“Every crisis, actual or impending, needs to be viewed as an opportunity to bring about profound changes in our society. Going beyond protest organizing, visionary organizing begins by creating images and stories of the future that help us imagine and create alternatives to the existing system.” ― Grace Lee Boggs
Happy Saturday, State House Watchers!
Many thanks to all who are spending today at protests. Protests are where we build connections; experience some joy and hope in each other; raise our voices in cheers, chants, and song; and energize our bodies, spirits and imaginations for the strategic and sustained organizing that is essential for transformational change-making. Protests are particularly important when they are in service to strategic campaigns that will reconfigure our society so that everyone can live in peace, freedom, and abundance.
As we work to meet this moment, we are grateful for Barbara Peterson’s recent offering, Saving Democracy: A Step by Step Guide. An excerpt from the opener: “We [must] build the society we want to live in—one alternative institution, one cooperative, one mutual aid network, one community-based system at a time. Some will argue this is too slow. But I’d argue it is steadier, more sustainable, and more transformative than anything we’ve accomplished in the past thirty years. We can’t keep applying the same tools and hoping for better outcomes. The truth is: alone, they aren’t effective enough. It’s time to add something radically different to the mix.”
We’re also thankful for Daniel Hunter’s good guidance, including his latest piece for Waging Nonviolence - “What to do if the Insurrection Act is invoked.”
Cheers to the Starbucks workers in Seabrook, NH who voted to form a union last week! Read more here.
In other good news, a federal judge in Maryland ordered the Trump administration to ensure the return to the US of Abrego Garcia who is currently being held in a Salvadoran mega-prison despite a court order barring his removal. The ruling was immediately appealed to the 4th Circuit. Read more here. We hope that all 250+ people who have been expelled to the Salvadoran prison are assisted by an eventual successful outcome in this case, and that the Trump administration is forced to cancel this hideous arrangement.
In demoralizing news, Senators Hassan and Shaheen voted against two joint resolutions of disapproval (JRDs) introduced by Senator Bernie Sanders which would have blocked nearly $9 billion in non-defensive weapons sales to Israel while the Israeli government continues to enact ethnic cleansing in Palestine. Read Sanders’ remarks here, and the news coverage of the disappointing votes here.
From Amy Antonucci at NH Peace Action, the leaders in a thoughtful and sustained campaign to urge our Congressional leaders to act to end the violence: “While we had expected Senator Hassan's “nay” vote, Senator Shaheen's came as a surprise. Last November she voted “yea” to all of the JRDS while her own party was pressuring her not to. That she would stand up to President Biden that way but not to President Trump is hard to fathom. In 2025 alone we have vigiled eight times outside her office, had three meetings with her staff, delivered dozens of letters to the editor on the subject to her staff, and our community has made thousands of phone calls to her offices. It is heartbreaking that after showing her how many NH residents want change on this issue she was unwilling to vote for these resolutions. We urge you to call her office and write Letters to the Editor to express your disappointment. We suggest remaining respectful but also being honest about your outrage, sadness or horror….This is another reminder that our democracy needs attention. When we hold a majority view and do strong advocacy and still cannot get our representatives to listen and act, there is a problem with the system.”
AIPAC posted a message of thanks to Senator Hassan for her continuous support for Israel’s actions.
State budget news
Without House and Senate voting days last week, the real action was in the House Finance Committee where members met for three days and approved (with a Republican-only majority) their proposed version of the state budget. You’ll find all budget-related documents here, and you can get the full picture by attending the NH Fiscal Policy Institute’s webinar on Monday, April 7 at 10:30 AM. Register here.
House members – and any of us who want to watch the streaming session – will receive a budget briefing on April 8 at 10 AM. And the full House will vote on the proposal during their session on April 10.
The House Finance Committee’s budget proposal is full of horrible ideas, including the elimination of the Office of the Child Advocate, the Human Rights Commission, the State Council on the Arts, the Office of Early Childhood Education, funding for DEI programs, and the state’s family planning program. Budget writers included the forced eviction language from the terrible HB 60, which would end just cause eviction in NH. Their proposal also expands costly and unaccountable school vouchers, increases fees, cuts funds to universities and community colleges, and reduces Medicaid reimbursement rates, while failing yet again to enact adequate tax policies so that wealthy people and corporations pay their fair share. Ethan DeWitt has a helpful summary in the NH Bulletin, as do Paula Tracy and Garry Rayno at InDepthNH.
ACTION ALERTS
Federal Alerts
OPPOSE the Trump administration’s requirement for noncitizen registration (now subject to litigation). Public comment is open until April 11. You can use this template for talking points for your own comments.
OPPOSE the Trump Administration's proposal to end health coverage for people with Deferred Action for Childhood Arrival (DACA) by adding your organization to this petition from the Coalition to Protect Immigrant Families here.
Note that the following Action Alerts are not all the same. Please read each one carefully as the instructions are different depending on where the bill is in the process.
When a public hearing is scheduled, members of the public have the opportunity sign in online to register their opposition or support for a bill. After a public hearing has passed and the committee is ready to vote on a bill, they will hold an executive session. There is no sign-in or public testimony at executive sessions, but you can still contact members of that committee by email or phone to let them know how you’d like them to vote.
The Senate committee pages provide a link to “contact entire committee,” which will open your email app and populate it with the email addresses of all committee members. House committees don’t have that handy feature, but thanks to Katy Cutshall, here’s a list of members for each House committee, which makes it easy to cut and paste.
Tuesday, April 8 – PUBLIC HEARINGS
SUPPORT HB 753, relative to expedited due process hearings to enforce special education rights. This positive bill would ensure a timely process for disciplinary hearings for special education students. It is scheduled for a public hearing in Senate Education, LOB 101, on April 8 at 10 AM. Please contact the committee, sign in to support and share testimony.
OPPOSE SB 72 , establishing a parents' bill of rights in education. This unnecessary parental rights bill pits parents and educators against each other, ignoring the mechanisms currently in place to ensure open lines of communication between school staff, students and families. It is scheduled for a public hearing in House Children & Family Law, LOB 206-208, on Tuesday, April 8 at 1:15 PM. Please contact the committee, sign in to oppose and share testimony. You can use this link to copy and paste the committee members’ emails.
OPPOSE HB 461, relative to department of safety and department of motor vehicle training and testing materials. This ridiculous bill would mandate that the DMV offer all information and materials in only English and American Sign Language. It has already passed the House and is scheduled for a public hearing in Senate Transportation, LOB 101 on Tuesday, April 8 at 1:45 PM. Please contact the committee, sign in to oppose and share testimony.
OPPOSE HB 452, relative to the issuance of drivers' licenses for aliens [sic] temporarily residing in New Hampshire. This mean spirited and anti-immigrant bill creates an environment where people who are deemed by the federal government to be legally present in the United States, with permission to work and pay taxes, are no longer able to acquire a driver’s license. For talking points, read testimony in opposition submitted by the NH Immigrant Rights Network to the House. It has already passed the House and is scheduled for a public hearing in Senate Transportation, LOB 101 on Tuesday, April 8 at 2 PM. Please contact the committee, sign in to oppose and share testimony.
Wednesday, April 9 – PUBLIC HEARINGS
OPPOSE HB 679, relative to immunization requirements. This harmful bill mandates a threshold of 100% efficacy for vaccines to be included on children's vaccine schedule. This unscientific and unreasonable requirement would leave off lifesaving vaccines from the schedule which would lead to an increase in childhood diseases. It is scheduled for a public hearing in the Senate Health and Human Services Committee on Wednesday, April 9 at 10 AM in Room 100, SH. Please contact the committee, sign in to oppose and share testimony.
OPPOSE SB 62, relative to law enforcement participation in a federal immigration program. This bill provides that neither the state nor any county, municipality, or other political subdivision of this state shall prohibit or impede any state, county, or local law enforcement agency from applying for entry or entering into an agreement with the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement to participate in a federal 287(g) program pursuant to 8 U.S.C. section 1357(g). It is scheduled for a public hearing in House Criminal Justice and Public Safety, LOB 202-204, on Wednesday, April 9 at 11:30 AM. Please contact the committee; you can use this link to copy and paste their emails. And sign in to oppose and share testimony.
OPPOSE SB 71, providing that unless expressly prohibited by state or federal law, local governmental entities may not prohibit or impede any state or federal law enforcement agency from complying with federal immigration laws, and provides for remedies for violations. It is scheduled for a public hearing in House Criminal Justice and Public Safety, LOB 202-204, on Wednesday, April 9 at 12 PM. Please contact the committee; you can use this link to copy and paste their emails. And sign in to oppose and share testimony.
OPPOSE SB 100, relative to violations of the prohibition on teaching discrimination. This harmful bill would prevent the teaching of true history and is a thinly veiled attempt to codify the “divisive concepts” law (which NH courts ruled as unconstitutional). It is scheduled for a public hearing in House Education Policy & Administration, LOB 205-207, on Wednesday, April 9 at 1 PM. Please contact the committee; you can use this link to copy and paste their emails; and sign in to oppose and share testimony.
OPPOSE HB 731, relative to supportive housing options for individuals with developmental disabilities. This harmful bill provides exemptions for licensing to housing developments for people with developmental disabilities. Our friends at the Disability Rights Centers flag that there are safety concerns in the removal of safeguards (through licensing) on housing for disabled people. It is scheduled for a public hearing in Senate Health and Human Services on Wednesday, April 9 at 1:15 PM in Room 100, SH. Please contact the committee, sign in to oppose and share testimony.
OPPOSE SB 96, relative to mandatory disclosure by school district employees to parents. Transgender rights advocates describe this as a “forced outing” bill. It is scheduled for a public hearing in House Education Policy and Administration, LOB 205-207 on Wednesday, April 9 at 2 PM. Please sign in to oppose and share testimony, and also contact the committee. You can use this link to copy and paste their emails.
Thursday, April 10 – PUBLIC HEARINGS
OPPOSE HB 90. This shortsighted bill pits educators against one another by allowing districts to hire university faculty, adjuncts or anyone with expertise and significant professional knowledge to teach up to 20 hours a week in public school. Unlike certified teachers, such subject area specialists do not necessarily have the skills (or training) to meet the learning needs of public school students, effectively teach or motivate younger students, and handle student behavior. The bill is scheduled for a public hearing in Senate Education, LOB 101, on Thursday, April 10 at 9:15 AM. Please contact the committee, sign in to oppose and share testimony.
OPPOSE HB 324, relative to prohibiting obscene or harmful sexual materials in schools. This misguided book ban bill is being heard in Senate Education, LOB 101, on Thursday, April 10 at 9:30 AM. Please contact the committee, sign in to oppose and share testimony.
OPPOSE HB 741-FN, allowing parents to send their children to any school district they choose. This bill is a thinly veiled attempt to create a local voucher program that would be a drain on local school district budgets. It is scheduled for a public hearing in Senate Education, 101 LOB, on Thursday, April 10 at 9:45 AM. Please contact the committee, sign in to oppose and share testimony.
Thursday, April 10 – HOUSE SESSION
These two bills will be voted on during the House session on Thursday, April 10. Please contact your own Representatives to urge them to oppose these bills.
OPPOSE HB 511-FN, relative to cooperation with federal immigration authorities. This horrible, so-called “anti-sanctuary cities” bill would require local law enforcement to comply with immigration detainers for incarcerated people. This harmful bill also undermines local control by prohibiting municipalities from adopting community policing policies or welcoming ordinances that limit local police from acting as federal immigration enforcement. It goes to the full House with an OTP-A recommendation and will be voted on Thursday, April 10.
OPPOSE HB 115, relative to universal eligibility for the education freedom account program. This harmful bill would vastly expand the school voucher program by eliminating all financial eligibility restrictions. It would undermine public education while also overburdening taxpayers. It goes to the full House with an OTP recommendation and will be voted on Thursday, April 10.
Wednesday, April 16 – PUBLIC HEARING
OPPOSE SB 268, permitting classification of individuals based on biological sex under certain limited circumstances. This is yet another bill that would legalize discrimination against transgender people in bathrooms, athletics and incarceration, rolling back current nondiscrimination provisions that were passed into law in 2018. It is scheduled for a public hearing in House Judiciary, LOB 206-208, on Wednesday, April 16 at 10:30 AM. Please contact the committee; you can use this link to copy and paste their emails. And sign in to oppose and share testimony.
Key:
LOB – Legislative Office Building (33 N. State St. Concord)
SH – State House (107 N. Main St. Concord)
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 full House did not meet in session last week. There are no votes to report.
Last week in the Senate
The full Senate did not meet in session last week. There are no votes to report.
Coming Up in the House
The full House will meet next on Thursday, April 10, which is “Crossover Day” for the House, the deadline by which all bills that originated in the House must be acted upon. Here are the bills that we’re tracking.
On the Consent Calendar
FINANCE
HB 67-FN-A, relative to agreements with the secretary of state for the use of accessible voting systems. Committee recommends OTP-A.
HB 552-FN, relative to coverage of children under the state retiree insurance plan. Committee recommends OTP.
Regular Calendar Part One
EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENTS AND ADMINISTRATION
HB 493, requiring education on child abuse and neglect for certain healthcare providers as a condition for licensure. Majority committee recommends ITL. Minority committee recommends OTP.
FINANCE
HB 71-FN, prohibiting the use of the facilities of a public elementary school, a public secondary school, or an institution of higher education to provide shelter for aliens [sic] who have not been admitted into the United States. Majority committee recommends OTP-A. Minority committee recommends ITL.
HB 115-FN, relative to universal eligibility for the education freedom account program. Majority committee recommends OTP. Minority committee recommends ITL.
HB 511-FN, relative to cooperation with federal immigration authorities. Majority committee recommends OTP-A. Minority committee recommends ITL.
Regular Calendar Part Two
FINANCE
HB 1-A, making appropriations for the expenses of certain departments of the state for fiscal years ending June 30, 2026 and June 30, 2027. Majority committee recommends OTP-A. Minority committee recommends ITL.
HB 2-FN-A-LOCAL, relative to state fees, funds, revenues, and expenditures. 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 and using this committee email list here.
MONDAY, APRIL 7
EDUCATION POLICY AND ADMINISTRATION, Room 205-207, LOB
10:00 AM SB 69-L, relative to acceptance of or rejection of charitable contributions, gifts, or donations by local school boards.
10:30 AM SB 57, establishing a study committee to analyze reducing the number of school administrative units.
TUESDAY, APRIL 8
CHILDREN AND FAMILY LAW, Room 206-208, LOB
1:15 PM SB 72-FN, establishing a parents’ bill of rights in education.
HOUSING, Room 305, LOB
10:00 AM SB 173, relative to residential property subject to housing covenants under the low income housing tax credit program.
2:30 PM SB 170, relative to development and related requirements in cities, towns, and municipalities.
LABOR, INDUSTRIAL AND REHABILITATIVE SERVICES, Room 307, LOB
11:00 AM SB 171, relative to required pay for remote work.
2:00 PM Executive session on SB 171, relative to required pay for remote work.
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 9
CRIMINAL JUSTICE AND PUBLIC SAFETY, Room 202-204, LOB
10:00 AM SB 14-FN, relative to the penalty for certain fentanyl-related offenses.
10:30 AM SB 15-FN, relative to establishing a mandatory minimum sentence for the crime of distribution of a controlled drug with death resulting.
11:30 AM SB 62, relative to law enforcement participation in a federal immigration program.
12:00 PM SB 71-FN, relative to cooperation with federal immigration authorities.
EDUCATION POLICY AND ADMINISTRATION, Room 205-207, LOB
9:30 AM SB 34, relative to parental consent for student participation in Medicaid to schools program.
HEALTH, HUMAN SERVICES AND ELDERLY AFFAIRS, Room 301-303, LOB
10:30 AM SB 92-FN, relative to the collection of birth worksheet information.
11:00 AM SB 118-FN, relative to the personal needs allowance of residents of nursing homes; making an appropriation to the department of health and human services for Hampstead hospital and residential treatment facility staff; and establishing the Hampstead hospital and residential treatment facility capital investment fund.
Coming Up in the Senate
The full Senate will not meet in session next week.
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 8
EDUCATION, Room 101, LOB
9:15 AM HB 319-FN, relative to the responsibility of local school districts to provide transportation for pupils in kindergarten.
ELECTION LAW AND MUNICIPAL AFFAIRS, Room 103, LOB
9:30 AM HB 230-L, relative to the adoption of public health ordinances by municipalities.
10:15 AM HB 426, relative to property tax exemptions for charitable organizations for the prior tax year.
ENERGY AND NATURAL RESOURCES, Room 103, SH
9:00 AM HB 167-FN, prohibiting the sale of ski, boat, and board waxes that contain intentionally added per and polyfluorinated alkyl substances.
FINANCE, Room 103, SH
1:15 PM HB 517-FN, repealing certain outreach and marketing requirements under the Granite State paid family leave plan.
1:25 PM HB 165-FN, relative to the maximum amount of disaster relief funding provided to municipalities after a natural disaster.
JUDICIARY, Room 100, SH
1:20 PM HB 195-FN, relative to the expectation of privacy in the collection and use of personal information.
1:30 PM HB 522-FN, relative to the expectation of privacy in personal information maintained by the state.
1:40 PM HB 146-FN, relative to the use of body-worn cameras.
TRANSPORTATION, Room 101, LOB
1:00 PM HB 321-FN, requiring the division of motor vehicles to extend a fine payment period for certain motor vehicle violations from 30 days to 90 days if the driver requests the extension.
2:00 PM HB 452-FN, relative to the issuance of drivers’ licenses for aliens temporarily residing in New Hampshire.
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 9
EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENTS AND ADMINISTRATION, Room 103, SH
10:00 AM HB 546-FN, relative to financial disclosures and the public reporting of those disclosures by the secretary of state.
1:20 PM HB 233, requiring meetings of the New Hampshire vaccine association to be audio and video recorded and published on its website within 48 hours.
HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES, Room 100, SH
10:15 AM HB 357, relative to the department of health and human services’ rulemaking authority regarding immunization requirements.
10:30 AM HB 358, relative to exemption from immunization requirements on the basis of religious belief.
1:30 PM HB 455, relative to reports by the department of health and human services regarding Medicaid enhancement for children and pregnant women.
1:45 PM HB 94-FN, relative to coverage of circumcision under the state Medicaid plan.
THURSDAY, APRIL 10
COMMERCE, Room 100, SH
9:30 AM HB 309-FN, relative to making electronic rent payments optional.
EDUCATION, Room 101, LOB
9:15 AM HB 90-FN, relative to the definition of part-time teachers.
9:30 AM HB 324-FN, relative to prohibiting obscene or harmful sexual materials in schools.
JUDICIARY, Room 100, SH
1:00 PM HB 207-FN, relative to repealing the prohibition on the possession or sale of blackjacks, slung shots, and metallic knuckles except by or to minors.
Recommendations
Help the Disability Rights Center of NH choose their 2025-2026 priorities by filling out their survey here.
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 9 vigil will be at Pappas' office, 660 Central Avenue, Dover. The April 16 vigil will be at Shaheen’s office, 340 Central Avenue, Dover. We gather at the entrance to Henry Law Park.
Every Thursday
Meeting for Worship with Attention to Peace in Palestine & Israel - 5:30 PM. Hosted by AFSC.
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 at 12 PM ET/9 AM PT to hear updates from Gaza. Then, take action with us as we contact our elected officials and call for an immediate ceasefire and humanitarian access to Gaza. Our elected officials need to keep hearing from us.
Stronger Together Weekly Visibility – 4 PM to 5 PM. Hosted by the Stronger Together Coalition. Corner of North Main St. and Loudon Rd. 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!
Saturday, April 5
Remove, Reverse, Reclaim Rally - 12 PM at 171 N. Main Street, Concord. Hosted by 50-50-1 NH. Remove corrupt politicians. Reverse harmful policies. Reclaim democracy. Join us as we protest, again, the sweeping threat to democracy that is the Trump administration at our state capitol building and send a message that we WILL continue to fight on the right side of history. We will have music, a chance to tell your own story and share why you stand with us, drinks, and snacks. We also have many extra signs from previous protests to share! Kids and well trained pets are welcome!
Hands Off! New Hampshire – 12 PM to 5 PM. Hosted by Hands Off! Trump and Musk think this country belongs to them, but we say NO! They're taking everything they can get their hands on—our health care, our data, our jobs, our services—and daring the world to stop them. This is a crisis, and the time to act is now. This mass mobilization day is our message to the world that we do not consent to the destruction of our government and our economy for the benefit of Trump and his billionaire allies. Join people across the country to demand a stop the chaos and build an opposition movement against the looting of our country.
Concord - 107 N. Main Street
Dover - Week's Crossing - 238 Indian Brook Road
New London - Town Green - Main Street
Portsmouth - Market Square
Keene - 1 Central Square
Wolfeboro - Pickering Corner - 136 S Main Street
5th Annual BLM New Hampshire Excellence Awards – 5 PM to 8 PM at The Office Lounge in Dover. Hosted by BLM NH. Join us to honor 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 New Hampshire and the Seacoast areas of Maine and Massachusetts!
Monday, April 7
NHFPI 2025 State Budget Webinar Series: Exploring the House Finance Committee’s Proposal - 10:30 AM. Hosted by NH Fiscal Policy Institute. The House Finance Committee will be working to understand and plan modifications to the Governor’s State Budget proposal upon its release. The House Finance Committee’s version of the State Budget will go before the entire House for amendments and a vote. This webinar will delve into the House Finance Committee’s proposal, including a discussion of key changes relative to the Governor’s proposal and to the State’s current operating budget. An audience Q&A will follow the NHFPI staff led presentation.
Tuesday, April 8
You're Welcome: A Safe Space for Queer and Ally Networking - 8:30 AM to 9:30 AM. The Mall at Fox Run, 50 Fox Run Road, Newington. Hosted by NH Outright & Portsmouth Chamber of Commerce.
Wednesday, April 9
Building Pipelines for Women’s Leadership in Public Health - 1 PM to 2:30 PM. Hosted by Boston University School of Public Health. Join this program will explore the landscape of public health leadership, both nationally and globally. How can we better support building pipelines for women’s leadership in the field? How can we synergize this effort to include all who are historically underrepresented in public health leadership roles?
Thursday, April 10
Protect Reproductive Health Care in the NH State Budget Visibility - 8 AM. NH State House, 107 N. Main St. Concord. Hosted by Planned Parenthood of NH Action Fund. Join reproductive rights advocates to show the NH Legislature that Granite Staters demand a state budget that includes NH Family Planning Program funding for birth control, STI testing and treatment, and cancer screenings!
Empowering Communities: Guidance on KYR in Protected Areas & NILC Office Hours - 4 PM to 5 PM. Hosted by the National Immigration Law Center. Join us for a three-part webinar series. The Trump administration wasted no time in unleashing an assault on immigrant communities and spreading misinformation. It is important that we all stay informed of our rights and the best ways we can support immigrant communities. Our goal is to empower everyone with the tools they need to defend against increased immigration enforcement.
Saturday, April 12
Rally for Peace & Planet - 1 PM at 171 N. Main Street, Concord. Hosted by New Hampshire Peace Action, 350NH, Sierra Club, Climate Action NH, Back from the Brink, Third Act NH. Join a coalition of Peace and Climate Action organizations for a rally at City Plaza. We'll have speakers, activities, music and more!
Tuesday, April 15
Open Democracy Book Club: 100% Democracy - 7 PM. Hosted by Open Democracy. Join us for a discussion of the book 100% Democracy: The Case for Universal Voting. Author Miles Rapoport will be joining us for the first half hour for discussion and Q&A. In 100% Democracy, E.J. Dionne and Miles Rapoport argue that universal participation in our elections should be a cornerstone of our system. It would be the surest way to protect against voter suppression and the active disenfranchisement of a large share of our citizens. And it would create a system true to the Declaration of Independence’s aspirations by calling for a government based on the consent of all of the governed.
Fair Housing Tester Training – 5 PM to 7 PM. Hosted by NH Legal Assistance. The Fair Housing Project (FHP) of NH Legal Assistance, a statewide non-profit law firm providing civil legal services to low-income New Hampshire residents, will be holding a virtual training for area people to become involved in this work as fair housing testers. Testers are individuals who are trained to act as prospective tenants seeking rental housing and to gather information on possible housing discrimination. Successful testers are committed to justice, are detailed observers, good writers/typists, and punctual. Testers receive a flat fee of $150 for the training once a practice test is completed, and $18/hr. afterwards. Testers are independent contractors, participate in 2-4 tests a year and are critical to ending housing discrimination. Contact Liliana Neumann at 603-261-2851 or lneumann@nhla.org to register for the training.
Wednesday, April 16
Active Bystander training – 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM in Dover. Venue is shared when you register. Join the Dover Democrats and American Friends Service Committee on Wednesday, April 16 for an in-person Active Bystander Training session conducted by the Granite State Organizing Project. We are in a time when people are quicker to express anger and more likely to be rude to people “not like them.” Many of us are seeking tools to respond effectively to such biased anger. This highly interactive Active Bystander Training session will provide tools and insights to use in such situations and help make it easier to navigate these moments with confidence. Participants will learn about the importance of being an active bystander in various situations, the roles we all play, how to recognize when someone needs help and how to safely respond, what discourages us from acting when we see harm occurring, how to move through this resistance, tools to use when we are ready, and basic principles to guide our actions in becoming more aware and proactive bystanders in our community. This session is free and is open to everyone ages 18 and up. Space is limited. While this is a free event however donations to Granite State Organizing Project to continue their good work would be much appreciated.
Wednesday April 16 – Thursday, April 17
SOS 5th Annual Recovery, Inclusion, Community & Harm Reduction (RICH) Conference 2025 - 7:15 AM to 4:30 PM. Hosted by SOS Recovery Community Organization. Join us for the Northeast’s premier peer-recovery & harm reduction conference. The conference will include nationally recognized keynotes who will present innovations in peer-based recovery supports and harm reduction with a focus on diversity, equity and inclusion. This conference will attract leaders and advocates within the prevention, treatment, recovery, and harm reduction communities across New England as well as health care providers, clinical staffs, licensed professionals, mental health professionals, agency staff, social service providers, educators, first-responders and local, state and federal policy makers and legislators. Individuals and family members impacted by substance use disorder, people who use drugs, people who identify as sex workers, and allies of the recovery and harm reduction community are all welcome!
Saturday, April 19
Advanced Facilitator Training – 9:30 AM to 3:30 PM. Manchester Community College. Hosted by NH Listens. This Advanced Facilitator Training is focused on those difficult moments where people are in dialogue across significant differences. Many people are often trained to remain “neutral” when serving as facilitators. However, that doesn't mean facilitators should remain passive in the face of misunderstandings and harmful dynamics. This in-person session is designed to take a deeper dive into the tough moments that facilitators face, including self-reflection on identity as a facilitator, centering equity, and building confidence in productively addressing issues and facilitating constructive conversation among community members using a multi-partial approach. Facilitators for this training will be: Mikayla Townsend, Kevin Pajaro-Mariñez, and Michele Holt-Shannon.
Tuesday, April 22
Take Back the Night - 5:30 PM. NH State House – 107 N. Main St. Concord. Hosted by Thrive Survivor Support Center. Take Back the Night is a movement for survivors to celebrate their resilience and share their story. Join us for a march, candlelight vigil, and speaking portion of the evening. We look forward to having you there.
Wednesday, April 23
“No Other Land” Film Screening – 6:30 PM doors open, 7 PM film starts. 3S Artspace, 319 Vaughan Street, Portsmouth. Hosted by Not in My Name NH; cosponsored by AFSC-NH.
Thursday, April 24
Youth Division Information Session - 6 PM. Hosted by BLM NH. We will be recruiting for our Youth Division, a space where young voices unite to fight for justice, equality, and social change. Not only are we looking for middle and high school students to join as members and leaders but College advisors as well to work with our team. Join us to learn more about the goals/mission and foundational details of the Youth Division. Here we’re creating a community where we amplify each other’s voices, push for meaningful change, and advocate for the marginalized and underserved. Whether you’re passionate about racial justice, environmental sustainability, economic equity, or human rights, there’s a place for you here.
Saturday, April 26
Granite State Democracy Tour - Concord - 10 AM to 12 PM at the NH Historical Society, 30 Park Street, Concord. Hosted by Open Democracy. Whether you’re a seasoned adult or a school-age future voter, you’ll learn something when the Granite State Democracy Tour stops in Concord. See the knitted New Hampshire State House created by many NH citizens. Hear presentations about the electoral process and its impact on legislation. Listen to authors read from their books about school children who visit city hall and the U.S. Congress. Take your knowledge of civics to a new level with presentations that address questions like: What makes New Hampshire’s form of government unique? What’s involved in running a town or city? How are decisions made in the community?
Courage to Resist: Commemorating 50 Years Since Vietnam - 5:30 PM to 8:30 PM. Hosted by AFSC. Join us for an evening of stories, connection, resistance, and inspiration for a more just, peaceful future. With opportunities to join in person or online, we will highlight the efforts of AFSC staff, volunteers, conscientious objectors, and other war resisters in the struggle for peace.
Wednesdays, April 30
“There Is Another Way” Film Screening – 6:30 PM doors open, 7 PM film starts. 3S Artspace, 319 Vaughan Street, Portsmouth. Hosted by Not in My Name NH; cosponsored by AFSC-NH.
Thursday, May 1
May Day! International Workers Day Celebration - 5 PM to 7 PM. NH State House. 107 N. Main St. Concord. Hosted by Welcoming NH, AFSC NH, NH Council of Churches, NH Sierra Club. Join us at the Arches at the NH State House on International Workers Day to commemorate the immigrant workers in this country and across the world who make this state, country and world work. As we honor immigrant workers this May Day, it's imperative to recognize their unwavering commitment and the challenges they often face. Let's advocate for fair labor practices, equitable policies, and inclusive communities that uphold the dignity and rights of all workers, regardless of their origin. Today, we celebrate the strength and resilience of immigrant workers. Tomorrow, we continue our collective journey toward justice and equality for all.
Thursday, May 15
#2 Countering Christian Nationalism Community Conversation - 6 PM to 8 PM. In person (location TBD) and Zoom. Hosted by NH Council of Churches, Manchester-NAACP, American Friends Service Committee, Engage, Outright New Hampshire, Open Democracy, & more. This HYBRID event, the SECOND in a three-part series, seeks to explain the origins, tenets, and impacts of Christian nationalism, particularly in the context of New Hampshire. Co-hosted by the Countering Christian Nationalism Coalition, the event will provide attendees with knowledge to understand and address this issue in NH.
With best wishes,
Maggie Fogarty, Grace Kindeke and Kathleen Wooten
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 and Grace Kindeke staff the New Hampshire Program which publishes this newsletter. Kathleen Wooten is AFSC’s State House Watch researcher and database manager.
"State House Watch" is made possible in part by a grant from the Anne Slade Frey Charitable Trust. Your donations make our work possible. 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!