Immigration

HB 1062 authorizes New Hampshire's Secretary of State to randomly audit the citizenship status of registered voters who provided a "qualified voter affidavit" as proof of citizenship. The bill requires using government and private databases to verify citizenship, with confirmed citizens marked in the voter database to avoid future audits. If audits suggest non-citizenship, the findings are sent to the Attorney General for review. This directly affects registered voters who used the affidavit method during registration, adding a verification step to the voter registration process. The law does not change voting eligibility but adds a new administrative check for citizenship.

HB 1709 requires residential rental applicants in New Hampshire to disclose in writing if they are not U.S. citizens or lawfully present in the United States. Applicants can prove lawful presence using specific documents like a New Hampshire driver's license, tribal ID, or federal identification, and landlords cannot independently verify immigration status. Violating this disclosure requirement is classified as a class B felony. The bill directly affects renters applying for housing and landlords managing residential properties in New Hampshire.

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.

HB 1706 repeals New Hampshire's state-administered refugee resettlement program and prohibits state agencies from using state funds for refugee resettlement activities. The bill specifically requires the Department of Health and Human Services to terminate existing contracts related to refugee resettlement (such as the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program) and bans all state spending - directly or indirectly - on resettlement efforts. It does not affect federal refugee programs or funds, as the state's involvement was limited to administering approximately $4.5 million annually in federal funds. The bill applies solely to state government actions and has no impact on existing refugee services or federal programs.

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.