Executive Departments and Administration

HB 1500 establishes a 17-member commission to study and develop procedures for managing state government shutdowns. The commission includes legislative leaders, executive branch officials (like the treasurer and attorney general), union representatives, and business groups, with specific roles for key state departments. It must identify essential services, review employee pay rules and budget impacts, and propose legal frameworks to maintain public safety during shutdowns. The commission must submit an interim report by November 2026 and a final report by November 2027 to state leaders. This bill directly affects how New Hampshire state government would operate during a shutdown, focusing on continuity of essential services and employee protections.

HB 1572 modifies licensing requirements for three professions in New Hampshire: master licensed alcohol and drug counselors, recreational therapists, and speech-language assistants. It adds a new education path requiring 60 hours of graduate coursework (in fields like clinical psychology or social work) plus five years of existing New Hampshire licensure for alcohol/drug counselors. For recreational therapists, it specifies that a baccalaureate degree must include "therapeutic recreation" as a major. Speech-language assistants can now qualify with an accredited associate's degree program equivalent to a speech-language pathology program. These changes directly affect individuals seeking or renewing licenses in these occupations.

HB 1675 establishes a commission to investigate the New Hampshire Coalition Against Sexual and Domestic Violence (NH Coalition) for potential violations of its nonprofit status, including alleged misuse of funds, improper lobbying, and conflicts of interest. The commission will examine specific claims such as discrepancies between the coalition's financial reports and activities, undue influence on officials, and discrimination against male victims. The bill also requires that state funding for the coalition be limited solely to direct services materially benefiting survivors of sexual and domestic assault, while removing the coalition's membership on state commissions. These provisions aim to ensure accountability and align funding with the coalition's stated mission.

HB 1616 prohibits New Hampshire state agencies and local governments (like cities and towns) from using public funds to advertise vaccines. It bans both direct advertising by these entities and payments to contractors for vaccine promotion. The law specifically targets spending from state or local budgets on vaccine-related advertising, including through federal immunization grants. This bill does not affect vaccine access, safety, or public health programs - only the use of public funds for promotional activities.

SB 426 repeals the permissible fireworks advisory committee, which was established under RSA 160-C:13. This bill removes the committee's existence from state law by deleting references to it in RSA 160-C:16, I(a). The repeal has no effect on current fireworks regulations or sales rules, as the committee's role was procedural. This is a straightforward procedural change with no new policy impacts.