HB 705 requires health insurance carriers in New Hampshire to publish specific cost data online in digital files, directly affecting insurers and making it easier for consumers to compare prices. The bill mandates three types of publicly accessible files: in-network provider rates (including negotiated prices), out-of-network allowed amounts, and prescription drug pricing (both current negotiated rates and historical average costs). All data must be updated monthly, include plain-language descriptions, and be free to access without login requirements. The law takes effect for plan years beginning January 1, 2026.
HB 266 strengthens the Department of Energy's role in energy regulation by granting it formal standing before the Public Utilities Commission (PUC), requiring it to be treated as a full party in all relevant proceedings. The bill mandates the department to support the PUC, site evaluation committee, and consumer advocate office, while giving it authority to demand specific documents and answers from public utilities. This directly affects the Department of Energy, utilities companies, and the PUC by formalizing the department's participation in regulatory processes and information requests. The changes aim to streamline communication and ensure the department can effectively advocate for energy policy within existing regulatory frameworks.
HB 1000 extends legal protection from civil lawsuits (indemnification) to legislative sergeant-at-arms staff, matching the existing coverage for legislative security staff. This applies when staff members act within their official duties, provided their actions were not reckless or wanton. The bill amends state law to include both House and Senate sergeant-at-arms staff under this protection, effective January 1, 2027. It directly affects legislative support staff who perform security and procedural duties in New Hampshire's legislature.
HB 480 is a procedural bill directing the Judiciary Committee to complete its study on restoring competency to stand trial for criminal defendants. It requires the committee to submit any additional recommendations by July 1, 2025, following their November 2024 report. The bill does not change existing laws or directly affect defendants, courts, or legal procedures. It solely sets a deadline for the committee’s final recommendations to legislative leaders. This is a study-related measure, not a substantive policy change.
SB 189 updates New Hampshire's requirements for documenting and reporting fetal deaths. The bill mandates that hospitals and medical providers file electronic fetal death reports for deaths occurring in facilities, or paper worksheets for non-facility deaths, with specific details including fetal information, maternal health history, and disposition methods. It revises procedures for completing paternity affidavits to add fathers' names to records and updates burial permit requirements for fetal remains. These changes affect hospitals, healthcare providers, and the Division of Vital Records, streamlining documentation while adding standardized data collection. The bill was requested by the secretary of state to modernize existing procedures.
HB 377 modifies rules for healthcare professionals providing hormone treatments and puberty blockers, though specific requirements aren't detailed in the provided context. It also designates the second Thursday in October as "Children's Environmental Health Day" for recognition purposes. The bill was signed into law by Governor Ayotte on August 1, 2025, with key provisions taking effect on January 1, 2026, and one section expiring September 30, 2025. It directly affects healthcare providers administering these treatments and promotes awareness of children's environmental health. The bill's health-related provisions appear procedural or regulatory without further context on specific changes.
This bill establishes voting procedures for unorganized towns or unincorporated places that lack a formal town government. When such an area reaches 100+ registered voters, the Secretary of State must hold an initial election using meeting-based voting (nominations from the floor and voting at a meeting), then ask residents whether future elections should use official ballots like towns do. The Secretary can also step in to oversee elections or designate a nearby town as a polling place if local elections cannot be organized without state assistance. These rules apply to all local, county, state, and federal elections in unorganized areas.
HB 701 allows terminally ill patients in New Hampshire to access experimental medical treatments that have not yet received full FDA approval. The bill directly affects patients with terminal illnesses who have exhausted all approved treatment options and seek unapproved drugs or devices through clinical trials or compassionate use programs. Key provisions remove state-level barriers to accessing these treatments by requiring healthcare providers to offer information about experimental options and limiting liability for providers who facilitate such access. The law takes effect January 1, 2026, after being signed by Governor Ayotte on August 20, 2025.
HB 658 raises the reimbursement cap for certain costs related to oil discharge and disposal cleanup under the state's oil cleanup fund. This change directly affects entities seeking reimbursement for cleanup expenses, such as oil spill response contractors or affected businesses. The bill increases the maximum allowable reimbursement amount, with Section 3 taking effect January 1, 2026, and Section 4 becoming effective July 1, 2035. The previous cap expired June 30, 2025, as noted in the bill's effective date language. Governor Ayotte signed the bill into law on August 1, 2025, with Chapter 284.
HB 672 legalizes off-grid electricity providers in New Hampshire, allowing companies to operate without connecting to the state's main power grid. It directly affects off-grid energy providers and their customers, removing previous legal barriers to their services. The key provision establishes a regulatory framework for these providers to legally offer power through independent systems like solar or wind. The law took effect on August 1, 2025, after being signed by Governor Ayotte.
HB 132 eliminates legal liability for entities providing support or pursuing recovery claims related to individuals in financial hardship (referred to as "indigent relations" in the bill). It directly affects nonprofit organizations, social service agencies, and other providers who assist low-income individuals, removing potential lawsuits for their support activities. The bill does not specify exact eligibility criteria or mechanisms for "recovery" claims, as this detail is not provided in the context. It takes effect January 1, 2026, after being signed by the governor on August 1, 2025.
HB 71 prohibits public school facilities from being used to house non-citizens and requires health department contracts to align with this restriction. It also mandates that local governments provide public notice before reassessing property values for tax purposes. The bill directly affects school districts, health agencies, and property owners who may face new administrative requirements. These provisions focus on restricting shelter use in schools and ensuring transparency in property tax assessments.
