relative to the rights of conscience for medical professionals.
HB 232 protects New Hampshire healthcare providers' right to refuse participation in abortions, sterilizations, or artificial contraception based on religious, moral, or ethical beliefs. It requires health care institutions to prominently post notices about these rights and prohibits discrimination against providers who conscientiously object. Violations by institutions carry civil fines ($1,000-$10,000 per occurrence), while providers denied employment or other benefits due to objections may seek triple damages plus attorney fees. The law applies to all medical professionals in New Hampshire, including physicians, nurses, pharmacists, and students, and takes effect January 1, 2026.
Bill status
vetoed
4 of 5 stages cleared
Introduction
Jan 2025
Committee Review
May 2026
House Passage
Jan 2026
Senate Passage
May 2026
Vetoed
Aug 2026
Introduced Jan 7, 2025
Vetoed Aug 19, 2026
Floor votes · House Aug 19, 2026
How they voted
88–94
Passed · 32 other
Total votes 214
Aug 19, 2026
D
Democratic101
85% Nay
I
Independent2
50% Yea
R
Republican111
78% Yea
Vote distribution
All Yea
All Nay
Mixed
No data
Full legislative history
Actions timeline
Total actions
23
Key actions
10
Committee
9
Amendments
2
Aug 19, 2026
House · Passed
House Vote: pass (88-94-32)
house
Aug 19, 2026
Vetoed
Veto Sustained 08/19/2026: RC 166-154 Lacking Necessary Two-Thirds Vote HJ 16
lower
Jul 10, 2026
Vetoed
Vetoed by Governor Ayotte 07/02/2026
lower
May 21, 2026
Introduced
House Concurs with Senate Amendment 2026-1624s (Rep. Lynn): MA RC 179-154 05/20/2026 HJ 14 P. 16
lower
May 14, 2026
Upper · Passed
Ought to Pass with Amendment # 2026-1624s, MA, VV; OT3rdg; 05/14/2026; SJ 12
upper
May 14, 2026
Upper · Passed
Committee Amendment # 2026-1624s, AA, VV; 05/14/2026; SJ 12
upper
May 7, 2026
Upper · Passed
Committee Report: Ought to Pass with Amendment # 2026-1624s, 05/14/2026, Vote 3-1; SC 18
upper
Apr 22, 2026
Upper · Passed
Committee Report: Ought to Pass with Amendment # 2026-1624s, 05/07/2026, Vote 3-1; SC 17
upper
Jan 15, 2026
Introduced
Introduced 01/07/2026 and Referred to Health and Human Services; SJ 2
upper
Jan 8, 2026
Lower · Passed
Ought to Pass with Amendment 2025-2932h: MA RC 184-164 01/08/2026 HJ 2 P. 47
lower
Jan 8, 2026
Introduced
Amendment # 2025-2932h: AA VV 01/08/2026 HJ 2 P. 45
lower
Nov 19, 2025
Lower · Passed
Minority Committee Report: Inexpedient to Legislate
lower
Nov 19, 2025
Lower · Passed
Majority Committee Report: Ought to Pass with Amendment # 2025-2932h 11/12/2025 (Vote 10-7; RC) HC 51 P. 39
lower
Aug 25, 2025
Lower · Passed
Full Committee Work Session: 09/10/2025 10:00 am GP 230
lower
Mar 4, 2025
Lower · Passed
Retained in Committee
lower
Jan 7, 2025
Introduced
Introduced 01/08/2025 and referred to Judiciary HJ 2 P. 11
lower
0 primary · 0 co-sponsors
Sponsors
No sponsor information available.
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