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 1422 extends the deadline for filing a petition for a new trial beyond the standard three years in specific criminal cases. It applies to individuals convicted of a felony or class A misdemeanor who are incarcerated, subject to sentence terms, or facing collateral consequences, provided they allege newly discovered evidence and innocence. The petition must detail the new evidence, including results from new forensic testing or scientific analysis not available at trial. Courts must first verify the petition meets these conditions before granting a hearing, and the state must reactivate victim services during the case review.
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 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 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 1777 restricts New Hampshire's Enhanced 911 (E911) system fund to only direct 911 operations, including call delivery, dispatch, and related technology. It prohibits using the fund for commercial wireless infrastructure, unrelated public safety costs, or administrative overhead not tied to 911 services. The bill requires separate accounting for the fund, mandates repayment of misused funds within one year, and adds penalties for agencies that divert funds. Citizens can file complaints about misuse, which may lead to civil action if unresolved after 90 days.
SB 661 defines key terms and sets financial standards for New Hampshire's pooled risk management programs (which cover health, workers' compensation, and property/casualty insurance for political subdivisions like cities and towns). It requires programs to maintain minimum reserve levels (4% of annual health claims or 10% of annual contributions for workers' comp), triggers mandatory assessments if reserves fall below these thresholds, and mandates annual audits and actuarial reviews. The bill also establishes a "health care stabilization fund" requirement for health coverage members to cover potential future assessments. These provisions directly affect participating political subdivisions by setting clear financial safeguards and accountability measures for the pooled programs.
HB 396 exempts meat and meat food products slaughtered and prepared within New Hampshire for sale in the state from certain federal inspection requirements. It directly affects small-scale processors, custom slaughter facilities, and local businesses like restaurants, hotels, grocery stores, and boarding houses that prepare or sell meat to New Hampshire consumers. The key provision allows meat to be processed without USDA certification if it's distributed exclusively within New Hampshire to household consumers or businesses serving meals directly to customers. This change modifies existing law to expand exemptions for intrastate meat distribution while maintaining state-level oversight.
This bill (HB 221) modifies how New Hampshire electric utilities assess the cost effectiveness of system benefit charges. It requires the Public Utilities Commission to use the "Granite State Test" (with Total Resource Cost as a secondary test) for cost reviews through 2026, and mandates that utility savings must equal at least 65% of overall annual energy savings. The bill does not address nuclear energy ownership or purchased power agreements as suggested in its misleading title; instead, it focuses on standardizing cost assessment methodology for utility programs. The changes apply specifically to electric utilities and the state's Public Utilities Commission. The bill takes effect 60 days after passage.
