HB 102 requires New Hampshire county sheriffs to oversee all federal law enforcement actions within their counties. It mandates sheriffs to have a nonparticipating presence at all federal warrant services and arrests to uphold residents' rights and ensure minimal use of deadly force. Sheriffs must receive advance notice of federal actions and can deem unauthorized or improperly conducted actions (like those without notice or violating deadly force best practices) as unlawful, allowing them to terminate such actions. The bill directly affects county sheriffs, federal agencies operating in the state, and New Hampshire residents by establishing this oversight framework.
HB 348 allows New Hampshire municipalities to require applicants for local assistance to have resided in the town or city for up to 90 days prior to applying. It mandates that local governments create written guidelines covering application processes, eligibility criteria (including acceptable residency proof like leases or utility bills), appeals, and other administrative details. The bill does not change current restrictions on cash payments for assistance. This directly affects individuals seeking local aid and gives municipalities authority to set residency requirements within the 90-day limit.
SB 457 creates a pathway for international physicians trained outside the U.S. or Canada to obtain a temporary license to practice medicine in New Hampshire. To qualify, applicants must provide proof of completed residency or 5+ years of practice abroad, good standing with their home country's medical regulator, English fluency, U.S. work authorization, and a job offer at a healthcare facility with an Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education-accredited residency program. Temporary license holders may only work at such facilities and must maintain good standing for two years to receive a full, unrestricted license. The bill does not require new state funding or create additional positions.
HB 1317 strengthens patient privacy protections in New Hampshire by prohibiting state agencies, contractors, vendors, and grant recipients from sharing personally identifiable medical, disability, or mental health data with the federal government or third parties - unless specific conditions apply. These exceptions include obtaining an individual’s written consent, complying with existing law or court orders, or disclosing data to provide necessary health care services. The bill also requires that any permitted disclosure share only the minimum necessary data and prioritize de-identified information when possible. It explicitly affirms that these state rules do not override federal privacy laws like HIPAA or the ADA, and violations could result in civil penalties enforced by the attorney general.
SB 71, the "Anti-Sanctuary City Act," prohibits New Hampshire local governments (counties, municipalities, and other local entities) from blocking state or federal law enforcement from complying with federal immigration laws (Title 8 of the U.S. Code). The bill allows the state Attorney General to sue local entities that violate this law, seeking court-ordered remedies including injunctions and fines up to 25% of the local entity’s state funds from the previous fiscal year. Violations would require the Attorney General to specify the violating policy in court findings. The law takes effect January 1, 2026, and does not impose direct costs on the state but may require Attorney General resources for enforcement.
HB 458 would amend New Hampshire law to require that local welfare assistance (such as aid for the poor) be provided only to U.S. citizens or permanent legal residents. This change directly affects individuals seeking local financial support through town welfare programs, removing eligibility for non-citizen residents. The bill modifies existing welfare law (RSA 165:1) to specify citizenship or legal residency as a requirement for receiving aid. It takes effect 60 days after passage, with potential cost reductions for municipalities as fewer people would qualify for assistance. The bill does not create new programs but changes eligibility rules for current local welfare support.
HB 635 would require non-profit organizations that provide housing, legal assistance, or other support to undocumented immigrants (defined as people in the U.S. without legal status) to pay business taxes as if they were for-profit entities. It defines "settling" to include offering housing, cash, legal aid, or help applying for government benefits to undocumented immigrants. The bill also allows the state to pay whistleblowers up to 10% of the tax owed for reporting such non-profits to the Department of Revenue Administration. This primarily affects 501(c)(3) non-profits engaging in these activities, expanding the tax base to include them under the business enterprise tax.
HB 452 modifies New Hampshire's driver's license rules for non-U.S. citizens temporarily residing in the state. It prohibits renewing licenses for non-citizens who aren't lawful permanent residents and requires new applicants to provide proof of education, employment, or driver's education. The bill also explicitly states that asylees cannot receive licenses until they obtain lawful permanent residency, regardless of prior work authorization. All licenses issued under this bill must include a specific marking indicating the holder is a nonresident alien, and the license term cannot exceed five years. This affects temporary residents including students, workers, and family members of noncitizens.
HB 1142 requires state, county, and local law enforcement officers participating in the federal 287(g) immigration enforcement program to identify themselves by name, badge number, and agency while operating under that agreement, and to remain unmasked during such operations. The bill directly affects officers in New Hampshire who assist with federal immigration enforcement through the 287(g) program. It establishes procedural requirements for transparency and accountability during these operations but does not change immigration enforcement policies or practices. The bill amends RSA 106-P and takes effect 60 days after enactment.
HB 1822 requires state, county, and local law enforcement agencies and correctional facilities to submit semi-annual reports to the Attorney General about individuals detained for civil immigration violations (including under immigration detainers or federal 287(g) agreements). Reports must include the number of people detained and the length of each detention, with the first reports due December 31, 2026. The Attorney General must then summarize this data in a semi-annual report to the Governor, Senate President, and House Speaker, starting February 1, 2027. The bill imposes no new funding but notes potential administrative costs for the Attorney General’s office.
