SB 466 makes it a class A felony to alter, remove, or destroy identifying marks (such as the maker's name, model, or serial number) on any firearm. Possessing a firearm with such altered marks is considered evidence that the possessor made the changes. This law directly affects individuals who modify firearm markings or possess firearms with altered identification, raising penalties from a misdemeanor to a felony. The bill takes effect on January 1, 2027.
SB 612 modifies eligibility rules for nursing facility and home and community-based care under New Hampshire Medicaid by adding "mobility" to the list of activities of daily living (ADLs) considered for qualification. This means applicants must now demonstrate a need for assistance with mobility (such as walking or using a wheelchair) to meet clinical eligibility requirements. The bill also requires the state Department of Health and Human Services to obtain a medical determination of long-term care needs from the applicant’s primary care provider, physician assistant, or advanced practice nurse, and to consider input from other health providers like physical therapists. These changes directly affect Medicaid applicants seeking nursing facility or home-based care services in New Hampshire.
SB 631 directs the New Hampshire Department of Transportation to install a 1,845-foot sound barrier along the west side of Interstate 93 southbound, between Pillsbury Road in Londonderry and Exit 4 (Route 102 ramp). The barrier will border the Woodmont Development property and aims to reduce noise for nearby residents. The project has an estimated cost of $8.07 million, funded through existing Highway Fund and potential federal funds (if eligible), with no new state funding provided. This is a physical infrastructure project affecting properties adjacent to the specified I-93 corridor.
HB 1364 requires counties, municipalities, and other local political subdivisions in New Hampshire that have entered into federal 287(g) agreements with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to submit quarterly reports to the state Attorney General. These reports must include specific data on detained individuals (by immigration violation, state offense, or field stops), their locations, detention lengths, and racial data where available. The Attorney General must then consolidate and submit these reports quarterly to state officials and local governing bodies starting in early 2027. The bill does not provide new funding but estimates minimal costs for the Attorney General’s office (around $63,000 annually) and local governments to compile the required data.
SB 493 allows New Hampshire village districts to create special funds and partner with towns to address harmful algae blooms (cyanobacteria) and water quality issues. It enables villages to jointly fund projects like erosion control, phosphate reduction, and water treatment through shared agreements and access state/federal grants (e.g., RSA 487:15-25). Village districts managing affected water bodies would directly use these provisions to implement mitigation efforts, with funds limited to 1% of annual budgets for unanticipated expenses. The bill focuses on practical tools for local action, not new environmental standards.
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.
HB 1420 creates a temporary tax credit for businesses that advertise in qualifying local newspapers. The credit reduces a business's state tax liability based on the cost of local newspaper ads, with unused portions refundable without interest. To qualify, a newspaper must focus on local news (covering New Hampshire towns, cities, or counties), employ local journalists, and meet audience requirements - excluding political groups, large corporations, and non-local media. The credit applies to small businesses advertising in these local publications, aiming to support community journalism by lowering advertising costs for businesses.
This House Resolution (HR 44) expresses support for maintaining public ownership of New Hampshire's state and federal lands, including the White Mountain National Forest and other conserved areas. It specifically opposes efforts to rescind the federal Roadless Rule, which protects roadless areas from logging and development. The resolution urges New Hampshire's governor, attorney general, and congressional delegation to take action against any attempts to weaken these protections. As a non-binding resolution, it does not create new laws but formally states legislative support for preserving public lands.
HB 1395 requires the New Hampshire governor to annually issue a proclamation designating the third Friday after Labor Day as "New Hampshire Day at The Big E." This bill directly affects the governor's office by mandating this ceremonial recognition each year. The proclamation aims to honor the Eastern States Exposition (The Big E) for its over 100-year support of agriculture and regional cooperation in New England. The bill creates no new legal obligations for citizens or businesses, solely establishing a formal annual observance.
SB 517 allows New Hampshire school districts to expand free meal eligibility to 200% of the federal poverty level, raising the current standard. Districts opting into this program will receive state reimbursement covering 50% of the cost difference between free meals and reduced-price meals, with the remaining 50% covered by the school district. The bill appropriates $107,000 for administrative support and $250,000 for meal reimbursements and software to enable online application systems for free/reduced-price meals. This directly affects low-income students and school districts that choose to implement the expanded eligibility starting July 2026.
This resolution formally recognizes and celebrates New Hampshire's longstanding relationship with Canada. It highlights shared geographic proximity, economic ties (especially tourism), cultural exchanges, and historical connections between the two regions. The resolution has no binding effect; it simply affirms New Hampshire's commitment to cooperation in trade, tourism, and cultural exchange, and directs copies to Canada's Prime Minister and Quebec's Premier as a symbolic gesture.
This bill requires animal care centers (like boarding kennels, veterinary facilities, and humane societies) that board five or more dogs to notify owners in writing when a dog will be left unattended without an employee present and to disclose if the facility lacks a functioning fire sprinkler system. Centers must also report any injuries to animals or people occurring on their premises to local law enforcement within a specified timeframe. Additionally, the bill mandates annual unannounced inspections by local authorities between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. to verify sanitation and care standards, with penalties including temporary closures (up to 5 days) for first violations and permanent closure after a third infraction. The requirements apply to commercial centers but exclude private residences caring for five or fewer dogs at a time.
