HB 1165 removes the "X" or "other" gender designation option from all New Hampshire state-issued identification cards and driver's licenses. The bill amends multiple sections of state law (RSA 260:21, 260:21-a, 263:5, 263:40, 263:90, and 263:91) to delete the bracketed phrase "or 'X' for 'other,'" leaving only "M" for male or "F" for female. This change directly affects all New Hampshire residents applying for or renewing state IDs, including transgender and non-binary individuals who previously used the "X" option. The bill takes effect 60 days after passage.
HB 1277 requires absentee ballot applicants in New Hampshire to include their New Hampshire driver's license number or nondriver's identification number on their application form. This change directly affects voters requesting absentee ballots, as it adds a new field (line 35-36) to the standard application. The bill amends RSA 657:4 to mandate this identification detail be provided when submitting an absentee ballot request. It does not alter eligibility rules but adds a verification step for absentee ballot applications.
HB 1320 establishes a temporary committee to study funding sources for New Hampshire's State Council on the Arts. The committee, composed of three House members and one Senate member, will analyze past, current, and potential future funding options. It must submit a report with findings and recommendations to state leaders by November 1, 2026, but does not allocate funds or make policy changes itself. This is a procedural bill focused solely on gathering information for future consideration.
HB 1411 requires New Hampshire's state treasurer to withhold payments owed to the federal government if the state loses federal aid due to a presidential executive order or the federal government violates a court order requiring aid release. The bill mandates the treasurer to calculate the lost aid amount, withhold corresponding state payments (up to that amount), and hold them in escrow until the federal aid is restored. This directly affects the state treasurer's payment obligations to the federal government and applies only when federal aid is unlawfully withheld. The bill does not create new programs or costs, as confirmed by its fiscal note showing $0 impact. It aims to safeguard state resources by linking withheld state payments to restored federal aid.
HB 1513 requires the scholarship organization managing New Hampshire's Education Freedom Account program to provide detailed, public transparency reports. It mandates that the organization publish annual data on account expenses by category and education provider within 45 business days of fund release, in a standard sortable electronic format on its website - without personally identifiable information. The bill also requires the organization to provide requested data to oversight bodies (like the legislative committee and Department of Education) within 45 business days and ensures all qualifying educational expenses are accessible. This directly affects the scholarship organization administering the program, adding specific reporting obligations to enhance public accountability.
HB 1391 establishes a 9-member commission to study implementing a single ballot primary election in New Hampshire. The commission includes balanced legislative representation (two House members, one from each major party; two Senate members, one from each party), the Secretary of State, and representatives from non-partisan civic groups, local election officials, and municipal associations. The commission will research the feasibility of this system and submit recommendations to state leaders by November 1, 2027. This bill creates a study process only - it does not change current election rules or mandate any specific voting system.
HB 1136 simplifies rules for accessory dwelling units (ADUs), like backyard cottages or in-law suites, making them easier to build on single-family properties. It allows municipalities to permit ADUs automatically (without special permits) or through standard processes, permits multiple ADUs per home, and sets a 750-square-foot minimum size. The bill clarifies that towns without ADU rules must allow one ADU by default (beyond basic building permits), expands access standards to all ADUs, and prohibits ADUs in townhouses, manufactured housing, or rented land. Homeowners, local governments, and potential renters are directly affected by these changes to zoning and construction rules.
This bill proposes a constitutional amendment to establish legislative oversight of New Hampshire's judicial branch. It would create a commission (primarily composed of state legislators) with authority to investigate complaints against judges, hold hearings, recommend disciplinary actions (including censure, suspension, or removal), and publish annual performance reports. The measure directly affects judges and the judicial branch by shifting oversight from the current system (where the judiciary self-regulates, with impeachment as the sole remedy) to legislative authority. If approved by voters in the 2026 election, it would amend the state constitution to grant the general court this new power. The amendment requires a two-thirds majority vote in the election to take effect.
HB 1399 appropriates $5 million from New Hampshire's Revenue Stabilization Reserve Account (the "Rainy Day Fund") to reimburse the Claremont School District for part of the costs of renovating Stevens High School in 2015. The bill specifically addresses a project completed during a building aid moratorium, which the district needed to restore accreditation and maintain eligibility for future aid. This funding directly benefits the Claremont School District and Stevens High School, covering costs the district incurred but could not recover during the moratorium. The appropriation is a one-time payment from the state's rainy day fund, effective 60 days after passage.
HB 1075 would amend New Hampshire law to include recreational vehicles (RVs) under the definition of "motor vehicle" specifically for new vehicle arbitration proceedings. This change allows consumers who purchase new RVs to use the same dispute resolution process - available for cars and trucks - to address defects or issues with dealers or manufacturers. The bill updates the statute governing these arbitration cases by adding RVs to the list of covered vehicles, without altering how RVs are classified for other purposes like registration or traffic laws. It directly affects RV buyers and dealers by expanding access to a standardized arbitration system for new vehicle disputes.
HB 1389 establishes strict liability for owners or operators of facilities that release PFAS chemicals into groundwater, triggering cleanup requirements when contamination reaches 500 parts per trillion or higher. It directly affects businesses handling PFAS (like manufacturers or waste facilities) that caused such contamination. The bill mandates compliance with federal cleanup regulations (40 CFR 265.111 and 265.114) for equipment, piping, and building surfaces used with PFAS. This requires facilities to address contamination through closure, decommissioning, or remediation of affected infrastructure.
HB 518 requires the commissioner of New Hampshire's Department of Health and Human Services to submit a detailed annual report by September 1 on all costs incurred by the Division for Children, Youth and Families, including personnel expenses. The report must specify details about each position within the division, such as whether it is legally authorized, its employment type (full-time/part-time), funding sources, and whether it is shared with other departments. This report is to be provided to the joint legislative fiscal committee, the speaker of the house, the president of the senate, and relevant legislative committees. Additionally, the commissioner must issue quarterly updates for any changes to personnel assignments or funding. The Department of Health and Human Services states this bill will have no fiscal impact.
