Veterans (Memorials & Recognition)

signed · New Hampshire · House Jul 10, 2026

HB 1332: relative to the authorized display of flags on state house grounds.

HB 1332 designates the Honor and Remember Flag as an official New Hampshire symbol to honor service members who died while serving or as a result of military service, and their families. The bill requires the state governor to display this flag daily at the New Hampshire state veterans cemetery in Boscawen and at the State House, specifically on the last Sunday in September. It does not create a new holiday or change benefits but mandates a specific display protocol for state properties. The bill’s title references "Gold Star Mother's Day," but the actual policy focuses on the flag symbol, not the holiday. This is a procedural change affecting state display practices, effective 60 days after enactment.

Topics ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransMandates display of Honor and Remember Flag at veterans cemetery and State House to honor fallen service members and families, aligning with recognition of veteran service.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Memorials & Recognition

signed · New Hampshire · House Apr 22, 2026

HB 1287: relative to special number plates for veterans and eligibility therefore.

HB 1287 updates New Hampshire's definition of "veteran" to match the federal standard, requiring active military service (including naval, air, or space forces) and a non-dishonorable discharge. This affects veterans seeking state benefits like special license plates and employment preferences by aligning state eligibility with federal criteria. The bill amends multiple statutes - including those governing proof of veteran status, special license plates (RSA 261:87-b), and veterans' decals (RSA 261-C:3) - to replace outdated references with the federal definition. It ensures consistency between state and federal veteran eligibility without creating new benefits or altering existing programs.

Topics ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentBill aligns state employment preferences for veterans with federal standards, ensuring access to job benefits and state employment advantages under veterans' rights framework.85% confidence ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransAligns state benefits with federal veteran criteria, enabling access to existing programs like license plates and employment preferences by standardizing eligibility.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Memorials & Recognition Veteran Benefits Veteran Healthcare

signed · New Hampshire · House Jul 16, 2026

HB 1415: establishing a special veterans license plate and creating a fund and administrative programs from the proceeds of the sale of such plates and establishing the New Hampshire first for veterans program and authority.

HB 1415 creates a special veterans license plate for New Hampshire residents, requiring a $60 initial fee (in addition to standard registration costs) and $30 annual renewal fees. Revenue from these plates funds a dedicated veterans' support program, with up to $50,000 annually allocated to promote the plate program through the Department of Military Affairs and Veteran Services. The remaining funds are distributed to initiatives prioritized by the governor and state veterans council to support veterans, service members, and their families. The fund is nonlapsing, meaning it carries over year to year without needing annual reauthorization.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill creates new fees ($60 initial, $30 annual) funding a dedicated veterans' program, explicitly allocating tax revenue to support a specific public service.95% confidence ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransFunds veterans' support programs through plate fees, allocating revenue to initiatives prioritized by governor and veterans council95% confidence

Sub-Topics Memorials & Recognition Veteran Benefits

passed · New Hampshire · Senate Mar 12, 2026

SB 566: relative to recruiting incentive programs for the national guard.

SB 566 expands New Hampshire's National Guard recruiting incentives by allowing any current or former Guard member to refer recruits for a $1,000 cash bonus (previously limited to certain ranks), increases reenlistment/reclassification bonuses to $8,000 (from $6,000), and adds up to $4,000 in reimbursement for military job-related credentialing costs when federal reimbursement isn't available. It directly affects New Hampshire National Guard members who refer new recruits, reenlist, or need job-specific training certifications. The bill requires state funding for these expanded incentives, with the Department of Military Affairs estimating an additional $125,000 annually starting in FY 2027 to cover the costs. The bill itself does not provide new funding but modifies existing program parameters.

Topics ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransBill provides $4,000 reimbursement for military credentialing costs when federal funds aren't available, directly supporting veterans' employment transition.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Memorials & Recognition National Guard & Reserve

Track

signed · New Hampshire · House May 21, 2026

HB 1078: creating a gold star family and gold star father license plate.

HB 1078 creates special license plates for "Gold Star Mother," "Gold Star Father," and "Gold Star Family" designations. These plates are available at no additional cost beyond standard registration fees to immediate family members (mothers, fathers, or other relatives) of U.S. service members killed while on duty. Eligibility requires documentation like a DD Form 1300, proof of relationship, and VA certification. The bill amends New Hampshire law to establish this program with specific application procedures.

Topics ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransCreates special license plates for families of fallen service members, providing recognition and honor as a veteran support measure.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Memorials & Recognition

passed both · New Hampshire · House May 21, 2026

HB 1768: relative to gifts and donations received by the division of parks and recreation.

HB 1768 provides free day-use admission and metered parking at New Hampshire state parks for honorably discharged veterans who are state residents. It exempts eligible veterans from these fees upon presenting proof like a veteran license plate, DD-214 form, or other recognized documentation. The bill directly affects New Hampshire veterans meeting these criteria, removing financial barriers to park access. The fiscal note estimates an annual revenue loss of $200,000-$450,000 for the State Park Fund, based on park fee data and veteran residency assumptions.

Topics ✗ Budget & TaxesOpposes Budget & TaxesBill causes $200k-$450k annual revenue loss for state parks, directly reducing budget revenue without offsetting funding.90% confidence ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransProvides free state park access to honorably discharged veterans, expanding their benefits and removing financial barriers.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Memorials & Recognition Veteran Healthcare

Track

signed · New Hampshire · House Mar 30, 2026

HB 1152: designating the funds account for donations and bequests received by the department of military affairs and veterans services to be non-lapsing funds.

HB 1152 designates all donations and bequests received by New Hampshire's Department of Military Affairs and Veterans Services as non-lapsing funds. This means these funds will automatically carry over year-to-year without expiring, rather than requiring annual reappropriation. The bill directly affects the department’s ability to manage and use donor contributions for military/veteran programs without needing new budget approvals each year. It clarifies existing law (RSA 110-B:1, III) to ensure continuous funding for veteran support initiatives. The bill was requested by the department itself and will take effect July 1, 2026.

Topics ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransDesignates veteran program donations as non-lapsing, ensuring continuous funding without annual reapproval, strengthening program stability and resource availability.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Memorials & Recognition Veteran Education

signed · New Hampshire · House Mar 30, 2026

HB 1101: relative to the membership and governance of the state veterans council.

This bill increases the size of New Hampshire's State Veterans Council from 4 to 5 members. The council will now consist of 4 veterans (as defined by state law) and 1 family member of a veteran or currently serving military member, all appointed by the governor. Council members must meet at least twice yearly to provide guidance on veterans' programs, make recommendations for improvements, and oversee the "New Hampshire first for veterans" initiative. The changes take effect July 1, 2026, and align with the Department of Military Affairs and Veteran Services' organizational structure.

Topics ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransExpands veterans council governance to improve oversight of programs and initiatives, strengthening state-level veteran services through increased membership and mandated recommendations.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Memorials & Recognition National Guard & Reserve Veteran Healthcare

signed · New Hampshire · House Jun 1, 2026

HB 1494: increasing the maximum amount of the optional veterans' tax credit, optional combat service tax credit, and optional surviving spouse tax credit.

HB 1494 increases the maximum allowable amounts for three optional local tax credits in New Hampshire: the veterans' credit ($750 → $1,000), combat service credit ($500 → $750), and surviving spouse credit ($2,000 → $2,500). These credits directly affect eligible veterans, active-duty service members in combat roles, and surviving spouses of service members killed in action. Municipalities must adopt the updated credit amounts (replacing the standard credits), and the surviving spouse credit now covers all property types (real and personal) in the resident's municipality. The changes take effect April 1, 2027, with no requirement for local re-adoption.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesIncreases tax credits for veterans and surviving spouses, providing direct tax relief to eligible groups through higher credit amounts.95% confidence ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransIncreases tax credits for veterans, combat service members, and surviving spouses, expanding direct financial benefits from $750→$1000, $500→$750, and $2000→$2500.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Tax Credits Memorials & Recognition