Technology

HB 1317 strengthens patient privacy protections in New Hampshire by prohibiting state agencies, contractors, vendors, and grant recipients from sharing personally identifiable medical, disability, or mental health data with the federal government or third parties - unless specific conditions apply. These exceptions include obtaining an individual’s written consent, complying with existing law or court orders, or disclosing data to provide necessary health care services. The bill also requires that any permitted disclosure share only the minimum necessary data and prioritize de-identified information when possible. It explicitly affirms that these state rules do not override federal privacy laws like HIPAA or the ADA, and violations could result in civil penalties enforced by the attorney general.

HB 1508 allows New Hampshire residents to record audio and video conversations they are part of without the other person's consent, provided the recording doesn't violate privacy laws (as defined in RSA 644:9) or is used for blackmail or harassment. The bill requires the Department of Justice to create a public awareness campaign explaining the new rules, including educational materials for the public and training for law enforcement and prosecutors. This campaign will clarify legal boundaries for recording and prevent misuse. The state will fund these efforts using existing resources, with an estimated one-time cost of $500,000 for the campaign and ongoing costs for staff support.