“I knew that I could never again raise my voice against the violence of the oppressed in the ghettos without having first spoken clearly to the greatest purveyor of violence in the world today—my own government.” – Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr, from ‘Beyond Vietnam: A Time to Break Silence,’ April 4, 1967
“World peace through nonviolent means is neither absurd nor unattainable. All other methods have failed. Thus, we must begin anew… Those of us who believe in this method can be voices of reason, sanity, and understanding amid the voices of violence, hatred and emotion. We can very well set a mood of peace out of which a system of peace can be built.” – Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr, ‘Dreams of Brighter Tomorrows,’ Ebony Magazine, March 1965.
Greetings, State House Watchers,
It was another big news week last week, with the US Supreme Court hearing arguments in the birthright citizenship case – a case built in New Hampshire with the courage of local families and the dedicated brilliance of our friends at the ACLU-NH. Read the key arguments here, and also consider the possible implications for access to public education for immigrant children.
We appreciate this insight from the African American Policy Forum (AAPF): “Birthright citizenship is a bedrock of democracy. Any challenge to the 14th Amendment, which we are seeing play out at the highest level at the Supreme Court today, is existential. In order to preserve the multiracial democracy we deserve, we must grapple with the anti-Black racism that has always defined the fight for citizenship in this country. In this perilous moment, we stand with Americans of all walks of life and for whom this country is home. Racism and democracy are incompatible.”
We continue to watch with horror as the US and Israel commit acts of terror in Iran and Lebanon, with wild-eyed disregard for international law and human rights. We recommend these thoughtful reflections from those working for peace:
“Two Versions of Christianity”: Pope Leo Calls for Peace as U.S. Uses Religion to Justify Iran War (Democracy Now, April 1, 2026)
Israeli Peace Activist: Gaza, Iran & Lebanon Are All Part of “One Forever War” That Must End (Democracy Now, April 6, 2026)
Trump’s Iran War: And the Big Fool Says to Press On (Joseph Gerson, Common Dreams, April 4, 2026)
What you need to know about the U.S. war on Iran (AFSC, March 9, 2026)
Here at home, Stephen Miller continues his relentless campaign of immigrant persecution and expulsion, and New Hampshire added one more town – Whitefield – to the list of law enforcement agencies willing to partner with ICE.
For a more hopeful message about the challenges we face, listen to Maggie Fogarty’s Palm Sunday sermon delivered at St. John’s Episcopal Church in Portsmouth – “Love Knows No Borders.” And read Steve Duprey’s recent op-ed in opposition to a bill that would eliminate refugee resettlement in NH. We’re happy to report that the bill – HB 1706 – appears headed for defeat following a recent 5-0 ITL vote by the Senate Health and Human Services Committee.
Back to the bad news, we’re very sorry to see that Governor Ayotte has signed HB 323 into law, a bill that excludes student IDs from being used for voting because apparently, student civic engagement is problematic for some of our elected leaders. Read more here.
Now that it’s April, NH Voices of Faith welcomes you to a special program of “Short & Sweet” online advocacy programs, every Tuesday and Thursday from 4 PM to 4:45 PM on Zoom. Register here to receive the link. The series starts tomorrow, April 7, with Rev. Robert Grabill on the topic of “Climate Hope.” And 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!
Both the House and Senate will meet in session on Thursday. House members will also consider House bills that have already passed the Senate but in amended form; they will decide whether to concur with the amended version, in which case the bill will go on to the governor, or to nonconcur, in which case the bill is defeated, or to nonconcur and request a committee of conference.
House members will also consider bills that have already passed both bodies and have been vetoed by the governor. A two-thirds majority is required in both chambers to override a veto.
ACTION ALERTS!
Our action alerts this week are for many public hearings on Wednesday, April 8, as well as a request for continued calls to Governor Ayotte.
Today – Contact the governor – Protect transgender rights.
OPPOSE 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.
Wednesday, April 8 – Day of Action – “Ban the Bans”
Join 603 Equality, NH Outright, and the ACLU-NH for a day of action at the NH State House to call for a “Ban on the Bans that threaten our rights and target vulnerable Granite Staters, including and especially transgender youth.” All are welcome for visibility actions starting at 9 AM at the State House, and then at Granite Place starting at 10 AM. Please oppose the following bills by showing up, signing in and offering testimony.
Use these links to sign in on the following bills:
Sign in for House bills.
Sign in for Senate bills.
Email House committees.
Email Senate committees.
Contact your Senator.
Contact your Representatives.
OPPOSE HB 1132, (New Title) prohibiting the display of certain flags and banners in public schools and public charter schools and establishing penalties for the display of prohibited flags and banners. Public hearing in the Senate Executive Departments and Administration Committee on Wednesday, April 8 at 9:10 AM in Room 103, SH.
OPPOSE SB 459, (New Title) exempting classification of individuals based on biological sex from the definition of an unlawful discriminatory practice in certain limited circumstances. Public hearing in the House Judiciary Committee on Wednesday, April 8 at 10 AM in Room 230, GP.
OPPOSE SB 430, (New Title) relative to mandatory disclosure by school district employees to parents and legal guardians. This bill puts LGBTQ+ students at risk of being outed against their will by trusted school personnel. Public hearing in the House Education Policy and Administration Committee on Wednesday, April 8 at 10 AM in Room 232, GP.
OPPOSE SB 464, relative to civil rights enforcement. From ACLU: “This bill changes the standard for civil rights enforcement, adding language that creates a new threshold of motivation for those committing civil rights infringements. That threshold in turn creates an additional burden on prosecutors pursuing action against those who have committed civil rights offenses. This weakens the ability to apply civil rights protections and enforcement within the state. The legal ramifications of changing this one sentence in existing state statute will have wide-sweeping implications for those seeking justice within one of the protected classes outline in existing law.” Public hearing in the House Judiciary Committee on Wednesday, April 8 at 10:30 AM in Room 230, GP.
OPPOSE SB 431, relative to violations of the prohibition on teaching discrimination. Public hearing in the House Education Policy and Administration Committee on Wednesday, April 8 at 11 AM in Room 232, GP.
OPPOSE SB 434, relative to regulation of public school materials. This bill requires local school districts to adopt and publicly post policies describing materials authorized for use by students in the district and outlining procedures to address complaints alleging that material is harmful or age-inappropriate for use in the district's schools. Public hearing in the House Education Policy and Administration Committee on Wednesday, April 8 at 11:30 AM in Room 232, GP.
Also on Wednesday, April 8: Public hearings re: assistance programs and safety in emergency rooms
OPPOSE HB 1797 – This bill proposes changes to eligibility for public assistance programs, including SNAP, the New Hampshire Employment Program, and family assistance. Read key messages from NH Hunger Solutions. Public hearing in the Senate Health and Human Services Committee on Wednesday, April 8 at 9:15 AM in Room 100, SH.
OPPOSE SB 667, relative to the assault of emergency room personnel. We’re concerned that this bill, which would establish two new felonies for assaults against emergency room staff and volunteers, would further criminalize mental illness and not reduce workplace violence. Public Hearing is Wednesday, April 8 in the House Criminal Justice and Public Safety Committee at 12 noon in Room 159, GP.
Tuesday, April 14 – Public hearings re: tipped wages and guns on campus
OPPOSE SB 416, relative to the pooling and sharing of tips among tipped employees. This bill would require tip pooling with no say from the affected workers. Read more from One Fair Wage. Public hearing in the House Labor Committee on Tuesday, April 14 at 10:30 AM in Room 159, GP. Contact April Richer at AFSC (afscnh@afsc.org) if you are or know of tipped workers who would be affected by this bill. And please share this sign-on letter.
OPPOSE HB 1793, prohibiting public colleges and universities from regulating the possession or carrying of firearms and non-lethal weapons on campus. Public hearing in Senate Judiciary, Room 100, SH, 01:45 pm.
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 full House did not meet in session last week.
Last week in the Senate
The Senate did not meet in session last week.
Coming Up in the House
The House will meet in session on Thursday, April 9. You can watch it here. In addition to voting on the Consent and Regular calendars, they will respond to House bills that have been amended by the Senate, as well as veto messages. Here are the bills we’re tracking which are up for votes or discussion.
On the Consent Calendar
CRIMINAL JUSTICE AND PUBLIC SAFETY
SB 521-FN, relative to unauthorized camping on private property. Rep. Alissandra Murray for Criminal Justice and Public Safety: While this bill seeks to expand prohibitions on unauthorized camping, it does not meaningfully address the root causes or realities of homelessness in New Hampshire. This bill primarily focuses on enforcement and penalties, extending restrictions on camping to private property in certain municipalities, but offers no corresponding investments in housing access, shelter capacity, or supportive services. Committee members expressed concern that the bill would further criminalize individuals experiencing homelessness without providing viable alternatives for safe shelter or stability. In practice, this approach risks displacing people from one location to another, increasing interactions with law enforcement, and exacerbating existing challenges rather than resolving them. The committee recognizes the importance of public health, safety, and property rights; however, we believe effective responses to homelessness must center on long-term solutions such as affordable housing, mental health support, and community-based services. Because this bill does not advance these goals and instead relies on punitive measures, the committee determined it was not an appropriate or effective policy response.” Committee recommends ITL.
SB 649-FN, increasing fines for using a hand-held mobile electronic device while driving a motor vehicle. Committee recommends OTP.
RESOURCES, RECREATION AND DEVELOPMENT
SB 443, relative to wastewater engineering. Committee recommends OTP.
SB 522, re-establishing the commission to study the economic impact of the arts and culture in New Hampshire. Committee recommends OTP.
SB 598, establishing the cyanobacteria mitigation loan and grant fund task force. Committee recommends OTP.
On the Regular Calendar
There are no bills we’re tracking on the Regular Calendar for April 9.
House will take up bills amended by the Senate, including:
HB 191-FN, (Second New Title) providing criminal penalties for the transporting of an unemancipated minor in order to obtain a surgical procedure or a termination of the minor’s pregnancy without parental permission.
House will take up vetoes by Governor Ayotte:
HB 451-FN, establishing the paint product stewardship program. This bill was vetoed by Governor Ayotte on March 16. Her message: “NO sales tax. Not now, not ever. For the reason stated above, I have vetoed House Bill 451-FN.”
HB 349-FN, relative to the practice of optometry and authorization to perform ophthalmic laser procedures. This bill was vetoed by Governor Ayotte on March 27. Her message: “Access to quality and affordable healthcare is necessary and essential to our quality of life here in New Hampshire. Just as important is ensuring that Granite Staters receive care delivered by medical professionals trained to perform the full range of procedures that may be required for serious surgeries. Authorizing non-physician providers to perform eye surgeries has the potential to create unnecessary risks for patients, particularly if additional surgical intervention is necessary. This is no criticism of our eye care professionals, as optometrists are essential care providers for eye exams, lenses, and non-surgical care. The reality is that ophthalmologists, who complete a minimum three-year residency after medical school, receive far greater supervised clinical and surgical training than optometrists. Laser eye surgeries are not minor procedures. Complications or failure of such procedures can lead to permanent vision loss. Even if most of these procedures go as planned, complications can require the full spectrum of surgical skills and training that only ophthalmologists as physicians possess. There have been successful efforts, such as expansion of care in Berlin, to increase access to care in rural parts of our state. We can and should strive to expand access and availability without reducing the safety threshold of the care provided to patients. HB 349 would increase the level of risk to patients by permitting eye surgeries by non-physician practitioners. In order to preserve a high level of safety, eye surgeries should be performed by physicians. As such, I am vetoing this bill.”
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 6
SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY AND ENERGY, Room 229, GP
9:00 AM SB 449-FN, relative to the participation of large customer-generators in net metering and relative to energy storage in connection with net metering.
9:30 AM SB 538-FN, extending net metering eligibility terms for municipal energy projects.
1:00 PM SB 540-FN, relative to portable solar generation devices.
2:00 PM SB 589-FN, relative to port electrification, microgrid development, and cybersecurity standards for energy and water systems.
Tuesday, April 7
COMMERCE AND CONSUMER AFFAIRS, Room 159, GP
10:00 AM SB 657-FN, creating a study commission to oversee the use of artificial intelligence in the state.
10:30 AM SB 639, establishing a committee to study the health and safety impacts of Red Dye 40 and other food additives in food and beverages sold in New Hampshire.
1:15 PM SB 482-FN, establishing consumer protections for digital access transaction kiosks.
HOUSING, Room 231, GP
10:30 AM SB 490, establishing a task force to assess the development of housing at Great Bay community college and authorizing the college the right to use vacant property for the purpose of developing housing.
11:00 AM SB 564, prohibiting certain municipal development restrictions.
MUNICIPAL AND COUNTY GOVERNMENT, Room 154, GP
11:00 AM SB 643-FN, requiring municipalities to hold a public hearing and conduct a roll call vote when seeking to override a tax or spending cap.
12:10 PM SB 440, relative to the adoption of energy efficient and clean energy districts by municipalities.
PUBLIC WORKS AND HIGHWAYS, Room 228, GP
10:00 AM SB 541-FN-A, relative to capital appropriations for regional drinking water infrastructure.
SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY AND ENERGY, Room 229, GP
10:00 AM SB 590-FN, relative to electric aggregation plans.
10:30 AM SB 591-FN, relative to electric utility investment in distributed energy resources.
1:00 PM SB 599-FN, relative to the renewable energy fund.
1:15 PM 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.
Wednesday, April 8
CRIMINAL JUSTICE AND PUBLIC SAFETY, Room 159, GP
10:30 AM SB 512-FN, relative to fees to annul criminal records related to charges that do not result in conviction.
12:00 PM SB 667-FN, relative to the assault of emergency room personnel.
EDUCATION POLICY AND ADMINISTRATION, Room 232, GP
10:20 AM SB 430, relative to mandatory disclosure by school district employees to parents and legal guardians.
11:00 AM SB 431, relative to violations of the prohibition on teaching discrimination.
11:30 AM SB 434, relative to regulation of public school materials.
HEALTH, HUMAN SERVICES AND ELDERLY AFFAIRS, Room 158, GP
9:00 AM SB 545-FN, relative to financial eligibility for the Medicare savings program.
10:00 AM SB 520, relative to breast surgeries for minors
11:00 AM SB 501, relative to authorization of seclusion or restraint during a personal safety emergency by a physician, physician associate, or advanced practice registered nurse.
11:30 AM SB 441-FN, relative to the financial responsibility for local assistance and enabling municipalities to request a hearing regarding the residency of an assisted person.
1:30 PM SB 615-FN, establishing a commission to study the use and regulation of SNAP in New Hampshire.
JUDICIARY, Room 230, GP
10:00 AM SB 459, exempting classification of individuals based on biological sex from the definition of an unlawful discriminatory practice in certain limited circumstances.
10:30 AM SB 464-FN, relative to civil rights enforcement.
Tuesday, April 14
LABOR, INDUSTRIAL AND REHABILITATIVE SERVICES, Room 159, GP
10:30 AM SB 416, relative to the pooling and sharing of tips among tipped employees.
Wednesday, April 15
WAYS AND MEANS, Reps Hall, SH
3:00 PM Public hearing on proposed amendment #2026-1134h to CACR 12, relating to voting on broadbased taxes. Providing that a supermajority vote of the general court shall be required to enact any broad-based taxes. This constitutional amendment concurrent resolution prohibits the house of representatives from adopting any tax on personal income.
Coming Up in the Senate
The Senate will meet in session on Thursday, April 9 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 1795-FN, requiring criminal history record checks for the renewal of teaching licenses. Committee recommends OTP.
ELECTION LAW AND MUNICIPAL AFFAIRS
HB 1134, relative to the town meeting form of local governance. Committee recommends referral 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. Committee recommends OTP.
HB 1468, relative to municipal flood resilience planning and the use of planning grants. Committee recommends OTP-A.
HB 1541-FN, requiring the secretary of state to provide all voting precincts with secure containers for storing ballots. Committee recommends OTP-A.
ENERGY AND NATURAL RESOURCES
HB 1535, relative to clarifying eligible renewable energy classes under the renewable portfolio standard. Committee recommends OTP-A.
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. Committee recommends OTP.
JUDICIARY
HB 206-FN, relative to government agent entries into secured premises. Committee recommends ITL.
HB 1696-FN, relative to the issuance of a summons instead of arrest. Committee recommends OTP.
HB 1697-FN, exempting certain firearms and firearm accessories manufactured and retained in New Hampshire from federal regulation. Committee recommends ITL.
HB 1730-FN, enhancing the level of offense for certain sexual offenses. Committee recommends OTP.
WAYS AND MEANS
HB 1433-FN, creating a child care tax credit for qualifying businesses. Committee recommends OTP.
HB 1597-FN, relative to business profits tax expense deductions. Committee recommends OTP-A.
On the Regular Calendar
FINANCE
HB 365-FN, relative to proof of United States citizenship for indigent voters. 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.
Tuesday, April 7
EDUCATION, Room Map Room, SL
9:15 AM HB 112-FN, requiring students in the university and community college systems of New Hampshire to pass the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services civics naturalization test, take a course that covers fundamental American documents as part of the general education curriculum, or pass a civics course competency test.
9:25 AM HB 1571-FN-A, requiring the department of education to review statewide academic standards and curricula.
9:45 AM HB 1573, permitting excused absences for students participating in civic engagement or attending a career or technical education event.
9:55 AM Hearing on proposed nongermane Amendment #, 2026-1244s permitting excused absences for student participation in certain activities and mandating the state board of education to grant school reassignment requests for students demonstrating a manifest educational hardship, to HB 1573, permitting excused absences for students participating in civic engagement or attending a career or technical education event.
ELECTION LAW AND MUNICIPAL AFFAIRS, Room 122-123, SH
9:15 AM HB 1516-FN, allowing municipalities to vote to require that pie charts, bar charts, and QR codes be placed on property tax bills depicting where and how tax dollars are being allocated.
FINANCE, Room 103, SH
1:30 PM HB 1491, relative to pooled risk management programs.
1:31 PM Hearing on proposed Amendment #2026-1316s, to HB 1491, relative to pooled risk management programs.
JUDICIARY, Room 100, SH
1:15 PM Hearing on proposed non-germane Amendment # 2026-1224s relative to recordings of custodial interrogations and the use of body-worn cameras in county departments of corrections, to HB 1236-FN, relative to recordings of custodial interrogations.
2:00 PM HB 1492-FN, relative to the regulation and appeal of motor vehicle towing from public highways and prohibiting the division of motor vehicles from suspending a license on the basis of debt owed to a private entity related to the towing or storing of a motor vehicle.
Wednesday, April 8
EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENTS AND ADMINISTRATION, Room 103, SH
9:00 AM HB 1332, relative to the authorized display of flags on state house grounds.
9:10 AM HB 1132, prohibiting the display of certain flags and banners in public schools and public charter schools and establishing penalties for the display of prohibited flags and banners.
9:20 AM HB 1115, adding a definition of citizen of New Hampshire and expanding the number of persons eligible for the New Hampshire medal of honor.
9:30 AM HB 1705-FN, establishing an employee assistance program for small town and volunteer first responders.
HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES, Room 100, SH
9:15 AM HB 1797-FN, relative to eligibility for public assistance, including the New Hampshire employment program, family assistance program, and SNAP.
9:30 AM HB 241-FN, relative to health insurance coverage of pain management services for the management of chronic pain.
Thursday, April 9
ENERGY AND NATURAL RESOURCES, Room 103, SH
2:00 PM HB 1718-FN, relative to authorizing energy storage in connection with net metering.
2:10 PM HB 1738-FN, relative to ratepayer benefits from the regional greenhouse gas initiative.
JUDICIARY, Room 100, SH
1:00 PM HB 1279, relative to the use of physical force in defense of a person.
1:20 PM HB 1173, relative to post-secondary education opportunities for inmates.
1:50 PM HB 1091, relative to the penalty for violations of municipal ordinances related to sleeping or camping outside.
Tuesday, April 14
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.
Wednesday, April 15
WAYS AND MEANS, Room 122-123, SH
10:00 AM HB 1602-FN, creating a safe battery recycling stewardship program.
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 8 vigil will be at Pappas' district office, 15 Third Street, Dover. The April 15 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 6, 2026
Peace & Justice Conversations: Nuclear Weapons & Your Tax Dollars - 7 PM to 8 PM, online. Every year on tax day, our country funds its national priorities and budget. According to Jim Wallis of Sojourners Magazine “budgets are moral documents.“ Where do nuclear weapons fit in our priorities? Now in its 38th year, the Nuclear Weapons Community Cost Project presents a comprehensive calculation of the total nuclear expenditures by our communities. Dr. Dodge will present an overview of this year‘s project.
Tuesday, April 7, 2026
April Short & Sweet Speaker Series – 4 PM to 4:45 PM, hosted online by AFSC, NHCUCC, and NH Voices of Faith. 45-minute Zoom sessions with 15 minutes of a presentation (with guest speaker), 15 minutes of Q & A, and 15 minutes about taking action.
Wednesday, April 8, 2026
Film: The Voice of Hind Rajab – 7 PM, at 3S Artspace, Portsmouth. Join 3S Artspace and Not in My Name NH for a film screening followed by a Q&A facilitated by Not in My Name NH. The evening will also include a marketplace of Palestinian art and crafts, and olive oil from the West Bank. About the film: On January 29, 2024, Red Crescent volunteers received an emergency call. A 5-year-old girl trapped in a car under fire in Gaza, pleading for rescue. While trying to keep her on the line, they did everything they could to get an ambulance to her. Her name was Hind Rajab. Blending real emergency call recordings with narrative story structure, the film follows the Red Crescent dispatchers who fight against time and impossible barriers to reach her.
Thursday, April 9, 2026
Your Passion Your Leadership: Stories of Success – 6 PM to 7:30 PM, Hanover Howe Library, 13 South Street, Hanover. This is the sixth workshop in our series, “Your Passion, Your Leadership: A Workshop Series for Aspiring Women Advocates.” A panel of women community advocates will share firsthand experiences of organizing against harmful policies, building coalitions, and winning real victories, offering inspiration and practical lessons for participants’ own leadership journeys. Your presenter Zandra Rice Hawkins is a nonprofit executive director, former City Councilor, PTA volunteer, and longtime community advocate who believes deeply that we are stronger together. She is the Founding Executive Director of Granite State Progress, a statewide communications and research hub advancing progressive policy in New Hampshire.
Saturday, April 11, 2026
A Long Talk - Transformative Conversations for Change – 10:30 AM to 2:30 PM, at Wesley United Methodist Church, 79 Clinton Street, Concord. A Long Talk was developed by two black fathers, Kyle Williams and Kamal Carter, in the wake of George Floyd’s murder in May 2020, during a moment of national reckoning. There was a collective and international outcry, but a notable gap existed between intention and action. People wanted to help but didn’t know where to start. A Long Talk was developed. It provides a space for conversations that people are afraid to have. A Long Talk provides an activation experience designed to empower participants with knowledge and skills to interrupt problematic thinking and behaviors. This program has been offered to universities, corporations, high schools, and grade schools across the US. A Long Talk has become “a war on ignorance” and has grown to be an experience that empowers people to respond to racism, xenophobia, and homophobia.
Bird-dog Training - 1 PM to 3 PM, at 4 Park Street, Concord. Want to learn to bird-dog the candidates like a pro? Join us for training by Arnie Alpert and Olivia Zink. The term “bird-dog” comes from hunting; the bird-dog’s job is to flush the birds out of the bushes and into the open. Politicians are like the birds–they try to keep their positions hidden behind vague rhetoric. Using tightly crafted questions, the successful bird-dog forces candidates to reveal their position on an issue. Learn how to ask questions on issues of importance to the candidates who are visiting our towns! The NH Coalition for a Just Peace in the Middle East, Open Democracy Action and NH Peace Action are hosting this training designed to explain how to strategically follow and quiz candidates about significant issues. With incomparable access to presidential candidates and the media who follow them, New Hampshire’s citizen “bird-dog” can shift the political tides of the nation. We show up at candidate appearances with honed questions that both educate onlookers and the media and elicit informative answers from the targeted candidate. Space is limited! Register today.
Sunday April 12, 2026
Give & Gather and BLM NH Let’s Dance – 5 PM to 8 PM Breakaway Café, 476 Central Ave, Dover. Give & Gather and Black Lives Matter NH are partnering for a special evening rooted in connection, dancing, community and collective care. This FREE open house style event will include: Potluck, dancing, plant & seed exchange, community art, Give & Gather Boards, and a place just to come and be. Right now, the world is heavy and we need each other more than ever.
Tales from Trans+ Lives Nashua/Milford – 5:30 PM to 6:30 PM (address shared at registration). Hosted by 603 Equality. 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.
Monday, April 13, 2026
Community in Conversation; Transformative Talks with BLM NH – 7PM to 8 PM Hosted online by BLM NH This discussion will explore the role of doulas, midwives, and community centered care in improving maternal health outcomes for Black families. The conversation will also highlight the importance of culturally responsive care models such as Team Birth and the growing need for Black birth workers across New Hampshire and the greater New England region. By uplifting the voices and leadership of Black doulas and midwives, this event will examine how communities, healthcare systems, and families can work together to ensure safer pregnancies, more supported births, and healthier futures for the next generation.
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.
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.
Tuesday, April 21, 2026
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.
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
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 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 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.
Saturday, May 9, 2026
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.
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.
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!