Veterans

signed · New Hampshire · Senate Jul 9, 2026

SB 448: modifying the definition of veteran.

SB 448 modifies New Hampshire's definition of "veteran" to include individuals discharged under honorable conditions (including those with a general discharge under honorable conditions), ensuring they qualify for state benefits. It establishes a lifetime combination hunting and fishing license for state-resident veterans meeting this definition, with a one-time fee adjusted based on the veteran's service-connected disability rating. This replaces annual license fees with a single payment, directly benefiting disabled veterans who previously faced eligibility barriers. The bill also updates multiple state statutes to align with the revised veteran definition, ensuring consistency across programs like employment preferences and tax exemptions.

Topics ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransExpands veteran eligibility for state benefits and replaces annual fees with lifetime hunting/fishing license at reduced cost for qualifying veterans.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Veteran Benefits Veteran Healthcare

failed · New Hampshire · Senate Apr 23, 2026

SB 511: relative to state park fee discounts for state residents.

SB 511 requires New Hampshire state parks to charge residents no more than 50% of the entry fee charged to non-residents, effective April 2027. It allows separate fee schedules for specific park services (like camping, boat rentals, or parking), where residents pay no more than 90% of non-resident rates for those services. The bill also permits discounted or waived fees for veterans and school/student groups. Residency verification will use state IDs, utility bills, or vehicle registrations. This policy directly affects all park visitors, with potential revenue impacts for the State Park Fund estimated between a $1.5 million decrease and $2 million increase annually.

Topics ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransBill explicitly allows veterans to receive discounted or waived state park fees, directly expanding access to recreational benefits for veterans.95% confidence

Track

passed · New Hampshire · Senate Mar 12, 2026

SB 566: relative to recruiting incentive programs for the national guard.

SB 566 expands New Hampshire's National Guard recruiting incentives by allowing any current or former Guard member to refer recruits for a $1,000 cash bonus (previously limited to certain ranks), increases reenlistment/reclassification bonuses to $8,000 (from $6,000), and adds up to $4,000 in reimbursement for military job-related credentialing costs when federal reimbursement isn't available. It directly affects New Hampshire National Guard members who refer new recruits, reenlist, or need job-specific training certifications. The bill requires state funding for these expanded incentives, with the Department of Military Affairs estimating an additional $125,000 annually starting in FY 2027 to cover the costs. The bill itself does not provide new funding but modifies existing program parameters.

Topics ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransBill provides $4,000 reimbursement for military credentialing costs when federal funds aren't available, directly supporting veterans' employment transition.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Memorials & Recognition National Guard & Reserve

Track

signed · New Hampshire · House May 21, 2026

HB 1078: creating a gold star family and gold star father license plate.

HB 1078 creates special license plates for "Gold Star Mother," "Gold Star Father," and "Gold Star Family" designations. These plates are available at no additional cost beyond standard registration fees to immediate family members (mothers, fathers, or other relatives) of U.S. service members killed while on duty. Eligibility requires documentation like a DD Form 1300, proof of relationship, and VA certification. The bill amends New Hampshire law to establish this program with specific application procedures.

Topics ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransCreates special license plates for families of fallen service members, providing recognition and honor as a veteran support measure.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Memorials & Recognition

passed · New Hampshire · House May 5, 2026

HB 1132: prohibiting the display of certain flags and banners in public schools and public charter schools and establishing penalties for the display of prohibited flags and banners.

HB 1132 would require public schools and public charter schools in New Hampshire to remove all flags except the U.S. flag, New Hampshire state flag, and POW/MIA flag from school buildings and grounds. Exceptions allow for flags used in specific educational contexts (like foreign language or U.S. history classes), U.S. military branch flags, and official city or town flags. Violations would trigger escalating penalties: a warning for the first offense, disciplinary action for the second, and potential state-imposed fines up to $1,000 for third or subsequent violations. The law would take effect on September 1, 2026.

Topics ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransBill explicitly permits display of POW/MIA flag in schools, directly honoring veterans' service and sacrifice as a recognized symbol of veteran recognition.85% confidence

Track

failed · New Hampshire · House Feb 5, 2026

HB 1659: relative to local property tax exemptions for veterans with a 100 percent disability rating.

HB 1659 creates a new optional property tax credit for veterans with a 100% service-connected disability rating, as certified by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Cities or towns can choose to adopt this credit, which would provide a tax credit ranging from $701 to $5,000 annually for qualifying veterans' primary homes (up to 10 acres). The credit replaces existing veteran tax exemptions and continues to a surviving spouse (if unmarried) or dependent children after the veteran's death. This applies only to veterans who own their homestead, excluding other property tax exemptions for military service.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesCreates property tax credit ($701-$5,000) for disabled veterans, providing direct tax relief. Aligns with tax relief indicators for vulnerable groups.95% confidence ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransCreates optional property tax credit ($701-$5,000) for veterans with 100% disability rating, expanding financial benefits and extending coverage to survivors.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Property Tax Tax Credits Veteran Benefits Veteran Healthcare Veteran Housing

Track

passed both · New Hampshire · House May 21, 2026

HB 1768: relative to gifts and donations received by the division of parks and recreation.

HB 1768 provides free day-use admission and metered parking at New Hampshire state parks for honorably discharged veterans who are state residents. It exempts eligible veterans from these fees upon presenting proof like a veteran license plate, DD-214 form, or other recognized documentation. The bill directly affects New Hampshire veterans meeting these criteria, removing financial barriers to park access. The fiscal note estimates an annual revenue loss of $200,000-$450,000 for the State Park Fund, based on park fee data and veteran residency assumptions.

Topics ✗ Budget & TaxesOpposes Budget & TaxesBill causes $200k-$450k annual revenue loss for state parks, directly reducing budget revenue without offsetting funding.90% confidence ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransProvides free state park access to honorably discharged veterans, expanding their benefits and removing financial barriers.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Memorials & Recognition Veteran Healthcare

Track

signed · New Hampshire · House Mar 30, 2026

HB 1152: designating the funds account for donations and bequests received by the department of military affairs and veterans services to be non-lapsing funds.

HB 1152 designates all donations and bequests received by New Hampshire's Department of Military Affairs and Veterans Services as non-lapsing funds. This means these funds will automatically carry over year-to-year without expiring, rather than requiring annual reappropriation. The bill directly affects the department’s ability to manage and use donor contributions for military/veteran programs without needing new budget approvals each year. It clarifies existing law (RSA 110-B:1, III) to ensure continuous funding for veteran support initiatives. The bill was requested by the department itself and will take effect July 1, 2026.

Topics ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransDesignates veteran program donations as non-lapsing, ensuring continuous funding without annual reapproval, strengthening program stability and resource availability.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Memorials & Recognition Veteran Education

in committee · New Hampshire · House Aug 21, 2026

HB 1753: establishing the New Hampshire first for veterans program and authority.

HB 1753 establishes the New Hampshire First for Veterans Program and Authority to support veterans, service members, and their families across the state. The program will provide funding to address key priorities like ending veteran homelessness, matching veterans with veteran-friendly jobs, improving access to mental and physical healthcare (including suicide prevention and substance use treatment), and supporting military skills transfer and education opportunities. The New Hampshire First for Veterans Authority, governed by a 22-member board appointed by state leaders, will coordinate these efforts through public-private partnerships. This program directly affects veterans and their families by creating structured support systems for housing, employment, healthcare, and career transition.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill explicitly funds mental/physical healthcare access, suicide prevention, and substance use treatment for veterans through dedicated program funding.92% confidence ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill explicitly states 'ending veteran homelessness' as a key priority, directly addressing housing needs through funding for housing support programs.95% confidence ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransEstablishes program funding for veteran homelessness prevention, healthcare access, job matching, and education - directly advancing veterans' services.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Homelessness Veteran Healthcare Veteran Housing Veteran Mental Health

Track

signed · New Hampshire · House Mar 30, 2026

HB 1101: relative to the membership and governance of the state veterans council.

This bill increases the size of New Hampshire's State Veterans Council from 4 to 5 members. The council will now consist of 4 veterans (as defined by state law) and 1 family member of a veteran or currently serving military member, all appointed by the governor. Council members must meet at least twice yearly to provide guidance on veterans' programs, make recommendations for improvements, and oversee the "New Hampshire first for veterans" initiative. The changes take effect July 1, 2026, and align with the Department of Military Affairs and Veteran Services' organizational structure.

Topics ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransExpands veterans council governance to improve oversight of programs and initiatives, strengthening state-level veteran services through increased membership and mandated recommendations.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Memorials & Recognition National Guard & Reserve Veteran Healthcare