HB 1604 requires towns and cities to make suitable public facilities - such as schools, town halls, and fire stations - available as polling places for all elections when requested by local election officials (selectmen or ward officers). The bill specifies that facilities must meet size and accessibility standards under existing law and must remain accessible to voters while allowing normal operations like education or emergency services to continue. Municipalities would cover reasonable costs for custodial services, utilities, and security related to the polling place use, unless otherwise agreed. This change aims to expand polling location options without imposing new requirements on voters or election processes.
HB 1797 modifies New Hampshire's SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) eligibility rules. It requires the state to seek a federal waiver banning SNAP benefits from purchasing candy and soft drinks, strengthens work requirements for able-bodied adults without dependents, and prohibits the state from setting more lenient eligibility standards than federal law allows. The bill mandates data-sharing agreements with multiple state agencies - including lottery, vital records, employment security, corrections, and economic security - to verify recipient eligibility through monthly or quarterly checks on income, employment, incarceration, and other circumstances. These changes directly affect SNAP recipients in New Hampshire by restricting benefit usage and tightening eligibility verification processes.
HB 1695 requires the secretary of state to include a voter's guide on the ballot for constitutional amendments, explaining the consequences of voting "yes" or "no." The guide must state what happens if the amendment passes (e.g., new law takes effect) or fails (e.g., current law remains). It mandates the guide be printed directly below the amendment question on the ballot, or distributed with the ballot if it would require an extra page. This applies to all constitutional amendments proposed by the legislature or constitutional convention, ensuring voters receive clear, objective information before casting their vote.
HB 1600 requires New Hampshire's Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) to offer voter registration forms to applicants when they apply for or renew a driver's license or non-driver ID card, provided they have already verified age, citizenship, identity, and New Hampshire residency. The bill mandates that DMV staff provide eligibility information and allow applicants to complete the form on-site during these transactions. Completed forms must be sent weekly to the Secretary of State, who forwards them to local election officials for verification and inclusion on voter lists, with deadlines set 3 weeks before elections. This change affects all DMV applicants meeting basic eligibility criteria, streamlining registration during routine license/ID processes without altering voting rights or requirements. The bill requires no new funding but involves minimal administrative costs for processing and transmission.
SB 632 authorizes the Greater Concord Chamber of Commerce (or its successor nonprofit) to install and maintain one advertising sign near Exit 12 on I-93 in Concord. The sign must promote nonprofit events and downtown destinations between I-93 exits 13-15, comply with Concord's zoning rules (up to the largest permitted size), and display no more than 20% for-profit content to offset costs. It cannot promote the city of Concord itself or events outside the specified downtown area. The bill has minimal fiscal impact, costing under $10,000 annually.
SB 519 creates a new legal right for individuals to sue when drones (small unmanned aircraft systems) are used to take images or video of private property without permission, in situations where a reasonable expectation of privacy exists. It prohibits drone operators from conducting such surveillance over private property without the property owner's written consent, except for specific exceptions like law enforcement with a warrant, utility inspections, or property appraisals for taxes. The law presumes a reasonable expectation of privacy in areas not visible from public ground level (such as backyards), allowing victims to seek compensation, court orders to stop the activity, and legal fees. The bill takes effect January 1, 2027, and has minimal fiscal impact.
This bill proposes a constitutional amendment to raise the maximum age for serving as a county sheriff in New Hampshire from 70 to 75 years. It directly affects current and future county sheriffs, who would no longer be eligible to hold office after turning 75. The amendment would replace the existing age limit in Article 78 of the state constitution, requiring voter approval in the November 2026 general election. If approved by two-thirds of voters, it would take effect upon the governor's proclamation. The change applies only to the sheriff position, leaving other judicial age limits unchanged.
This bill prohibits lobbyists from receiving any compensation for lobbying on behalf of designated foreign adversaries, which include specific countries (China, Russia, Iran, North Korea, Cuba, Venezuela under Maduro, Syria) and their agencies. It defines "foreign adversary client" to include government officials, political parties, and certain entities related to these countries. Lobbyists would face civil penalties up to $1,000 per violation and must disgorge any compensation received for such lobbying activities. The law applies to any lobbying activity on behalf of these designated foreign adversaries or their designated clients.
SB 441 requires any New Hampshire municipality planning to transport homeless individuals or those needing substance use disorder treatment to another municipality to first establish a written agreement (Memorandum of Understanding, or MOU) with the receiving municipality. The MOU must detail services provided, financial responsibilities (including potential payments for treatment), transfer limits, and reporting requirements. This applies to non-emergency transports for housing, shelter, or treatment, but excludes emergency medical transfers, court-ordered moves, or voluntary relocations. Violations carry a $5,000 fine payable to the Department of Health and Human Services. The bill aims to ensure coordinated care and financial clarity between municipalities handling vulnerable residents.
HB 1121 defines the specific resources required to calculate the cost of an adequate education in New Hampshire. It mandates that the state include certain personnel and materials - such as teachers, counselors, nurses, instructional supplies, technology, facility maintenance, and transportation - in its funding calculations. This bill directly affects how the state determines the necessary resources for public schools to meet educational standards. The definition applies to all public school funding decisions under RSA 193-E:2-a, requiring the state to formally account for these elements when assessing educational costs. The bill takes effect 60 days after passage.
HB 1438 requires licensed mental health caseworkers in New Hampshire to report instances of animal abuse they learn about from clients, including cases of cruelty, neglect, or unsafe living conditions for animals. This applies specifically to professionals working under New Hampshire’s mental health licensing framework, who typically handle confidential client information. The bill mandates that reports be made to local law enforcement or the New Hampshire Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (NH SPCA), and explicitly protects caseworkers from legal liability when reporting in good faith. The law takes effect 60 days after enactment.
HB 1566 creates a backup state funding source to support child care employers in New Hampshire if federal funds cannot be used for recruitment and benefit grants. Specifically, it appropriates $15 million from the general fund for fiscal year 2027 (starting July 1, 2026) if the federal government denies permission to use Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) reserve funds for this purpose. The bill directly affects New Hampshire child care employers, providing them with grants to improve staff recruitment and benefits. This funding is contingent on the federal government's decision, which the Department of Health and Human Services anticipates will be denied, making the $15 million general fund appropriation likely to be used. The policy change ensures continued support for child care staffing without relying on federal approval.
