“At the risk of seeming ridiculous, let me say that the true revolutionary is guided by a great feeling of love. It is impossible to think of a genuine revolutionary lacking this quality.”― Ernesto "Che" Guevara
“The longer I live, the more deeply I learn that love — whether we call it friendship or family or romance — is the work of mirroring and magnifying each other’s light. Gentle work. Steadfast work. Life-saving work in those moments when life and shame and sorrow occlude our own light from our view, but there is still a clear-eyed loving person to beam it back. In our best moments, we are the person for another.” - James Baldwin
Happy Valentine’s Day, State House Watchers.
We’re sending gratitude to all of you who are doing the labor of love in our communities – caring for our neighbors, advocating for humane policies, defending the rights of targeted people, disrupting the status quo to insist on a world in which everyone can experience safety, connection, and joy. During this holiday weekend, take a moment to read this Love Letter to Those Who Resist - A Valentine for Those Who Chose Love, from our friend Eroc Arroyo-Montano.
Speaking of love, our hearts were full as we listened to the final prayer offered by Venerable Bhikkhu Paññākāra as the Buddhist monks concluded their 109-day walk for peace at the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, DC last week. You can read it here.
We’re now in a partial government shutdown – for a good reason. Funding for the Department of Homeland Security expired on Friday, when senators couldn’t reach agreement on reforms related to immigration enforcement and accountability for violence and lawlessness by ICE and Border Patrol. We sincerely hope that the standoff ends with significant cuts in funding for these over-funded, unaccountable agencies, and that momentum builds among lawmakers to abolish ICE. There’s plenty of justification to dismantle ICE and start over with an agency that can manage immigration in a humane, dignified and orderly manner.
We recommend these recently published reports/articles:
What you need to know about the call to abolish ICE, by Amy Gottlieb, AFSC’s US Migration Director
Courts have ruled 4,400 times that ICE jailed people illegally. It hasn’t stopped, Reuters, February 14, 2026
Inside the ICE forum where agents complain about their jobs, Wired, February 4, 2026
‘No humanity’: Detainees describe conditions inside Whipple Federal Building, The Minnesota Star Tribune, January 31, 2026
What ICE should have learned from the fugitive slave act, by Jelani Cobb, The New Yorker, January 30, 2026
In other immigration news, there are growing questions about what Governor Ayotte knew and when she knew it with regard to preparation by the US Department of Homeland Security to use a warehouse in Merrimack, NH as part of their nationwide plan for mass detention of immigrants. A week ago, Ayotte accepted the resignation of Sarah Stewart, commissioner of the state’s Department of Natural and Cultural Resources for apparently failing to relay DHS communications about the facility to the governor. Then this past week, ICE chief Todd Lyons told Senator Maggie Hassan that his office had shared an economic impact report with the governor’s office weeks ago, prompting a statement and records request from ACLU-NH. The governor has since released that report; read more here.
What’s clear to us is that Governor Ayotte needs to do everything in her power to oppose this horrible plan. Sign this petition today to urge her to act, and join us in Merrimack on Saturday, February 21, 12 noon to 2 PM for a rally in opposition to the planned detention center. More details coming soon.
Another recent frustration was the news that the town of Epping has become the 14th NH law enforcement entity to sign a 287g agreement with the Department of Homeland Security, offering their police capacity in service to the federal anti-immigrant agenda.
At the State House last week, we were moved by the powerful testimony of Representative Alice Wade, who spoke in opposition to SB 552, yet another discriminatory “bathroom bill.” Alice’s courage and dignity are a stark contrast to the shameful cruelty of those who disregard the humanity of transgender people.
Next week includes a federal holiday on Monday, but then a full schedule of committee hearings and session days in both chambers. Read on for lots of opportunities to take action.
ACTION ALERTS!
We’ve got many opportunities for action this coming week, not only for committee hearings but also related to the House and Senate session days.
For committee hearings, we can show up, and/or register our positions and share testimony online. You’ll need the date of the hearing, the committee name and the bill number. You’ll enter your name and contact information as well whether you represent an organization and/or are a lobbyist. You can sign-in on a bill until midnight the day of the hearing. Sign in for House bills here. Sign in for Senate bills here. You can also email the committee members: House committees here. Senate committees here.
Remember that if you’re planning to attend House committee hearings in person, they are located at Granite Place this year while renovations are being made at the LOB. Senate committee hearings continue to be held at the State House and in nearby state buildings, including the State Library.
For bills being taken up in the House and Senate session on Thursday, we ask you to contact your own representatives and senator. You can find contact information for your representatives here, and your senator here.
Here are the action alerts we’ve received from partners for this coming week.
Tuesday, February 17 – Defend public education, LGBTQ+ rights, and people with disabilities.
OPPOSE SB 431, relative to violations of the prohibition on teaching discrimination. This bill extends prohibitions on teaching public school students about discrimination. It has a public hearing in the Senate Education Committee on Tuesday, February 17 at 10:15 AM, in the Map Room, State Library. If you can’t show up to testify in person, please sign in to oppose.
OPPOSE HB 1165, relative to gender designation on state-issued identification. This harmful bill removes the "X" designation on NH drivers licenses and identification cards. It has a public hearing in the House Transportation Committee on Tuesday, February 17 at 1:40 PM in Room 234, GP. Please sign in to oppose, and/or show up to testify in person.
OPPOSE SB 667, relative to the assault of emergency room personnel. This bill establishes new felony level charges for assaults against emergency room personnel. Disability rights advocates express concern that it could lead to an increase in arrest and incarceration of people who experience a mental health crisis rather than ensure that people in this situation receive required mental health treatment. The bill is scheduled for a public hearing in Senate Judiciary on Tuesday, February 17 at 2 PM. Please sign in to oppose.
OPPOSE HB 365, relative to proof of United States citizenship for indigent voters. This bill requires the Secretary of State to verify citizenship status of voters without documents and creates a voucher program for voters without proof of citizenship. The NH Campaign for Voting Rights opposes this bill; read their talking points here. The bill has a public hearing in the Senate Election Law Committee on Tuesday, February 17 at 10 AM. Please sign in to oppose and contact the committee to share testimony.
Wednesday, February 18 – Protect access to health care and equity/inclusion/civil rights agencies.
SUPPORT HB 1794, directing the department of health and human services to identify the impact of Medicaid changes on New Hampshire residents' access to health care. If passed, the bill would require that the HHS commissioner prepare a report detailing the number of Granite Staters whose health care coverage will be impacted when the recently enacted federal and state changes go into effect; the effect of recently enacted changes on non-profit health care organizations, including hospitals, community health centers, community mental health centers, and area agencies, including reductions in services and closures of facilities; the impact on timely access to care for Granite Staters; and more, including state and municipal budget impacts. The report would support efforts to ensure that Granite Staters receive comprehensive and appropriate health care. The bill has a hearing on Wednesday, February 18 in the House Health and Human Services Committee at 10 AM in Room 158, GP. Please sign in to support and share testimony. And join Medicaid Matters for a free webinar that same day at 7 PM. Register here!
OPPOSE HB 392, (New Title) directing the dissolution of the department of health and human services' office of health access and the department of environmental services' functions for environmental justice. This anti-DEI bill has a public hearing in the Senate Executive Departments & Administration Committee on Wednesday, February 18 at 9:40 AM in Room 103, SH. Please sign in to oppose.
Thursday, February 19 – Contact your representatives ahead of the House session.
When the House of Representatives meet in session on Thursday, February 19, they will vote on multiple bills related to the death penalty, tenant rights, public education, and censorship. Please contact your representatives before Thursday to ask them to take the following actions.
OPPOSE HB 1792, prohibiting school districts and personnel from the instruction of critical race theory and LGBTQ+ ideologies in schools as well as establishing a private right of action for violations. This bill would censor conversations about racism, gender, and other realities in public school classrooms.
Non-Concur with Senate changes to HB 751, which has been amended to become an open enrollment bill, which would be very harmful to public education and municipalities. Read more from Reaching Higher NH. Note that the House can either concur with Senate changes and the bill passes, non-concur and request a committee of conference, or simply non-concur and the bill is defeated. Advocates for public education urge our elected officials to defeat this dangerous proposal.
OPPOSE all death penalty reinstatement bills: HB 1413-FN, reinstituting the death penalty in cases of capital murder; HB 1730-FN, making all offenses against minors involving sexual penetration or contact felony-level offenses punishable by death; HB 1737-FN, relative to reinstating the death penalty for certain offenses against minors under 13 years of age; and
HB 1749-FN, reinstating the death penalty for murder offenses. We are pleased to report that the House Criminal Justice Committee voted unanimously to recommend defeat for these bills, which are on the Consent Calendar for February 19.
OPPOSE HB 1499, relative to additional grounds for eviction under the landlord and tenant statute. This bill expands the grounds for evictions, including related to immigration violations and past felony convictions. The bill was improved by an amendment but continues to be harmful. Read some helpful talking points here.
Thursday, February 19 –Contact your senator ahead of the Senate session.
When the NH Senate meets in session on Thursday, February 19, their agenda includes votes on bills related to worker rights, public education, LGBTQ+ rights, censorship, and criminal sentencing. Please contact your senator ahead of Thursday’s session and urge them to take the following actions, and join the ACLU-NH and NH Outright for a rally at the State House at 9:30 AM that same day: Back Off Our Bodily Autonomy.
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. This bill is yet another attempt to ban books that include LGBTQ+ stories and information.
OPPOSE SB 430, relative to mandatory disclosure by school district employees to parents. This bill puts LGBTQ+ students at risk of being outed against their will by trusted school personnel.
OPPOSE SB 416, relative to the pooling and sharing of tips among tipped employees. This bill replaces the state restriction on tip pooling with the federal Fair Labor Standards Act rules governing the pooling and sharing of tips. From NH Faith & Labor: “This appears to be a bill designed to roll back the rights of tipped workers. Current NH law says that ‘tips shall be the property of the employee receiving the tip’ and that employers can institute a tip pooling program among workers only if employees ‘voluntarily and without coercion’ agree to such a process (279:26-b). SB 416 would repeal this tipped worker-protective statute in full. We are very concerned about the anti-worker intent behind this bill.” Note that this bill is on the consent calendar with a recommendation of OTP/A.
OPPOSE SB 467, 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.
Friday, February 20 – Defend LGBTQ+.
As you’ll see in the committee calendar below, Friday is a big day in the House Judiciary Committee, when five anti-trans bills have public hearings: 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; HB 1442-FN, limiting the use of certain facilities on the basis of sex and redefining the term ‘gender identity;’ 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; and HB 1564-FN, removing all references of gender identity in New Hampshire statutes. Please sign in to OPPOSE all five of these bills and submit testimony. And follow 603 Equality for next steps.
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 met for legislative business on Thursday. You can watch it here. Here are the bills we’re tracking which were voted on.
On the Consent Calendar
EDUCATION POLICY AND ADMINISTRATION
HB 1122, requiring all high school students to learn about hunting, wildlife management, and responsible firearms usage. ITL by VV.
HB 1267, prohibiting school district attorneys and non-school personnel from questioning students without their parent or guardian present. OTP by VV.
HB 1524-FN, requiring a logic and critical thinking course within the state high school education curriculum. ITL by VV.
HB 1628, requiring schools to provide excused absences for certain religious instruction, defining released time courses, and permitting schools to adopt policies and provide credit for released time courses. ITL by VV.
HB 1830-FN, requiring firearm safety education in all public schools. ITL by VV.
HEALTH, HUMAN SERVICES AND ELDERLY AFFAIRS
HB 1720-FN, relative to notice to child day care providers of child care scholarships. OTP by VV.
JUDICIARY
HB 1509-FN, relative to judicial immunity and permitting civil actions against judicial officers for certain criminal bail decisions. ITL by VV.
On the Regular Calendar
CRIMINAL JUSTICE AND PUBLIC SAFETY
HB 1570-FN-L, relative to governmental budget authority for agreements for law enforcement agencies to participate in federal immigration enforcement. ITL by RC, 198-161.
HB 1642-FN, relative to extreme risk protection orders. ITL by RC, 206-153.
EDUCATION FUNDING
HB 1701-FN, reestablishing the New Hampshire college graduate retention incentive partnership program and making an appropriation therefor. Laid on table.
EDUCATION POLICY AND ADMINISTRATION
HB 1716-FN, relative to the academic accountability of education freedom accounts. ITL by RC, 194-166.
ELECTION LAW
HB 1678-FN, requiring the secretary of state to accept voter registration forms directly from voters and to create an online portal for direct voter registration. ITL by VV.
EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENTS AND ADMINISTRATION
HB 1636-FN, directing the department of revenue administration to study options for generating state revenue. ITL by RC, 284-76.
HEALTH, HUMAN SERVICES AND ELDERLY AFFAIRS
HB 1584-FN, directing the department of health and human services to provide notice of medical and religious exemptions from immunization requirements and relative to the form of such exemption. OTP-A by RC, 197-163.
HB 1719-FN, removing Hepatitis B from the list of diseases for which immunization is required under state law. OTP by RC, 186-168.
HB 1798-FN, relative to the coverage of diapers under the state Medicaid plan. Laid on table.
JUDICIARY
HB 1067-FN, relative to the mental health courts. Laid on table.
HB 1501-FN, limiting judicial immunity. ITL by DV, 261-94.
RESOURCES, RECREATION AND DEVELOPMENT
HB 1664-FN, directing the department of natural and cultural resources to remove the Hannah Duston Memorial in Boscawen. ITL by RC, 194-156.
SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY AND ENERGY
HB 1002, repealing the solar energy systems tax exemption. Laid on table.
HB 1738-FN, relative to ratepayer benefits from the regional greenhouse gas initiative. OTP by VV.
WAYS AND MEANS
HB 1580-FN-L, relative to the taxation of non-primary residences. ITL by RC, 284-55.
Last week in the Senate
The full Senate did not meet in session last week.
Coming Up in the House
The full House will meet for legislative business on Thursday, February 19 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
COMMERCE AND CONSUMER AFFAIRS
HB 1080-FN, prohibiting the sale of condoms and personal lubricant that contain intentionally added per and polyfluoroalkyl substances. Committee recommends referral for interim study.
HB 1725-FN, relative to the regulation of artificial intelligence technologies. Committee recommends ITL.
HB 1761-FN, expanding the New Hampshire paid family and medical leave program. Committee recommends referral for interim study.
CRIMINAL JUSTICE AND PUBLIC SAFETY
HB 1087-FN, relative to citizen’s arrests by private persons. Committee recommends ITL.
HB 1413-FN, reinstituting the death penalty in cases of capital murder. Committee recommends ITL.
HB 1587-FN, requiring police body-worn camera footage be subject to the right-to-know law. Committee recommends referral for interim study.
HB 1730-FN, making all offenses against minors involving sexual penetration or contact felony-level offenses punishable by death. Committee recommends OTP-A.
HB 1737-FN, relative to reinstating the death penalty for certain offenses against minors under 13 years of age. Committee recommends ITL.
HB 1749-FN, reinstating the death penalty for murder offenses. Committee recommends ITL.
EDUCATION POLICY AND ADMINISTRATION
HB 1778-FN, relative to prohibiting the use of personal identity ideology in public school instruction and policies. Committee recommends ITL.
ELECTION LAW
HB 1163-FN, requiring the secretary of state to create and maintain a uniform election records management system. Committee recommends ITL.
HB 1429-FN, relative to the hand-counting of ballots at large polling places. Committee recommends ITL.
HB 1520-FN, defining citizenship for the purposes of voting. Committee recommends ITL.
ENVIRONMENT AND AGRICULTURE
HB 1621-FN, requiring a baseline environmental impact study to be completed prior to development of certain manufacturing and storage facilities. Committee recommends ITL.
HB 1622-FN, requiring the state to develop additional solid waste disposal capacity. Committee recommends OTP-A.
EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENTS & ADMINISTRATION
HB 1024, prohibiting investments by the New Hampshire retirement system in businesses owned by a sitting president or their family. Committee recommends referral for interim study.
HOUSING
HB 1143, relative to the remediation of mold in rental housing. Committee recommends ITL.
HB 1371, prohibiting application fees for residential rental agreements. Committee recommends ITL.
HB 1598-FN, relative to notice for tenants and landlords engaged in eviction processes. Committee recommends OTP-A.
JUDICIARY
HB 1671-FN, relative to prohibiting state Medicaid payments to facilities that discriminate against employees, students, or trainees for exercising lawful medical or religious vaccine exemptions. Committee recommends referral for interim study.
STATE- FEDERAL RELATIONS AND VETERANS AFFAIRS
HR 21, urging New Hampshire’s congressional delegation to support the repeal of the 2001 and 2002 Authorizations for Use of Military Force. Committee recommends OTP-A.
On the Regular Calendar
EDUCATION FUNDING
HB 1557-FN, modifying the state average expenditure per pupil relative to students in special education. Majority committee recommends ITL. Minority committee recommends OTP.
HB 1563-FN-L, relative to the special education aid formula. Committee recommends OTP-A.
HB 1574-FN, authorizing school districts to extend free and reduced lunch benefits for special education students. Majority committee recommends OTP-A. Minority committee recommends ITL.
HB 1791-FN-A, directing the department of education to establish a grant program at the post-secondary educational level for individuals with developmental disabilities, and making an appropriation therefor. Majority committee recommends ITL. Minority committee recommends OTP-A.
HB 1799-FN, relative to required state funding for providing an opportunity for an adequate education. Majority committee recommends ITL. Minority committee recommends OTP.
HB 1803-FN, rendering a recipient of an education tax credit scholarship ineligible to receive education freedom account funds in the same program year. Majority committee recommends ITL. Minority committee recommends OTP.
HB 1826-FN, relative to the cost of an opportunity for an adequate education. Majority committee recommends ITL. Minority committee recommends OTP.
HB 1831-FN, repealing the education trust fund targeted aid cap. Majority committee recommends ITL. Minority committee recommends OTP.
HB 1835-FN, relative to the formula for distribution of aid to school districts. Majority committee recommends ITL. Minority committee recommends referral for interim study.
EDUCATION POLICY AND ADMINISTRATION
HB 1571-FN-A, requiring the department of education to review statewide academic standards and curriculum and making an appropriation therefor. Committee recommends OTP-A.
HB 1792-FN, prohibiting school districts and personnel from the instruction of critical race theory and LGBTQ+ ideologies in schools as well as establishing a private right of action for violations. Majority committee recommends OTP. Minority committee recommends ITL.
ELECTION LAW
HB 1083-FN, requiring the disclosure of the source of certain political donations in state elections. Majority committee recommends ITL. Minority committee recommends OTP.
HB 1600-FN, requiring the division of motor vehicles to make available the opportunity to register to vote at the time of application for or renewal of a drivers license or nondrivers identification card. Committee recommends OTP-A.
HB 1627-FN, creating a single primary ballot. Majority committee recommends ITL. Minority committee recommends OTP.
HB 1838-FN, establishing a voter-owned elections fund and commission and raising vehicle registration fees. Majority committee recommends ITL. Minority committee recommends OTP.
HEALTH, HUMAN SERVICES AND ELDERLY AFFAIRS
HB 1811-FN, repealing statutory immunization requirements for children. Majority committee recommends OTP-A. Minority committee recommends ITL.
HOUSING
HB 1499-FN, relative to additional grounds for eviction under the landlord and tenant statute. Majority committee recommends OTP-A. Minority committee recommends ITL.
HB 1732-FN, relative to housing accessibility and voucher allocation in new multi-unit developments. Majority committee recommends ITL. Minority committee recommends OTP-A.
HB 1814-FN, establishing a 10-year strategic housing and infrastructure plan. Majority committee recommends ITL. Minority committee recommends OTP-A.
SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY AND ENERGY
HB 1718-FN, relative to authorizing energy storage in connection with net metering. Committee recommends OTP-A.
HB 1748-FN, establishing the New Hampshire energy efficiency and resource development authority. Majority committee recommends referral for interim study. Minority committee recommends ITL.
HB 1775-FN, relative to utility ownership of natural gas and nuclear power generation facilities. 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.
Tuesday, February 17
COMMERCE AND CONSUMER AFFAIRS, Room 159, GP
10:00 AM HB 1231, requiring health care providers to disclose medical services billed to the patient’s insurance carrier.
2:45 PM HB 1656-FN, relative to insurance coverage for pelvic health therapy.
HOUSING, Room 231, GP
10:00 AM HB 1726-FN, directing state agencies to identify and dispose of surplus property for affordable housing development.
1:00 PM HB 1681, relative to the definition, inspection, and local approval of tiny houses and yurts as innovative housing structures.
TRANSPORTATION, Room 234, GP
1:40 PM HB 1165, relative to gender designation on state-issued identification.
Wednesday, February 18
EDUCATION POLICY AND ADMINISTRATION, Room 232, GP
10:00 AM HB 1280, establishing a commission to study public school open enrollment.
10:45 AM HB 1401, amending the meaning of scholarship organization as it pertains to education freedom accounts.
HEALTH, HUMAN SERVICES AND ELDERLY AFFAIRS, Room 158, GP
9:00 AM HB 1760-FN-A, repealing the directive that the department of health and human services seek a waiver to establish pharmacy copayment and premium requirements under the state Medicaid plan and making an appropriation therefor.
10:00 AM HB 1794-FN, directing the department of health and human services to identify the impact of Medicaid changes on New Hampshire residents’ access to health care.
11:00 AM HB 1070-FN, relative to the involuntary emergency admission process.
Friday, February 20
EDUCATION POLICY AND ADMINISTRATION, Room 232, GP
10:00 AM HB 1268, modifying definitions and requirements relative to home education programs.
10:05 AM Public hearing on proposed Amendment #2026-0606h to HB 1268, modifying definitions and requirements relative to home education programs. This amendment replaces the current framework for home education programs in New Hampshire by modifying the definitions, administration, and requirements of such programs. It also removes cross-references to the previous framework for home education programs and directs the state board of education to repeal certain administrative rules relative to the prior framework.
JUDICIARY, Room 231, GP
10:00 AM HB 1217, permitting classification of individuals based on biological sex under certain limited circumstances.
10:30 AM 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.
11:00 AM HB 1442-FN, limiting the use of certain facilities on the basis of sex and redefining the term “gender identity.”
11:30 AM 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.
1:00 PM HB 1564-FN, removing all references of gender identity in New Hampshire statutes.
2:00 PM HB 1389, relative to PFAS facility liability.
Coming Up in the Senate
The Senate will meet in session next week on Thursday, February 19 starting at 10 AM. You can watch it here.
On the Consent Calendar
COMMERCE
SB 416, relative to the pooling and sharing of tips among tipped employees. Committee recommends OTP-A.
EDUCATION
SB 429-FN-A, relative to the placement of trauma kits in public schools and making an appropriation therefor. Committee recommends OTP.
SB 517-FN, relative to the responsibility of local school districts to provide meals to students during school hours, reimbursing schools for meals provided to students at no cost, and making an appropriation therefor. Committee recommends OTP.
ELECTION LAW AND MUNICIPAL AFFAIRS
SB 437, making a line on the return that enumerates the number of people who attempted to register to vote but were denied registration due to lack of required documentation. Committee recommends ITL.
SB 660, relative to photo identification cards issued solely for the purpose of voting. Committee recommends OTP.
EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENTS & ADMINISTRATION
SB 420, relative to the state commission for human rights. Committee recommends referral for interim study.
FINANCE
SB 407-FN-A, making an appropriation for each full-time student eligible for the in-state tuition rate enrolled in the university system of New Hampshire. Committee recommends referral for interim study.
SB 602-FN, relative to the withholding of state payments to the federal government in response to suspended federal aid. Committee recommends ITL.
On the Regular Calendar
EDUCATION
SB 430, relative to mandatory disclosure by school district employees to parents. Committee recommends OTP-A.
SB 434, relative to regulation of public school materials. Committee recommends OTP-A.
SB 532, increasing the requirements of the education freedom savings account oversight committee and modifying the purpose of the committee. Committee recommends ITL.
SB 533, requiring the state to seek bids for contracts to oversee and operate the state’s education freedom account program every three years. Committee recommends ITL.
SB 576, adds definitions and reporting requirements relative to education freedom accounts. Committee recommends ITL.
SB 578, extending recess for students from kindergarten to eighth grade and prohibiting the deprivation of recess time as punishment in schools. Committee recommends OTP-A.
ELECTION LAW AND MUNICIPAL AFFAIRS
SB 587, creating criteria for redistricting of congressional districts, state senate districts, state house of representatives districts, and executive councilor districts. Committee recommends ITL.
FINANCE
CACR 12, relating to voting on broad-based taxes. Providing that a supermajority vote of the general court shall be required to enact any broad-bases taxes. Committee recommends OTP.
SB 419-FN-A, relative to the housing champion designation and program and the affordable housing fund, and making appropriations therefor. Committee recommends referral for interim study.
SB 604-FN-A, making an appropriation to the university system of New Hampshire. Committee recommends referral for interim study.
HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
SB 474, relative to the effective date of the law regarding collection and reporting of abortion statistics. Committee recommends OTP.
JUDICIARY
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 OTP.
SB 554, repealing the limitation of liability for certain design features of firearms. Committee recommends ITL.
SB 623-FN, relative to requirements for law enforcement officers assisting in immigration enforcement. Committee recommends ITL.
HB 186-FN-A, relative to the legalization and regulation of cannabis and making appropriations therefor. Committee recommends ITL.
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, February 17
COMMERCE, Room 100, SH
10:45 AM HB 1196-FN, repealing the state housing champion designation and grant program.
EDUCATION, Map Room, SL
9:15 AM SB 403, requiring all schools to start the school year after Labor Day.
9:45 AM SB 575, establishing a study committee to study the issue of school bullying.
10:15 AM SB 431, relative to violations of the prohibition on teaching discrimination.
ELECTION LAW AND MUNICIPAL AFFAIRS, Room 122-123, SH
9:15 AM HB 158, relative to public inspection of absentee ballot lists.
9:30 AM HB 281, requiring electronic voter checklists to be supplied in a sortable format.
9:45 AM HB 463, relative to the composition of the board of recount in elections for the select board and for the school board.
10:00 AM HB 365-FN, relative to proof of United States citizenship for indigent voters.
FINANCE, Room 103, SH
1:40 PM HB 104-FN, relative to requiring an official declaration of war for the activation of the New Hampshire national guard in a foreign state.
JUDICIARY, Room 100, SH
1:50 PM SB 657-FN, relative to the oversight of artificial intelligence.
2:00 PM SB 667-FN, relative to the assault of emergency room personnel.
TRANSPORTATION, Room 122-123, SH
1:30 PM SB 668-FN, authorizing a historic marker on a highway for the purpose of acknowledging the abuse of former residents of the youth development center.
Wednesday, February 18
EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENTS AND ADMINISTRATION, Room 103, SH
10:00 AM HB 1162, extending the commission on Holocaust and genocide studies.
Upcoming Events
Want us to list your peace and justice-related event? Contact us at afscnh@afsc.org.
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 February 18 vigil will be at Shaheen’s office, 2 Washington Street, Dover; we gather at the entrance to Henry Law Park. The February 25 vigil will be at Pappas' district office, 15 Third Street, Dover.
Every First Wednesday
Mindful Meditation with Aryaloka Buddhist Center of Newmarket - 6 PM – 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 – 7:00 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 in Palestine & Israel – 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!
Saturday, February 14, 2026
Noche Fuego – 6 PM to 9 PM, 30 Temple Street, Nashua, hosted by Involved to Impact and Soel Sistas Café-Catering and Food. Noche Fuego Valentine’s Gala brings our community together to celebrate love, leadership, connection, art, music, and the communities we proudly support. Dinner is provided, with live music by Triana! Your registration helps Involved to Impact provide real resources and impact in our community. Reserve your spot to enjoy an evening of warmth, good company, and support for a great organization!
Sunday, February 15, 2026
Not My President Day Rally: ICE out of Merrimack! – 1 PM to 3 PM, at the State House, Concord. Tell Governor Ayotte: No ICE, no human warehouses, no secret deals! Bring your voice. Bring your signs. Bring your people. This is what democracy looks like. Hosted by NH 50501.
Repairing and Reconnecting Relationships – 3 PM to 5 PM, online event hosted by DC Peace Team. Our close relationships are challenged by societal stress, trauma, and mental health. The concept and connection of family has been affected by current events resulting in violence. This calls us to deepen our listening and caregiving for our "family" members. We will combine restorative and nonviolent practices to build skills to support positive, thriving, empowered relationships and transform how we show up in our relationships. In this session we ask: How can we navigate effective communication to best repair broken relationships and/or reconnect with our loved ones? Join us to share and receive ideas and experiences to position our hearts and minds to show up with a reframed best self and avoid repeating negative patterns such as codependency, abuse, and neglect. Attachment, boundaries, co-dependency and intergenerational communication will be explored as well as new ways of being into this new year.
Monday, February 16, 2026
Statewide Bridge Brigades – 1 PM to 3 PM. Hosted by NH Bridge Brigade. As events move forward in Merrimack, we urge you to include messaging to show our absolute disgust for ICE gulags coming to Merrimack. See link for locations statewide. We stand together peacefully, holding the line for democracy and fair treatment.
Wednesday, February 18, 2026
NH Coalition for a Just Peace in the Middle East - Quarterly Update- 6:30 PM to 8 PM, online event. We invite you to learn about our present initiatives, and to hear about the campaigns our organizations are involved in to promote peacebuilding, justice, and liberation for Palestine and the region at this critical time. You’ll also hear from our coalition’s working groups (Legislative, Education & Outreach, and BDS), contribute ideas for enlarging the coalition’s sphere of influence, and get news of upcoming actions.
Thursday, February 19, 2026
Back Off Our Bodily Autonomy – 9 AM to 10:30 AM, at the NH State House, Concord. Hosted by the ACLU-NH. In New Hampshire, our bodily autonomy, private health decisions, and access to health care are still under attack, despite how overwhelmingly unpopular bans and restrictions are amongst Granite Staters. Join us to hear speakers from across NH who have been directly impacted by laws that have created barriers to healthcare access, privacy, and dignity as well as a large visual installation featuring statements and experiences from Granite Staters who just want one thing: the dignity and freedom to access the healthcare they need.
Saturday, February 21, 2026
NH Immigrant Mutual Aid Fund fundraiser – 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM at the Concordia Lutheran Church, 211 N. Main Street, Concord. The NH Immigrant Mutual Aid Fund was created to provide legal consults for immigrants, living expenses for families affected by detention or deportation and other funds needed to keep immigrants in NH safe. Join us for a great cause! Enjoy a full dinner, dessert and wine, music and a speaker. Sliding scale - $60-$100 per person. Take-out desserts and handmade items for sale at the event. Contact Glen at glenring52@gmail.com with questions.
Sunday, February 22, 2026
Active Bystander Intervention and Law Enforcement/ICE Situations – 2 PM to 5 PM. Online event hosted by DC Peace Team. This training focuses on effective skills for assessing, de-escalating, and diffusing a harmful or inappropriate behavior (bullying, harassment, physical violence) in situations when ICE may arrive. It provides participants with the tools they need to quickly recognize when they are bystanders, evaluate the consequences for everyone involved, and take action. Our training sessions promote nonviolent alternative approaches for defusing harmful situations and engaging with the aggressor and those subject to harmful acts.
*This advanced session will focus on the strategy of developing early response to ICE situations. It will include but not be limited to strategy for preparing to protect immigrants at a sensitive location, such as a school or religious community.
Wednesday, February 25, 2026
Lift Your Voice: A Public Witness for Immigrant Justice - 10 AM. Starting at Wesley United Methodist Church in Concord, people of many faith communities will come together in worship, moral courage, and solidarity before processing to the NH State House for a shared public witness. We will lift our voices in song together, deepening our community resolve and amplifying our message through music. All are invited to St. Paul's Episcopal Church afterward for a time of connection. Clergy are encouraged to wear suitable vestments as a visible sign of moral witness. This local event is part of a broader, nationwide day of action, paralleling the gathering in Washington, DC in support of immigrant justice.
A Just Peace in the Middle East Vigil – 2 PM to 3 PM, at the Office of Representative Chris Pappas, 15 Third Street, Dover. Hosted by NH Peace Action, NH Palestine Education Network and Veterans for Peace NH. This event is not a rally. It is a vigil and an expression of our steadfast commitment to human rights and peace for all people and the planet. We stand with all who are suffering of any nationality or religion and will deliver a letter to the Congressman. We act on our responsibility to end the U.S. supported human, health, and environmental devastation this violence is causing.
Saturday, February 28, 2026
Queer De-Escalation & Self-Defense Training – 10 AM to 6 PM. Location will be shared with registrants. Hosted by 603Equality; 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. It is a seven-hour training, with active participation. We will provide lunch. Participants will sign a waiver form. Minors are welcome if a parent signs a waiver for them. Space is limited to 15-20 attendees. We are requesting a donation of at least $25 to hold your space; please contact us if this is a barrier. Please contact us at deescalation@603equality.org to let us know if you have specific accessibility needs.
Tuesday, March 3, 2026
Coexistence My Ass - A Film Screening & Conversation – 7 PM, at Red River Theatre, 11 S. Main Street, Concord. Hosted by Not in My Name NH. Ticket price: $12. The screening will be 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. Disillusioned with politics, charismatic and engaging Noam Shuster Eliassi pivots to the world of stand-up comedy as a means of communicating her “radical” message that Palestinian and Israelis deserve the same equal human rights. Amber Fares’ fascinating film, alternating between hilarity and bone-shaking gravity, intersperses clips from Noam’s very funny stage performances with observational scenes of Noam interacting with her parents and her Palestinian best friend. Additionally, Noam contends with the media at large and her social media following, who are often frustratingly extreme in their attempts to pigeonhole her. Noam attracts the attention of Harvard, who funds the development of a performance project that she sassily calls, “Co-Existence, My Ass!” – a title that started as a lark, but grows to feel like a bitter pill. Through it all, Noam tries to hang on to her sanity and keep the thread of her life’s work alive. In the film, comedian Noam Shuster Eliassi creates a personal and political one-woman show about the struggle for equality in Israel/Palestine.
Wednesday, March 4, 2026
Coexistence My Ass - A Film Screening & Conversation – 6:30 PM, at 3S Artspace, Portsmouth. Hosted by Not In My Name NH. Tickets are $12 at the door. The screening will be 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. See film description above.
Thursday, March 12, 2026
How to Have Courageous Conversations – 6 PM to 8 PM, 21 Centre Street, Concord. This hybrid event is co-facilitated by James McKim and Rev. Kate Harmon Sibirini. Join us for an interactive training that will equip participants with practical tools to host respectful, truth-seeking community conversations in a time of political division. The program helps neighbors create local public spaces where listening replaces labeling and common ground can emerge. Participants will leave more confident to convene conversations that foster belonging, clarity, and courageous civic engagement, and resist distortion of Jesus’ teachings. This program is part of the Countering Christian Nationalism project with examples drawn from how this ideology shows up in local communities and shapes public life. Childcare is available, please RSVP. Dinner will be served. Zoom attendees will only be able to watch, not engage in the training. Please plan to arrive by 5:50pm so we can begin promptly at 6:00pm. Registration is required.
Saturday, March 28, 2026
No Thrones, No Crowns, No Kings in New Hampshire – Noon to 4 PM, at the State House, 107 North Main Street, Concord. Join us as we support the Constitution and reject authoritarianism! Hosted by 50501 NH.
No Kings III Nashua- 12 noon to 2 PM. Hosted by Gate City Voices at the Soldiers & Sailors Monument Nashua. Guest speakers, live music, rally energy, food & necessities drive.
No Kings Seacoast –1 PM to 3 PM, Market Square, Portsmouth. Come out to say no! No to the murder of US citizens, and anonymous "law enforcement" thugs. No to the attacks on Venezuela, and the threats to Iran and Greenland. Hosted by Occupy New Hampshire Seacoast, NH for Bernie Sanders, NH Labor for Bernie, Seacoast Overpass Light Brigade, and Occupy New Hampshire.
Tuesday, April 21, 2026
Open Democracy Book Club: The Hard Work of Hope – 7 PM to 8:30 PM. 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.
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 opens February 12 — stay tuned for more details!
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!