HB 1441 creates a 12-member commission to study the economic, legal, and sociological implications if New Hampshire were to exercise its sovereign state rights (including potential independence). The commission, composed of legislative members, public appointees, and representatives from groups like the Business and Industry Association and New Hampshire Medical Society, must examine 15 specific questions - such as currency, travel, healthcare, federal benefits, and defense - over two years. It will submit an interim report by November 2026 and a final report with recommendations by November 2027 to state leaders. The bill does not create new laws but mandates this study to analyze potential impacts of state sovereignty actions.
HB 1693 expands Grafton County's board of commissioners from three to five members, creating five distinct districts covering all towns in the county. Each commissioner will be elected to a two-year term starting in 2026, with all seats up for election simultaneously at each general election. This change directly affects Grafton County residents, as it alters how local government representation is structured and elected. The bill requires an estimated $39,000 annual increase in county expenditures for the additional two commissioners' salaries and related costs.
HB 1177 defines "remote work" as a flexible arrangement where employees work from an alternative site under a written agreement, not regularly at an office. It directly affects remote workers and employers across New Hampshire by requiring equal treatment, including meal breaks, overtime, and paid time off, as well as reimbursement for work-related costs like internet, equipment, and home office supplies. The bill mandates employers to ensure home office safety, address ergonomic needs, provide safety training, and maintain clear communication channels for remote staff. It also clarifies that remote workers have the same workers’ compensation procedures as in-person employees for work-related injuries or illnesses. The law takes effect January 1, 2027.
HB 1796 creates a regulated program allowing the therapeutic use of psilocybin in clinical settings to treat specific medical conditions, including treatment-resistant depression, PTSD, substance use disorders, and end-of-life care. The bill requires the Department of Health and Human Services to establish a regulatory board and license qualified medical providers, cultivation facilities, and testing laboratories. It sets standards for administration sessions (including preparation, the session itself, and integration) and mandates reporting of adverse events. This program will make psilocybin treatment available to eligible patients under medical supervision in approved settings.
HB 1543 updates the process for transferring state-owned highway, federal, or turnpike-funded property to local municipalities. It requires the state to first offer such property to the local town, city, or county government where it’s located, with municipalities having 90 days to respond or be deemed to have approved. For active road segments (class I/II highways), disposal needs either municipal approval or a rehab agreement before the state can transfer it. Proceeds from sales must go back to the original funding source (highway, federal, or turnpike fund), and the state must provide a "turnback condition report" verifying highway infrastructure is repaired before transfer.
This constitutional amendment (CACR 20) proposes to repeal Article 72-a of New Hampshire's constitution, which currently establishes the supreme and superior courts as the primary judicial bodies. If adopted, it would restore Article 4 (which gives the General Court full power to create courts) without the exception allowing the judicial structure to exist. The amendment requires voter approval at the November 2026 general election, where voters would decide whether to remove the judicial court framework and revert to the General Court's broader authority to establish courts. This change affects the constitutional foundation of New Hampshire's court system, not day-to-day court operations.
HB 1383 simplifies the process for New Hampshire towns and school districts to override local tax caps. It removes the requirement that municipalities must use official ballot voting to approve budgets exceeding tax limits. Instead, legislative bodies can now use standard meeting procedures (like voice votes) to override caps, unless their charter already requires ballot voting. This change applies to existing tax caps without needing new local approval. The bill aims to streamline budget decisions while maintaining the existing 3/5 majority vote requirement for approval.
This bill allows New Hampshire towns and cities to collect a fee of up to $2 per day on hotel and room rentals priced above $40 per night, for up to 184 consecutive days per stay. Municipalities must hold a public hearing and obtain voter approval through a town meeting or city council vote before implementing the fee. Revenues must be deposited into a dedicated tourism or capital improvement fund to support services related to increased tourism and transient traffic, and cannot be used as general fund surplus. The fee applies only to rentals exceeding $40 daily, with no fee collected on lower-priced stays.
SB 471 allows New Hampshire municipalities to impose fees on new developments (like subdivisions or buildings) that don’t meet local affordable housing requirements. These fees must be kept separate from general funds and spent *only* on affordable housing projects through specific entities like the NH Housing Finance Authority or local housing authorities. Fees are collected when planning approvals or building permits are issued, and municipalities must report annual spending. The bill requires fees to directly address local affordable housing needs without altering existing planning board authority.
SB 636 creates tax credits for small businesses facing increased costs due to federal tariffs. Qualifying businesses - manufacturers with fewer than 50 employees or non-manufacturers with average annual revenue under $500,000 - can claim a credit equal to 25% of documented tariff-related costs (e.g., via invoices or supplier certifications), up to $7,500 per business annually. The total state spending on these credits is capped at $8 million per fiscal year, with applications processed in order of receipt and prorated if the cap is exceeded. Unused credits may be carried forward for up to three years, but credits are non-refundable and applied first against business profits tax.
SB 424 repeals the position of "northern county area industrial agent" within New Hampshire's Department of Business and Economic Affairs and authorizes the department's commissioner to reassign those responsibilities to existing staff. The bill allows the commissioner to direct departmental employees to focus on economic development in specific regions of the state, including assisting local governments and businesses. Crucially, it requires that all areas of the state be served equally according to their economic needs. This is a procedural change to departmental structure with no new funding or direct impact on citizens or businesses.
SB 638 establishes a small business tariff stabilization fund to provide financial assistance to New Hampshire small businesses affected by reduced revenue from tariffs and trade disruptions. The fund, initially funded with $2.5 million from the General Fund, will distribute grants to support businesses facing supply chain issues or increased costs due to tariffs, specifically targeting those committed to avoiding layoffs. It directly benefits small businesses (defined per U.S. Small Business Administration standards) operating primarily in New Hampshire that have experienced revenue declines linked to lower exports to Canada and tourism impacts. The fund is separate from other state funds, non-lapsing, and will be managed by the Department of Business and Economic Affairs starting January 1, 2027.
