HB 1704, the "Public Employee Choice Act," would allow most state and local government workers in New Hampshire to negotiate wages, hours, and working conditions directly with their employers without union representation. It specifically exempts law enforcement officers, firefighters (with specific certification requirements), emergency medical personnel, and corrections officers, who would remain under existing collective bargaining rules. The bill defines "independent bargaining" as direct negotiation and prohibits employers from forcing eligible employees to use a union. Violations of these new rights would be subject to penalties under the law.
HB 1061 establishes a commission to study alternatives to prison for nonviolent offenders who are primary caregivers, such as parents of young children. The commission, made up of lawmakers, state agency representatives, and community experts (including formerly incarcerated individuals), will examine current sentencing impacts on families and identify community-based options like home confinement or treatment programs. It must submit a report with recommendations by November 1, 2026, but the bill itself does not change current laws or policies.
HB 1722 creates a new regulatory classification for large-energy-use electric facilities (defined as sites using 20+ megawatts at peak demand, such as data centers or processing facilities) and requires the Public Utilities Commission to establish a separate tariff system for them. The bill mandates that costs for serving these facilities be allocated based on their actual service costs or directly assigned to them, preventing cost-shifting to other ratepayers. It also requires 10-year contracts with specific terms, including minimum usage commitments and provisions to address early termination risks. The law aims to protect all electricity customers by ensuring large facilities pay their fair share for grid services and infrastructure.
This resolution designates the first Friday in June as a state day of remembrance for children in New Hampshire killed by gun violence. It directs the state to observe a moment of silence, fly flags at half-staff, and create a permanent memorial in the state house displaying the names of affected children. The resolution also urges Congress to establish a national day of remembrance with a similar memorial in the U.S. Capitol. As a ceremonial resolution, it does not create new laws but formalizes commemorative practices for grieving families and communities.
HB 1239 prohibits registered Tier II or Tier III sex offenders (for crimes against children under 13) from appearing within 1,000 feet of childcare facilities, churches, schools, or areas where children commonly gather under circumstances that would alarm reasonable people. This directly affects individuals convicted of sexual offenses against children under 13 who are required to register under New Hampshire law. The bill amends existing loitering statutes to add this specific restriction, creating a new criminal violation for such conduct near child-focused locations. It takes effect January 1, 2027, with no estimated state or local cost impact.
This bill allows licensed veterinarians in New Hampshire to provide remote veterinary care using telehealth technology, such as video calls or phone consultations. It establishes specific requirements for creating a vet-client-patient relationship remotely, including real-time observation of the animal or access to electronic medical records, and mandates written client consent acknowledging equal care standards and the option for in-person visits. Veterinarians can prescribe medications remotely but must conduct in-person exams for controlled substances (except in hospice, palliative care, or transport emergencies). The law also requires vets to maintain confidentiality, provide emergency care instructions, and keep detailed telehealth records.
HB 1757 would require divorcing couples in New Hampshire to have been married for more than six years to qualify for alimony. It directly affects individuals ending short marriages (six years or less) by prohibiting courts from ordering either term alimony or reimbursement alimony in such cases. The bill amends existing divorce law to set this six-year minimum requirement for alimony requests, which must be filed before the divorce decree or within five years of its effective date. This change applies to all cases filed on or after January 1, 2027.
HB 1764 sets annual workforce housing targets for New Hampshire municipalities (cities, towns, and unincorporated areas) based on factors like available land, infrastructure access, and proximity to jobs. Municipalities failing to meet 50% of their cumulative target by 2028 must review zoning barriers and develop improvement plans, and may face a special property tax on high-value properties ($1.5M+). The tax revenue funds a revolving loan program offering below-market-rate financing to developers for workforce housing projects and related infrastructure upgrades. This bill directly affects local governments and housing developers by creating accountability measures and new funding streams for affordable housing.
HB 1313 repeals New Hampshire's current law (RSA 132:37-40) that prohibited people from entering or remaining on public sidewalks adjacent to reproductive health care facilities. This directly affects individuals and groups seeking to engage in free speech activities - such as handing out literature or speaking - near clinic entrances. The key provision removes the buffer zone restriction, allowing people to approach sidewalks without legal penalty. The bill takes effect immediately upon passage and has no estimated fiscal impact on state or local governments.
HB 1490 requires scholarship organizations (which manage education freedom accounts) to provide parents with a written explanation of their obligation to notify school districts in writing when ending a home education program. This applies specifically to parents using scholarship programs for home education under New Hampshire law. The bill adds a new requirement for scholarship organizations to ensure parents understand this termination notice duty, which is currently mandated by law but not clearly explained to families. The change aims to clarify parental responsibilities without altering the underlying notice requirement.
HB 1521 clarifies that students using education freedom accounts (voucher programs) are not considered "home educated" under New Hampshire law. It amends the definition in RSA 193-A:4 to explicitly exclude children receiving funding from such accounts from the home education category. This change directly affects families utilizing education freedom accounts, separating their status from traditional home education. The bill makes a specific statutory adjustment to prevent overlap in how these educational options are classified. It does not alter home education requirements for other families.
HB 1699 allows individuals to carry certain firearms (like loaded rifles, shotguns, or crossbows) on boats operating at "no-wake speed" or "not exceeding 1.5 times headway speed," which are defined as slow-moving vessels. This change directly affects boat operators and passengers using mechanically propelled boats or towed boats at low speeds. The bill modifies existing law (RSA 207:7) by creating an exception to the general prohibition on carrying firearms on such boats when moving slowly. It does not change the definition of "loaded" or apply to law enforcement officers. The policy change takes effect January 1, 2027, with no estimated fiscal impact on state or local governments.
