for Children’s Day comes from 2026 Program Partners, Mass General Brigham/Wentworth Douglass Hospital, Lonza, and Ocean Properties, along with event sponsors Treehouse Toys, G.Willikers, ad cetera, Blue Dolphin, and the Kiwanis Club of the Seacoast. The org also thanked the city of Portsmouth, City Manager Karen Conard, and city departments for supporting the event.

Pro Portsmouth, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) organization serving the Seacoast area. According to the group’s description, its mission is to promote the arts, culture, history and community of the area through events including Children’s Day, the Market Square Day Festival & 10K Road Race, Summer in the Street and First Night Portsmouth.

Children’s Day information, including the event map, street closure details, and parking information, is available through Pro Portsmouth online ahead of the May 3 event.