“I knew that I could never again raise my voice against the violence of the oppressed in the ghettos without having first spoken clearly to the greatest purveyor of violence in the world today: my own government." – Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr, April 4, 1967
"How many of these gentle people have I helped to kill just by paying my taxes?" – June Jordan
“I maintain that nothing useful and lasting can emerge from violence.” – Shirin Ebadi, Nobel Laureate, Iranian lawyer, former judge and human rights activist who founded the Defenders of Human Rights Center in Iran
“They got money for war but can't feed the poor.” - Tupac Shakur
Dear State House Watchers,
We begin by acknowledging the catastrophic news that the US and Israel have started a war with Iran, and that initial deaths include more than 100 children at a school, hundreds of Iranian civilians, and members of the US armed forces. These are truly perilous times.
From AFSC: “As a Quaker organization, we know that war is never the path to peace. We mourn the deaths of all the victims, and we hold their loved ones and communities in the Light. We call on the U.S. and people across the world to take immediate action to stop this from escalating into an endless and global war. This war is immoral and illegal under both U.S. and international law.” Read more here and take this quick action to make your voice heard.
From our friends at NH Peace Action: “It is a painful day to be a peace activist. It is also an important one. This is a moment when it can feel like all the good and successful work that we have done has not mattered. But that is not true. Our voices and our actions are more important than ever now. Please join us in continuing to agitate for peace.”
Please contact our Members of Congress immediately and urge them to do everything in their power to stop this war, including by voting for the War Powers resolutions. And join American peace and nonviolence activist Rivera Sun for a US-Iran anti-war live Persian-English town-hall on Tuesday, March 3 at 2 PM ET. (Bilingual /bi-national U.S. & inside Iran, if possible.) Here’s the zoom link.
There are other ominous developments to acknowledge in addition to the latest military aggression, including escalated attacks on voting rights, in the form of the SAVE America Act and a draft executive order (first reported by the Washington Post). These measures will restrict or deny access to voting for tens of millions of Americans and put control of elections in the hands of the federal government under the guise of a national emergency. Read more here:
The SAVE America Act Explained: How the New ‘Show Your Papers’ Voting Bill Is Even More Extreme Than the SAVE Act (Center for American Progress, February 27, 2026)
The SAVE Act Would Hurt Americans Who Actively Participate in Elections(The Brennan Center, February 20, 2026)
Trump says he's not mulling a draft executive order to seize control over elections. Here's what we know (PBS, February 27, 2026)
In addition, we’re extremely concerned by new developments in the Trump administration’s immigration policies, including a plan to deny green cards to refugees living in the United States; the recently reported arrests of hundreds of DACA recipients, whom ICE described – without verification – as having “criminal histories;” and recent executive actions that would erode the right to appeal a negative ruling in immigration court, and would restrict work authorizations for those in the process of seeking asylum. Watch for public comment on both of these proposed rules to be submitted by the NH Immigrant Rights Network.
And in the midst of this, we grieve the death – by neglect and disregard – of Nurul Amin Shah Alam, a 56-year old Rohingya refugee who was abandoned by Border Patrol officials in a town far from his home. He was legally blind and did not speak English. Border Patrol did not notify his family or his attorney of his release from their custody. He was found almost a week later, dead in the cold. Read more here. This human being – a father, a community member – was loved. He had a right to basic care and support. Will there be accountability for his death?
Signs of Hope
We were surprised and pleased on Tuesday to learn that plans for a large immigrant prison in a warehouse in Merrimack, NH would be laid down. What a tribute to the power of organized communities to defeat the wishes of billionaires and political extremists! Over the past 2+ months, a network of elected officials, grassroots activists, and folks trained for media relations, research, peacekeeping, and more created tremendous capacity for resistance. The story is captured well by A Mighty Girl, and by Dana Wormald at the NH Bulletin.
We’re glad to see that our Members of Congress have introduced a bill to require local input for the creation of detention centers. Read more here.
Just a few days prior the Merrimack announcement, vigilant ICE watchers noticed that a deportation flight had made an unplanned stop at Pease Airport in Portsmouth, NH during a blizzard, and that 100+ detained individuals were trapped on the grounded flight in shackles for many hours. The activists sounded the alarm and launched a storm of phone calls to the governor’s office, our Members of Congress, Port City Air, and the Pease Development Authority, demanding humane treatment for those confined on the flight. After several hours, the detained people were allowed into the airport terminal and given a meal. The flight departed the next day for deportation drop-off points in Asia. It’s horrifying to think about what ICE gets away with when no one is watching. Let’s never diminish the value of our collective work to monitor and respond to the needs of those in their custody, including the solidarity of faith leaders in this time of lawlessness and cruelty.
So, let’s go into Women’s History Month with the energy and courage of our forbears who struggled for the rights and dignity we all deserve, and who have labored for peace and justice throughout the world. If you’re looking for a great way to celebrate, join AFSC at Crowned: A Community Celebration on Saturday, March 7 in Manchester. The first 40 people to register will get free services from hair braiders, barbers and stylists! We’ll have food, crafts, resource tables, and a wonderful community spirit. All are welcome!
Another special day in March is Town Meeting Day on March 10! For more details, look online for your own town’s agenda and logistics. And refresh your understanding of the voter ID requirements with this resource from Open Democracy.
Speaking of local governance, we’re dismayed to see that the State of NH has asked the NH Supreme Court to overturn the Claremont rulings which defined the state’s obligation to adequately fund public education. This move compounds the ongoing efforts of Republican legislators to defund public education. Read more from the NH School Funding Fairness Project.
ACTION ALERTS!
Most of our action alerts this week are for bills coming up for votes in the House and Senate sessions on Thursday, March 5. For these bills, it’s not about signing in but rather, contacting your Representatives or Senator by phone or email to urge them to oppose or support key bills.
There are also a couple of important public hearings for which we need you to sign in, but most of the action in committees these days is in executive session or committee work sessions. For these sessions, there is no sign-in, but we ask you to contact committee members to voice your opinion. Committees are working hard to wrap up their work ahead of “crossover” on March 26, when all bills must be acted upon in the chamber where they originated.
Here are the links:
Contact your Representatives.
Contact your Senator.
Sign in for House bills.
Sign in for Senate bills.
Email House committees.
Email Senate committees.
Tuesday, March 3
OPPOSE HB 348, relative to eligibility for local assistance. From Housing Action NH: “This proposal allows municipalities to impose additional requirements, including proof-of-residency documentation, on individuals seeking public welfare assistance, including rental assistance. Individuals who are unhoused or fleeing domestic violence situations may not have proof of residency documentation, which will leave them with limited options for additional assistance. If the intent of the legislation is to ensure that local tax dollars go to local residents, there is already a process for determining the town of origin.” This harmful bill has a public hearing in Senate Election Law and Municipal Affairs on Tuesday, March 3 at 9:30 AM in Room 122-123, SH. Please sign in to oppose and contact the committee to offer testimony.
OPPOSE HB 1252, requiring the department of motor vehicles to only administer the skills test for commercial driver’s licenses in English and prohibiting the support of an interpreter for the administration of the skills test for commercial driver’s licenses. The bill has a public hearing in House Transportation Committee on Tuesday, March 3 at 10:20 AM in Room 234, GP. Please sign in to oppose the bill and offer testimony.
OPPOSE HB 1165, relative to gender designation on state-issued identification. From our friends at 603 Equality: “The primary sponsor of the bill, Rep King, has gone on record as being against anti-discrimination policies of any kind, and has sponsored two of the most direct attacks against the trans community this legislative session in NH. In addition to the harmful rhetoric that Rep King is participating in, and his legislative track record against the trans community, HB 1165 is also part of a national strategy to systemically remove access to identification for trans and gender-diverse folks. Policies like these are discriminatory and put trans and gender diverse folks at greater risk. A similar policy was just enacted in Kansas and has created legal chaos in the state. The ACLU has opened a lawsuit against the state to protect and affirm the rights of Kansas residents. Accurate and consistent gender markers on identity documents help transgender people gain access to public spaces and resources, as well as dramatically reducing the risk that they will face violence, discrimination, or harassment.” The bill will be considered in executive session in the House Transportation Committee on Tuesday, March 3 at 11 AM. Please contact the committee members and urge them to vote ITL on this harmful bill.
Thursday, March 5 – House session
Contact your Representatives before the House session on March 5 to urge them to take the following actions:
OPPOSE 1217, permitting classification of individuals based on biological sex under certain limited circumstances. This bill permits the public and private classification of individuals based on biological sex in multi-user lavatory facilities and in athletic competitions where biological males have a competitive advantage. The bill also establishes that these forms of separation based on biological sex do not qualify as discrimination.
OPPOSE 1442, limiting the use of certain facilities on the basis of sex and redefining the term "gender identity." This bill: Modifies statutory construction of the term "gender identity;” requires bathrooms and locker rooms in public schools and municipally owned buildings to be used on the basis of sex; permits owners and operators of places of public accommodation to restrict the use of bathrooms and locker rooms on the basis of sex, as well as designate facilities specifically for "women" or "girls;” requires that inmates in New Hampshire correctional facilities be housed separately on the basis of their sex; modifies the enforcement of civil rights to provide protections on the basis of gender identity only for certain purposes; and establishes that a man entering an area or accessing services designated for females shall constitute willful trespass, with certain exceptions.
OPPOSE HB 1754, repealing the statewide use of the multi-tiered system of supports for behavioral health and wellness relative to systems of care for children's mental health. We are happy to see that the House Education Policy Committee has unanimously recommended defeat for this bill. It will be on the consent calendar.
SUPPORT 1822, relative to reporting of civil immigration detentions by state, county, and local law enforcement and correctional facilities. This bill requires semi-annual reporting regarding the number of individuals detained for civil immigration violations by any state, county, or local law enforcement or correctional facility.
SUPPORT 1484, establishing a state minimum wage and providing for incremental increases. This bill re-establishes a state minimum wage and increases it to $17/hour by January 1, 2029.
Thursday, March 5 – Senate session
Contact your Senator before the Senate session on March 5 to urge them to take the following actions:
OPPOSE HB 323, requiring the presentation of a government-issued photographic means of identification in order to vote. From Open Democracy: “If passed, HB 323 would ban student IDs for voting, disproportionately impacting young voters and discouraging student participation in elections at a time when civic engagement should be encouraged.” Use this action alert to contact your senator before Thursday.
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. We’re glad to see that the Senate Executive Departments & Administration Committee has unanimously recommended defeat for this harmful bill. It will be on the consent calendar.
Key:
GP – Granite Place. More information here.
SH – State House (107 N. Main St. Concord)
SL – State Library
OTP – “Ought to Pass,” the recommendation for approving a bill or an amendment
OTP/A – Ought to Pass with Amendment
ITL – “Inexpedient to Legislate,” the recommendation for defeating a bill or an amendment.
ITL” can also be used as a verb.
“Without Recommendation” - This indicates that the committee vote was a tie for both ITL and OTP. During the House session, these bills will be considered first as Ought to Pass.
Re-refer – When a Senate committee wishes to hold onto a bill for further consideration. The recommendation to re-refer must be approved in the full Senate. The committee will have until the end of the calendar year to meet about the bill and make a recommendation for further action.
Retain – When a House committee wishes to hold onto a bill for further consideration. The committee makes this decision for themselves; approval in the full House is not needed. The committee has until the end of the calendar year to make a recommendation for further action.
RC – Roll call vote. Each legislator’s vote is recorded and attributed to them.
VV – Voice vote
DV – Division vote
Last week in the House
The full House did not meet in session last week.
Last week in the Senate
The full Senate did not meet in session last week.
Coming Up in the House
The full House will meet in session on Thursday, March 5 starting at 9 AM. You can watch it here. Here are the bills we’re tracking which will be voted on.
On the Consent Calendar
CHILDREN AND FAMILY LAW
HB 1779-FN, supporting the cultural background of children placed in foster care. Committee recommends referral to interim study.
CRIMINAL JUSTICE AND PUBLIC SAFETY
HB 1047-FN, relative to the offense of capital murder. Committee recommends ITL.
HB 1058, enabling the carrying of a firearm on an OHRV when such OHRV is being operated on private property. Committee recommends ITL.
HB 1091, relative to the penalty for violations of municipal ordinances related to sleeping or camping outside. Committee recommends OTP-A.
HB 1108-FN, relative to the offense of criminal threatening. Committee recommends ITL.
HB 1244-FN, relative to exceptions to the charge of criminal threatening. Committee recommends ITL.
HB 1291-FN, criminalizing the use of small unmanned aircraft systems for the purposes of flying over critical infrastructure and events without authorization. Committee recommends ITL.
HB 1366-FN, relative to military orders of protection. Committee recommends OTP-A.
HB 1367-FN, establishing a criminal offense of doxing. Committee recommends OTP.
HB 1696-FN, relative to the issuance of a summons instead of arrest. Committee recommends OTP.
EDUCATION FUNDING
HB 1099, establishing a committee to study private businesses providing special education services and issues relative to local school district reimbursement. Committee recommends OTP.
HB 1579, establishing a committee to study methods for increasing revenues to enable additional spending on education. Committee recommends referral for interim study.
EDUCATION POLICY AND ADMINISTRATION
CACR 28, relating to morality and piety. Providing that town, parishes, bodies corporate, or religious societies may elect and contract with teachers. Committee recommends ITL.
HB 1183-FN, relative to the mathematics requirement for high school graduation. Committee recommends ITL.
HB 1345, requiring schools to establish rules related to the display of flags and designate students at each school to serve as the school’s color guard. Committee recommends ITL.
HB 1412, relative to the display of flags in schools and compliance with the federal flag code. Committee recommends ITL.
HB 1548-FN, requiring the department of education to collect and publish data regarding the costs associated with providing special education services to students of public, charter, private, trade, and other K-12 schools or academies. Committee recommends referral for interim study.
HB 1688, expanding the circumstances where the restraint is permitted in schools and treatment facilities and modifying the definition of seclusion. Committee recommends ITL.
HB 1754-FN, repealing the statewide use of the multi-tiered system of supports for behavioral health and wellness relative to systems of care for children’s mental health. Committee recommends ITL.
HB 1829-FN, modifying the definition of persistently dangerous schools. Committee recommends ITL.
ELECTION LAW
CACR 31, relating to ballot reconciliation. Providing that the state adopt certain provisions and penalties relative to the ballot reconciliation process. Committee recommends ITL.
HB 1106, requiring the public disclosure of the citizenship of a candidate for public office. Committee recommends ITL.
HB 1255-FN, removing the requirement of more evidence than a campaign contribution to demonstrate that a vote, appointment or nomination was a corrupt practice. Committee recommends ITL.
ENVIRONMENT AND AGRICULTURE
HB 1138, limiting the placement of out-of-state waste going into New Hampshire landfills. Committee recommends OTP.
HB 1282, establishing a commission to advise the department of environmental services on food waste diversion. Committee recommends ITL.
HEALTH, HUMAN SERVICES AND ELDERLY AFFAIRS
HB 1368, establishing a committee to study the availability of and access to primary care providers, especially in rural areas of the state. Committee recommends ITL.
HB 1372, establishing a commission to study the feasibility of reestablishing a state psychiatric hospital for adults with severe mental illness. Committee recommends referral for interim study.
HB 1782-FN, relative to access to rural maternal health care and directing the department of health and human services to develop a rural maternal health care delivery pilot program. Committee recommends ITL.
JUDICIARY
HB 1217, permitting classification of individuals based on biological sex under certain limited circumstances. Committee recommends referral for interim study.
HB 1442-FN, limiting the use of certain facilities on the basis of sex and redefining the term “gender identity.” Committee recommends referral for interim study.
HB 1564-FN, removing all references of gender identity in New Hampshire statutes. Committee recommends ITL.
HB 1769-FN, relative to certain prohibitions on abortion referrals by publicly funded medical facilities. Committee recommends ITL.
HB 1801-FN, relative to causes of action for wrongful detention, drug forfeiture proceedings, the regulation of law enforcement officers, and the offense of unsworn falsification. Committee recommends ITL.
HR 28, requesting the opinion of the justices clarifying the scope of the state’s constitutional obligations concerning education. Committee recommends ITL.
LABOR, INDUSTRIAL AND REHABILITATIVE SERVICES
HB 1767-FN, relative to unemployment compensation eligibility and weekly benefit amounts. Committee recommends referral for interim study.
MUNICIPAL AND COUNTY GOVERNMENT
HB 1214, relative to public libraries. Committee recommends ITL.
HB 1220, allowing the governing bodies of municipalities, cities, and towns to review and approve school budgets. Committee recommends ITL.
HB 1386, enabling citizens in a municipality to vote to require that a financial audit of the local school district take place. Committee recommends ITL.
HB 1512, allowing municipalities to hold a vote to prevent their residents from receiving education freedom account vouchers. Committee recommends ITL.
RESOURCES, RECREATION AND DEVELOPMENT
HR 44, concerning the protection of public lands. Committee recommends OTP-A.
STATE-FEDERAL RELATIONS AND VETERANS AFFAIRS
HCR 14, condemning the assassination of Charlie Kirk and reaffirming the state’s commitment to freedom of speech and civil discourse. Committee recommends OTP-A.
HCR 16, applying for a convention of the states under Article V of the Constitution of the United States. Committee recommends referral for interim study.
HR 20, reaffirming the right for persons of all persuasions to keep and bear arms, and urging Congress and the President to cease infringement upon Second Amendment rights and to restore them where infringed. Committee recommends OTP.
WAYS AND MEANS
HB 1433-FN, creating a child care tax credit for qualifying businesses. Committee recommends OTP-A.
HB 1787-FN, modifying the statewide education property tax. Committee recommends referral for interim study.
HB 1800-FN, relative to statewide education property taxes. Committee recommends referral for interim study.
On the Regular Calendar
CRIMINAL JUSTICE AND PUBLIC SAFETY
HB 1238-FN, relative to the penalties for the offense of disobeying an officer. Majority committee recommends OTP. Minority committee recommends ITL.
HB 1387, repealing limiting liability for certain design features of firearms. Committee recommends ITL.
HB 1393, relative to the definition of public servant and the offense of official oppression. Majority committee recommends ITL. Minority committee recommends OTP.
HB 1822-FN, relative to reporting of civil immigration detentions by state, county, and local law enforcement and correctional facilities. Committee recommends ITL.
EDUCATION FUNDING
HB 1578, adds definitions and reporting requirements relative to education freedom accounts. Majority committee recommends ITL. Minority committee recommends OTP.
HB 1610, allowing school districts to annually retain year-end unassigned general funds. Majority committee recommends OTP-A. Minority committee recommends ITL.
HB 1815-FN, relative to education financing. Majority committee recommends OTP. Minority committee recommends ITL.
HR 19, encouraging state colleges and universities to invite more conservative speakers to campus for the purpose of increasing diversity of viewpoints. Majority committee recommends OTP. Minority committee recommends ITL.
EDUCATION POLICY AND ADMINISTRATION
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. Majority committee recommends ITL. Minority committee recommends OTP.
HB 1256, removing the authority of the state librarian to award scholarships to students attending graduate library schools. Majority committee recommends OTP. Minority committee recommends ITL.
HB 1264, increasing the requirements of the education freedom savings account oversight committee and modifying the purpose of the committee. Majority committee recommends ITL. Minority committee recommends OTP.
HB 1402, relative to credentials for the position of superintendent of schools. Majority committee recommends ITL. Minority committee recommends OTP-A.
HB 1403, relative to credentials for the position of school business administrator. Majority committee recommends ITL. Minority committee recommends OTP-A.
HB 1573, permitting excused absences for students participating in civic engagement or attending a career or technical education event. Majority committee recommends OTP-A. Minority committee recommends ITL.
HB 1820-FN, requiring the department of education to administer the education freedom account program. Majority committee recommends ITL. Minority committee recommends OTP.
HB 1834-FN, relative to the education freedom account enrollment cap. Majority committee recommends ITL. Minority committee recommends OTP.
ELECTION LAW
CACR 14, relating to qualifications for office. Providing that candidates of the office of governor, state senator, and state representative shall be citizens of the United States. Majority committee recommends OTP. Minority committee recommends ITL.
LABOR, INDUSTRIAL AND REHABILITATIVE SERVICES
HB 1451, relative to protecting workers from extreme temperature-related injuries and fatalities in the workplace. Majority committee recommends ITL. Minority committee recommends OTP-A.
HB 1484, establishing a state minimum wage and providing for incremental increases. Majority committee recommends ITL. Minority committee recommends OTP-A.
LEGISLATIVE ADMINISTRATION
CACR 22, relating to the compensation of the legislature. Providing that the present compensation per elected term for legislators is hereby abolished. Majority committee recommends ITL. Minority committee recommends OTP.
HB 1114, relative to the documentation and preservation of public comment reports by standing legislative committees. Majority committee recommends ITL. Minority committee recommends referral for interim study.
HR 42, honoring the life and legacy of Melissa Hortman. Committee recommends OTP.
MUNICIPAL AND COUNTY GOVERNMENT
HB 1227, relative to the calculation of the local tax cap. Majority committee recommends ITL. Minority committee recommends OTP.
RESOURCES, RECREATION AND DEVELOPMENT
HB 1141, prohibiting the extraction of groundwater for the purpose of bottling in plastic bottles. Committee recommends OTP-A.
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, March 3
TRANSPORTATION, Room 234, GP
10:20 AM HB 1252, requiring the department of motor vehicles to only administer the skills test for commercial driver’s licenses in English and prohibiting the support of an interpreter for the administration of the skills test for commercial driver’s licenses.
Coming Up in the Senate
The Senate will meet in session on Thursday, March 5 starting at 10 AM. You can watch it here. Here are the bills we’re tracking which are coming up for votes.
On the Consent Calendar
EDUCATION
SB 575, establishing a study committee to study the issue of school bullying. Committee recommends OTP.
EDUCATION FINANCE
SB 581-FN, modifying education freedom account (EFA) eligibility and removing priority guidelines and the enrollment cap relative to EFA eligibility. Committee recommends referral for interim study.
HB 366-FN-A, modifying the priority of applications for school building aid grants. Committee recommends ITL.
ELECTION LAW AND MUNICIPAL AFFAIRS
SB 438, enabling the department of safety and the secretary of state to develop a process to share certain information regarding REAL ID applicants. Committee recommends OTP-A.
SB 643-FN, requiring cities and towns to hold a public hearing and conduct a roll call vote when seeking to override a tax or spending cap. Committee recommends OTP-A.
HB 365-FN, relative to proof of United States citizenship for indigent voters. Committee recommends OTP.
EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENTS AND ADMINISTRATION
HB 392-FN, 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. Committee recommends ITL.
HB 1162, extending the commission on Holocaust and genocide studies. Committee recommends OTP.
FINANCE
SB 528-FN, prohibiting receiving compensation for lobbying on behalf of a foreign adversary. Committee recommends OTP-A.
SB 603-FN, relative to the funding of the SNAP program by the department of health and human services. Committee recommends OTP.
SB 663-FN-A, creating a Medicaid methodology working group within the department of health and human services and making an appropriation to the department of health and human services for eligible nursing facilities based on Medicaid reimbursement rates. Committee recommends OTP-A.
HB 104-FN, relative to requiring an official declaration of war for the activation of the New Hampshire national guard in a foreign state. Committee recommends ITL.
HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
SB 498-FN, relative to children’s mental health services for persons 18 years of age and younger. Committee recommends OTP.
SB 506-FN, relative to community engagement and work requirements under the state Medicaid program. Committee recommends referral for interim study.
SB 645-FN, relative to income eligibility for the New Hampshire child care scholarship program and reallocating certain revenue to fund the program. Committee recommends OTP-A.
SB 646-FN, relative to mental health standards of care. Committee recommends OTP.
On the Regular Calendar
ELECTION LAW AND MUNICIPAL AFFAIRS
HB 323, requiring the presentation of a government-issued photographic means of identification in order to vote. Committee recommends OTP.
FINANCE
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. Committee recommends OTP.
HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
SB 476, relative to consumer health care cost transparency. Committee recommends referral for interim study.
JUDICIARY
SB 551-FN, relative to legal protections for legal reproductive health care services. Committee recommends ITL.
SB 552, permitting classification of individuals based on biological sex under certain limited circumstances. 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.
WAYS AND MEANS
SB 654-FN, creating tax credits for businesses that have on-site child care services and for businesses that provide health care coverage for certain employees. Committee recommends OTP-A.
Coming Up in Senate Committees
You can watch the Senate hearings here. You can sign in for Senate bills here. And you can contact Senate committees here.
EDUCATION, Room Map Room, SL
9:30 AM HB 1808-FN-A, establishing the position of academic research and improvement performance data analyst in the department of education and making an appropriation therefor.
9:45 AM HB 1832-FN, adding students with a parent or guardian on active military duty to the education freedom accounts priority guidelines.
10:00 AM HB 709-FN, allowing parents or guardians to admit their children into any school district where they pay any property or school district taxes.
ELECTION LAW AND MUNICIPAL AFFAIRS, Room 122-123, SH
9:30 AM HB 348, relative to eligibility for local assistance.
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 March 4 vigil will be at Shaheen’s office, 2 Washington Street, Dover; we gather at the entrance to Henry Law Park. The March 11 vigil will be at Pappas' district office, 15 Third Street, Dover.
Every First Wednesday
Mindful Meditation with Aryaloka Buddhist Center of Newmarket - 6 PM to 7 PM, Waysmeet, 15 Mill Road, Durham. Join us for a monthly, volunteer-led guided meditation. We have some cushions and yoga mats to share; you’re invited to bring whatever you may need to feel comfortable for 30 minutes of meditation. Free and open to all. For more information: waysmeetcenter.org/calendar.
Every Third Wednesday
Countering Christian Nationalism conversation – 7 PM, hosted by the NH Council of Churches, every third Wednesday of the month. Zoom link here.
Every Thursday
Meeting for Worship with Attention to Peace – 7:30 PM. Hosted by AFSC. Every week, AFSC’s Quaker Engagement team hosts Meeting for Worship virtually for Friends from across the globe. Embracing the practice of Quaker unprogrammed worship, we gather to bring our attention to witnessing injustice in our world and bolstering our solidarity with people facing oppression. Join us to explore and experience the spiritual dimensions of activism and social justice.
Solemn Vigils for Ceasefire Now – 12 noon at City Hall Plaza, in front of the State House, Concord.
Every Friday
AFSC Action Hour for a Ceasefire – 12 noon. Join AFSC staff every Friday to hear updates on what’s happening in Gaza. Then, take action with us as we contact Congress and call for a permanent cease-fire, arms embargo on Israel, and humanitarian access for Gaza. Our elected officials need to keep hearing from us!
Stronger Together: Protect Our Neighbors Weekly Visibility – 3 PM to 4 PM. Hosted by the Stronger Together Coalition. Corner of North Main Street and Loudon Road, Concord. Join us for a weekly visibility to stand against the war being raged against our communities. Our immigrant loved ones and neighbors are being targeted and kidnapped off the streets. Our public dollars are being funneled into a violent, bloated deportation and detention machine while local police are being weaponized against the communities they are supposed to serve, and life-giving programs are being defunded. Stand with us to protect our communities. All are welcome!
Every Second Saturday
Nashua Immigrant Solidarity Vigil – 12 PM to 1 PM, hosted by Granite State Organizing Project (GSOP), at United Methodist Church, 154 Main Street, Nashua. Lately, the loudest voices have been those of hate and division. This is our opportunity to show our community that there are people here who welcome immigrants. Bring signs with positive messages.
Sunday, March 1, 2026
NH Bridge Brigade for Democracy – 2 PM to 4 PM. Statewide event. Find your location and connect with others.
No Wars with Iran, Stand Up for Democracy – 3 PM to 4 PM at Market Square, Portsmouth. Now is the time to act! Join us in the streets to say ‘no’ to this Fascist regime! We stand along the street in front of North Church on Market Square in Portsmouth. Everyone is welcome to bring their own signs. We also have signs, banners and flags to share.
Tuesday, March 3, 2026
Coexistence My Ass - A Film Screening – 7 PM, at Red River Theatre, 11 S. Main Street, Concord. Hosted by Not in My Name NH. 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 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.
Advocacy and Pizza – 6 PM to 7 PM, every Tuesday in March at the YWCA Manchester, 72 Concord Street, Manchester. Hosted by Queerlective and 603 Forward. Too many bills. Not enough executive function? Join us every Tuesday to eat pizza and take action together. We’ll provide a weekly cheat sheet of current bills, clear action steps from community partners, and support walking through sign-ins and testimony.
Wednesday, March 4, 2026
Coexistence My Ass - A Film Screening & Conversation – 7 PM, at 3S Artspace, Portsmouth. 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.
Thursday, March 5, 2026
NH is NOT your Free State Project! - PROTEST – 2:30 PM to 3:30 PM, at the State House, Concord. In 2003, a national libertarian group called the "Free State Project" targeted New Hampshire to move here and "take over state government." Since then, they have run and been elected as State legislators and have downloaded state costs to towns, causing property taxes to soar; defunded schools and harassed teachers; tried to "put a leash on" towns' freedom to budget as townspeople choose. The Free Staters are hosting their NH "Liberty" Forum in Concord March 5-8. They will be touring the NH State House Thursday afternoon.
Join us on the plaza in front of the State House arch to make clear that New Hampshire is not their Free State "Project" to turn into their "libertarian homeland." Sponsored by 50501 NH, Kent Street Coalition, Southern NH Indivisible and Granite State Matters. We are committed to peaceful, non-violent protest. No weapons.
Your Passion Your Leadership: Analyzing Power with Carin Schiewe– 6 PM to 7:30 PM, at Hanover Howe Library, 13 South Street, Hanover. This workshop is the first in our series “Your Passion, Your Leadership: A Workshop Series for Aspiring Women Advocates,” and will introduce participants to tools like power analyses and power mapping, helping leaders identify who holds influence in their respective communities, where gaps in representation exist, and how to strategically shift power in the direction of equity. Participants will learn how to identify where decisions about schools, healthcare, and local services are being made—and how best to influence them.
Friday, March 6, 2026
What Upcoming Changes to the Medicaid Enhancement Tax Could Mean for NH Patients, Providers, and the Economy – 2 PM, online event hosted by NH Fiscal Policy Institute. Upcoming federal policy changes are quietly reshaping how New Hampshire funds health care and the consequences could be significant. Join us for a timely webinar examining NH’s Medicaid enhancement tax. We’ll discuss what new federal limits on health care provider taxes could mean for hospitals, patients, rural and underserved communities, the state budget, and the economy as a whole.
Saturday, March 7, 2026
Crowned- A Community Hair Day – 9 AM to 5 PM, at the Olive Grove Center, 201 Hanover Street, Manchester. Hosted by AFSC-NH. Getting your hair done can be both expensive and time-consuming, sometimes taking up to eight hours or more. Thanks to a special grant for “joy, play, and belonging,” we are delighted to create a special gathering where community members can receive hair services free of charge.Most of the hairstylists and barbers participating are newer, so this is also a great opportunity for them to gain exposure and build their clientele. In New Hampshire, it can be more challenging than in larger states to find specialized hair stores, products, and experienced stylists, particularly for textured hair. This event is a way to support young hairstylists and barbers, who are just beginning. Join us for hair styling, food, resource sharing, crafts and community! Register here; braiding and barbering spots are filling up fast!
NH Collective Power Community Convening – 10 AM to 1 PM, at the YMCA, 72 Concord Street, Manchester. Black Lives Matter NH, the Business Alliance for People of Color, the Black Heritage Trail of NH, the NH Center for Justice & Equity, the Racial Unity Team, and Sanborn Solutions invite you to join us at our next Community Convening, rescheduled from February 7 due to snow. This convening will bring together BIPOC, LGBTQIA+ and disability leaders from across NH to talk openly about how we can work together to defend, support, care for and empower our communities. Food & beverages will be provided!
No One Asked You (film screening) & Panel Discussion – 6 PM to 9 PM, Kittery Dance Hall, 7 Walker Street, Kittery, Maine. Comedian, disruptor-extraordinaire Lizz Winstead (co-creator of the Daily Show), and Abortion Access Front crisscross the U.S. to support abortion clinic staff and bust stigma. Pop culture icons and next-gen comics fuel this six-year road film activating small-town folks to rebuild vandalized clinics, exposing wrongdoer politicians, anti-abortion extremist, and media neglect as the race to the bottom ensues and our rights burn down. No One Asked You is a bold call to action driven by the power of humor in social change, where joy prevails $15 General admission. Event is hosted by Billie Butler, and panel curated by Lovering Health Center.
Tuesday, March 10, 2026
Student-led Donuts & Discussions – 3:30 PM to 5 PM, hosted by Young Organizers United, at the Manchester City Library, Winchell Room, 405 Pine Street Manchester. Join us for a listening session on the state of facilities across Manchester high schools. Includes free donuts and beverages.
Seacoast Unity Hub – 6 PM to 8 PM, in Portsmouth. Location shared with registrants. 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. All are welcome. Light refreshments provided.
Advocacy & Pizza – 6 PM to 7 PM, every Tuesday in March, at the YWCA, 72 Concord Street, Manchester. Hosted by Queerlective and 603 Forward. Too many bills. Not enough executive function? Join us every Tuesday at the YWCA Manchester to eat pizza and take action together. We’ll provide a weekly cheat sheet of current bills, clear action steps from community partners, and support walking through sign-ins and testimony.
Thursday, March 12, 2026
Advocacy 101 Webinar – 12 PM to 1 PM, online, hosted by New Futures. This one-hour online session will give participants a comprehensive overview of the NH state legislature. Learn the essential steps of how a bill becomes law and discover powerful strategies for civic engagement, including participating in public hearings and effectively communicating with legislators.
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 Siberine. 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 5:50 PM so we can begin promptly at 6 PM. Registration is required.
Your Passion Your Leadership: Using Your Voice for Advocacy with Liz Tentarelli – 6 PM to 7:30 PM, at Hanover Howe Library, 13 South Street, Hanover. This is the second workshop in our series “Your Passion, Your Leadership: A Workshop Series for Aspiring Women Advocates.” From writing persuasive emails to calling elected officials and testifying at hearings, this workshop will equip participants with practical strategies to make their voices heard and influence important policy decisions at every level of government. Your presenter will be Liz Tentarelli, President of the League of Women Voters, NH.
Tuesday, March 17, 2026
Advocacy and Pizza – 6 PM to 7 PM, every Tuesday in March, at the YWCA, 72 Concord Street, Manchester. Hosted by Queerlective and 603 Forward. Too many bills. Not enough executive function? Join us every Tuesday at the YWCA Manchester to eat pizza and take action together. We’ll provide a weekly cheat sheet of current bills, clear action steps from community partners, and support walking through sign-ins and testimony.
Thursday, March 19, 2026
Your Passion Your Leadership: Communications and Social Media – 6 PM to 7:30 PM, at Hanover Howe Library, 13 South Street, Hanover. This is the third workshop in our series “Your Passion, Your Leadership: A Workshop Series for Aspiring Women Advocates,” and will help you learn how to craft compelling messages, engage effectively on social media, and use communications tools to educate, mobilize, and grow your audience. Your presenter Kaylie Efstratiou is a policy and communications professional currently serving as Development and Communications Associate at Open Democracy, New Hampshire.
Saturday, March 21, 2026
Joyful Noise: Song for Justice, Belonging, & Community – 12 PM to 3 PM, State House Plaza, Concord, Hosted by New Hampshire Council of Churches. Community choruses, church choirs, school bands, a group of friends, a family. The NH Council of Churches invites you to join us to raise our voices to celebrate justice, belonging, and shared humanity through song in a joyful, welcoming, and public space. Your group can select up to 3 songs that reflect the themes of justice, belonging, and/or community. Please provide lyrics so that everyone present may sing.
Tuesday, March 24, 2026
Advocacy and Pizza - 6 PM to 7 PM, every Tuesday in March, at the YWCA, 72 Concord Street, Manchester. Hosted by Queerlective and 603 Forward. Too many bills. Not enough executive function? Join us every Tuesday at the YWCA Manchester to eat pizza and take action together. We’ll provide a weekly cheat sheet of current bills, clear action steps from community partners, and support walking through sign-ins and testimony.
Thursday, March 26, 2026
Your Passion Your Leadership: Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Training – 6 PM to 7:30 PM, Hanover Howe Library, 13 South Street, Hanover. This is the fourth workshop in our series “Your Passion, Your Leadership: A Workshop Series for Aspiring Women Advocates” and will provide a hands-on, accessible session designed to build comfort with digital tools—covering everything from managing emails to Zoom meetings—so that every leader can confidently engage in advocacy and organizing in today's hyper-online world. Your presenter Dr. Dottie Morris is the Associate Vice President for Institutional Equity and Diversity at Keene State College, where she provides leadership and guidance as the institution advances its commitment to diversity, inclusion, and multiculturalism. A member of the President’s Cabinet, Dr. Morris works across executive leadership, academic affairs, student engagement, advancement, and administration to embed equity and social justice throughout the college.
Sacred Circle Dance for Spring Equinox – 6 PM to 7:30 PM, at the Community Church of Durham UCC, 15 Main Street Durham. Join us to celebrate the Spring Equinox with dance! People in all cultures, throughout history and across the world, dance. We join in this tradition with dances from a multi-cultural folk dance background. The dances are accessible to many ages, body types and experience levels. Steps taught at all dance sessions. No experience or partner needed. We gather to dance on the fourth Friday of every month in Seacoast NH. Cost: sliding scale of $5-25, pay at the door, cash or check please.
Saturday, March 28, 2026
No Kings III Dover – 11 AM to 1 PM, Lower Square (Central Ave & Washington), Dover. Hosted by Greater Seacoast Indivisible.
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, March 31, 2026
Advocacy and Pizza - 6 PM to 7 PM, every Tuesday in March, at the YWCA, 72 Concord Street, Manchester. Hosted by Queerlective and 603 Forward. Too many bills. Not enough executive function? Join us every Tuesday at the YWCA Manchester to eat pizza and take action together. We’ll provide a weekly cheat sheet of current bills, clear action steps from community partners, and support walking through sign-ins and testimony.
Thursday, April 2, 2026
Your Passion Your Leadership: Managing Great Volunteers – 6 PM to 7:30 PM, Hanover Howe Library, 13 South Street, Hanover. This is the fifth workshop in our series “Your Passion, Your Leadership: A Workshop Series for Aspiring Women Advocates,” and will focus on recruiting, training, and sustaining volunteers, with strategies for creating inclusive and energized teams that can carry the work forward. Your presenter MacKenzie Nicholson is a policy and advocacy leader and a graduate of the University of New Hampshire, holding a B.S. in Family Studies with a concentration in Child Advocacy and Family Policy, and an M.S. in Public Policy. She is currently Senior Director at MomsRising, where she leads advocacy efforts focused on policies impacting low-income families, pay equity, and health equity.
Thursday, April 9, 2026
Your Passion Your Leadership: Stories of Success – 6 PM to 7:30 PM, Hanover Howe Library, 13 South Street, Hanover. This is the sixth workshop in our series, “Your Passion, Your Leadership: A Workshop Series for Aspiring Women Advocates.” A panel of women community advocates will share firsthand experiences of organizing against harmful policies, building coalitions, and winning real victories, offering inspiration and practical lessons for participants’ own leadership journeys. Your presenter Zandra Rice Hawkins is a nonprofit executive director, former City Councilor, PTA volunteer, and longtime community advocate who believes deeply that we are stronger together. She is the Founding Executive Director of Granite State Progress, a statewide communications and research hub advancing progressive policy in New Hampshire.
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. Hosted by Open Democracy.
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!