HB 1338 amends New Hampshire law to exclude abortion providers from being classified as "charitable organizations" for the purpose of operating games of chance, such as raffles or bingo. This change directly affects abortion providers, preventing them from qualifying for charitable gaming licenses under current regulations. The bill adds a specific exclusion to the legal definition of "charitable organization" in RSA 287-D:1, stating such organizations shall not include abortion providers. The law takes effect 60 days after passage.
HR 43 is a symbolic House Resolution recognizing 32 community organizations that partner with Manchester, New Hampshire schools. It does not create new laws or funding; instead, it formally acknowledges these partners' contributions to supporting students. The resolution lists specific entities like NH Dance Collaborative, 603 Legal Aid, Boys & Girls Club, and Southern New Hampshire University. It serves only to honor these groups' work, with no policy changes or obligations attached. As a procedural resolution, it has no legal effect beyond the recognition stated.
This bill expands the permitted uses of impact fees - charges imposed on new development - to include purchasing safety equipment for police, fire, and emergency services. It directly affects municipalities that collect impact fees, allowing them to allocate these funds toward existing safety vehicle fleets (like police cars or fire trucks) rather than solely for infrastructure like roads or water systems. The key change amends the definition of "impact fee" in state law to explicitly authorize this use, adding it to the existing list of approved purposes. This is a concrete policy adjustment to the existing fee structure, not a new program.
SB 637 creates a tax credit for New Hampshire grocery stores that purchase at least 10% of their products from registered local farms, requiring them to reduce prices on those items by 10%. The credit equals 10% of qualifying purchases and can offset the store’s business profits tax liability, with unused portions carryable for up to five years. Grocery stores must verify purchases from farms in a voluntary state registry and provide proof of price discounts. This policy directly affects grocery stores and supports New Hampshire farms by incentivizing local sourcing.
HB 1441 creates a 12-member commission to study the economic, legal, and sociological implications if New Hampshire were to exercise its sovereign state rights (including potential independence). The commission, composed of legislative members, public appointees, and representatives from groups like the Business and Industry Association and New Hampshire Medical Society, must examine 15 specific questions - such as currency, travel, healthcare, federal benefits, and defense - over two years. It will submit an interim report by November 2026 and a final report with recommendations by November 2027 to state leaders. The bill does not create new laws but mandates this study to analyze potential impacts of state sovereignty actions.
HB 1693 expands Grafton County's board of commissioners from three to five members, creating five distinct districts covering all towns in the county. Each commissioner will be elected to a two-year term starting in 2026, with all seats up for election simultaneously at each general election. This change directly affects Grafton County residents, as it alters how local government representation is structured and elected. The bill requires an estimated $39,000 annual increase in county expenditures for the additional two commissioners' salaries and related costs.
HB 1177 defines "remote work" as a flexible arrangement where employees work from an alternative site under a written agreement, not regularly at an office. It directly affects remote workers and employers across New Hampshire by requiring equal treatment, including meal breaks, overtime, and paid time off, as well as reimbursement for work-related costs like internet, equipment, and home office supplies. The bill mandates employers to ensure home office safety, address ergonomic needs, provide safety training, and maintain clear communication channels for remote staff. It also clarifies that remote workers have the same workers’ compensation procedures as in-person employees for work-related injuries or illnesses. The law takes effect January 1, 2027.
HB 1191 requires New Hampshire public school districts to email parents copies of all non-academic surveys at least 10 days before administration and obtain written parental consent for student participation. It specifically removes the previous exception that allowed the CDC's youth risk behavior survey to bypass parental consent, now requiring opt-in consent for all such surveys. Non-academic surveys include those about social behavior, family life, religion, politics, sexual orientation, drug use, or other non-academic topics. The bill directly affects parents of public school students and school districts, mandating new notification and consent procedures starting July 1, 2026.
HB 1796 creates a regulated program allowing the therapeutic use of psilocybin in clinical settings to treat specific medical conditions, including treatment-resistant depression, PTSD, substance use disorders, and end-of-life care. The bill requires the Department of Health and Human Services to establish a regulatory board and license qualified medical providers, cultivation facilities, and testing laboratories. It sets standards for administration sessions (including preparation, the session itself, and integration) and mandates reporting of adverse events. This program will make psilocybin treatment available to eligible patients under medical supervision in approved settings.
HB 1543 updates the process for transferring state-owned highway, federal, or turnpike-funded property to local municipalities. It requires the state to first offer such property to the local town, city, or county government where it’s located, with municipalities having 90 days to respond or be deemed to have approved. For active road segments (class I/II highways), disposal needs either municipal approval or a rehab agreement before the state can transfer it. Proceeds from sales must go back to the original funding source (highway, federal, or turnpike fund), and the state must provide a "turnback condition report" verifying highway infrastructure is repaired before transfer.
This constitutional amendment (CACR 20) proposes to repeal Article 72-a of New Hampshire's constitution, which currently establishes the supreme and superior courts as the primary judicial bodies. If adopted, it would restore Article 4 (which gives the General Court full power to create courts) without the exception allowing the judicial structure to exist. The amendment requires voter approval at the November 2026 general election, where voters would decide whether to remove the judicial court framework and revert to the General Court's broader authority to establish courts. This change affects the constitutional foundation of New Hampshire's court system, not day-to-day court operations.
HB 1383 simplifies the process for New Hampshire towns and school districts to override local tax caps. It removes the requirement that municipalities must use official ballot voting to approve budgets exceeding tax limits. Instead, legislative bodies can now use standard meeting procedures (like voice votes) to override caps, unless their charter already requires ballot voting. This change applies to existing tax caps without needing new local approval. The bill aims to streamline budget decisions while maintaining the existing 3/5 majority vote requirement for approval.
