HB 1561 prohibits non-U.S. citizens from the People's Republic of China (PRC nationals, including those with ties to PRC government entities) from attending New Hampshire's accredited public and private colleges and universities. It requires institutions to obtain notarized affidavits from all applicants and students confirming they are not PRC nationals, with affected individuals given 90 days to voluntarily withdraw after the law takes effect. Institutions failing to comply face daily $1,000 fines, while PRC nationals who refuse to withdraw face mandatory expulsion and potential federal referral. Violations by individuals or staff are classified as class A misdemeanors.
HCR 12 is a New Hampshire legislative resolution urging the state's federal congressional delegation to support Medicare for All. It requests federal lawmakers pursue legislation establishing universal health coverage through Medicare, including comprehensive benefits like dental, vision, and prescription drugs without deductibles, and transitioning current Medicaid recipients into the program. The resolution outlines six key provisions for such a system, emphasizing preventive care, provider choice, cost controls, and quality oversight. As a non-binding resolution, it does not change federal law but expresses the legislature's position on health care policy.
HB 1760 repeals a requirement that the New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services seek a waiver to impose pharmacy copayments and premiums on Medicaid beneficiaries, including those in the New Hampshire Advantage Health Care Program and the Children's Health Insurance Program. It removes specific law sections (2025, 141:65; RSA 126-AA:2-a; and RSA 126-A:3, IX) that would have mandated these cost-sharing measures. The bill appropriates funds to the Department of Health and Human Services to cover the resulting revenue shortfall for the 2026-2027 biennium. This change directly eliminates new costs for Medicaid participants while maintaining program funding stability.
CACR 25 is a proposed constitutional amendment that would guarantee marriage as a fundamental civil right in New Hampshire. It would prohibit state discrimination in marriage based on sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, or race, requiring equal legal recognition for all marriages regardless of these factors. The amendment must be approved by voters in the November 2026 general election to take effect, as it would add new language to the state constitution. This would apply to all residents seeking marriage licenses, legal recognition of marriages, and equal treatment under marriage laws in New Hampshire.
SB 668 directs New Hampshire's Historical Resources Council to create a highway marker acknowledging the abuse suffered by former residents of the New Hampshire Youth Development Center (YDC). The marker will be developed with input from former residents and consider public reports of sexual and physical abuse, aiming to recognize the trauma experienced. The Council must finalize the marker's content in collaboration with the Department of Transportation, with placement required after the YDC property is sold or by June 30, 2028. This bill directly affects former YDC residents by formally acknowledging their experiences and informs the public through a historical marker along a highway.
SB 664 requires hospitals in economically distressed communities that accept New Hampshire Medicaid funds to freeze all C-suite executive compensation (including salary, bonuses, and benefits) for 18 months after reducing staff by more than 10 employees in a single department within six months. It applies specifically to hospitals in areas designated as "distressed place-based economies" by state or federal programs. Hospitals must report layoffs to the Charitable Trust Unit within 10 days and certify no compensation increases during the freeze period, with enforcement including fines up to $10,000 per violation. The law aims to prevent executive pay growth during workforce cuts that harm community health access and economic stability.
SB 658 establishes a Safe and Resilient Schools Advisory Council within New Hampshire's Department of Education to develop voluntary school safety guidelines. The council, including education officials, police, mental health experts, disability advocates, and parent representatives, will create training on trauma-informed discipline, neurodivergent student support, crisis response, and classroom accommodations. It must review existing programs and submit recommendations by November 2026, with annual updates, while a dedicated fund (using state, federal, and private resources) will support implementation. The bill directly affects schools choosing to adopt these voluntary guidelines to improve student behavioral health and reduce exclusionary discipline.
HB 246 directs New Hampshire's state conservation committee to implement a climate resilience grant program for the state's 10 county conservation districts. It appropriates $50,000 for fiscal year 2026 and $50,000 for fiscal year 2027 from the General Fund to fund this program. The grants will support local conservation groups in developing projects to adapt to climate impacts, such as extreme weather or changing ecosystems. The program becomes effective July 1, 2025, with funds distributed by the state conservation committee.
HB 704 appropriates $862,508 annually (for fiscal years 2026 and 2027) from the state General Fund to support four senior volunteer and caregiver programs. The funding covers the Alzheimer’s caregiver respite program ($552,508), foster grandparent program ($100,000), retired senior volunteer program (RSVP, $180,000), and senior companions program ($30,000). These funds will be allocated by the Department of Health and Human Services to existing programs serving New Hampshire seniors and their caregivers. The bill provides concrete financial support without altering program rules or eligibility.
HB 1178 allows vehicle owners in New Hampshire to install aftermarket tinting on front side windows (left and right of the driver) if the tint permits at least 35% of light to pass through. It also creates a medical exemption, enabling individuals with qualifying health conditions to apply for a waiver permitting darker tint, provided they submit medical certification from a licensed provider and the tint still meets the 35% standard. The commissioner of safety will establish testing procedures and review waiver applications, including consulting a medical review board if needed. The law takes effect January 1, 2027.
SB 605 extends the payment timeline for special assessments issued by pooled risk management programs to local governments. It requires political subdivisions (such as towns, cities, and counties) to pay these assessments over 36 months from the invoice date, in equal installments, instead of immediately. The bill does not create new assessment requirements but changes the payment schedule for existing ones. This provides local governments with more time to manage cash flow for these costs, without altering the total amount owed.
This bill grants election moderators in New Hampshire the authority to conduct a hand count of ballots to verify machine-tabulated vote totals for any election race. If the hand count differs from the machine count, the hand count results must be used for certification, and the moderator must report the discrepancy to the city or town clerk. The clerk is then required to publicly post both the machine count, hand count, and the difference within 7 days on municipal websites and social media. The bill directly affects local election officials and the verification process for municipal election results.
