State House Watch: April 14, 2026

"Trust us, you look amazing, you look beautiful. And from up here, you also look like one thing. Homo sapiens, all of us, no matter where you're from or what you look like, we're all one people." – Victor J. Glover Jr, NASA astronaut, Artemis II

Greetings, State House Watchers,

Every single day we have an opportunity to take action for peace. We can demand that our Members of Congress end the war on Iran and Lebanon, that they say ‘no’ to a $200 billion supplemental appropriation for genocide, that they stop sending bombs to Israel, and that they act to remove this president from office – by impeachment or the 25th amendment. We can protest, disrupt, bear witness, sing, be kind. It all matters.

And as tax day approaches, we can educate ourselves about how much we’re paying for war and violence, while being told that there’s no money for childcare, health care, affordable housing, energy-efficient public transportation, etc. We recommend these resources from the Institute for Policy Studies: Tax Day 2026: The Average Taxpayer Paid $4,049 for War and Weapons, and from Garry Rayno at InDepthNH: The State’s Inequitable Tax System Impacts Communities. 

Turmoil continues in the US immigration courts, as President Trump purges judges who fail to enact his agenda expeditiously; read more at the New York Times and the Boston Globe. New Hampshire residents will have to remain vigilant and ready to defeat another ICE warehouse if another attempt is made. Read more at InDepthNH: DHS won’t rule out ICE facility in New Hampshire.

On Monday, the House Education Policy Committee voted in favor of SB 101, authorizing parents to enroll their children in any public school in the state. Read more here. There are still a few more steps in the legislature, including a trip to the Finance Committee, but it’s not too early to let Governor Ayotte know that open enrollment is bad policy and a real threat to local funding for public education. Contact her here.

On the plus side, House members voted to investigate the awful social media posts by Representative Corcoran (read more here).

This week, there are public hearings related to guns on college campuses, voting rights, prescription costs, the rights of immigrants, the rights of tipped workers, and tax policy. The Senate will vote on refugee resettlement, denying rental housing to immigrants, DEI, gender identity, and more. Never a dull moment!

Remember that NH Voices of Faith has lots of ways to connect this month, with our “Short & Sweet” online advocacy programs every Tuesday and Thursday from 4 PM to 4:45 PM on Zoom. On April 14, Lisa Beaudoin will share about “Building Collective Power,” and then on April 16, Aimee Terravechia will join us for “Stop the Bans on Trans Existence.” Register here to receive the link. You can watch last week’s presentations here: April 7: “Climate Hope” with Rev. Rob Grabill; and April 9: “Protecting Tipped Workers’ Wages” with Saru Jayaraman of One Fair Wage and Tina Kelley, a worker leader. 

Mark your calendars for our Voices of Faith legislative luncheon on Thursday, April 23. Join us at the State House café at 11:45 AM for lunch, followed by a purposeful visit to Governor Ayotte’s office. Register today!

ACTION ALERTS! 
It’s another busy week, with hearings and executive sessions on key bills, and a voting day in the Senate, as well as a request for continued calls to Governor Ayotte.

Useful links:
Sign in for House hearings. 
Sign in for Senate hearings. 
Email House committees.
Email Senate committees.
Contact your Senator.
Contact your Representatives.
Contact the governor.

Today – Contact the governor

VETO anti-trans bills. From 603 Equality: "There are 6 pieces of nearly identical pieces of legislation making their way through the NH House and Senate. Let's remind Governor Kelly Ayotte’s that as recently as February, she's vetoed similar legislation. These bills seek to legalize discrimination for bathrooms, locker rooms, sports, and prisons on the basis of "biological sex" as defined as only "male" and "female,” completely erasing the scientific reality of intersex individuals. These discriminatory policies have no place in NH and create real world privacy and safety concerns for all Granite Staters. We need to stop HB 1442, HB 1447, HB 1299, HB 1217, SB 552 and SB 459.” Contact the governor and urge her to veto these bills when they arrive to her desk. To say updated on advocacy related to LBGTQ+ bills, bookmark this link to 603 Equality’s current actions.

VETO HB 348, relative to eligibility for local assistance. From our friends at New Futures: “The original version of HB 348 created two major barriers to getting help through local welfare, a residency requirement and a $652 cap on monthly assistance. Your advocacy helped pass an amended version of HB 348. The amendment expands the documents needed to prove residency and removes the local welfare monthly benefit cap. The amendment is a step forward, but still some people will be harmed, so we oppose the bill.” Learn more here. Last week, the House concurred with the Senate’s amendment to HB 348 so it is on its way to the governor’s desk. Please contact the governor and urge her to veto this bill.

Tuesday, April 14 – Public hearings re: voting rights, tipped workers, guns on campus, and immigrant rights

SUPPORT HB 1600, relative to access to the centralized voter registration database on election days. From the NH Campaign for Voting Rights: “HB 1600 as amended assures that the system connecting the DMV to the Voter File can be used to verify voters on Election Day and leading up to election day. Why it matters: Under New Hampshire’s new voter registration scheme, registering to vote has become more burdensome and complicated. This bill will help voters who have already proven age, identity, citizens or domicile with the DMV register to vote if they don’t have all of their documents on hand.” This helpful bill has a public hearing in the Senate Election Law Committee on Tuesday, April 14 at 9:30 AM in Room 122-123, SH. Please sign in to support and share testimony.

OPPOSE SB 416, relative to the pooling and sharing of tips among tipped employees. This bill would repeal the current RSA declaring that tips are the property of the worker who receives them and cannot be pooled or shared with other workers without the voluntary agreement of the affected workers, with no employer coercion. The replacement language would result in allowing an employer to mandate the sharing or pooling of tips, with no say from tipped workers. Read more from One Fair Wage. Please share this sign-on letter with current or former tipped workers. NH Voices of Faith hosted a presentation about this bill, and the broader context of attacks on tipped workers, last Thursday. You can watch it here. This harmful bill has a public hearing in the House Labor Committee on Tuesday, April 14 at 10:30 AM in Room 159, GP. Please sign in to oppose and share testimony.

OPPOSE HB 1793, prohibiting public colleges and universities from regulating the possession or carrying of firearms and non-lethal weapons on campus. This bill mandates that there be no restrictions on firearms on college campuses. It takes away local decision making and control from students, local law enforcement, and the University System of New Hampshire, who all oppose this legislation. The bill passed the House in early February; read more at InDepthNH. It has a public hearing in the Senate Judiciary Committee on Tuesday, April 14 at 1:45 PM in Room 100, SH. Join allies for a rally and press conference at the State House starting at 12 noon. Please sign in to oppose and share testimony.

OPPOSE HB 1252, (New Title) requiring the department of safety to only administer tests for commercial driver's licenses in English and prohibiting the assistance of an interpreter during such tests. From the NH Immigrant Rights Network: “We believe that this bill is based on a faulty and misguided premise amplified by a national campaign to institute English-only testing for CDL licensing. Inaccurate and misleading information circulated by ‘English-only advocates’ suggests that several tragic and fatal trucking accidents were directly caused by the drivers’ limited English proficiency. A deeper review of these terrible accidents has not revealed any such clear correlation. It seemed that in most instances and without any evidence, the fact that English was the driver’s second language was sufficient enough for some to claim such a connection. This has resulted in the unjust scapegoating of CDL drivers who do not speak English as their first language.” The harmful bill has a public hearing in the Senate Transportation Committee on Tuesday, April 14, at 1:40 PM in Room 122-123, SH. Please sign in to oppose and share testimony.

Wednesday, April 15 – Public hearings re: prescription costs and taxes

SUPPORT SB 647, authorizing the department of insurance to participate in a cooperative procurement group via an intergovernmental agreement for a prescription drug discount program. From New Futures: “SB 647 would bring a free, privacy-first prescription discount card program to New Hampshire, helping lower prescription costs for Granite Staters. More than half of New Hampshire residents worry about affording prescriptions, and one in four have skipped or rationed them due to cost. The prescription discount card program would offer significant cost savings and nationwide pharmacy access to Granite Staters, without selling their personal data. The program benefits everyone by helping New Hampshire address rising prescription costs while putting the savings directly into the pockets of our residents." This positive bill has a public hearing in the House Commerce and Consumer Affairs Committee on Wednesday, April 15 at 2:15 PM in Room 229, GP. Please sign in to support and share testimony.

OPPOSE CACR 12, relating to voting on broad-based taxes. This proposed Constitutional amendment has already passed the Senate by the required 3/5 majority, and the same would be required in the House in order for the measure to be placed on the ballot. On Wednesday, April 15 at 3 PM in Representatives Hall, SH, the House Ways and Means committee will hold a hearing on a non-germane amendment to CACR 12, which would replace the original bill with language to prohibit all taxation on personal income. Inadequate and unfair taxation is a primary driver of wealth inequality and the chronic underinvestment in human needs and infrastructure in New Hampshire. Please sign in to oppose CACR 12 and the non-germane amendment, and show up to testify if you can.

April 16 – Senate session day

The NH Senate will meet in session this week on Thursday, April 16. There are several important bills on the calendar. Please contact your senator and urge them to oppose the following bills: 

OPPOSE HB 1706, repealing the refugee resettlement program in the department of health and human services and prohibiting expenditure of state funds on refugee resettlement. We are happy to see that this harmful bill was unanimously voted ITL by the Senate Health and Human Services Committee. It will be on the Consent Calendar for Thursday’s session when hopefully it will be defeated for good.

OPPOSE HB 1709, (New Title) prohibiting certain unlawfully present felons from occupying or renting real property. Read opposition testimony from the NH Immigrant Rights Network, and key messages from the ACLU-NH. This harmful bill has been amended to mandate that local sheriffs act as immigration agents during the eviction process.

OPPOSE HB 1788, (New Title) holding state contracts with DEI provisions to be void as a matter of law and establishing a right of action for citizens where public entities or state agencies engage with contracts with DEI provisions. This bill requires courts to find that contracts that include DEI-related provisions are void as a matter of law, and allows citizens to sue public entities or state agencies for engaging in, or failing to investigate allegations of, contracts with DEI-related provisions.

OPPOSE HB 1356, relative to the statute of limitations for bringing a private right of action for violation of the statute prohibiting medical procedures and treatments intended to alter a minor's gender. From 603 Equality: “This bill extends the statute of limitations for gender surgery on a minor to 10 years after majority, causing a chilling effect on accepted medical practice. Extending the statute of limitations means that folks who detransition (only approximately 0.2% of folks) have a longer timeline to sue doctors and healthcare providers for administering medical procedures that aligned with patient desire, best practices, and the best medical knowledge available. Extending the statute of limitations is designed to scare healthcare providers into not offering trans-specific healthcare, further reducing access to providers and treatments in the state.”

OPPOSE HB 1442, limiting the use of certain facilities on the basis of sex and redefining the term "gender identity." From 603 Equality: “HB 1442 is a bathroom ban bill. This bill seeks to restrict access to “private spaces” on the basis of what the bill sponsor defines as “biological sex” like many of the other proposed bathroom and locker room bans this legislative season. One important thing to note about HB1442 is that it would criminally charges trans bathroom users with "willful trespass" for using a bathroom that doesn’t align with the sex designated on their birth certificate. (Note: an amendment removed the “willful trespass” language). Additionally, the bill sponsor also singled out trans women, and references the SRY gene as a way to scientifically define sex to a binary, despite the vast number of variations to biological sex that exist. This bill is another example of the state legislature attempting to police the movements of trans people in New Hampshire, despite two separate Governors vetoing three similar bills already.”

Key:
GP – Granite Place. More information here.
SH – State House (107 N. Main St. Concord)
SL – State Library
OTP – “Ought to Pass,” the recommendation for approving a bill or an amendment
OTP/A – Ought to Pass with Amendment
ITL – “Inexpedient to Legislate,” the recommendation for defeating a bill or an amendment. 
ITL” can also be used as a verb.
“Without Recommendation” - This indicates that the committee vote was a tie for both ITL and OTP. During the House session, these bills will be considered first as Ought to Pass.
Re-refer – When a Senate committee wishes to hold onto a bill for further consideration. The recommendation to re-refer must be approved in the full Senate. The committee will have until the end of the calendar year to meet about the bill and  make a recommendation for further action. 
Retain – When a House committee wishes to hold onto a bill for further consideration. The committee makes this decision for themselves; approval in the full House is not needed. The committee has until the end of the calendar year to make a recommendation for further action.
RC – Roll call vote. Each legislator’s vote is recorded and attributed to them.
VV – Voice vote
DV – Division vote

Last week in the House
The House met in session on Thursday, April 9. You can watch it here. In addition to voting on the Consent and Regular calendars, they took up messages from the Senate with regard to House bills amended by the Senate, as well as veto messages. Here are the bills we’re tracking which were voted on.

On the Consent Calendar

CRIMINAL JUSTICE AND PUBLIC SAFETY
SB 521-FN, relative to unauthorized camping on private property. ITL by VV.
SB 649-FN, increasing fines for using a hand-held mobile electronic device while driving a motor vehicle. OTP by DV, 232-123.

RESOURCES, RECREATION AND DEVELOPMENT
SB 443, relative to wastewater engineering. OTP by VV.
SB 522, re-establishing the commission to study the economic impact of the arts and culture in New Hampshire. OTP by VV.
SB 598, establishing the cyanobacteria mitigation loan and grant fund task force. OTP by VV.

On the Regular Calendar
No bills we are tracking were on the Regular Calendar for April 9.

The House also took up several House bills that had been amended by the Senate, including:
HB 59-FN, relative to the assault of a firefighter, emergency medical care provider, or law enforcement officer. House concurs.
HB 222, (New Title) repealing the requirement for a memorandum of understanding between a chartered public school and school district regarding how students with disabilities will receive special education services and updating the organizational structure of the department of corrections. House concurs.
HB 348, relative to eligibility for local assistance. House concurs.
HB 481, (New Title) relative to the state primary date. House concurs.
HB 610-FN, (New Title) relative to the residential ratepayers advisory board. House concurs.
HB 649-FN, (Second New Title) relative to the maintenance obligations of motor vehicle operators. House concurs.
HB 1168, relative to employer documentation requirements. House concurs.

These bills will go to the governor’s desk.

GOVERNOR’S VETO MESSAGES
HB 451-FN, establishing the paint product stewardship program. Vetoed by Governor Ayotte on March 16, 2026. Veto sustained, RC, 186-169.

HB 349-FN, relative to the practice of optometry and authorization to perform ophthalmic laser procedures. Vetoed by Governor Ayotte, March 27, 2026. Veto sustained, RC, 145-206.

Last week in the Senate
The Senate met in session on Thursday, April 9. You can watch it here. Here are the bills we’re tracking which were voted on.

On the Consent Calendar

EDUCATION
HB 1795-FN, requiring criminal history record checks for the renewal of teaching licenses. OTP by VV.

ELECTION LAW AND MUNICIPAL AFFAIRS
HB 1134, relative to the town meeting form of local governance. Referred for interim study.
HB 1247, requiring the secretary of state to create, post on the secretary of state’s website, and otherwise distribute notice of proposed constitutional amendments. OTP by VV.
HB 1468, relative to municipal flood resilience planning and the use of planning grants. OTP-A by VV.
HB 1541-FN, requiring the secretary of state to provide all voting precincts with secure containers for storing ballots. OTP-A by VV.

ENERGY AND NATURAL RESOURCES
HB 1535, relative to clarifying eligible renewable energy classes under the renewable portfolio standard. OTP-A by VV.

HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
HB 1515-FN, repealing the requirement that the department of health and human services’ biennial budget request include funding for certain child care workforce programs. OTP by VV.

JUDICIARY
HB 206-FN, relative to government agent entries into secured premises. ITL by VV.
HB 1696-FN, relative to the issuance of a summons instead of arrest. OTP by VV.
HB 1697-FN, exempting certain firearms and firearm accessories manufactured and retained in New Hampshire from federal regulation. ITL by VV.
HB 1730-FN, enhancing the level of offense for certain sexual offenses. OTP by VV.

WAYS AND MEANS
HB 1433-FN, creating a child care tax credit for qualifying businesses. OTP by VV.
HB 1597-FN, relative to business profits tax expense deductions. OTP-A by VV.

On the Regular Calendar

FINANCE
HB 365-FN, relative to proof of United States citizenship for indigent voters. OTP by VV.

Coming Up in the House
The House will not meet in session on Thursday, April 16, but a session is scheduled for the following week on Thursday, April 23. 

Coming Up in House Committees 
You can watch the House hearings here. You can sign in for House bills here. And you can contact House committees here.

Monday, April 13 

EDUCATION POLICY AND ADMINISTRATION, Room 232, GP 
10:00 AM Public hearing on proposed non-germane amendment #2026-1351h to SB 429-FN-A, relative to the placement of trauma kits in public schools and making an appropriation therefor. This amendment would require the placement of trauma kits in public schools and makes an appropriation to a fund established to fund the placement. This amendment would add additional exemptions to the parental bill of rights in education concerning parental written consent prior to the creation of student audio or visual recordings.
1 PM Executive session on SB 101-FN, authorizing parents to enroll their children in any public school in the state and creating a limited exemption from parental consent required for certain recordings under the parental bill of rights.

FINANCE, Room 230, GP 
10:00 AM SB 481-FN-A, relative to the sale of the Sununu youth services center property. 
10:15 AM SB 600-FN, requiring the governor to submit and present a quarterly fiscal year budget report about the general and education trust funds to the general court fiscal committee. 
10:30 AM SB 603-FN, relative to the funding of the SNAP program by the department of health and human services.

Tuesday, April 14

COMMERCE AND CONSUMER AFFAIRS, Room 229, GP
1:15 PM SB 661-FN, relative to pooled risk management programs.

LABOR, INDUSTRIAL AND REHABILITATIVE SERVICES, Room 159, GP
10:15 AM SB 88-FN, prohibiting state government entities from including specified terms related to labor organization agreements in construction related contracts and grants. 
10:30 AM SB 416, relative to the pooling and sharing of tips among tipped employees.

Wednesday, April 15

COMMERCE AND CONSUMER AFFAIRS, Room 229, GP
1:45 PM SB 665-FN, requiring pharmacies to charge consumers the lowest available price for prescription drugs.

EDUCATION POLICY AND ADMINISTRATION, Room 232, GP 
10:00 AM Continued executive session on SB 101-FN, authorizing parents to enroll their children in any public school in the state and creating a limited exemption from parental consent required for certain recordings under the parental bill of rights. 

WAYS AND MEANS, Reps Hall, SH 
3:00 PM Public hearing on proposed amendment #2026-1134h to CACR 12, relating to voting on broad-based taxes. Providing that a supermajority vote of the general court shall be required to enact any broad-bases taxes. This constitutional amendment concurrent resolution prohibits the house of representatives from adopting any tax on personal income.

Thursday, April 16

COMMERCE AND CONSUMER AFFAIRS, Room 229, GP
1:15 PM SB 646-FN, relative to mental health standards of care. 
1:30 PM SB 498-FN, relative to children’s mental health services for persons 18 years of age and younger.

Coming Up in the Senate 
The Senate will meet in session on Thursday, April 16 starting at 9 AM. You can watch it here. Here are the bills we’re tracking which are coming up for votes.

On the Consent Calendar

EDUCATION
HB 1099, establishing a committee to study private businesses providing special education services and issues relative to local school district reimbursement. Committee recommends OTP-A.
HB 1514, requiring the department of education and the department of revenue administration to send school compliance and financial reports to school and school board authorities. Committee recommends OTP-A.

ELECTION LAW AND MUNICIPAL AFFAIRS
HB 1062, authorizing the secretary of state to conduct random audits of the citizenship qualification of registered voters. Committee recommends OTP-A.
HB 1076, relative to authorizing or rescinding the use of electronic ballot counting devices. Committee recommends referral for interim study.

HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES 
HB 1706-FN, repealing the refugee resettlement program in the department of health and human services and prohibiting expenditure of state funds on refugee resettlement. Committee recommends ITL.

JUDICIARY
HB 1788-FN, holding state contracts with DEI provisions to be void as a matter of law and establishing a right of action for citizens where public entities or state agencies engage with contracts with DEI provisions. Committee recommends referral for interim study.

On the Regular Calendar

HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES 
HB 1215, relative to supporting the preferred method of communication of an individual with a communication disability. Committee recommends OTP.

JUDICIARY
HB 1356-FN, relative to the statute of limitations for bringing a private right of action for violation of the statute prohibiting medical procedures and treatments intended to alter a minor’s gender. Committee recommends OTP.
HB 1442-FN, limiting the use of certain facilities on the basis of sex and redefining the term “gender identity.” Committee recommends OTP-A.
HB 1709-FN, prohibiting certain unlawfully present felons from occupying or renting real property. Committee recommends OTP.

Coming Up in Senate Committees
You can watch the Senate hearings here. You can sign in for Senate bills here. And you can contact Senate committees here.

Monday, April 13

EDUCATION FINANCE, Room 100, SH
9:00 AM HB 1563-FN-L, relative to the special education aid formula and the administration and monitoring of state special education aid.

Tuesday, April 14

COMMERCE, Room 100, SH
10:25 AM HB 1043, relative to employer discretion in offering minimum payment options to employees.

EDUCATION, Map Room, SL
​​9:25 AM HB 1155, repealing the home education advisory council. 
9:35 AM HB 1256, removing the authority of the state librarian to award scholarships to students attending graduate library schools. 
9:45 AM HB 1529, repealing the reading recovery training program.

ELECTION LAW AND MUNICIPAL AFFAIRS, Room 122-123, SH
9:30 AM HB 1600-FN, relative to access to the centralized voter registration database on election days.

ENERGY AND NATURAL RESOURCES, Room 103, SH
9:00 AM HB 1775-FN, relative to utility ownership of natural gas and nuclear power generation facilities. 
9:20 AM HB 1622-FN, requiring the state to develop additional solid waste disposal capacity.
9:30 AM HB 1478-FN, requiring the department of environmental services to revise the rules for proposed new landfills.

FINANCE, Room 103, SH
1:30 PM Hearing on proposed non-germane Amendment # 2026-1330s supporting administrative costs for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), to HB 1574-FN, relative to the extension of free and reduced price breakfast and lunch for students under the age of 22 and making an appropriation therefor.

JUDICIARY, Room 100, SH
1:45 PM HB 1793-FN, prohibiting public colleges and universities from regulating the possession or carrying of firearms and non-lethal weapons on campus.

TRANSPORTATION, Room 122-123, SH
1:40 PM HB 1252, requiring the department of safety to only administer tests for commercial driver’s licenses in English and prohibiting the assistance of an interpreter during such tests.

Wednesday, April 15

HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES, Room 100, SH
9:45 AM HB 360, prohibiting public schools from performing surgical procedures or prescribing pharmaceutical drugs. 
10:00 AM HB 1335, requiring health care providers to disclose to patients indirect financial incentives received by the provider.

WAYS AND MEANS, Room 122-123, SH
10:00 AM HB 1602-FN, creating a safe battery recycling stewardship program.

Thursday, April 16

ENERGY AND NATURAL RESOURCES, Room 103, SH
1:00 PM HB 1189-FN, establishing a solid waste site evaluation committee. 
1:10 PM HB 215-FN, requiring a landfill permit applicant to submit a report listing potential harms and benefits of the project. 
1:20 PM HB 1138, limiting the placement of out-of-state waste going into New Hampshire landfills. 
1:30 PM HB 1192, exempting certain household pharmaceutical wastes from the definition of hazardous waste.

HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES, Room 100, SH 
1:00 PM HB 1022, relative to religious exemption from immunization requirements. 
1:15 PM HB 1071, repealing immunity afforded health care facilities when following directives adopted in response to the COVID-19 state of emergency. 
1:30 PM HB 1219, relative to immunization requirements in foster family homes.

UPCOMING EVENTS

Every Third Tuesday
Protect, Resist and Build with AFSC– 8 PM to 9:30 PM. Hosted by AFSC. Monthly webinar series that brings together AFSC constituents to learn about how to protect, resist, and build just peace, just migration, and just economies.

Every Wednesday
Solemn Vigils for Ceasefire Now – 2 PM in Dover at the district offices of Senator Jeanne Shaheen and Congressman Chris Pappas. The April 15 vigil will be at Shaheen’s office, 2 Washington Street, Dover; we gather at the entrance to Henry Law Park. The April 22 vigil will be at the corner of Central Ave & Third St, down the street from Pappas' district office, 15 Third Street, Dover.

Every First Wednesday
Mindful Meditation with Aryaloka Buddhist Center of Newmarket -  6 PM to 7 PM, Waysmeet, 15 Mill Road, Durham. Join us for a monthly, volunteer-led guided meditation. We have some cushions and yoga mats to share; you’re invited to bring whatever you may need to feel comfortable for 30 minutes of meditation. Free and open to all. For more information: waysmeetcenter.org/calendar.

Every Third Wednesday
Countering Christian Nationalism conversation – 7 PM, hosted by the NH Council of Churches, every third Wednesday of the month. Zoom link here.

Every Thursday 
Meeting for Worship with Attention to Peace – 7:30 PM. Hosted by AFSC. Every week, AFSC’s Quaker Engagement team hosts Meeting for Worship virtually for Friends from across the globe. Embracing the practice of Quaker unprogrammed worship, we gather to bring our attention to witnessing injustice in our world and bolstering our solidarity with people facing oppression. Join us to explore and experience the spiritual dimensions of activism and social justice.

Solemn Vigils for Ceasefire Now – 12 noon at City Hall Plaza, in front of the State House, Concord.

Every Friday
AFSC Action Hour for a Ceasefire – 12 noon. Join AFSC staff every Friday to hear updates on what’s happening in Gaza. Then, take action with us as we contact Congress and call for a permanent cease-fire, arms embargo on Israel, and humanitarian access for Gaza. Our elected officials need to keep hearing from us!

Stronger Together: Protect Our Neighbors Weekly Visibility – 3 PM to 4 PM. Hosted by the Stronger Together Coalition. Corner of North Main Street and Loudon Road, Concord. Join us for a weekly visibility to stand against the war being raged against our communities. Our immigrant loved ones and neighbors are being targeted and kidnapped off the streets. Our public dollars are being funneled into a violent, bloated deportation and detention machine while local police are being weaponized against the communities they are supposed to serve, and life-giving programs are being defunded. Stand with us to protect our communities. All are welcome!

Every Second Saturday
Nashua Immigrant Solidarity Vigil – 12 PM to 1 PM, hosted by Granite State Organizing Project (GSOP), at United Methodist Church, 154 Main Street, Nashua. Lately, the loudest voices have been those of hate and division. This is our opportunity to show our community that there are people here who welcome immigrants.  Bring signs with positive messages. 

Every Fourth Friday
Sacred Circle Dance for Spring Equinox – 6 PM to 7:30 PM, at the Community Church of Durham UCC, 15 Main Street Durham. Join us to celebrate the Spring Equinox with dance!  People in all cultures, throughout history and across the world, dance. We join in this tradition with dances from a multi-cultural folk dance background. The dances are accessible to many ages, body types and experience levels. Steps taught at all dance sessions. No experience or partner needed. We gather to dance on the fourth Friday of every month in Seacoast NH. Cost: sliding scale of $5-25, pay at the door, cash or check please.

Tuesday, April 14, 2026 

Senate Public Hearing on HB 1793, Keep Guns Off Campus- 12:00 PM, NH State House, 107 North Main Street, Concord.  HB 1793 is a reckless bill that would force firearms onto New Hampshire public college and university campuses without restrictions. Guns could be carried by anyone, at anytime, anywhere on campus - including dorms, classrooms, public spaces, and large sporting venues. The college or university can be sued for a minimum of $10,000 for any firearms policies.  College campuses are supposed to be places of learning and growth, firearms on campuses put students, faculty, staff, guests, and visitors in danger and makes it more challenging for first responders.  Join students, parents, faculty, staff, and community members for a rally and press conference at the State House at 12 noon, immediately before the Senate Judiciary Committee Public hearing on HB 1793. Together, we will send a strong message that New Hampshire opposes HB 1793. Wear your college or town shirts and let the Senate know that we oppose unrestricted firearms on our campuses!

Justice For Nickenely Rally – 5 PM to 7 PM, Memorial High School, 1 Crusader Way, Manchester.  We need our community to show up strong to honor Nickenely. Come stand with us, raise your voice, and show love, support, and unity.

Thursday, April 16, 2026
From Womb to Well-Child: Protecting Black Families A Minority Health Equity Panel – 5 PM to 7 PM, 3S Art Space, 319 Vaughan Street, Portsmouth. Join us for a community-centered conversation on Black maternal health and how it connects to the wellbeing of fathers, children, and families across New Hampshire and the greater New England region. Together, we’ll hold space, share experiences, and talk about what real support can look like for our communities. Be Part of the Dialogue. Be Part of the Change.

What Granite State Families Need to Know About Changes to Medicaid – 5:30 PM to 7 PM, Frisbie Memorial Hospital, the Belknap Room, 11 Whitehall Road, Rochester. This local event (hosted by Medicaid Matters) will provide updates on the upcoming changes to Medicaid due to new state and federal laws. It will include an interactive discussion on the timing for the roll out of changes, including what's already in effect and what's still to come. Participants may share perspectives on the impact to individuals, families and the greater community. Refreshments will be available. If you want to stay informed on what's changing and how it affects you, your loved ones, or your work, please join us.  

Saturday, April 18, 2026
Building Beloved Community Beyond the Binary – 8:30 AM to 4 PM, Unitarian Universalist Church of Nashua, 58 Lowell Street. A place to find community with transgender & nonbinary folx, their families, and allies.  A conference for us to gather, learn, and grow.  

Sunday, April 19, 2026
An Evening with Peter Beinart – 7 PM to 9 PM, at 3S Artspace, 319 Vaughan Street, Portsmouth. Hosted by Not in My Name and NH Peace Action. Peter Beinart is an American journalist, political commentator, and professor known internationally as one of the most prominent Jewish advocates for Palestinian rights and self-determination. Through his books, essays, and columns in outlets such as Jewish Currents, The New York Times, and The Atlantic, he has played a major role in shifting debate among American liberals and American Jews toward greater criticism of Israeli occupation and support for Palestinian justice.

Monday, April 20, 2026
Peace & Justice Conversations: Connecting Climate Justice and Peace – 7 PM A virtual event. Join Pat Hart, Youth Campaigns Organizer with 350NH, for a conversation about why environmentalists increasingly care about war and how the peace movement and the climate justice movement are inexorably intertwined. Pat Hart (he/they) is the Youth Campaigns Organizer with 350NH, a state-wise climate justice organization. They coordinate and support the 350NH Youth Team, a diverse group of student activists from across New Hampshire. Their current campaign seeks to address the injustices of PFAS pollution in the state and make polluters pay for the harm they have caused.

Tuesday, April 21, 2026
Earth Day Film Screening: Earth’s Greatest Enemy – 6:30 PM, Red River Theatres, 11 South Main Street, Concord.  Earth’s Greatest Enemy, a feature film project by Abby Martin, is a groundbreaking anti-imperialist environmental documentary. Exempt from international climate agreements and rarely scrutinized in mainstream reporting, the Pentagon is the world’s single largest institutional polluter—spewing carbon, contaminating water, and scarring landscapes across the globe. Combining investigative journalism, striking visuals, and stories from impacted communities, this film challenges audiences to rethink the hidden costs of a global military empire and its planetary consequences. Provocative, urgent, and eye-opening, this is a documentary that will change how you see both the military and environmentalism. Sign up and join us as we experience this film together, followed by a panel discussion. 

Open Democracy Book Club: The Hard Work of Hope – 7 PM to 8:30 PM, online. The Hard Work of Hope takes you into the heady days of 1960s and 1970s activism, chronicling the hopes and strategies of the young people who created the movements that rocked the country. Hosted by Open Democracy.

Thursday, April 23, 2026
Voices of Faith Legislative Luncheon- 11:45 AM to 2PM, NH State House cafeteria, 107 North Main Street, Concord. Join NH Voices of Faith, NH Conference United Church of Christ, NH Council of Churches, Granite State Organizing Project, and Welcoming NH for lunch with our legislators at the NH State House! We'll build community, connect with our elected officials, and speak to our issues of concern related to immigration, LGBTQ+, public education, worker rights, housing, and fair taxation. After lunch, join us as we head to Governor Ayotte's office to urge her to veto several bills that would be harmful to Granite Staters.

Let Our Flags Fly Rally – 3 PM to 4:30 PM, 107 North Main Street, Concord. Join us outside the New Hampshire State House to rally against a proposed classroom flag ban (HB 1132). This bill would only allow official flags in school buildings. Our students deserve to have their identities, heritage, and pride reflected on the walls of their classroom without fear. Join us for a powerful speaker lineup of educators, students, and community leaders and demand that legislators let our flags fly!

Building Community in New Hampshire: Honoring Refugee Journeys in NH – 5 PM to 7 PM, at Energy Park, 780 N. Commercial Street, Manchester. Join BCNH for a joyful, powerful celebration of refugee resettlement— and a clear statement that NH welcomes refugees and immigrants. 

West Bank Town Hall: A Community Conversation on Palestine – 6:30 PM to 8 PM, at South Church, 292 State Street, Portsmouth. Featured speakers include Rev. David Grishaw-Jones, Kirsten Hunter, and Karina Quintans. These respected community leaders have recently returned from the West Bank and will share their firsthand experiences with the illegal occupation of Palestine and the US role in this ongoing crisis. 

Friday, April 24, 2026
For the Sake of Joy: Meetings, Pilgrimage, and the Re-Olding of Quakerism – 7 PM, in person or on Zoom.  Are you part of a Friends Meeting, new to or exploring worship with Quakers, or curious about the life and testimony of Friends today—and tomorrow? Noah Merrill will offer some reflections and invitations, grounded in ministry with Friends and beyond over the past two decades, on the relevance, reality, and possibility of local faith communities rooted in the faith and practice of the Society of Friends (Quakers) in these times.

Saturday, April 25, 2026 
Tales from Trans+ Lives – Peterborough – 1 PM to 4 PM, Peterborough Unitarian Universalist, 25 Main Street.  Join us for an evening of storytelling to learn more about the lives of local transgender and nonbinary people, in an intimate and inviting environment.  Storytellers will share their lives at some depth, with humor and openness: transition, healthcare, schools, challenges, successes, hopes, and fears.  Following individual sharing, we will open the floor to thoughtful questions and reflections. Our shared goal is to become seen as human beings, worthy of empathy and equality. The current political adversity is fueled by the fact that most Americans do not know trans+ people as such, and this event aims to bridge that cultural gap with openness and honesty. Suggested age range: Adults and students 11 years old and up! Stories may include content related to medical content, alcohol use, bullying, mental health, and diagnosis. Feel free to email us at storytelling@603equality.org if you have questions or specific accessibility needs.

BLM NH Excellence Awards – 5 PM, Arts Alley, 20 S. Main Street, Concord. Black Lives Matter New Hampshire is proud to present our 6th Annual BLM New Hampshire Excellence Awards!  We will be honoring Black, Indigenous and Person of Color community members older than 14 years old from all walks of life; artists, educators, activists, entrepreneurs, inventors, musicians, students, etc., that have made contributions to benefit the New Hampshire!

Sunday, April 26, 2026
603 Equality De-Escalation Trainings – 10 AM to 5 PM, in Keene, NH (address shared at registration). 603 Equality is offering a Deescalation and Self-Defense training led by Impact Boston. This is a scenario-based training to develop verbal deescalation and basic physical self-defense skills specifically for the trans/queer/gender non-conforming community. This will include responses to bullying, harassment and bathroom enforcement scenarios. This training is centered in a trauma-informed, disability-aware, queer-positive, feminist approach, and your feelings are welcomed.

Tuesday, April 29, 2026
Public Education Advocacy Day at the NH State House hosted by Engage NH. More information coming soon.

Thursday, April 30, 2026
Unmasking Christian Nationalism: Institution, Ideology, & Impact: Impacts on Government & Family – 10 AM to 12 noon. Online event hosted by NH Council of Churches. This is the first of a 3-part series on how this ideology is playing out in government and family life. We will examine concrete examples of how this version of white supremacy influences legislation, administrative decisions, civic participation, and public narratives about families, gender roles, authority, and belonging. 

Sunday, May 3, 2026
Celebrating Solidarity – 1 PM to 8 PM (drop in anytime), at Tuckaway Farm, 4 Captain Smith Emerson Road, Lee.  Hosted by Seacoast Permaculture, Tuckaway Farm, and AFSC-NH. There are so many ways that we can and do support each other, in good and tough times. Many of us envision a world where local community and cooperation are far more central than they are now. Please join us for a day that embodies that possibility. Whether we are talking about skills we need, sharing goods, or bringing fun and entertainment to each other, the possibilities abound.  Free and open to all. Find the full schedule, further details, and register here.  

Friday, May 8, 2026 
Meg Stone Presents “Don’t Fight Back!” – 6:30 PM to 7:30 PM, Gibson’s Book Store, 45 South Main Street, Concord.  Meg Stone visits Gibson's Bookstore in partnership with 603 Equality to share her book, "Don't Fight Back": And 10 Other Myths About Crime, Personal Safety, and Gender-Based Violence.  Each chapter offers practical strategies for protecting ourselves that also contribute to the activism it takes to change the conditions that cause or contribute to violence.

Saturday, May 9, 2026
Love Our Earth Day – There is No Planet B - 10AM to 1 PM, 18 Veterans Square, Laconia. Free outdoor community event, celebrating the Lakes Region environment.  What to expect: Family Friendly Activities, youth-led groups, local & regional nonprofits.  Sponsored by Congregational Church of Laconia, Laconia Gilford Lions Club, Climate Action, Unitarian Universalist Society of Laconia, and Citizens’ Climate Lobby.

De-Escalation/Self Defense Concord – 10 AM to 5 PM, in Concord (address shared at registration). 603 Equality is offering a Deescalation and Self-Defense training led by Impact Boston. This is a scenario-based training to develop verbal deescalation and basic physical self-defense skills specifically for the trans/queer/gender non-conforming community. This will include responses to bullying, harassment and bathroom enforcement scenarios. This training is centered in a trauma-informed, disability-aware, queer-positive, feminist approach, and your feelings are welcomed.

Tuesday, May 12, 2026
NH Center for Equity and Justice – Annual Meeting – 1:30 PM to 6 PM, at The Hawthorn, 33 Jewell Court, Portsmouth.  Be part of NHCJE’s Annual Meeting!  Join over 150 changemakers to organize & collaborate across sector, issue, identity, in support of our states marginalized communities.

Sunday, May 17, 2026
Tales from Trans+ Lives Lake Region – 5:30 PM to 6:30 PM (address shared at registration). Join 603 Equality for an evening of storytelling to learn more about the lives of local transgender and nonbinary people, in an intimate and inviting environment. Storytellers will share their lives at some depth, with humor and openness: transition, healthcare, schools, challenges, successes, hopes, and fears.  Following individual sharing, we will open the floor to thoughtful questions and reflections.

Thursday, May 21, 2026
Ona Judge Day Tour – 2 PM, 222 Court Street, Portsmouth at the BHTNH Headquarters.  On this special Ona Judge Day Tour, you will hear the true story of a young woman's quest for freedom. See the waterfront where Ona landed and visit the Portsmouth properties of some of America's most famous families - the Langdons, Warners, and Lears - whose stories are also bound to her incredible journey.

Saturday, May 24, 2026
Ona Judge Staines Mural Unveiling- 2 PM, 222 Court Street, Portsmouth. After years of lifting up her story, we invite you to a powerful moment of truth, remembrance, and celebration—the unveiling of the Ona Judge Mural in Portsmouth, New Hampshire.  At a time when her marker in Philadelphia was removed, only to be rightfully reinstalled by law, we are reminded how fragile history can be. Here in New Hampshire, we are ensuring Ona Judge’s courageous journey to freedom is seen, honored, and never erased.  Join us as we bring her story into full view, bold, permanent, and undeniable. Stay with us immediately following the unveiling for a special reception to meet author Erica Armstrong Dunbar, the nationally recognized expert on the history of Ona Judge and NH’s own award-winning public mural artist Manny Ramirez, as we honor a woman whose bravery still echoes today.

Friday, May 29, 2026
New Hampshire Women’s Foundation 9th Annual GALA – 6 PM to 11 PM, DoubleTree Hotel, 700 Elm Street, Manchester. The New Hampshire Women’s Foundation invites you to a celebration of New Hampshire’s trailblazing women at our ninth annual GALA with dinner, dancing and honoring this year’s AmplifiHER awardee.

Saturday, May 30, 2026
Queer Waterfall Hike with the Reproductive Freedom Fund of NH – White Mountains NH – 10 AM to 1 PM Have you ever wanted to hike to an 80-foot waterfall? Join Volunteer Jess and the Reproductive Freedom Fund of NH for a relaxing afternoon day hike in the forest. The ReproFund works to alleviate financial burdens to reproductive and gender affirming healthcare for those living and seeking it in NH. This event will be part of the Repro Fund's Spring Reprolympics series to help raise funds for their queer care program! All event proceeds will go to the Repro Fund!

Sunday, May 31, 2026
Tales From Trans+ Lives- Manchester -5:30 PM -7:30 PM, address to be shared upon registration.  Join us for an evening of storytelling to learn more about the lives of local transgender and nonbinary people, in an intimate and inviting environment.  Storytellers will share their lives at some depth, with humor and openness: transition, healthcare, schools, challenges, successes, hopes, and fears.  Following individual sharing, we will open the floor to thoughtful questions and reflections.

With best wishes,
Maggie Fogarty, Maille & Kathleen Wooten, and April Richer

AFSC’s New Hampshire “State House Watch" newsletter is published to bring you information about matters being discussed in Concord including housing, the death penalty, immigration, education, civil liberties, and labor rights. We also follow the state budget and tax system, voting rights, corrections policy, and more. 

The AFSC is a Quaker organization supported by people of many faiths who care about peace, social justice, humanitarian service, and nonviolent change. Maggie Fogarty is the NH Director for AFSC which publishes this newsletter; April Richer is the NH Interfaith Organizer. Maille Wooten, in partnership with Kathleen Wooten, is AFSC’s State House Watch researcher and database manager.

"State House Watch" is made possible with your financial support. Click the DONATE NOW button on our web page to send a secure donation to support the work of the AFSC’s New Hampshire Program. Thank you!