State House Watch: January 11, 2026

“The heart that breaks open can contain the whole universe.” ― Joanna Macy

“If the world is to be healed through human efforts, I am convinced it will be by ordinary people, people whose love for this life is even greater than their fear.”
― Joanna Macy

Greetings, State House Watchers.

It was a wrenching week, as ICE agents took another innocent life in their immoral crusade to terrify communities, crush dissent, and enact mass deportations. Our hearts are with the family and loved ones of Renee Nicole Good, and with activists in Minneapolis and everywhere who are working courageously to push back on state violence. We hold you in the Light. Many thanks to all who organized vigils throughout the weekend.

In the last year we have seen more and more people get involved with rapid response programs, distribute know-your-rights information, and engage in other solidarity actions. This groundswell of people committed to protecting our communities has prevented many deportations and brought hope in challenging times. We will not be deterred from these efforts, and we will continue to stand with immigrant communities and with one another in the struggle for peace and justice.

We joined hundreds of people in Merrimack on Thursday evening to send a clear and urgent message to town officials – to do everything in their power to ensure that there is no ICE “processing center” in Merrimack. Read more here, here, and here. 

Last week, the Senate voted to advance a war powers resolution barring further military force against Venezuela without congressional approval. The full Senate is expected to vote on the measure soon. Learn more in this explainer from AFSC; we also appreciate this resource from the Washington Office on Latin America. Please sign this petition, and contact our NH Congressional delegation to urge their support for the resolution. 

Welcome Divine Nkwelle!
We’re delighted to announce that Divine Nkwelle has joined our team as AFSC’s NH Program Coordinator. From the South West region of Cameroon, Divine holds an MA in Conflict Resolution and Coexistence from Brandeis University, an MA in Intercultural Conflict Management from Alice Salomon University of Applied Sciences in Berlin, Germany, and a bachelor’s degree in Political Science from the University of Buea, Cameroon. His research and practice emphasize inclusive governance, conflict prevention, and human rights–based approaches to sustainable peace. His work bridges peacebuilding practice, research, and advocacy. Divine previously served as a Peace Fellow with AFSC, where he facilitated the dialogue and exchange program. Prior to joining AFSC, he coordinated the disarmament dialogue initiative at the International Peace Bureau and the civic education and participatory leadership program at the Center for Human Rights and Democracy in Africa. Divine will lead our immigrant rights work, including policy advocacy, community organizing, and support for leadership within Black and African immigrant communities.

Report from Opening Days
The halls were full at the State House last week, when the House and Senate returned for the new session. On the agenda were retained bills that had been carried over from the previous session. Voices of Faith, the Kent Street Coalition, and Open Democracy were on hand to urge lawmakers to reject proposals that would harm public education, voting rights, transgender rights, access to school lunches and more. Unfortunately, most of the votes were bad news.

Representatives passed SB 268, a bill that allows for discrimination against transgender people. The bill goes to the governor for signature. They also passed SB 15, a bill that would establish hard labor as a sentencing option for certain kinds of crimes. It now heads back to the Senate. Read more here. In addition, Representatives approved HB 392, which would eliminate the Office of Health Access; SB 33, a pro-censorship proposal; HB 348, which would erode the obligations of municipalities to care for their residents; and HB 232, which would allow medical professionals to deny health care based on their own religious beliefs.

Also, we received this summary from Open Democracy: “Unfortunately, many anti-voter bills did advance. Most notably is HB 323, which would ban student IDs from being used to check in and vote at the polls. The bill is based on false claims of voter fraud and would make voting harder for many eligible Granite Staters, especially young people. The bill will now move to the Senate Election Law Committee for a public hearing—we'll be sure to let you know when it's scheduled. For updates and video clips on all retained 2025 bills you took action on last week, click here and scroll to the ‘Legislative’ tab.”

We note with frustration that the House members approved HB 155, which cuts the business enterprise tax, further reducing much-needed revenue that could be used for essential services instead of another tax break for the wealthy. Read more here.

There was actually some good news in the House last week as well! Representatives defeated HB 675, the statewide school budget cap (read more here and here), and protected the rights of children in foster care to receive their federal benefits (HB 661). 

Time for Committee Hearings!
Now both bodies will hold public hearings on the 1,146 legislative proposals for this session. Oof. Scroll down for the ones we’re tracking. This coming week is super busy, with hearings on the death penalty, guns, housing, and immigration (a positive bill!)

If you’re planning to attend in person, remember that House hearings will be at Granite Place.

We’re grateful for the work of many partners whose advocacy resources help us all to engage effectively in the process. Check these out: NH League of Women Voters, New Futures, and the Kent Street Coalition.

ACTION ALERTS! 
This coming week there are many public hearings in House and Senate committees. (Remember that House hearings will be at Granite Place this year, not in the LOB.) In addition to giving testimony in person, we have an opportunity to 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.

Here are the action alerts we’ve received from partners for this coming week.

Top Priority: Protect Death Penalty Repeal!
Four bills which would re-instate the death penalty in NH will be heard in the House Criminal Justice & Public Safety Committee on Wednesday, January 14 and Thursday, January 15. Here’s how to take action: 

1.) Show up in person to sign-in in opposition and submit your written testimony, OR . . .

2.) Sign-in remotely today! For January 14, sign in to OPPOSE three bills – HB 1749, reinstating the death penalty for murder offenses; HB 1413, reinstituting the death penalty in cases of capital murder; and HB 1737, relative to reinstating the death penalty for certain offenses against minors under 13 years of age. For January 15, sign in to OPPOSE HB 1730, making all offenses against minors involving sexual penetration or contact felony-level offenses punishable by death.

3.) Write to the House Criminal Justice & Public Safety Committee to urge them to recommend defeat for all of four of these bills. Here are some talking points from the NH Coalition to Abolish the Death Penalty.

Today!
OPPOSE SB 268, permitting classification of individuals based on biological sex under certain limited circumstances. This bill was a retained bill from 2025. The House passed it last week and now it heads to Governor Ayotte. Please call the governor and urge her to VETO it. This bill is nearly identical to the so-called “bathroom bill” she vetoed last spring. (603)271-2121.

Wednesday, January 14
The House Criminal Justice and Public Safety Committee will hold multiple public hearings on bills related to gun violence:
OPPOSE HB 1793, prohibiting public colleges and universities from regulating the possession or carrying of firearms and non-lethal weapons on campus.
OPPOSE HB 1697, exempting certain firearms and firearm accessories manufactured and retained in New Hampshire from federal regulation.
OPPOSE HB 1365 – relative to applications for licenses to carry a loaded pistol. This bill prohibits pistol/revolver license application forms from requesting employment, personal references, or record disclosure information beyond what was required on the December 2009 version of form DSSP 85.
SUPPORT HB 1387 – repealing limiting liability for certain design features of firearms.
SUPPORT HB 1642- relative to extreme risk protection orders. This bill establishes a procedure for issuing extreme risk protection orders to protect against persons who pose an immediate risk of harm to themselves or others.

Also on January 14....
OPPOSE SB 615, relative to the use and regulation of EBT cards and SNAP eligibility. This bill directs the department of health and human services to submit a waiver to the US Department of Agriculture to prohibit the purchase of candy and soft drinks with SNAP benefits; strengthens work requirements for SNAP eligibility; directs the department of health and human services to enter into data-sharing agreements with other state agencies to verify SNAP benefit eligibility; and directs the department to verify eligibility of enrollees that make exclusively out-of-state purchases; and prohibits the department from using their discretion to set more lenient standards for SNAP eligibility or exemptions than those outlined in federal law. The Senate Health & Human Services Committee will hold its public hearing on January 14 at 10 AM in Room 100, SH.

Thursday, January 15
OPPOSE HB 1788, holding state contracts with DEI provisions to be void as a matter of law and establishing a right of action for taxpayers where public entities or state agencies engage with contracts with DEI provisions. The Executive Departments & Administration Committee will hold its public hearing on January 15 at 10 AM in Granite Place, Room 231.
SUPPORT HB 1609, limiting the use of state, county, and municipal funds and property for construction and operation of certain immigrant detention facilities. The Executive Departments & Administration Committee will hold its public hearing on January 15 at 1:30 PM in Granite Place, Room 231.

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 in session on Wednesday, January 7 and Thursday, January 8. You can watch it here (January 7) and here (January 8). Here are the outcomes of the bills on our watch list.

On the Consent Calendar

CRIMINAL JUSTICE AND PUBLIC SAFETY
SB 71-FN, relative to cooperation with federal immigration authorities. ITL by VV. (Note that key provisions of this bill were already signed into law and went into effect on January 1, 2026.)

EDUCATION FUNDING
HB 742-FN-A, requiring catastrophic special education state aid funding to be drawn from the education trust fund. Referred for interim study by VV.

EDUCATION POLICY AND ADMINISTRATION
SB 211, relative to biological sex in student athletics. This bill requires school sports teams to be expressly designated as male, female, or coed, prohibits biologically male students from participating in female designated sports or entering female locker rooms, and creates a cause of action for athletes harmed as a result of violations of these requirements. ITL by VV.

ELECTION LAW
HB 289, regarding domicile qualifications for voting. This bill prevents a person from claiming domicile if that person is a legal dependent of a person who does not live in New Hampshire; and clarifies that obtaining a driver's license or registering a motor vehicle is intent of maintaining continuous presence within New Hampshire. ITL by VV.

FINANCE
HB 129-FN, relative to the definition of the term “evidence-based” within public education. This bill defines "evidence-based" as applied to pedagogical methods and requires the department of education and all local school districts to conform with such definition in all communications. ITL by VV.
HB 216-FN, relative to workers’ compensation and creditable service towards retirement. This bill removes the one year cap of creditable service towards retirement benefits for workers' compensation. ITL by VV.
HB 773-FN, relative to aid to school districts for the cost of special education. This bill removes the requirement that catastrophic special education funds be prorated among the school districts entitled to such aid and requires that disbursements for special education to a school district shall be at least 80 percent of the district’s entitlement for catastrophic aid costs in the fiscal year. ITL by VV.

HOUSING
HB 65, directing landlords to offer tenants the option of reporting rental payments to consumer reporting agencies. This bill would require landlords operating fifteen or more rental units to offer tenants the option of having their on-time rental payments reported to a consumer reporting agency, at the landlord’s expense. Referred for interim study by VV.
HB 465, relative to the housing opportunity zone program. This bill provides income verification requirements for housing opportunity zones. ITL by VV.
HB 604-FN, relative to a loan forgiveness program for low-income homeowners to build new accessory dwelling units or renovate existing structures into accessory dwelling units. Referred for interim study by VV.

MUNICIPAL AND COUNTY GOVERNMENT
HB 458-FN, limiting local assistance to U.S. citizens or permanent legal residents. ITL by VV.

WAYS AND MEANS
HB 635-FN, relative to taxing non-profit entities who settle illegal immigrants as for-profit entities. Referred for interim study by VV.

 On the Regular Calendar

CRIMINAL JUSTICE AND PUBLIC SAFETY
SB 15-FN, relative to establishing a mandatory minimum sentence for the crime of distribution of a controlled drug with death resulting. Note that committee members approved an amendment that would establish hard labor as a penalty for certain crimes. OTP-A by RC, 179-159.

EDUCATION FUNDING
SB 204-FN-A, 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. ITL by RC, 183-161.

EDUCATION POLICY AND ADMINISTRATION
HB 748-FN, establishing a local education freedom account program. Laid on table by VV.
SB 33-FN, relative to the 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. OTP-A by RC, 181-157.

FINANCE
HB 572-FN, (New Title) establishing the “partners in housing” program, an initiative under the housing champions fund to assist municipalities, counties, and developers in building workforce housing, and making an appropriation therefor. ITL by RC, 191-156.

HEALTH, HUMAN SERVICES AND ELDERLY AFFAIRS
HB 392-FN, directing the dissolution of the department of health and human services’ office of health equity, department of environmental services’ functions for civil rights and environmental justice, and the governor’s council on diversity and inclusion. OTP-A by RC, 192-159.
SB 36, relative to the collection and reporting of abortion statistics by health care providers and medical facilities. This bill requires the collection and reporting of certain abortion statistics by health care providers, medical facilities, and the department of health and human services. The reporting requirement replaces a provision in the fetal life protection act stating that nothing in the subdivision shall be construed as creating or recognizing a right to abortion. OTP-A by RC, 188-162.
SB 134-FN, relative to work requirements under the state Medicaid program. This bill directs the department of health and human services to resubmit the 1115 demonstration waiver to CMS regarding community engagement and work requirements under the state Medicaid program.  The bill also directs the department to provide an annual report to the legislature regarding the status of implementation. OTP-A by RC, 204-150.

JUDICIARY
SB 268, permitting classification of individuals based on biological sex under certain limited circumstances. This bill provides a definition for "biological sex" and provides that certain designations by biological sex do not constitute unlawful discrimination. OTP by RC, 185-159.

MUNICIPAL AND COUNTY GOVERNMENT
HB 348, relative to eligibility for local assistance. OTP-A by RC, 190-157.

WAYS AND MEANS
HB 155-FN, reducing the rate of the business enterprise tax. This bill reduces the rate of the business enterprise tax for tax years ending on or after December 31, 2026. OTP-A by RC, 189-165.

Last week in the Senate

The Senate met in full session on Wednesday, January 7. You can watch it here. Here are the outcomes of the bills on our watch list. 

On the Consent Calendar

EDUCATION
SB 101-FN, authorizing parents to enroll their children in any public school in the state. OTP by VV.
HB 208-FN, relative to certification requirements for school nurses. This bill allows a superintendent and school board to nominate and appoint a school nurse, who must be licensed and registered with the board of nursing. ITL by VV.
HB 431, establishing a commission to study the costs of special education. ITL by VV.
HB 741-FN, allowing parents to send their children to any school district they choose. Referred to interim study by VV.

ENERGY AND NATURAL RESOURCES
HB 171, establishing a moratorium on the issuance of permits for new landfills. ITL by VV.

EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENTS AND ADMINISTRATION
HB 233, requiring meetings of the New Hampshire vaccine association to be audio and video recorded and published on its website within 48 hours. ITL by VV.

FINANCE
SB 123-FN, requiring coverage of ear acupuncture as a treatment for substance misuse under the state Medicaid plan. Special ordered to the next session.

HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
HB 705, relative to health care cost transparency. This bill requires health plans to disclose specific pricing information regarding covered items and services. The bill is contingent upon finalization of federal guidance under Presidential Executive Order 14221. OTP by VV.

 JUDICIARY
SB 289-FN, relative to use and preservation of body-worn camera recordings in certain matters. This bill adds procedures to govern the preservation of body-worn camera footage and its use in certain proceedings. Referred to interim study by VV.
HB 480, relative to restoration of competency to stand trial for criminal defendants. OTP by VV.

TRANSPORTATION
HB 105-FN, creating a new conservation license plate and directing the additional fee to the cyanobacteria mitigation loan and grant fund. Referred for interim study by VV.
HB 321-FN, requiring the division of motor vehicles to extend a fine payment period for certain motor vehicle violations from 30 days to 90 days if the driver requests the extension. Referred for interim study by VV.
HB 452-FN, relative to the issuance of driver licenses for aliens [sic] temporarily residing in New Hampshire. Referred to interim study by VV.

On the Regular Calendar

ELECTION LAW AND MUNICIPAL AFFAIRS
HB 340-FN, relative to electioneering by public employees. This bill defines electioneering in relation to public employees. OTP-A by VV.
HB 481, relative to moving the state primary date. This bill moves the state primary date to June. OTP-A by VV.

JUDICIARY
HB 59-FN, relative to the assault of a firefighter, emergency medical care provider, or law enforcement officer. This bill establishes felony-level offenses for assaults on firefighters, emergency medical care providers, and law enforcement and for assaults specifically targeting law enforcement officers. OTP-A by VV.
HB 109-FN, relative to false reports to law enforcement. This bill makes it a crime to knowingly falsely allege misconduct or criminal conduct against a police officer acting in the performance of his or her official duty. OTP-A by VV.
HB 191-FN, providing criminal and civil penalties for the transporting of an unemancipated minor in order to obtain a surgical procedure without parental permission. OTP-A by RC, 16Y-8N.

Coming Up in the House
The full House will not meet in session next week.

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, JANUARY 12

EDUCATION POLICY AND ADMINISTRATION, Room 232, GP
10:15 AM HB 1573, permitting excused absences for students participating in civic engagement or attending a career or technical education event.
10:30 AM 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.
10:45 AM HB 1129, authorizing superintendents or their designee to allow limited use of personal laptops and tablets in schools and establishing that such use is exempted under school cell phone use policies.
11:00 AM HB 1055, granting the state board of education rulemaking authority relative to student use of cell phones and personal communication devices in schools.
11:30 AM HB 1731-FN, relative to the creation of an educational opportunities information system.
1:00 PM HB 1221, directing the commission to study costs of special education to consider establishing centralized locations throughout the state for certain special education-related services.
1:30 PM HB 1832-FN, adding students with parents on active military duty to the education freedom accounts priority guidelines.
1:45 PM HR 43, recognizing the Manchester school district’s community partners. 
2:15 PM HB 1819-FN, relative to review of education freedom account service providers.

WAYS AND MEANS, Room 159, GP
10:30 AM HB 1580-FN-L, relative to the taxation of non-primary residences. 
11:00 AM HB 1707-FN, creating an additional property tax for certain unoccupied properties and creating a housing transfer tax exemption for certain low- and moderate-income home buyers.
2:00 PM HB 1338, restricting abortion providers from the definition of charitable organization for the purposes of games of chance.

TUESDAY, JANUARY 13

EDUCATION FUNDING, Department of Education Event Center, 25 Hall Street, Concord 
9:00 AM Presentation on education trends and content area topics by NH Department of Education. NH Department of Education invites members of committees focused on education issues to attend.

ENVIRONMENT AND AGRICULTURE, Room 153, GP
1:45 PM HB 1622-FN, requiring the state to develop additional solid waste disposal capacity.

HOUSING, Room 231, GP
10:30 AM HB 1006, relative to on-site parking requirements for accessory dwelling units. 
11:00 AM HB 1007, relative to manufactured housing. 
11:30 AM HB 1008, relative to modifying innovative land use controls, requirements, and appeals. 
1:00 PM HB 1009, relative to municipal parking requirements for residential units. 
1:30 PM HB 1010, relative to residential development on commercially zoned land. 
2:00 PM HB 1011, repealing zoning restrictions on dwelling units. 
2:30 PM HB 1012, repealing accessory dwelling units and detached accessory dwelling units.
3:00 PM HB 1016, eliminating the requirement that municipalities allow for manufactured housing development opportunities. 
3:30 PM HB 1017, relative to accessory dwelling units and workforce housing.

LABOR, INDUSTRIAL AND REHABILITATIVE SERVICES, Room 159, GP
11:00 AM HB 1123, requiring certain companies to post expected salary ranges on public job listings. 
1:15 PM HB 1177, adding a definition to the labor laws regarding remote work and defining the nature of such employment.
2:45 PM HB 1767-FN, relative to unemployment compensation eligibility and weekly benefit amounts.

TRANSPORTATION, Room 234, GP
2:00 PM HB 1111-FN, relative to driving test accommodations and retest suspension periods.

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 14

CRIMINAL JUSTICE AND PUBLIC SAFETY, Room 159, GP
10:00 AM HB 1793-FN, prohibiting public colleges and universities from regulating the possession or carrying of firearms and non-lethal weapons on campus.
10:30 AM HB 1697-FN, exempting certain firearms and firearm accessories manufactured and retained in New Hampshire from federal regulation. 
11:00 AM HB 1699-FN, enabling the carriage of certain firearms on slow-moving boats. 
11:30 AM HB 1365, relative to applications for licenses to carry a loaded pistol or revolver.
2:00 PM HB 1642-FN, relative to extreme risk protection orders.
2:30 PM HB 1749-FN, reinstating the death penalty for murder offenses. 
3:00 PM HB 1413-FN, reinstituting the death penalty in cases of capital murder. 
3:30 PM HB 1737-FN, relative to reinstating the death penalty for certain offenses against minors under 13 years of age.

EDUCATION POLICY AND ADMINISTRATION, Room 232, GP
10:40 AM HB 1524-FN, requiring a logic and critical thinking course within the state high school education curriculum. 
11:00 AM HB 1493-FN, relative to health education and requiring pupils to view certain videos demonstrating gestational development of the heart, brain, and other vital organs. 
11:10 AM HB 1270, clarifying the definition of part-time teacher. 
11:20 AM HB 1507, requiring schools to provide a minimum amount of time for recess per day.
1:00 PM HB 1820-FN, requiring the department of education to administer the education freedom account program. 
2:00 PM HB 1402, relative to credentials for the position of superintendent of schools. 
2:20 PM HB 1403, relative to credentials for the position of school business administrator.

HEALTH, HUMAN SERVICES AND ELDERLY AFFAIRS, Room 158, GP
9:30 AM 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. 
10:30 AM HB 1719-FN, removing Hepatitis B from the list of diseases for which immunization is required under state law. 
11:30 AM HB 1784-FN, relative to the health care consumer protection trust fund. 
1:00 PM HB 1798-FN, relative to the coverage of diapers under the state Medicaid plan.

JUDICIARY, Room 230, GP
10:00 AM HB 1067-FN, relative to the mental health courts.
11:30 AM HB 1333-FN, relative to nonconsensual provision of medication intended to terminate a pregnancy and the homicide of a fetus. 
1:00 PM HB 1436-FN, relative to the classification and protection of personal digital information and cloud-stored files.

THURSDAY, JANUARY 15

CRIMINAL JUSTICE AND PUBLIC SAFETY, Room 159, GP
10:00 AM HB 1730-FN, making all offenses against minors involving sexual penetration or contact felony level offenses punishable by death.
1:30 PM HB 1464-FN, relative to discrimination, harassment, and violence based on political affiliation or opinion.

EDUCATION FUNDING, Room 232, GP
9:30 AM HB 1574-FN, authorizing school districts to extend free and reduced lunch benefits for special education students. 
10:15 AM HB 1586-FN, allowing the commissioner of the department of education to withhold funds from public schools if such schools are not providing special education services in compliance with state law. 
11:00 AM HB 1557-FN, modifying the state average expenditure per pupil relative to students in special education. 
1:00 PM HB 1563-FN-L, relative to the special education aid formula. 
2:00 PM HB 1803-FN, rendering a recipient of an education tax credit scholarship ineligible to receive education freedom account funds in the same program year.

EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENTS AND ADMINISTRATION, Room 231, GP
10:00 AM HB 1788-FN, holding state contracts with DEI provisions to be void as a matter or law and establishing a right of action for taxpayers where public entities or state agencies engage with contracts with DEI provisions.
1:00 PM HB 1616-FN, prohibiting state agencies and political subdivisions from advertising or expending funds to advertise vaccines in the state of New Hampshire. 
1:30 PM HB 1609-FN, limiting the use of state, county, and municipal funds and property for construction and operation of certain immigrant detention facilities.

FRIDAY, JANUARY 16

CRIMINAL JUSTICE AND PUBLIC SAFETY, Room 159, GP
3:00 PM HB 1637, relative to the scheduling of hearings on certain motions to modify or revoke bail.

MUNICIPAL AND COUNTY GOVERNMENT, Room 154, GP
9:15 AM HB 1278, allowing municipalities, cities, and towns a grace period to adopt a simple-majority tax cap override procedure in perpetuity. 
9:25 AM HB 1383, relative to methods for overriding local tax caps. 
9:35 AM HB 1528, relative to methods for rescinding local tax caps. 
9:45 AM HB 1227, relative to the calculation of the local tax cap. 
9:55 AM HB 1674, creating a tax exemption for certain lower-income property owners

TUESDAY, JANUARY 20

HOUSING, Room 231, GP 
9:00 AM HB 1196-FN, repealing the state housing champion designation and grant program.
9:30 AM HB 1405-FN, relative to the housing finance authority’s affordable housing guarantee program. 
10:00 AM HB 1499-FN, relative to additional grounds for eviction under the landlord and tenant statute. 
11:00 AM HB 1598-FN, relative to notice for tenants and landlords engaged in eviction processes. 
11:30 AM HB 1612-FN, relative to the use of price-fixing websites, algorithms, or other software by landlords.
1:30 PM HB 1661-FN, relative to expanding the housing finance authority’s community heroes program and makes an appropriation therefor. 
2:00 PM HB 1662-FN, relative to providing loan guarantees for accessory dwelling unit financing.
3:00 PM HB 1814-FN, establishing a 10-year strategic housing and infrastructure plan. 

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 21

JUDICIARY, Room 230, GP 
11:30 AM CACR 25, relative to the right to marry. Providing that the right to marry is a fundamental civil right and that the state shall protect the right of every individual, regardless of sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, or race, to marry and to have their marriage legally recognized. 
2:00 PM HB 1115, adding a definition of citizen of New Hampshire. 

THURSDAY, JANUARY 22

HOUSING, Room 231, GP 
10:00 AM HB 1065-FN, relative to multi-family and mixed-use development in commercially zoned areas. 
10:30 AM HB 1136, relative to accessory dwelling units. 
11:00 AM HB 1145-FN, relative to affordable housing investment fees. 
11:30 AM HB 1349, relative to exemptions from multi-family zoning requirements for small or low-density communities. 
12:00 PM HB 1496, repealing the cap on residential parking spaces. 
1:00 PM HB 1525, relative to zoning restrictions concerning dwelling unit occupancy. 
1:30 PM HB 1540, establishing uniform requirements for accessory dwelling units and providing municipalities with authority and guidance for zoning, permitting, and environmental protections. 
2:00 PM HB 1079, allowing accessory dwelling units to be built within or attached to certain nonconforming structures. 
2:30 PM HB 1103, allowing municipalities to utilize community revitalization tax relief credits on a wider variety of properties and structures. 
3:00 PM HB 1120, allowing subdivision regulations concerning water supply

Coming Up in the Senate 
The full Senate will not meet in session next week.

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

TUESDAY, JANUARY 13

ENERGY AND NATURAL RESOURCES, Room 103, SH
9:10 AM SB 449-FN, relative to the participation of customer generators in net energy meeting.
9:20 AM SB 538-FN, extending net metering eligibility terms for municipal energy projects.

FINANCE, Room 103, SH
1:20 PM SB 481-FN-A, relative to the sale of the Sununu youth services center property and making an appropriation to the youth development center settlement fund.
1:30 PM SB 483-FN-A, making a contingent appropriation to the department of health and human services for recruitment and benefit grants for child care employers.
1:40 PM SB 484-FN, prohibiting Medicaid premiums and limiting Medicaid expansion cost sharing.

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 14

EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENTS AND ADMINISTRATION, Room 103, SH
10:00 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.

HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES, Room 100, SH
9:00 AM SB 545-FN, relative to financial eligibility for the Medicare savings program. This bill removes the resource limit for the Medicare savings program and, subject to CMS approval, makes the low income subsidy for Medicare Part D available to residents to assist with prescription drug costs.
1:15 PM SB 645-FN, relative to income eligibility for the New Hampshire child care scholarship program and reallocating certain revenue to fund the program. This bill directs the department of health and human services to amend its policy to increase eligibility for the child care scholarship program and directs revenues to fund the eligibility increase.
1:30 PM SB 608-FN, relative to family caregiver support in certain programs and child care support for kinship caregivers. This bill directs the department of health and human services to seek approval from Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services to cover family caregiver support services as an allowable service under specified waiver programs. The bill also eliminates the child care scholarship cost share for children in kinship care.
1:45 PM SB 615-FN, relative to the use and regulation of EBT cards and SNAP eligibility. 

WAYS AND MEANS, Room 122-123, SH
9:00 AM SB 471-FN, relative to affordable housing investment fees.

THURSDAY, JANUARY 15

ENERGY AND NATURAL RESOURCES, Room 103, SH
1:00 PM SB 450-FN, relative to a state parks pass pilot program for recovery centers and community mental health centers.

TUESDAY, JANUARY 20

EDUCATION, Map Room, SL
9:15 AM SB 429-FN-A, relative to the placement of trauma kits in public schools and making an appropriation therefor.
10:15 AM SB 578, extending recess for students from kindergarten to eighth grade and prohibiting the deprivation of recess time as punishment in schools.

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 21

CAPITAL BUDGET, Room 122-123, SH
1:00 PM SB 497, removing references to contracts and projects concerning capital appropriations for the community college system of New Hampshire.

THURSDAY, JANUARY 22

EDUCATION FINANCE, Room 103, SH
10:00 AM SB 584-FN, increasing the amount of funding provided for students receiving special education services.
10:20 AM SB 491-FN, enabling students to utilize education freedom account funds to pay for certain career and technical education funding.
10:40 AM SB 582-FN, modifying the base cost of an adequate education.
11:10 AM SB 583-FN, directing the department of education to create an education funding transparency data and reporting system.
11:25 AM SB 581-FN, modifying education freedom account (EFA) eligibility and removing priority guidelines and the enrollment cap relative to EFA eligibility.

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 January 14 vigil will be at Pappas' district office, 15 Third Street, Dover. The January 21 vigil will be at Shaheen’s office, 2 Washington Street, Dover; we gather at the entrance to Henry Law Park.  

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 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!

Monday, January 12, 2026

Peace & Justice Conversations: NH Peace Action Update – 7 PM, on Zoom. Join NH Peace Action Organizers for a discussion of our work in 2025 and our plans for 2026. This will include reports about our main organizational work from NHPA related projects: The NH Coalition for a Just Peace in the Middle East, Palestine Education Network, NH Peacekeeper Project & Back From the Brink. We have experienced internal and external changes, challenges and successes we are glad to talk about with our members and friends. We can share our legislative and policy priorities for the upcoming year. We'll consider: How can we build peace in our world? How can we continue to grow our organization and the larger anti-authoritarian movement in New Hampshire and beyond?

Tuesday, January 13, 2026

The Settlers (film presentation) – 6:15 PM to 9:15 PM at 3S Artspace, 319 Vaughan Street, Portsmouth. Hosted by Not In My Name - NH, "The Settlers", describes Israeli settlements in the West Bank, and plans for settlements in Gaza. There will also be remarks by Faisal Khan, founder of Carolina Peace Center, about Israel-Palestine and a facilitated discussion after the film. The event will include a marketplace of Palestinian art and crafts, olive oil from the West Bank, books and information.

Starbucks Workers United Call – 8:30 PM. Starbucks Baristas are still on strike, and the call to not buy Starbucks continues. We’re kicking off the new year with a call to reconnect, share where things stand, and talk through what’s ahead in this next phase of the campaign. We’ll reflect briefly on what we’ve built together so far, hear from a striking barista, and get clear on how allies can keep showing up in the weeks ahead.

Wednesday, January 14, 2026

Moms Demand Action Visibility – 8:30 AM, Legislative Offices at Granite Place, Concord. Welcome House members back to the Legislature as they prepare to hear bills that will impact the safety of our communities and the future of our children. Join other Moms Demand Action members with signs and energy to let our legislators know you want a future free from gun violence!

Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day!
Watch this space for a growing list of NH events.

Saturday, January 17 - “Let Freedom Ring for All” – 12:30 PM to 3 PM at the Senior Activity Center, 125 Cottage Street, Portsmouth. Free and open to all.A Soul Force of Music & Message! Join us as we honor the Rev. Martin Luther King, his life’s work, and his philosophy of solidarity and unity.  Join us as we embrace how Dr. King can inspire us to face today’s challenges to Civil & Human Rights. Musicians and speakers include Sharon Jones, Randy Armstrong, Kent Allyn, Carol Coronis, the Leftist Marching Band, Tj Wheeler, Hatrack Gallagher, Poor Howard Stith, Kiyoshi Imai, Fran Calo, Michael Ward, Deputy Mayor Joanna Kelley, David Holt, Bruce Pingree, Bob Moore, Voices of Hope, EJ Ouellette and others. Folks are encouraged to bring a non-perishable food item or a cash donation that will be given to Gather, the Portsmouth-area’s food pantry. 

Saturday, January 17 - Out of the Darkness, Into the Marvelous Light, 6 PM at First Baptist Church of Nashua, 121 Manchester Street, Nashua NH. Once again, FBC will host NH’s oldest annual tribute to the life and legacy of Martin Luther King, Jr. The first Martin Luther King celebration was sponsored at the church in 1982 at the request of The Council for Civil Rights of New Hampshire. At that time, First Baptist Church of Nashua was the only church in the state willing to host this event.

Sunday, January 18 – “I’ve Been to the Mountaintop: A Vision of Justice and Unity,” 4 PM at the Madbury Town Hall, 13 Town Hall Road, Madbury. Featuring invited speaker Nur Shoop of the Black Heritage Trail of New Hampshire. With music by Wendy and Marty Quinn, Stu Dias, and the Madbury Maranatha Indonesian Choir. All are welcome at this free community event, and please stay to enjoy refreshments to follow provided by Dover Cooperative Ministries. Hosted by the Dover Area Religious Leaders Association; co-hosted by the Madbury UCC and the Maranatha Indonesian UCC.

Monday, January 19 – Annual Seacoast NAACP MLK Breakfast, 8:30 AM at South Church, 292 State Street, Portsmouth NH. Program starts at 10 AM. Join us for a morning of food, gospel music, and an inspirational talk by Rev. Jerrell Riggins of New Hope Baptist Church, and a tour of the African Burying Ground at 12 noon.
 
Monday, January 19 – Uplifting Resistance Through Community, 11 AM to 4 PM, Memorial High School 1 Crusader Way, Manchester NH. Hosted by the Martin Luther King, Jr. Coalition. More information at their website. This year’s MLK award winner is the Honorable Melanie Levesque.

Monday, January 19 – Lift Every Voice: A Celebration in Song, 5 to 6 PM, The Park Theatre, 19 Main Street, Jaffrey. The MLK Day 2026 theme, “Lift Every Voice: A Celebration in Song,” recognizes the importance of singing in Dr. King’s life and in the Civil Rights Movement. The keynote address will be delivered by Andre de Quadros, Professor of Music at Boston University, international conductor, writer, and human rights activist. The title of his presentation, “Beloved Community in the Making: Performance, Radical Hope, and Repair,” will delve into the powerful influence of music, sharing his experiences around the world with musical performance and healing, reconciliation, and peacebuilding. This event is free with a reception and Q&A to follow.

Thursday, January 22, 2026

Seacoast Unity Hub – 6 PM to 8 PM, at South Church, Portsmouth NH. Seacoast Unity Hub convenes people across the Seacoast who are committed to democracy, justice and courageous love. Through connection, reflection and shared learning, we support local efforts to resist authoritarianism and build a more resilient inclusive community. You don't need to be an expert or already involved; just curious, caring, and willing to show up. All are welcome. Light refreshments provided.

Monday, January 26, 2026

Peace & Justice Conversations: State-Sponsored Violence In and By the US – 7 PM, on Zoom. NH Peace Action focuses on questioning and ending our country's violent foreign policy. We have always noted the ways in which this treatment of those outside our country is reflected in violence at home as well. We are currently seeing an upsurge in the use of militarized force against people within our borders through an increase in the purview, funding, and impunity given to ICE. There is also a strong and inspiring wave of resistance. Come learn more about the work in NH to disrupt ICE activities and how you can help. Presenters are Maggie Fogarty, AFSC-NH, and Megan Chapman, World Fellowship Center. 

Thursday, January 29, 2026

“A House of Dynamite” film discussion – 7 PM, on Zoom. Hosted by NH Peace Action and Back from the Brink. The current administration's plans to renew nuclear weapons testing is one alarming reminder that the threat of nuclear war is still a very real concern. “A House of Dynamite” is an apocalyptic political thriller that gives us a view of the devastating anticipation of a nuclear attack. Get drawn into the nerve-wracking decision rooms as this unsettling picture shows us what could become our future if the right choices are not made today. Watch the film (on Netflix) and then join us on zoom for a discussion about this film and what actions we can take now. Jeremy Love of Back from the Brink will lead the discussion to help us find a sense of purpose instead of hopelessness. Before watching the movie, we recommend you take a look at Back from the Brink's Beginner's Guide to Nuclear Weapons. Accessing the film: If you are not able to access this movie on your own, but would like to be a part of this discussion, let us know (info@nhpeaceaction.org). If there are enough people who need access to the movie, we will attempt to connect people to watch the movie together. As you watch the movie, think about how you feel about the threat of nuclear war, what you think is realistic considering the actions of current world leaders, and how you feel life would change after a nuclear attack.

Saturday, January 31, 2026

The Work That Reconnects – 1 PM to 5:30 PM at South Church, Portsmouth NH. In these challenging times we invite you into an afternoon of rejuvenation with The Work That Reconnects. This is a set of practices developed by Joanna Macy to support and re-energize folks who are working to create change in the world. There are four stages, beginning in gratitude, then moving through honoring our pain, seeing with new eyes, and going forth. The practices help make space for grief, anger and uncertainty while also cultivating possibility and joy. The workshop will be led by Kendra Ford and Amy Antonucci. If you can support the organizations who are offering this, you are welcome to make a sliding scale donation of $1-$50.

With best wishes,

Maggie Fogarty, April Richer, and Maille & Kathleen Wooten

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

The AFSC is a Quaker organization supported by people of many faiths who care about peace, social justice, humanitarian service, and nonviolent change. Maggie Fogarty 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!