SB 520 allows physicians to perform breast surgery on minors for non-medical reasons, expanding existing exceptions. It adds a new provision permitting the procedure "at the election of the minor in consultation with her primary care physician," removing prior restrictions that limited surgery to medical conditions like gynecomastia or congenital deformities. The bill directly affects minors seeking breast reduction or reconstruction surgery who do not qualify under existing medical necessity exceptions. It requires the minor’s consent and physician consultation but does not mandate parental consent. The change modifies New Hampshire law to include this patient-choice option for breast surgeries.
HB 1402 establishes new certification requirements for school superintendents in New Hampshire. It mandates that candidates must have at least 3 years of K-12 administrative experience, complete a graduate-level education administration program, and demonstrate specific leadership competencies related to student success, instructional programs, and district management. The bill requires applicants to submit work records, education documentation, and references to the Bureau of Credentialing for review. This directly affects individuals seeking their first superintendent certification in New Hampshire schools.
HB 1578 adds specific definitions (like "program administrator," "applicant," and "vendor") and mandates quarterly reporting for New Hampshire's Education Freedom Account (EFA) program. It requires program administrators to submit detailed reports to state education officials, including data on applications, approvals, student demographics (race, grade level, prior school type), vendor distributions, and expense categories. These reports, due within 30 days of each quarter-end, must be publicly posted on the state education department's website. The bill directly affects program administrators managing EFAs, parents/guardians applying for accounts, and vendors receiving funds, aiming to increase transparency and accountability in the EFA program.
SB 501 authorizes physicians, physician associates, and advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) to order seclusion or restraint during a personal safety emergency at New Hampshire hospitals and designated facilities. It modifies state law (RSA 135-C:57) to explicitly allow these healthcare providers to implement such measures without patient consent when a safety emergency occurs. The bill specifically applies to situations where immediate action is needed to protect a patient or others from harm. This change clarifies existing procedures for emergency interventions in healthcare settings.
HB 1409 changes how video lottery terminal (VLT) revenue is distributed after covering administrative costs. It shifts the allocation from the current 75% to the General Fund and 25% to the Education Trust Fund (ETF) to 100% to the ETF. This directly affects public schools by increasing funding through the Education Trust Fund, which supports public school aid. The bill modifies RSA 287-J:6 to require all remaining VLT revenue (after costs) to flow entirely to the ETF, eliminating General Fund deposits. The fiscal note confirms this would decrease General Fund revenue (e.g., ~$45M in FY2026) while increasing ETF revenue.
HB 1387 repeals a law (RSA 507-D:6) that previously limited legal liability for firearm manufacturers and sellers related to certain firearm design features. This bill removes a legal exemption, meaning manufacturers could potentially face lawsuits if design choices in firearms cause injury or harm. The change directly affects firearm manufacturers and sellers by restoring their potential liability for design-related issues. The bill does not create new safety requirements but alters the existing legal framework governing liability. It is sponsored by multiple legislators and referred to the Criminal Justice and Public Safety committee.
HB 1786 imposes a semi-annual state assessment on residential properties valued over $1 million that are not used as a primary residence (luxury second homes), directly affecting owners of such properties. The revenue generated funds statewide housing development programs, including $15 million for workforce training in building trades and municipal grants for housing production. Key provisions include creating a dedicated fund for demolishing vacant buildings, expanding tax credits for housing infrastructure, and establishing a commission to study state financing for housing. The bill aims to address New Hampshire's housing shortage by leveraging new revenue to support affordable housing construction and workforce development.
HB 1820 shifts administration of New Hampshire's Education Freedom Account (EFA) program from scholarship organizations to the Department of Education. It requires the Department to directly transfer funds to parents for qualifying education expenses (like tuition, materials, or tutoring) for eligible students, replacing the previous system where scholarship organizations managed distributions. Parents must apply through the Department, agree to educational requirements (including assessments or portfolio reviews), and use funds only for approved expenses. Unused EFA funds roll over annually but revert to the education trust fund if not used by graduation or after misuse. This bill directly affects parents of K-12 students participating in the EFA program.
HB 1367 establishes a new criminal offense for "doxing" in New Hampshire, defined as intentionally publishing another person's personal information (like addresses, phone numbers, or financial details) without consent to threaten, harass, or cause harm. It makes basic doxing a class A misdemeanor, escalating to a class B felony if it causes physical harm, over $1,000 in economic loss, or occurs as part of a pattern of harassment. Victims can also pursue civil lawsuits for at least $1,000 per violation, plus punitive damages, injunctions, and attorney fees. The law explicitly excludes lawful public records, consented sharing, reporting crimes to police, and protected speech like journalism.
HB 1484 establishes a new state minimum wage in New Hampshire, starting at $12.00 per hour on September 1, 2026, and increasing incrementally to $14.00 in 2027, $15.50 in 2028, and $17.00 in 2029. It directly affects employers and workers across the state by requiring that all hourly pay meets the higher of the federal minimum wage or these new state rates. The bill sets specific effective dates for each rate increase, with each new rate replacing the previous one until amended by future legislation. The law takes effect on July 1, 2026, with the first rate change beginning September 1, 2026.
HB 1641 requires court clerks to send domestic violence, stalking, and civil restraining orders to prosecutors and probation officers within 24 hours when the person subject to the order is on bail or probation. This directly affects individuals under court supervision (bail or probation) who are named in such protection orders. The key mechanism mandates this rapid transmission to ensure law enforcement and probation officials are promptly notified. The bill would require 43 new full-time court positions for implementation, costing an estimated $1.76 million annually starting in 2027, though it does not provide funding for these positions.
HB 1451 requires all employers in New Hampshire to create written safety plans protecting workers from extreme heat (80°F+ or 15°F-) and cold, including mandatory rest breaks in temperature-controlled areas and access to fluids. It mandates annual employee training on recognizing heat/cold illness symptoms, reporting procedures, and emergency response, while prohibiting retaliation for reporting safety concerns. The law applies to all workplaces with temperature-related risks, particularly outdoor and manual labor jobs like construction and transportation. Employers must develop plans using a step-by-step approach (e.g., hazard elimination, engineering controls) and involve employees in the process.
