HB 1364 requires counties, municipalities, and other local political subdivisions in New Hampshire that have entered into federal 287(g) agreements with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to submit quarterly reports to the state Attorney General. These reports must include specific data on detained individuals (by immigration violation, state offense, or field stops), their locations, detention lengths, and racial data where available. The Attorney General must then consolidate and submit these reports quarterly to state officials and local governing bodies starting in early 2027. The bill does not provide new funding but estimates minimal costs for the Attorney General’s office (around $63,000 annually) and local governments to compile the required data.
SB 493 allows New Hampshire village districts to create special funds and partner with towns to address harmful algae blooms (cyanobacteria) and water quality issues. It enables villages to jointly fund projects like erosion control, phosphate reduction, and water treatment through shared agreements and access state/federal grants (e.g., RSA 487:15-25). Village districts managing affected water bodies would directly use these provisions to implement mitigation efforts, with funds limited to 1% of annual budgets for unanticipated expenses. The bill focuses on practical tools for local action, not new environmental standards.
SB 566 expands New Hampshire's National Guard recruiting incentives by allowing any current or former Guard member to refer recruits for a $1,000 cash bonus (previously limited to certain ranks), increases reenlistment/reclassification bonuses to $8,000 (from $6,000), and adds up to $4,000 in reimbursement for military job-related credentialing costs when federal reimbursement isn't available. It directly affects New Hampshire National Guard members who refer new recruits, reenlist, or need job-specific training certifications. The bill requires state funding for these expanded incentives, with the Department of Military Affairs estimating an additional $125,000 annually starting in FY 2027 to cover the costs. The bill itself does not provide new funding but modifies existing program parameters.
HB 1420 creates a temporary tax credit for businesses that advertise in qualifying local newspapers. The credit reduces a business's state tax liability based on the cost of local newspaper ads, with unused portions refundable without interest. To qualify, a newspaper must focus on local news (covering New Hampshire towns, cities, or counties), employ local journalists, and meet audience requirements - excluding political groups, large corporations, and non-local media. The credit applies to small businesses advertising in these local publications, aiming to support community journalism by lowering advertising costs for businesses.
This House Resolution (HR 44) expresses support for maintaining public ownership of New Hampshire's state and federal lands, including the White Mountain National Forest and other conserved areas. It specifically opposes efforts to rescind the federal Roadless Rule, which protects roadless areas from logging and development. The resolution urges New Hampshire's governor, attorney general, and congressional delegation to take action against any attempts to weaken these protections. As a non-binding resolution, it does not create new laws but formally states legislative support for preserving public lands.
HB 1395 requires the New Hampshire governor to annually issue a proclamation designating the third Friday after Labor Day as "New Hampshire Day at The Big E." This bill directly affects the governor's office by mandating this ceremonial recognition each year. The proclamation aims to honor the Eastern States Exposition (The Big E) for its over 100-year support of agriculture and regional cooperation in New England. The bill creates no new legal obligations for citizens or businesses, solely establishing a formal annual observance.
SB 517 allows New Hampshire school districts to expand free meal eligibility to 200% of the federal poverty level, raising the current standard. Districts opting into this program will receive state reimbursement covering 50% of the cost difference between free meals and reduced-price meals, with the remaining 50% covered by the school district. The bill appropriates $107,000 for administrative support and $250,000 for meal reimbursements and software to enable online application systems for free/reduced-price meals. This directly affects low-income students and school districts that choose to implement the expanded eligibility starting July 2026.
This resolution formally recognizes and celebrates New Hampshire's longstanding relationship with Canada. It highlights shared geographic proximity, economic ties (especially tourism), cultural exchanges, and historical connections between the two regions. The resolution has no binding effect; it simply affirms New Hampshire's commitment to cooperation in trade, tourism, and cultural exchange, and directs copies to Canada's Prime Minister and Quebec's Premier as a symbolic gesture.
This bill requires animal care centers (like boarding kennels, veterinary facilities, and humane societies) that board five or more dogs to notify owners in writing when a dog will be left unattended without an employee present and to disclose if the facility lacks a functioning fire sprinkler system. Centers must also report any injuries to animals or people occurring on their premises to local law enforcement within a specified timeframe. Additionally, the bill mandates annual unannounced inspections by local authorities between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. to verify sanitation and care standards, with penalties including temporary closures (up to 5 days) for first violations and permanent closure after a third infraction. The requirements apply to commercial centers but exclude private residences caring for five or fewer dogs at a time.
This resolution urges all federal agencies and contractors operating at federal facilities (such as National Parks, museums, and government offices) to accept physical U.S. cash as legal tender, in alignment with 31 U.S.C. §5103. It specifically targets situations where cash is refused while electronic payments incur "convenience fees," violating the legal tender law. The resolution demands that federal services accept cash without additional charges for all transactions. It does not create new laws but calls for compliance with existing federal currency regulations.
SB 597 caps annual electric utility rate increases at 4% above inflation, preventing excessive hikes for New Hampshire residents. It requires the Public Utilities Commission to develop performance-based incentives tied to specific metrics like service reliability, customer satisfaction, grid modernization, and reducing peak demand. The Commission must complete an initial review within one year to establish these incentives and update them every four years. This bill directly affects electric utilities and their customers in New Hampshire, where high utility costs have been a longstanding concern.
SB 478 aims to lower prescription drug costs for New Hampshire residents by regulating pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs). It bans "spread pricing" (where PBMs keep the difference between what they pay pharmacies and charge insurers), requires all manufacturer rebates to reduce consumer out-of-pocket costs or premiums, and prohibits retroactive fees on clean claims. The bill also mandates transparent pricing lists, allows audits to prevent misuse, and prioritizes the lowest net-cost drugs in formularies. These changes directly affect patients, pharmacies, insurers, and PBMs by making drug pricing more transparent and reducing hidden costs.
