SB 665 requires pharmacies to charge consumers the lowest available price for prescription drugs at the point of sale, directly affecting patients purchasing medications and pharmacies. The bill defines "lowest available price" as the minimum of the pharmacy’s cash price, the consumer’s insurance cost-sharing amount, or any available discount price at the time of transaction. Pharmacists must determine and disclose this price before completing the sale, and insurers cannot penalize pharmacies for doing so. Violations could result in disciplinary action by the pharmacy board or civil penalties up to $1,000 per violation, with the law taking effect January 1, 2027.
SB 88 prohibits New Hampshire state government entities from requiring or banning contractors from having agreements with labor organizations in public construction contracts or grants. It directly affects state agencies awarding construction projects (like roads or buildings) and the contractors bidding on those projects. The bill removes language from contracts that could force or block labor organization agreements, ensuring contractors aren't discriminated against based on such agreements. Exceptions apply only to avoid immediate threats to public health or safety, and the bill does not stop voluntary labor agreements or affect federal labor law.
This bill, SB 488, allows New Hampshire's governor to declare a state of emergency if the legislature fails to pass a budget or continuing resolution funding state government by July 1 of the first year of a biennium. During such an emergency, the governor must fully fund essential state services at the previous year's level, including the legislative and judicial branches, public safety, corrections, transportation maintenance, health care services, veterans' programs, and critical infrastructure operations. The emergency lasts 60 days initially but can be renewed up to three times for a total of 240 days. This ensures continuity of core government functions during budget delays without requiring legislative action.
SB 646 requires New Hampshire insurance companies to provide equal coverage for 9 specific biologically-based mental illnesses (like schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and major depression) as they do for physical health conditions. It mandates that coverage terms and reimbursement rates for these mental health services must align with New Hampshire Medicaid's scope and rates, not just federal parity standards. The bill also requires insurers to publicly report comparative analyses of mental health vs. medical provider reimbursements and ensures reimbursement rates for mental health providers are at least as favorable as those for primary care physicians. This applies to all health insurers, nonprofit health service corporations, and health maintenance organizations operating in New Hampshire, with enforcement by the state insurance commissioner. The bill does not provide new state funding for implementation.
HB 1685 establishes a 13-member commission to study how New Hampshire could become a "technology-first" state, with a specific focus on assistive technology for people with disabilities. The commission includes representatives from disability organizations, education, healthcare, and vocational services, appointed by the governor and agency leaders. It will analyze current technology needs, emerging tools, and training strategies from September 2026 through September 2027, then report findings and recommendations to state leaders by October 1, 2027. This bill creates a study body only; it does not enact new policies or funding.
HB 1064 modifies New Hampshire's laws on government liability for negligence. It increases the maximum payout for personal injury or property damage claims against government agencies from $325,000 to $475,000 per person per claim, with a $1.425 million limit per incident. The bill also requires local governments to cover employees' negligence costs (if not reckless) during work duties, shifting financial responsibility from employees to the agency. This directly affects injured individuals seeking compensation and government employees who may face personal liability for work-related incidents.
SB 455 requires health insurance plans in New Hampshire to cover GLP-1 medications (used for weight management and diabetes) for people with a BMI of 40 or higher, or a BMI of 35 or higher with at least one qualifying health condition like type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, or heart disease. This applies to all health benefit plans sold in the state, directly affecting covered individuals who meet these criteria and health insurance companies. The bill mandates coverage without prior authorization for these specific eligibility groups, expanding access beyond current typical commercial coverage standards. It takes effect 60 days after enactment.
SB 480 prohibits health insurers from requiring prior authorization for the first 12 visits of physical therapy, occupational therapy, or similar rehabilitative services for each new health condition or condition not treated within the previous 60 days. Patients seeking these therapies and their insurers are directly affected by this change. Insurers may still deny coverage if treatment is determined not to be medically necessary. The law takes effect 60 days after enactment.
SB 639 establishes a committee in New Hampshire to study the health and safety impacts of Red Dye 40 and other food additives (like brominated vegetable oil, propylparaben, and titanium dioxide) in products sold locally. The committee, composed of one senator, three state representatives, and a public health expert, will review scientific evidence, examine other states' policies, and consult with health departments and experts by November 1, 2026. It will assess whether restrictions, labeling requirements, or phase-outs of certain additives might be appropriate for New Hampshire consumers, schools, and businesses. This bill does not enact new laws but aims to inform future policy decisions through a formal study.
SB 640 prohibits using artificial intelligence to provide services requiring a professional license (such as psychology, mental health, or substance abuse counseling) unless those services are delivered by a licensed professional. The bill specifically bans AI from replacing human professionals in direct client interactions, though it allows AI for administrative tasks like scheduling or billing. It also authorizes the Office of Professional Licensure to collect fees to cover enforcement costs for violations. This applies to all licensed professions in New Hampshire, with additional specific rules for psychologists and mental health practitioners.
SB 495 increases the threshold for formal approval needed when Carroll County transfers funds between budget items. It raises the limit from $1,000 to $10,000 per transfer or cumulative total before requiring written requests and county commissioner review. This change applies specifically to Carroll County departments and commissioners handling budget adjustments. The bill takes effect on July 1, 2026, streamlining small transfers without additional procedural steps.
SB 508 requires all grounds for appealing zoning board decisions to be stated in the initial appeal notice, directly affecting applicants, municipalities, and planning boards. It adds a new provision mandating that cities and towns must stamp and accept revised zoning plans within 3 business days of submission, provided the revisions address specific comments from the initial review. The bill also limits applicants to one revision round unless original comments were unaddressed, preventing repeated requests for changes beyond the initial review conditions. These changes aim to streamline the zoning approval process by setting clear timelines and revision limits. The bill applies to all municipalities in New Hampshire with zoning boards of adjustments.
