Immigration (Driver Licenses & IDs)

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 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.

This bill requires New Hampshire state and local law enforcement officers who assist U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) under the federal 287(g) program to display their name or badge number, refrain from wearing facial coverings, and keep body-worn cameras active during these duties. It mandates that law enforcement agencies establish disciplinary measures for officers who violate these requirements and directs all complaints about violations to the state Department of Justice’s Civil Rights Unit for investigation. The bill applies only to officers participating in the 287(g) program and takes effect 60 days after enactment. It does not alter existing requirements for officers not engaged in federal immigration enforcement.

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.