SB 506 directs New Hampshire's Department of Health and Human Services to implement federal work and community engagement requirements for Medicaid eligibility under the "One Big Beautiful Bill Act of 2025." It requires the state to submit a plan to CMS (Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services) by December 2026, after legislative review, and mandates quarterly reports to lawmakers on implementation progress. The bill suspends existing state law provisions related to these requirements while federal rules are in effect, with automatic reinstatement if federal rules end. It does not provide new state funding or create positions, aligning state Medicaid operations with federal guidelines.
HB 1235 legalizes possession and personal use of cannabis for New Hampshire residents aged 21 or older, with specific quantity limits: up to 2.5 ounces of flower/trim, 10 grams of concentrate, or products containing no more than 2,000mg THC. It defines key terms like "cannabis products" (including edibles) and excludes hemp (under separate law) and certain plant parts. Possession of small amounts by those under 21 remains a violation punishable by fines ($100-$300), not criminal charges. The bill shifts enforcement focus from minor cannabis offenses to serious crimes while establishing clear limits for adult use.
SB 611 requires New Hampshire's Department of Health and Human Services to annually set Medicaid case management service rates that better reflect actual delivery costs, aiming to eliminate payment disparities. The department must consider factors like cost efficiency, quality of care, and access while addressing disparities such as administrative overhead costs currently paid to certain providers (e.g., for DAADS services). The bill does not provide new funding, and fiscal estimates indicate implementation could cost the state $2.1 million to $6.25 million annually from general funds. This change targets alignment between case management rates and other Medicaid services, without altering eligibility or coverage.
This resolution (HR 37) is a symbolic statement by the New Hampshire House of Representatives. It recognizes the UN Universal Declaration of Human Rights and urges the U.S. federal government - specifically the President and New Hampshire's congressional delegation - to implement "responsible and moral oversight" of military aid provided to international allies, with a specific focus on Israel's military operations in Gaza. The resolution cites the humanitarian impact in Gaza (including civilian casualties and infrastructure damage) as context for this call. It does not create new laws or alter funding but formally requests federal action to ensure military aid complies with international law. The resolution directly affects New Hampshire's federal representatives, who are urged to advocate for this oversight.
HB 1027 requires local conservation commissions in New Hampshire towns and cities to obtain approval from their local governing bodies (like town councils or boards) before using funds for specific purposes. It specifically mandates this approval for contributions to "qualified organizations" under IRS rules or for purchasing property interests to protect natural resources. The bill does not affect routine fund management but adds a review step before significant expenditures or property transactions. Conservation commissions must still hold public hearings for such purchases or contributions, as required by existing law.
SB 518 streamlines approval for specific electric transmission line upgrades by creating a "qualified transmission asset replacement project" category. It applies to utility companies replacing 5% or more poles/towers on existing lines within 5 years without increasing pole height, tower width, or corridor size. The bill requires applications to include detailed project descriptions, financial plans, and public notices, while giving the energy department automatic party status in reviews. This modifies the site evaluation process to expedite projects meeting strict criteria, directly affecting utilities planning eligible transmission line replacements in New Hampshire.
HB 1049 requires all firearm owners in New Hampshire to securely store firearms when not in use to prevent unauthorized access by minors or prohibited individuals. The bill mandates that firearms be kept in locked containers, equipped with approved safety devices (like trigger locks or lockboxes), or stored via personalized firearm safety features. It also expands criminal penalties for negligent storage and requires safety devices to accompany all private and commercial firearm transactions. This applies to all firearm owners, including private sellers and licensed dealers, but excludes antique firearms. The law aims to reduce incidents of firearms falling into unauthorized hands, particularly minors.
HB 1188 prohibits employers from requiring low-wage employees - defined as those earning an hourly rate of 500% or less of the federal minimum wage - to sign noncompete agreements. It voids any existing noncompete agreements for these workers and limits the duration of any such agreement to a maximum of 12 months. The bill directly affects low-wage workers in New Hampshire, removing legal barriers that previously restricted their ability to change employers. This policy change increases job mobility for workers in low-paying positions by preventing employers from using noncompete clauses to limit their employment options.
SB 581 modifies New Hampshire's Education Freedom Account (EFA) program by removing two key restrictions: (1) priority guidelines that previously favored certain student groups, and (2) an enrollment cap limiting EFA participation to 10,000 students. This change means all eligible parents can apply for EFAs without being subject to priority rankings or enrollment limits. The bill repeals related legal definitions and provisions that enforced these restrictions, effective July 2026. It directly affects families seeking EFA funding for K-12 education options by expanding access to the program.
HB 1413 would reinstate the death penalty as a sentencing option for individuals convicted of capital murder in New Hampshire, replacing the current requirement of life imprisonment without parole. The bill amends RSA 630:1, III to allow courts to impose the death penalty in such cases, effective January 1, 2027. This change directly affects defendants found guilty of capital murder, who would now face the possibility of execution instead of mandatory life without parole. The bill does not alter the definition of capital murder but modifies sentencing authority for these specific offenses.
HB 1154 restricts sending unsolicited text messages for commercial advertisements or political campaigns without the recipient's prior permission. It requires senders to obtain express consent (in writing or otherwise) before texting ads, with exceptions for established business relationships or numbers voluntarily shared in such contexts. The bill mandates clear opt-out mechanisms in every message and prohibits using multiple numbers to evade blocking. Violations carry criminal penalties (up to a class B felony for repeated offenses) or civil fines of $250-$2,000 per incident, effective July 1, 2027.
SB 587, the "Fair Maps Act," establishes new requirements for public input during New Hampshire's redistricting process for congressional, state senate, state house, and executive council districts. The bill mandates at least 10 public hearings before a redistricting plan is proposed and at least 3 additional hearings after a plan is proposed but before voting, with specific rules for scheduling, location, and remote participation. Hearings must occur in convenient times and locations, include at least one per county, prioritize areas with significant population shifts, and allow remote public testimony. All public comments on proposed plans must be made available online for transparency, with duplicative or inappropriate content excluded.
