HB 611 eliminates the requirement for indigent defendants in criminal cases to repay court-appointed legal fees. It removes all provisions allowing courts to collect repayment from defendants who qualify for free counsel due to financial inability, including repealing RSA 604-A:9 (which governed repayment) and related sections. The bill directly affects individuals who receive appointed counsel in criminal proceedings because they cannot afford private attorneys. This change ends the practice of seeking repayment through periodic installments or financial investigations, streamlining access to defense services without financial burden on qualifying defendants. The law takes effect January 1, 2026.
HB 197 requires the state to pay 7.5% of retirement contributions for group I teachers and group II members (including local police and firefighters) employed by cities, towns, and other local governments. This shifts the payment responsibility from local employers to the state, beginning in fiscal year 2026. The bill directly affects local governments that fund these retirement contributions, reducing their costs by approximately $28 million annually starting in 2026. The state will cover this 7.5% share using General Fund resources, while local governments will see a corresponding decrease in their retirement-related expenses.
HB 491 establishes a committee to study how New Hampshire funds public education and to explore ways to reduce the state's reliance on local real estate property taxes. The committee, composed of 5 House members (including 2 from the Education Committee) and 4 Senate members, will examine current funding methods and assess the impacts of over-relying on local property taxes. It must submit recommendations for potential legislative changes by November 1, 2025, to the Governor, Legislature, and state library. This bill creates a study process but does not enact any funding changes itself.
HB 697 changes witness fee rules for civilian witnesses in criminal court. It specifies that witnesses only qualify for daily fees and mileage reimbursement if they must return to court for a second or subsequent day - due to no fault of their own - after their initial appearance. The bill aligns these fees with federal standards (28 U.S.C. §1821) and does not cover payment for the first day of testimony. This rule applies to criminal cases starting January 1, 2026.
SB 41 increases penalties for drivers exceeding 100 miles per hour. It creates a separate offense for driving at or above 100 mph, raising the minimum fine for a first offense from $500 to $750 and increasing license revocation from 60 days to 90 days. For subsequent offenses, fines rise to $1,000 minimum and license revocation extends to 90 days up to one year. The bill directly affects drivers who speed at 100+ mph, as specified in New Hampshire law, and takes effect January 1, 2026.
HB 725 prohibits ambulance providers from charging patients extra fees (balance billing) after insurance pays for services. It requires health insurance companies to pay nonparticipating ambulance providers the lesser of three amounts: the local government's set rate, 325% of Medicare's rate for the same service, or the provider's billed charges. This payment is considered full payment, meaning providers cannot bill patients for additional costs beyond standard copayments, coinsurance, or deductibles. The bill applies to ground ambulance services and takes effect January 1, 2026.
SB 139 creates a private right of action in civil rights cases, allowing any person subjected to unlawful interference with their civil rights to file a lawsuit directly. Currently, only the New Hampshire Attorney General can initiate such cases under the Civil Rights Act (RSA 354-B). The bill requires courts to notify the Attorney General by sending copies of the complaint and final judgment to their office. The law will take effect on January 1, 2026.
SB 226 suspends all new landfill permit applications until July 1, 2031, to allow for updated regulations and policies. It establishes a legislative committee to study the feasibility of waste incineration, including its environmental impacts and effects on landfill capacity. The suspension does not affect expansions or modifications of existing permitted landfills operating on sites with RCRA Subtitle D landfills as of December 1, 2022. The committee must report its findings and recommendations by November 1, 2025.
HB 486 expands the criteria courts must consider when deciding if grandparents can visit a minor child. It adds specific factors like whether the grandparent lived with the child for six months, provided primary care for six months, or had regular visitation for a year. The bill also requires courts to weigh friction between the grandparent and parent, and the reasons for the family separation (such as divorce or death). For unwed parents, grandparents must provide proof of the parent's legitimacy or paternity. This law aims to balance the child's well-being with parental authority in visitation decisions.
HB 410 requires New Hampshire towns and cities to justify certain zoning restrictions on residential properties using scientific evidence from non-partisan sources, rather than arbitrary rules. It defines "extraordinary restrictions" as those exceeding specific thresholds, such as lot sizes over 5 acres per unit, minimum home sizes over 200 square feet, or fees exceeding $100 for low-income homeowners. Residents affected by these restrictions can appeal to their local zoning board, which must pause enforcement while reviewing whether the evidence meets the bill’s standards. The law aims to limit local government authority over housing development by mandating evidence-based decisions and creating a clear appeal process.
HB 477 creates a commission to study safety and security measures at the New Hampshire state house. The commission, including lawmakers, safety officials, and the Concord fire chief, will examine specific options like metal detectors, visitor sign-in systems, security training, and policies for handling threats. It must submit an interim report by November 2025 and a final report by November 2026. The bill does not implement new security rules but aims to assess potential improvements for lawmakers, staff, and visitors.
HB 208 updates certification rules for school nurses in New Hampshire by requiring 3 years of current experience in acute/chronic pediatric care (replacing broader "related nursing areas" language) and adding leadership skills in professional nursing practice as a competency requirement. It directly affects school nurses seeking or renewing certification in the state. The bill amends RSA 200:29 to tighten clinical experience standards and emphasizes pediatric-focused skills. The Legislative Budget Assistant estimates minimal fiscal impact ($10,000 or less annually through 2028). The changes take effect 60 days after enactment.
