New Hampshire Legislative Events

Extends Party Filing Period for New Hampshire Elections

The New Hampshire House of Representatives passed HB1381, extending the statutory deadline for party filing periods. The bill received unanimous committee support (14-0 in House, 4-0 in Senate) and passed via voice vote. This is a procedural timing amendment affecting political party nomination filings.

Election Moderators Vote Counting Area Access

The New Hampshire General Court passed HB1266 on March 17, 2026, granting election moderators access to the area designated for counting votes during the performance of their official duties. The bill passed the House (17-0) and was referred to the Senate Election Law and Municipal Affairs Committee, representing a procedural change to election administration.

Scanning Device or Reencoder Fraud Offense

New Hampshire HB1175 has passed, establishing a criminal offense for the use of scanning devices or reencoders to defraud. The bill, sponsored by multiple House and Senate representatives, creates penalties for individuals who knowingly use such devices to capture or encode payment card or identification information with fraudulent intent. The legislation was referred to the Senate Judiciary Committee after passing the House.

Insurer Assessment Credits

The New Hampshire House of Representatives passed HB1194, legislation relative to credits for assessments paid by insurers. The bill was sponsored by Rep. John Janigian and advanced through the 2026 Regular Session after receiving strong support, passing the House with a 336-2 vote before moving to the Senate Ways and Means Committee.

Secretary of State Required to Post Constitutional Amendment Notices

The New Hampshire General Court passed HB1247, requiring the Secretary of State to create, post on the official state website, and distribute notice of proposed constitutional amendments. The bill passed the House on March 11, 2026, and was introduced in the Senate on March 17, 2026. This measure enhances public transparency in the constitutional amendment process.

Livestock Guarding Dog Nuisance Exemption

New Hampshire General Court passed HB1253, exempting dogs actively guarding livestock or crops from nuisance dog statutes. The bill, sponsored by Representatives Comtois, Aron, and others, passed the House and Senate with unanimous committee support and was signed into law on March 17, 2026.

Marriage Registration Forms and Delayed Certificates Reform

The New Hampshire House of Representatives passed HB1260 on March 6, 2026, amending provisions related to marriage registration forms and delayed certificates of marriage. The bill was sponsored by Representatives Dargie and Petrigno and received committee approval before passage.

Clarifies Renewable Portfolio Standard Eligible Energy Classes

New Hampshire HB1535 passed on March 6, 2026, clarifying eligible renewable energy classes under the state's renewable portfolio standard. The bill was sponsored by Representative Thomas Cormen and Senator Suzanne Prentiss. It passed the House with a 17-0 vote and received a Senate committee recommendation of Ought to Pass with Amendment #2026-1306s.

Business Profits Tax Expense Deductions

New Hampshire HB1597 passed both chambers on March 17, 2026, amending state tax law to allow businesses to deduct Business Profits Tax expenses. The bill passed the House with an Ought to Pass recommendation (Vote 13-6) and received unanimous Senate committee approval (Vote 5-0) before reaching the Senate floor.

Grid Transformer Vulnerability Assessment Requirements

New Hampshire passed HB1723, requiring utilities and electric grid operators to assess and report vulnerability of high-voltage transformers to geomagnetic and electromagnetic disturbances. The bill also mandates recommendations for mitigation measures to protect state electric infrastructure. The legislation passed the House on March 17, 2026, during the 2026 Regular Session.