“We have lived by the assumption that what was good for us would be good for the world. ... We have been wrong. We must change our lives, so that it will be possible to live by the contrary assumption that what is good for the world will be good for us. . . We must recover the sense of the majesty of the creation and the ability to be worshipful in its presence. For it is only on the condition of humility and reverence before the world that our species will be able to remain in it.” ― Wendell Berry, The Long-Legged House
Greetings, State House Watchers,
We’ll celebrate Earth Day this week! Let us reaffirm our commitment to the well-being of the planet by working for deep systemic change that moves us away from war, militarism, and economic inequality, and toward peace, sustainable development, corporate accountability, and a just transition away from fossil fuels. We must act as if the future of everything we love is at stake, because it is. From AFSC: There is no lasting peace without environmental justice.
We were relieved and grateful to see Senators Shaheen and Hassan vote last week to block weapons transfers to Israel. Although the proposals sponsored by Senator Bernie Sanders did not pass, the growing support is a hopeful sign and a testament to sustained and effective advocacy by grassroots groups, including our friends at NH Peace Action and the Friends Committee on National Legislation. We were also glad to see that all four members of our Congressional delegation voted to support the Iran War Powers Resolution. Please take a moment to contact these Members to thank them and encourage continued steps in this direction.
We watch with growing concern as the Trump Administration moves forward with plans to fully automate the Selective Service registration process so as to grow the list of draft eligible men for military service. Read more here. While we continue to work for an end to all wars, it’s a good moment to reflect on the stories of conscientious resistance to military service, and to know your rights to assert “a firm, fixed, and sincere objection to participation in war in any form or the bearing of arms, by reason of religious training and/or belief” (DOD 1300.6). We’re inspired by this magnificent song, “No, I will not give my sons.”
We celebrated a victory for immigrant justice last week, when the US House voted to extend Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Haitians. Read more here. The measure, which gained bipartisan support, offers a lifeline to more than 300,000 people currently living in the US. It moves to the Senate for consideration.
In more good news closer to home, the NH Senate defeated HB 1706 last week; the bill would have ended refugee resettlement in NH.
And SB 416, a bill that would erode the rights of tipped workers, had a robust hearing on Tuesday, and created the possibility that the committee might work to improve the bill. Many thanks to the workers from many industries who spoke up.
The Senate Judiciary Committee held a hearing on HB 1793 that would prohibit public colleges and universities in NH from restricting guns on campus. Read more here. Despite strong opposition from students, law enforcement, and university administrators, the bill has already passed the House. We urge the committee and the full Senate to act with common sense and defeat this reckless bill.
On tax day, the House Ways and Means Committee held a hearing on CACR 12 which would prohibit tax on personal income. Read more here. Bad tax policy – such as what is proposed with CACR 12 – is a significant reason why we chronically underinvest in the programs and infrastructure that our communities need to thrive.
On Thursday, the NH Senate passed HB 1442, permitting classification of individuals based on biological sex under certain limited circumstances. Take action with 603 Equality to urge Governor Ayotte to veto this and several similar anti-transgender bills when they reach her desk.
A few other notes to share:
The family, friends and allies of Nickenley Turenne brought their demands for transparency and justice to the Manchester Board of Mayor and Alderman meeting last week. Read more here. Nickenley was killed by Manchester police in December 2025.
Our friends at the Youth Success Project are hiring an Executive Director. Are you or someone you know committed to elevating the leadership of young people with lived experience of homelessness, and advocating for real solutions to homelessness? Here’s a link to the job posting.
Join NH 50501 and many partners – including AFSC – for a May Day rally next Friday, May 1, 11 AM to 1 PM at the State House!
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 21, Zandra Rice-Hawkins will be with us to talk about protecting public education; and then on April 23, we’ll discuss voting rights with the team at Open Democracy. Register here to receive the link. You can watch last week’s presentations here: April 14: “Building Collective Power,” with Lisa Beaudoin; and April 16 “Stopping the Bans on Trans Existence” with Aimee Tarravechia.
Join us this week for our Voices of Faith legislative luncheon on Thursday, April 23. We’ll be 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!
Our Action Alerts this week are focused on transgender rights, education, civil rights, and syringe services. Please take a moment to contact the governor, sign in for public hearings in Senate committees on Tuesday, and contact your Representatives about bills they’ll be voting on during Thursday’s session day.
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 – Protect access to local welfare benefits.
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. HB 348 is on its way to the governor’s desk. Please contact the governor and urge her to veto this bill.
Tuesday, April 21 – Show up for Transgender Rights; protect education
1 PM – Visibility at the State House, hosted by 603 Equality.
Starting at 1:30 PM, three anti-trans bills have public hearings in the Senate Judiciary Committee, Room 100, SH. Please sign in to OPPOSE all three of these bills, and provide testimony: HB 1217, permitting classification of individuals based on biological sex under certain limited circumstances; HB 1299, permitting classification of individuals based on biological sex under certain limited circumstances and establishing that certain biological sex distinctions do not qualify as discrimination; and HB 1447, restricting the use of certain public and private facilities on the basis of sex and establishing that such restriction does not qualify as discrimination.
OPPOSE HB 1358, establishing a commission to study transitioning all public schools to public charter schools. From NEA-NH: “While the House removed the extremely dangerous language that would have lowered the vote threshold to actually make this conversion locally, the commission this bill seeks to create inadequately represents educators and parents and should be voted down.” It has a public hearing on Tuesday, April 21 in the Senate Education Committee at 9:15 AM in the State Library, Map Room. Please sign in to oppose and share testimony.
OPPOSE HB 1268, modifying the structure and administration of home education programs.
This bill eliminates almost all family reporting requirements once a family enters home education, makes it much more difficult to gather evidence of educational neglect in home education situations, and creates a personal liability for anyone filing a report of educational neglect related to a child being home educated. It has a public hearing on Tuesday, April 21 at 9:45 AM in the Senate Education Committee, in the State Library, Map Room. Please sign in to oppose and share testimony.
Thursday, April 23 – Protect syringe services; protect civil rights; defeat open enrollment.
OPPOSE SB 549-FN, (New Title) requiring certain syringe service program entities to provide options for disposal of used syringes and needles and creating reporting requirements for such entities. From the minority committee report: “The bill requires syringe exchange programs to re-allocate resources devoted to harm reduction to syringe sanitation efforts. The bill wrongly assumes that the syringe exchange programs are responsible for all syringe waste. On the contrary, syringe exchange programs have proven to increase syringe returns in multiple studies. The absence of these programs has proven to increase syringe waste in public parks and streets. In summary, there is clear evidence that this bill may actually result in increased syringe waste on our streets and parks, particularly if the legislation results in syringe programs being forced to close.” This bill is on the Regular Calendar for the House session on Thursday, April 23, with an OTP recommendation. Please contact your Representatives and urge them to defeat this harmful bill.
OPPOSE SB 464-FN, relative to civil rights enforcement. From the minority committee report: “This bill changes the standard for enforcement of civil rights in New Hampshire by requiring that prohibited conduct be substantially motivated by hostility toward a targeted individual’s protected characteristics. This represents a significant departure from existing law, which does not require proof of hostility or ill will in order to establish discrimination. The US Supreme Court has made clear in cases such as Feeney and Bostock that discriminatory intent and causation do not depend on evidence of personal hostility or animus in the ordinary sense. The Office of the Attorney General, which is responsible for enforcing the state’s civil rights laws, testified that this change would make enforcement more difficult and recommended that the bill be found Inexpedient to Legislate. That position was consistent with the testimony of every witness and organization that appeared before the committee, as well as the overwhelming majority of individuals who submitted testimony or opinions online…. This bill would undermine enforcement of civil rights laws by eliminating well-established mixed-motive liability. Discrimination often operates through multiple motives, implicit bias, or structural factors—not overt hostility. By requiring proof that hostility is a substantial motivating factor, the bill would exclude a wide range of real-world discrimination that current law properly reaches. The minority finds that this bill is both legally vulnerable and a significant step backward in protecting civil rights in New Hampshire. The result is a law that is weaker in force, uncertain in application, and far easier to evade. For these reasons, the bill raises concerns about its impact on the effectiveness, clarity, and consistency of civil rights enforcement in New Hampshire.” This bill is on the Regular Calendar for the House session on Thursday, April 23, with an OTP recommendation. Please contact your Representatives and urge them to defeat this harmful bill.
OPPOSE SB 101-FN, the public school open enrollment bill, which will be voted on in the House of Representatives on Thursday, April 23. But first, SUPPORT the floor amendment #2026-1455 which would turn this bad bill into a study committee rather than a harmful policy. Please contact your Representatives and urge them to SUPPORT floor amendment #2026-1455, and OPPOSE SB 101.
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 did not meet in session last week.
Last week in the Senate
The Senate met in session on Thursday, April 16. You can watch it here. Here are the bills we’re tracking which were voted on.
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. OTP-A by VV.
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. OTP-A by VV.
ELECTION LAW AND MUNICIPAL AFFAIRS
HB 1062, authorizing the secretary of state to conduct random audits of the citizenship qualification of registered voters. OTP-A by VV.
HB 1076, relative to authorizing or rescinding the use of electronic ballot counting devices. Referred 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. ITL by VV.
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. Referred 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. OTP-A by VV.
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. Special ordered to May 14.
HB 1442-FN, limiting the use of certain facilities on the basis of sex and redefining the term “gender identity.” OTP-A by RC, 15Y-8N.
HB 1709-FN, prohibiting certain unlawfully present felons from occupying or renting real property. Committee recommends OTP. Special ordered to May 14.
Coming Up in the House
The House will meet in session on Thursday, April 23 starting at 10 am. You can watch it here. Here are the bills we’re tracking which are coming up for votes.
On the Consent Calendar
COMMERCE AND CONSUMER AFFAIRS
SB 657-FN, (New Title) creating a study commission to oversee the use of artificial intelligence in the state. Committee recommends OTP-A.
CRIMINAL JUSTICE AND PUBLIC SAFETY
SB 467-FN, relative to the penalty for certain fentanyl-related offenses and establishing a mandatory minimum sentence for the crime of distribution of a controlled drug with death resulting. Committee recommends referral for interim study.
SB 512-FN, relative to fees to annul criminal records related to charges that do not result in conviction. Committee recommends OTP.
EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENTS AND ADMINISTRATION
SB 457-FN, (New Title) relative to the licensing of physicians who graduated from medical schools outside of the United States or Canada. Committee recommends ITL.
HEALTH, HUMAN SERVICES AND ELDERLY AFFAIRS
SB 441-FN, (New Title) relative to the financial responsibility for local assistance and enabling municipalities to request a hearing regarding the residency of an assisted person. Committee recommends referral for interim study.
JUDICIARY
SB 459, (New Title) exempting classification of individuals based on biological sex from the definition of an unlawful discriminatory practice in certain limited circumstances. Committee recommends ITL.
PUBLIC WORKS AND HIGHWAYS
SB 541-FN-A, (New Title) relative to capital appropriations for regional drinking water infrastructure. Committee recommends OTP.
RESOURCES, RECREATION AND DEVELOPMENT
SB 595, (New Title) relative to rulemaking for transient non-community water systems. Committee recommends OTP-A.
SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY AND ENERGY
SB 447, enabling electric utilities to own, operate, and offer advanced nuclear resources, and relative to purchased power agreements for electric distribution utilities and limitations on community customer generators. Committee recommends ITL.
On the Regular Calendar
COMMERCE AND CONSUMER AFFAIRS
SB 528-FN, prohibiting receiving compensation for lobbying on behalf of a foreign adversary. Committee recommends referral for interim study.
EDUCATION POLICY AND ADMINISTRATION
SB 101-FN, (New Title) 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. Majority committee recommends OTP-A. Minority committee recommends OTP-A.
HEALTH, HUMAN SERVICES AND ELDERLY AFFAIRS
SB 543-FN, relative to long-term care eligibility and making an appropriation therefor. Majority committee recommends ITL. Minority committee recommends OTP.
SB 545-FN, relative to financial eligibility for the Medicare savings program. Majority committee recommends ITL. Minority committee recommends OTP.
SB 549-FN, (New Title) requiring certain syringe service program entities to provide options for disposal of used syringes and needles and creating reporting requirements for such entities. Majority committee recommends OTP. Minority committee recommends ITL.
JUDICIARY
SB 464-FN, relative to civil rights enforcement. Majority committee recommends OTP-A. Minority committee recommends ITL.
PUBLIC WORKS AND HIGHWAYS
SB 627-FN, (New Title) relative to toll rate adjustments and periodic inflation-based toll reviews for the New Hampshire turnpike system to support the 2027-2036 ten-year transportation plan. Committee recommends OTP-A.
RESOURCES, RECREATION AND DEVELOPMENT
SB 450-FN, relative to a state parks pass pilot program for recovery centers and community mental health centers. Majority committee recommends ITL. Minority committee recommends OTP.
SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY AND ENERGY
SB 449-FN, (New Title) relative to relative to the participation of large customer-generators in net metering and relative to energy storage in connection with net metering. Majority committee recommends ITL. Minority committee recommends OTP-A.
SB 538-FN, extending net metering eligibility terms for municipal energy projects. Committee recommends OTP-A.
SB 540-FN, relative to portable solar generation devices. Majority committee recommends OTP-A. Minority committee recommends ITL.
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. Most of the committee activity next week is work sessions. There are no public hearings for bills we're tracking.
Coming Up in the Senate
The Senate will meet in session on Thursday, April 23 starting at 10 AM. You can watch it here. Here are the bills we’re tracking which are coming up for votes.
On the Consent Calendar
COMMERCE
HB 1196-FN, repealing the state housing champion designation and grant program. Committee recommends ITL.
EDUCATION FINANCE
HB 1121, defining the cost of an adequate education. Committee recommends referral for interim study.
HB 1563-FN-L, relative to the special education aid formula and the administration and monitoring of state special education aid. Committee recommends OTP.
On the Regular Calendar
EDUCATION
HB 1571-FN-A, requiring the department of education to review statewide academic standards and curricula. Committee recommends OTP-A.
HB 1828-FN, requiring the department of education to establish an auditing process relative to teacher preparation programs at the post-secondary educational level. Committee recommends OTP-A.
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.
Tuesday, April 21
COMMERCE, Room 100, SH
9:30 AM HB 1010, relative to multi-family residential development on commercially zoned land.
9:45 AM HB 1103, allowing municipalities to utilize community revitalization tax relief credits on a wider variety of properties and structures.
10:00 AM HB 1079, allowing accessory dwelling units to be built within or attached to certain non-conforming structures.
10:15 AM HB 1540, relative to municipal health ordinances and accessory dwelling units.
10:30 AM HB 1681, relative to the definition, inspection, and local approval of tiny houses and yurts as innovative housing structures.
10:45 AM HB 1112, relative to snow removal responsibilities in lease agreements.
11:00 AM HB 1295, relative to eligibility requirements for charitable and nonprofit housing projects.
EDUCATION, Map Room, SL
9:15 AM HB 1358, establishing a commission to study transitioning all public schools to public charter schools.
9:25 AM HB 1374, relative to the procedures for withdrawal from a cooperative school district.
9:35 AM HB 1448, prohibiting the use of the World Economic Forum materials within state curriculum.
9:45 AM HB 1268, modifying the structure and administration of home education programs.
ENERGY AND NATURAL RESOURCES, Room 103, SH
9:20 AM HB 1275, relative to the effects of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances on agriculture.
JUDICIARY, Room 100, SH
1:30 PM HB 1217, permitting classification of individuals based on biological sex under certain limited circumstances.
1:40 PM HB 1299, permitting classification of individuals based on biological sex under certain limited circumstances and establishing that certain biological sex distinctions do not qualify as discrimination.
1:50 PM HB 1447, restricting the use of certain public and private facilities on the basis of sex and establishing that such restriction does not qualify as discrimination.
TRANSPORTATION, Room 122-123, SH
1:50 PM HB 2026, relative to the state 10-year transportation improvement plan.
Wednesday, April 22
EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENTS AND ADMINISTRATION, Room 103, SH
9:00 AM Hearing on proposed Nongermane Amendment #, 2026-1485s relative to the membership of the agriculture in the classroom committee and repealing the repeal of the produce safety chapter., to HB 1511, relative to the membership of the agriculture in the classroom committee.
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 22 vigil will be at the corner of Central Ave & Third St, down the street from Pappas' district office, 15 Third Street, Dover. The April 29 vigil will be at Shaheen’s office, 2 Washington Street, Dover; we gather at the entrance to Henry Law Park.
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.
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 coordinates and supports 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 2 PM, 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.
Joyful Resistance: An Evening of Protest Songs – 7 PM, 58 Lowell Street, Nashua. Join the Common Good Chorus, Fortune's Favor, No Planet B, and The Rise Up Singers for a night of protest songs. Admission is by donation and all money raised will go to support the NH Immigrant Mutual Aid Fund. Come ready to sing!
Saturday, April 25, 2026
The Librarians - 10 AM, Red River Theatre, 11 South Main Street, Concord. Free Screening & Discussion. When Texas lawmakers move to review a sweeping list of books, librarians across the country find themselves on the frontlines of a growing national debate. The Librarians takes a powerful look at how library professionals, educators, and communities are navigating challenges to intellectual freedom, particularly around materials addressing race and LGBTQIA+ topics. With historical context and real-world stories, the film explores what’s at stake for public access to information and the future of education.
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 issues, alcohol use, bullying, mental health, and diagnosis.
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 De-escalation and Self-Defense training led by Impact Boston. This is a scenario-based training to develop verbal de-escalation 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 28, 2026
Public Education Advocacy Day at the NH State House – 9 AM to 3:15 PM, DoubleTree by Hilton, 172 North Main Street, Concord. Join us in person for Public Education Day at the NH State House! It's a great chance to connect, learn, and support strong public schools for New Hampshire’s students and future. Join fellow students, families, educators, advocates, and elected officials -- don’t miss out on this action-packed, fun and informative day.
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 – 10 AM 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 De-escalation and Self-Defense training led by Impact Boston. This is a scenario-based training to develop verbal de-escalation 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 the NH Center for Justice & Equity’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, at 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, at 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.
Wednesday, May 27, 2026
UnMasking Christian Nationalism: Impacts on Education & Business – 6:30 PM to 8 PM, online. Zandra Rice Hawkins will explore how Christian nationalist ideology is working to undermine public education, including efforts to reshape curricula, restrict inclusive teaching, and redirect public resources, and why these strategies are central to advancing a broader ideological agenda. James McKim will examine how Christian nationalist ideology is impacting business, including its influence on workplace policies, corporate decision-making, and broader economic practices, with particular attention to how these shifts affect equity, inclusion, and the integrity of diverse marketplaces. Attendees will be provided with practical tools and the names of organizations already engaging in resisting this version of white supremacy in NH.
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 – 10 AM to 1 PM, White Mountains NH 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 to 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.
Saturday, June 6, 2026
Windham Pride Festival – 12 PM to 4 PM, at Windham High School. Hosted by Windham Citizens for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. This community favorite event is free and family friendly.Come experience incredible live entertainment, delicious food trucks, and fun activities guaranteed to keep everyone entertained and engaged all day long. All this, while supporting our local LGBTQ+ community!
Sunday, June 7, 2026
Concord Pride 5K Run/Walk – 9 AM, at the NH State House, Concord. The Concord Pride 5K is back for year three! Registration is open! The Concord Pride 5K is back and we’re so excited to bring the race magic back for another year! Join us for a fun, welcoming race-day atmosphere filled with music, Pride energy, and community celebration from start to finish. Some will run for time, some will walk with friends, some will dance across the finish line — all ages, all abilities, and all paces are welcome.
Friday, June 12, 2026
Pride Event – Lebanon – 6 PM to 8:30 PM, at the Lebanon Opera House, 51 North Park Street, Lebanon. For our 5th annual salute to the LGTBQIA+ community, we’re turning up the volume! Our popular resource and artisan fair will be held in Colburn Park followed by a loud and proud dance party inside the theater with guest DJs.
Friday, June 19, 2026
Juneteenth Freedom Walk – 9 AM, John Paul Jones Memorial Park, Kittery. Celebrate Juneteenth side-by-side with others of goodwill by walking from Kittery, Maine, to the African Burying Ground in Portsmouth, NH. Meet at John Paul Jones Memorial Park on the Kittery side of Route 1 Memorial Bridge. Walkers will gather at 9 AM and begin the walk at 9:30 AM to the Burying Ground at 386 State Street, Portsmouth, led by The Leftist Marching Band.
The Healing Rhythm of the Drums – 11 AM, at the African Burying Ground, 386 State Street, Portsmouth. Join us for a sacred Juneteenth gathering honoring the lives and legacies of those excluded from America’s founding promises – Native Americans, Africans and African Americans, immigrants, Latinos, and other marginalized communities. This cross-cultural commemorative event includes a Native American blessing. The reading of Portsmouth’s enslaved Africans’ names, and African drumming and dance. Together, we will remember, reflect, and celebrate resilience, culture, and community. The gathering invites us to honor the past while envisioning the America we can become – one that truly lives up to its ideals of liberty, justice, and inclusion for all. All are welcome.
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!