HB 1562 exempts membership-based health care facilities (which charge direct patient payments without insurance reimbursement) from certain licensing rules, including a moratorium on new licenses and bed capacity increases under RSA 151:2. The bill also requires these facilities to adopt a patient bill of rights covering dignity, privacy, and clear admission information, while directing the Department of Health and Human Services to study direct-pay models. It directly affects facilities operating under membership or direct-payment structures, removing them from standard licensing requirements in RSA 151:2-f and RSA 151:2, VI(a). The key change is creating a tailored regulatory framework for these facilities while maintaining core patient rights protections.
SB 476 requires hospitals to follow federal price transparency rules and provides a "good faith estimate" safe harbor, protecting them from penalties if cost estimates differ due to clinical changes or outside factors. It mandates health insurers to give personalized, pre-service cost estimates for scheduled services through their existing federal tools (Transparency in Coverage APIs), accessible via the state's HealthCost portal. The bill expands the state's health data system (CHIS/APCD) to power consumer cost comparisons for uninsured and out-of-network care without building new IT infrastructure. These changes directly affect hospitals, insurers, and consumers by making upfront health care costs clearer before treatment.
HB 1048 repeals the general prohibition on possessing or selling blackjacks, slung shots, and metallic knuckles for adults, while maintaining a ban on these items for people under 18. The bill specifically makes it illegal for anyone under 18 to carry these weapons and prohibits selling them to minors. This change allows adults to possess and sell these weapons to other adults, but continues to prohibit minors from having them or being sold to them. The bill takes effect on January 1, 2027.
SB 645 expands New Hampshire's child care scholarship program to include families with gross monthly income at or below 95% of the state median income for their family size, increasing access for low-income households. The bill funds this expansion by redirecting 2% of tobacco tax revenue, liquor sales revenue, and video lottery revenue to the program, avoiding new state appropriations. This change, effective July 1, 2026, will require approximately $10.5 million annually starting in fiscal year 2027. The policy directly affects families seeking child care assistance, expanding eligibility without new taxes or general fund spending.
This constitutional amendment (CACR 13) proposes removing all references to the "register of probate" position from New Hampshire's constitution. It would amend Articles 71 and 81 to delete the elected office and its duties, which were already redistributed to circuit court clerks in 2011. The bill does not create or change any current duties but formally eliminates the obsolete constitutional reference. Voters will decide in the November 2026 election whether to approve this change.
HB 1216 requires law enforcement officers to inform homeowners and property owners of their right to refuse searches before conducting warrantless searches of homes or other real property (like buildings permanently attached to land). The bill mandates officers explain that refusing consent cannot lead to arrest, detention, or criminal charges, and that refusal must end further questioning. It also requires documented consent - via signature on a form or video recording - and makes improperly obtained evidence inadmissible in court. This directly affects residents during police encounters and updates existing vehicle search consent rules to cover homes. The law takes effect January 1, 2027.
HB 173 prevents towns from changing the main topic or purpose of a petitioned warrant article (a proposal placed on a town meeting agenda via petition) through amendments. It specifically prohibits altering the subject matter of such articles, though amendments adjusting budget amounts are allowed. This bill directly affects town meeting participants, petitioners, and local officials who manage meeting agendas. The law amends New Hampshire's RSA 40:13 to clarify this restriction and takes effect 60 days after passage.
HB 1033 establishes a commission to study the process for enrolling legislative bills - the procedure handling bills from official recording until they reach the governor. The commission will include eight members: three House representatives (two appointed by the House Speaker, one by the minority leader), two Senate members (appointed by the Senate President), the Senate and House clerks, and the Secretary of State. It must study current enrollment procedures, identify potential improvements, and submit findings and recommendations to legislative leaders and the governor by November 1, 2026. This bill does not change existing laws but creates a formal review of an internal legislative administrative process.
HB 246 directs New Hampshire's state conservation committee to implement a climate resilience grant program for the state's 10 county conservation districts. It appropriates $50,000 for fiscal year 2026 and $50,000 for fiscal year 2027 from the General Fund to fund this program. The grants will support local conservation groups in developing projects to adapt to climate impacts, such as extreme weather or changing ecosystems. The program becomes effective July 1, 2025, with funds distributed by the state conservation committee.
HB 704 appropriates $862,508 annually (for fiscal years 2026 and 2027) from the state General Fund to support four senior volunteer and caregiver programs. The funding covers the Alzheimer’s caregiver respite program ($552,508), foster grandparent program ($100,000), retired senior volunteer program (RSVP, $180,000), and senior companions program ($30,000). These funds will be allocated by the Department of Health and Human Services to existing programs serving New Hampshire seniors and their caregivers. The bill provides concrete financial support without altering program rules or eligibility.
SB 631 directs the New Hampshire Department of Transportation to install a 1,845-foot sound barrier along the west side of Interstate 93 southbound, between Pillsbury Road in Londonderry and Exit 4 (Route 102 ramp). The barrier will border the Woodmont Development property and aims to reduce noise for nearby residents. The project has an estimated cost of $8.07 million, funded through existing Highway Fund and potential federal funds (if eligible), with no new state funding provided. This is a physical infrastructure project affecting properties adjacent to the specified I-93 corridor.
SB 566 expands New Hampshire's National Guard recruiting incentives by allowing any current or former Guard member to refer recruits for a $1,000 cash bonus (previously limited to certain ranks), increases reenlistment/reclassification bonuses to $8,000 (from $6,000), and adds up to $4,000 in reimbursement for military job-related credentialing costs when federal reimbursement isn't available. It directly affects New Hampshire National Guard members who refer new recruits, reenlist, or need job-specific training certifications. The bill requires state funding for these expanded incentives, with the Department of Military Affairs estimating an additional $125,000 annually starting in FY 2027 to cover the costs. The bill itself does not provide new funding but modifies existing program parameters.
