HB 1455 establishes new criteria for energy sources used in New Hampshire state programs, requiring them to be affordable, reliable, dispatchable, and include hydrocarbons. It defines "reliable" energy as sources available on demand (dispatchable), maintaining grid stability, and including hydrocarbon-based generation like natural gas. The bill redefines "green energy" to explicitly include nuclear power and natural gas combustion, aligning with National Ambient Air Quality Standards. These standards apply to all energy serving New Hampshire customers through state-funded programs, prioritizing domestic sources and reducing reliance on foreign adversaries.
HB 1368 establishes a 7-member committee (4 House members, 3 Senate members) to study primary care provider availability and access, with a focus on rural New Hampshire. The committee will examine factors like provider shortages, reimbursement rates, electronic health record costs, and Medicaid enrollment impacts, and must submit findings by November 1, 2026. This bill creates a study body with no direct policy changes; it only gathers data to inform future legislative action.
SB 477 requires hospitals and other 340B-covered entities in New Hampshire to submit annual public reports to the Department of Health and Human Services by April 1. These reports must detail patient usage of 340B drugs (by insurance type), financial data including acquisition costs and reimbursements for drugs and other services, net revenue, and charity care costs. The bill mandates separate reporting for hospitals, their practice locations, and contracted pharmacies, along with CEO/CFO attestations confirming accuracy. It aims to increase transparency by making 340B program financial data publicly available and preventing duplicate discounts.
HB 1096 establishes a legislative committee to study how to manage the disposal of vapes and e-cigarettes. The committee, composed of three House members (appointed by the Speaker) and one Senate member (appointed by the President), will examine solutions like extended producer responsibility and commercial sales regulations. It must report its findings and recommendations to state leaders by November 1, 2026. This bill does not create new laws but directs a study on disposal management for these products.
HB 1691 (New Hampshire) limits eligibility for property tax assessments based on current agricultural or conservation use. It restricts qualifying land to 40 acres per lot in semi-rural zones, 10 acres in developed zones with conservation land requirements, and prohibits clear-cutting or invasive species. Municipalities must cap current use approvals at 75% of rural zones and 5% of high-density zones, while requiring sustainable practices like invasive species management and limiting chemical use. Violations trigger retroactive tax payments using "best and highest use" rates from the last compliance date. This affects landowners currently enrolled in New Hampshire's current use tax program.
SB 635 establishes a tax credit program for New Hampshire employers that use health reimbursement arrangements (HRAs) instead of traditional group health insurance. Employers with more than one employee (classified as "qualified taxpayers") can claim a credit of up to $400 per covered employee in the first year (reducing to $200 in the second year), with annual limits of $20,000 per employer in year one and $10,000 in year two. The credit is applied against state tax liability, with a total annual cap of $10 million across all claims, and unused credits may be carried forward for up to three years. This policy directly affects employers transitioning to HRAs and aims to offset costs for covering employee health expenses through tax incentives.
HR 28 is a House Resolution requesting the New Hampshire Supreme Court to clarify the state's constitutional obligations regarding education. It asks the court to address specific legal questions about whether the state constitution requires direct state funding for public education, the limits of judicial review over education funding, and the historical role of towns versus the state in education. The resolution seeks the court's opinion on whether the constitution creates an enforceable right to state funding or leaves such decisions to the legislature's discretion. This procedural request does not change current law but aims to resolve legal uncertainty around education funding obligations.
HB 1291 would make it a class A misdemeanor to operate a small drone without permission over large public gatherings (like sports events, concerts, or festivals) or over critical infrastructure, such as power plants, water treatment facilities, military sites, or government buildings. The bill defines "critical infrastructure" to include specific facilities like petroleum refineries, electric substations, and public safety buildings. This law would take effect on January 1, 2027, and applies to all drone users who fly without prior authorization in these scenarios. The bill does not require new funding but may impact law enforcement and court processes if violations occur.
This bill changes the name of a temporary teaching authorization from "one-year certificate of eligibility" to "emergency authorization" in New Hampshire education law. It applies to school boards hiring non-credentialed educators who hold a bachelor's degree, pass background checks, and meet experience requirements. The existing rules remain unchanged: authorizations are limited to one year (with possible one-year extension), include no tenure, require department notification, and exclude those with revoked credentials. The change is purely terminological, with no new requirements or policy shifts.
HB 1237 updates how New Hampshire's state police select and manage contracted tow companies for removing abandoned or obstructive vehicles. It revises procedures to create a rotating list of qualified tow businesses organized by geographic area and vehicle type (class I, II, or III), replacing outdated terms like "wreckers" with "qualified tow businesses." The bill affects state police, tow companies, and property owners dealing with vehicles abandoned on private property or obstructing public spaces. Key changes include requiring the police to use this updated list when practicable, allowing specialized towing for specific vehicle classes, and ensuring tow companies can charge appropriately for equipment used. The Department of Safety requested this change to improve efficiency and safety in vehicle removal operations.
This concurrent resolution (HCR 14) is a symbolic statement by New Hampshire's legislature condemning the 2025 assassination of Charlie Kirk, a conservative activist and Turning Point USA co-founder, during a public speaking event. It reaffirms the state's commitment to First Amendment rights, including free speech and peaceful assembly, and encourages respectful dialogue across political differences. The resolution directs the House clerk to send copies to Kirk's family, Turning Point USA leadership, and all 50 state governors and legislatures. As a non-binding resolution, it does not create new laws or affect any specific group through policy changes.
HB 1214 allows New Hampshire municipalities to take direct control of public library governance. If a town or city elects to assume control under state law, the library's existing trustees would transition to an advisory role, while the municipal governing body (like a town council) becomes the primary decision-maker. This bill directly affects local governments and public library boards, changing how libraries are managed without altering library funding or services. The policy change would take effect 60 days after enactment, as specified in the bill.
