HB 1505 requires towns, cities, and municipalities that have adopted local tax caps or budget caps to submit detailed documentation to the New Hampshire Department of Revenue Administration annually. This documentation must include calculations of the tax or budget cap for the year, proposed and voted appropriations, estimated revenues, and counts of any ballot votes taken to override the cap. The bill amends existing laws to clarify how these caps are calculated (e.g., adjusting for estimated revenues reported to the Department) and ensures transparency by mandating formal submission of compliance evidence. It directly affects all local governments with adopted caps, requiring them to verify adherence to these financial limits through standardized reporting.
HB 1240 upgrades the penalty for criminal threatening when a victim reasonably believes a deadly weapon is being used. It makes this offense a class B felony under New Hampshire law, directly affecting individuals who threaten others while displaying or using something that appears to be a deadly weapon (as defined in RSA 625:11). The bill amends RSA 631:4 to include the "apparent use" of a deadly weapon as a factor elevating the crime. This change takes effect January 1, 2027, and has no estimated fiscal impact on state or local governments.
HB 1706 repeals New Hampshire's state-administered refugee resettlement program and prohibits state agencies from using state funds for refugee resettlement activities. The bill specifically requires the Department of Health and Human Services to terminate existing contracts related to refugee resettlement (such as the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program) and bans all state spending - directly or indirectly - on resettlement efforts. It does not affect federal refugee programs or funds, as the state's involvement was limited to administering approximately $4.5 million annually in federal funds. The bill applies solely to state government actions and has no impact on existing refugee services or federal programs.
HB 1117, the "Health Care Provider Free Speech and Innovation Act," protects licensed health care providers (such as doctors, nurses, and therapists) from disciplinary action, sanctions, or legal liability when discussing medical information, emerging therapies, or off-label treatments with patients, colleagues, or the public. This protection applies only if the communication is made in good faith and not knowingly false or misleading. The bill also prohibits retaliation from licensing boards, employers, or insurers for such communications and allows providers to recommend innovative therapies with patient consent, provided they are not legally prohibited. It does not require insurers or employers to cover non-standard treatments but aims to accelerate the adoption of medical innovations by safeguarding open dialogue. The law directly affects health care providers and their ability to share evolving medical knowledge without fear of punishment.
HB 1272 would allow New Hampshire towns and school districts to choose whether to print candidates' party affiliations on local ballots, after voters approve the change at a town meeting. If approved, party affiliations (using the first three letters of the party name, like "DEM," or "UND" for unaffiliated candidates) would appear after each candidate's name. This applies only to town and school district elections, not state-level races, and requires voter approval each time the policy is adopted or rescinded. The bill does not mandate this change but gives communities an option to implement it.
HB 1635 modifies New Hampshire school suicide prevention training requirements by requiring all school faculty, staff, and contracted personnel to complete suicide awareness training within 30 days of hire and every two years thereafter (replacing the prior annual requirement). The training must cover youth suicide risk factors, warning signs, response procedures, referrals, and community resources, and may use existing professional development programs or self-training materials. School districts determine how to administer the training, including whether it applies to volunteers per district policy. The bill takes effect September 1, 2026.
HB 54 would allow alternative treatment centers (ATCs) that provide medical cannabis to operate as for-profit businesses, rather than being limited to non-profit status. The bill amends several statutes to permit ATCs to be organized as domestic business corporations or limited liability companies, and creates pathways for existing non-profit ATCs to convert to for-profit structures through entity conversion or merger processes. This change would affect medical cannabis treatment centers in New Hampshire that want to operate as for-profit entities. The Department of State estimates a one-time $13,000 cost for software updates to accommodate the new structure, with no funding provided for this cost.
HB 349 authorizes licensed optometrists who meet specific board-certification criteria to perform three eye laser procedures: laser capsulotomy, laser trabeculoplasty, and laser peripheral iridotomy. It directly affects optometrists seeking to expand their scope of practice, requiring them to complete approved education, training, and experience before performing these procedures. The bill mandates the Board of Registration in Optometry to establish rules for certification, including minimum training standards, proctoring requirements, and outcome reporting for these procedures. The law takes effect 60 days after passage, with no new state funding provided.
HB 451 establishes a paint product stewardship program requiring manufacturers of paint sold in New Hampshire to implement a system for collecting and managing postconsumer paint (paint no longer wanted by purchasers). The program would mandate manufacturers to submit plans detailing collection site locations, environmentally sound management practices, and a fee structure added to paint product prices (up to $3.00 per container based on size). Retailers would include these fees in the purchase price of paint, and collection sites would not charge additional fees for paint management. The Department of Environmental Services would oversee the program, with costs covered by fees paid by manufacturers rather than municipalities, which would see reduced costs for paint disposal. The program requires annual reporting on paint recovery, management practices, and program costs, with implementation required by July 1, 2025.
HB 1689 would extend the term of office for Merrimack County elected officials (sheriff, county attorney, treasurer, register of deeds, and register of probate) from their current term length to four years. The bill requires that elections for these positions occur every four years, aligning them with presidential elections starting in 2028. This change applies specifically to Merrimack County, affecting how often residents vote for these county-level officers. The bill would take effect January 1, 2027, for the next election cycle.
HB 1808 creates a new position for an "academic research and improvement performance data analyst" within the New Hampshire Department of Education. This state employee, at the administrator III level, will collect and analyze education data to measure student progress, evaluate programs, guide curriculum decisions, and support school improvement efforts. The bill appropriates $160,000 for fiscal year 2027 to fund this position, with subsequent years' costs estimated at $103,000-$108,000. The role directly affects the Department of Education’s internal operations and indirectly supports schools and educators through data-driven insights.
This bill prohibits smoking in Hampton Beach State Park, including the RV park, effective January 1, 2027. It directly affects park visitors who smoke within the park boundaries. The bill requires the Department of Natural and Cultural Resources to post clear signage about the ban and allows authorized officials to direct smokers to comply, but no monetary fines may be issued. The policy change does not alter park fees, revenue streams, or require new state funding.
