HB 1512 allows New Hampshire towns, cities, or municipalities to hold a local vote (referendum) to block residents from receiving education freedom account vouchers. If voters approve the "no" option in the referendum, eligible residents in that municipality would lose access to these state-funded education vouchers. The bill creates a formal process requiring municipalities to follow procedures similar to those for town meetings (RSA 40) when conducting such votes. This policy change directly affects residents in municipalities that choose to hold the referendum, with the vote outcome determining voucher eligibility starting July 1, 2026.
HB 1230 caps annual spending increases for New Hampshire's state government and local political subdivisions at a rate tied to the 4-year average inflation rate (capped at 2.5%) plus the previous year's population growth. It requires excess revenues over this limit to be deposited into a rainy day fund (up to 10% of revenue) or refunded, and prohibits spending above the cap without voter approval. Citizens can sue state/local governments for violations and, if successful, recover attorney fees and court costs. The bill directly affects state/local budgets and creates a legal pathway for public oversight of spending and debt decisions.
This constitutional amendment (CACR 18) would cap annual increases in New Hampshire state and local government spending and tax rates based on inflation and population growth. Specifically, it limits annual spending increases to a four-year average inflation rate (capped at 2.5%) plus the prior year's population change, with excess revenues up to 10% directed to a rainy day fund. It also grants citizens the right to sue the state or local governments for violations, including recovery of attorney fees and up to 20x those costs if successful. The amendment requires voter approval in the 2026 general election.
HB 1546 repeals New Hampshire's business profits tax, eliminating a tax that previously applied to businesses operating within the state. The bill removes all references to "business profits tax" from state statutes, including tax code sections, reporting requirements, and penalty provisions. This change directly affects businesses that were required to pay this tax, removing their obligation to file returns or pay associated penalties for this specific tax. The bill does not replace the tax with another business tax but simply removes the existing requirement.
HB 1609 prohibits New Hampshire state, county, and municipal governments from using public funds or property to build, operate, or pay for immigrant detention facilities, particularly those managed by private companies. It bans spending on construction, renovation, repurposing public property for detention, selling public property for such use, and making payments to private detention operators. The bill does not affect existing 287(g) agreements between local law enforcement and federal immigration authorities or the provision of health and safety services to detained individuals. Counties may face potential revenue losses if they stop cooperating with federal immigration programs, but municipalities are not expected to have financial impacts.
This bill eliminates existing premiums for New Hampshire's Medicaid programs (Granite Advantage for adults and CHIP for children) and limits any cost-sharing fees under expanded Medicaid to $5 per service. It repeals current premium requirements that generated approximately $16 million annually in state revenue, requiring a $16 million appropriation in FY2027 to offset this loss. The changes take effect July 1, 2026, with the $5 cost-sharing cap applying starting October 1, 2028. The bill directly affects current Medicaid recipients by removing premium payments and modifies state budgeting for the Medicaid program.
