State House Watch: March 24, 2025

March 24, 2025

“We cannot change the world alone. To heal ourselves, to restore the earth to life, to create the situations in which freedom can flourish, we must work together in groups.” – Starhawk

Welcome to spring, State House Watchers!

As the light and the warmth increase around us, it’s time for growth, for strengthening our ties to each other, and stretching to meet this moment. If you need a boost, check out this encouraging analysis about the state of resistance in the US: “Resistance is alive and well in the United States” (Waging Nonviolence): “In February 2025 alone, we…tallied over 2,085 protests, which included major protests in support of federal workers, LGBTQ rights, immigrant rights, Palestinian self-determination, Ukraine, and demonstrations against Tesla and Trump’s agenda more generally. This is compared with 937 protests in the United States in February 2017, which included major protests against the so-called Muslim ban along with other pro-immigrant and pro-choice protests. Coordinated days of protest such as March Fourth for Democracy (March 4), Stand Up for Science (March 7), rallies in recognition of International Women’s Day (March 8), and protests demanding the release of Palestinian activist Mahmoud Khalil suggest little likelihood of these actions slowing down. These are all occurring in the background of a tidal wave of lawsuits challenging the Trump administration’s early moves.”  

Protests, strategic campaigns, lawsuits, mutual aid, and economic actions such as those focused on Tesla and Target, are paths forward by which we can build power to halt authoritarianism and build the world that we want in the shadow of the one that is crumbling. Here's another little boost.

The boosts are necessary because the national news is devastating, including a DOGE-led invasion of the US Institute of Peace, an order to dismantle the Department of Education, news of sinister collusion between the IRS and ICE, an announcement of plans to cancel the legal immigration status for more than half a million people, ceasefires shattered by Israel, and hundreds of people deported to a nightmare mega prison in El Salvador. 

Here in New Hampshire, there are plenty of additional reasons for outrage and sadness, including the passage last week in the full House of HB 148 which would legalize discrimination against transgender people, rolling back the important protections codified in 2018. Read more here, and listen to the powerful speech by Representative Alice Wade from Dover in opposition to the bill.

And there was the rapid advancement of HB 592, a bill that will increase the harm caused by the criminal legal system. It passed the House on March 13, had its Senate public hearing on March 18, was unanimously approved by the full Senate on March 20, and will be signed into law soon by Governor Ayotte. Read more here. We find it shameful that legislators – including all Senate Democrats - abandoned the thoughtful and justice-oriented agreements developed over the past many years and instead accepted false narratives from police about crime and safety in our communities. Fear mongering is a toxic force in our policy-making.

Other low notes from last week include passage by the House of a so-called parental bill of rights, approval of Medicaid work requirements, and defeat by the House majority of bills to improve wages and increase access to absentee ballots.

House budget writers continue their work, which included a last-minute public hearing in Manchester on Saturday hosted by House Democrats (read more here).

This coming week, the Senate will be in session on Thursday, March 27, and the House will convene for two days – Wednesday, March 26 and Thursday, March 27. Horribly, there are six (!) anti-LGBTQ+ bills on the calendar – four in the Senate and two in the House. Join Voices of Faith for visibility in support of LGBTQ+ rights and dignity on Thursday, March 27 starting at 8:15 AM, and join us later today (Monday) at 4 PM for a presentation by Linds Jakows of 603 Equality about next steps. Be in touch for the Zoom link.

ACTION ALERTS
Note that these Action Alerts are not all the same. Please read each one carefully as the instructions are different depending on where the bill is in the process. 

The Senate committee pages provide a link to “contact entire committee,” which will open your email app and populate it with the email addresses of all committee members. House committees don’t have that handy feature, but thanks to Katy Cutshall, here’s a list of members for each House committee, which makes it easy to cut and paste!

In Committee on Tuesday, March 25:
Support HB 577, relative to modifying the definition of ADUs. This bill expands accessory dwelling units by right to include detached units, adds definitions related to accessory dwelling units, and increases the maximum square footage. This positive bill has a public hearing in Senate Commerce, Room 100 SH, on Tuesday March 25 at 10:45 AM. Please contact the committee, sign in to support and share testimony.

Oppose HB 222, repealing the requirement for a memorandum of understanding between a chartered public school and school district regarding how students with disabilities will receive special education services. This harmful bill is scheduled for a public hearing in Senate Education, Room 101 LOB on Tuesday, March 25 at 9:30 AM. Please contact the committee, sign in to oppose and share testimony.

Oppose HB 224-FN, relative to rebates to ratepayers from the renewable energy fund. According to the NH Network, this bill would “use REF funds for insignificant short-term savings on energy bills instead of continuing them to fund renewable energy rebates for NH homeowners, businesses, schools, towns, non-profits and other eligible entities. The real question is why the Department of Energy allowed over $20M of funds to accumulate, rather than spend them on the energy projects they were intended for, which reduce energy bills and increase energy independence for communities throughout the state.” This bill is scheduled for an executive session in House Ways & Means, Room 202-204, LOB on Tuesday, March 25 at 11 AM. Note that the online sign-in period has passed, but please contact committee members to urge them to recommend defeat for this bill.

In the full Senate on Thursday, March 27:
Oppose SB 211, relative to biological sex in student athletics. This bill requires school sports teams to be expressly designated as male, female, or coed, denies transgender students the opportunity participate on sports teams that align with their gender identity, and creates a cause of action for violations of these requirements. These restrictions would apply to “any interscholastic, intercollegiate, athletic team, sport, or athletic event that is sponsored or sanctioned by a school, school district, or organization under the control of the state board of education, or an institution of higher education under either the university system or the community college system.” The bill goes to the Senate floor on Thursday, March 27 with a recommendation of “OTP.” Please contact your own senator and urge them to defeat this harmful and discriminatory bill. You can find your own senator’s phone number, address and email here.

Oppose SB 96, relative to mandatory disclosure by school district employees to parents. This bill is referred to as the “forced outing” bill by our friends at 603 Equality. It goes to the Senate floor on Thursday, March 27 with a recommendation of “OTP.” Please contact your senator and urge them to defeat this harmful bill. You can find your own senator’s phone number, address and email here.

Oppose SB 38-FN, relative to state recognition of biological sex. This bill would legalize discrimination against transgender people in bathrooms, in athletics, and in jails, prisons, and detention centers. It will roll back important protections that were codified in 2018. This bill goes to the Senate floor on Thursday, March 27 with a recommendation of “OTP.” Please contact your senator and urge them to defeat this harmful bill. You can find your own senator’s phone number, address and email here.

Oppose SB 268, permitting classification of individuals based on biological sex under certain limited circumstances. This is yet another bill that would legalize discrimination against transgender people in bathrooms, athletics and incarceration. As with SB 38 (as well as HB 148 which passed the full House last week), it will roll back current nondiscrimination provisions that were passed into law in 2018. The bill goes to the Senate floor on Thursday, March 27 with a recommendation of “OTP-A.” Please contact your senator and urge them to defeat this harmful bill. You can find your senator’s phone number, address and email here.

Support SB 260, relative to access to abortion care. This bill provides that the state shall not infringe upon an individual’s right to terminate their pregnancy prior to 24 weeks gestation. It goes to the Senate floor on Thursday, March 27 with a recommendation of “ITL.” Please contact your own senator and urge them to support this bill. You can find your senator’s phone number, address and email here. 

In the full House on Thursday, March 27:
Oppose HB 377-FN, relative to health care professionals administering hormone treatments and puberty blockers. This bill prohibits the performance of a medical procedure or the prescription or issuance of medication, upon or to a minor child, that is intended to alter the minor child's gender or delay puberty. It would insert the State into a decision that should be made between the minor child, their guardian(s), and their medical professionals. It is headed to the House floor on Thursday, March 27 with an “OTP-A” recommendation. Please contact your own representatives and urge them to defeat this harmful bill. You can find their phone numbers, addresses and emails here.

Oppose HB 712-FN, limiting breast surgeries for minors. This is another bill that would block decisions that should be made by the minor child, their guardian(s), and their medical professionals. It is headed to the House floor on Thursday, March 27 with an “OTP-A” recommendation. Please contact your own representatives and urge them to defeat this harmful bill. You can find their phone numbers, addresses and emails here.

Oppose HB 217, relative to absentee ballots. This burdensome bill would require absentee registrants to provide copies of citizenship, age, domicile, and identity documents. This bill is headed to the House floor on Thursday, March 27 with an “OTP” recommendation. Please contact your own representatives and urge them to defeat this harmful bill. You can find their phone numbers, addresses and emails here.

Support HB 385-FN, reestablishing voter identification exceptions. This bill is headed to the House floor with an “ITL” recommendation. Please contact your own representatives and urge them to PASS this bill. You can find their phone numbers, addresses and emails here.

Key:
LOB – Legislative Office Building (33 N. State St. Concord)
SH – State House (107 N. Main St. Concord)
OTP – “Ought to Pass,” the recommendation for approving a bill or an amendment
OTP/A – Ought to Pass with Amendment
ITL – “Inexpedient to Legislate,” the recommendation for defeating a bill or an amendment. 
ITL” can also be used as a verb.
“Without Recommendation” - This indicates that the committee vote was a tie for both ITL and OTP.  During the House session, these bills will be considered first as Ought to Pass.
Re-refer – When a Senate committee wishes to hold onto a bill for further consideration. The recommendation to re-refer must be approved in the full Senate. The committee will have until the end of the calendar year to meet about the bill and make a recommendation for further action. 
Retain – When a House committee wishes to hold onto a bill for further consideration. The committee makes this decision for themselves; approval in the full House is not needed. The committee has until the end of the calendar year to make a recommendation for further action.
RC – Roll call vote. Each legislator’s vote is recorded and attributed to them.
VV – Voice vote
DV – Division vote

Last week in the House 
The House met in session on March 20. Here are the outcomes for the bills on our watch list. 

On the Consent Calendar

CHILDREN AND FAMILY LAW
HB 560, relative to parental access to a minor child’s medical records. OTP-A by VV.

CRIMINAL JUSTICE AND PUBLIC SAFETY 
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. OTP-A by VV.
HB 343, relative to reporting regarding the northern border alliance program. OTP-A by VV.

EDUCATION POLICY AND ADMINISTRATION
HB 231, prohibiting school district personnel from transporting students to medical procedures without parental consent. OTP-A by VV.
HB 398, requiring holocaust and genocide studies in public schools to include the impacts on people with disabilities. ITL by VV.

ENVIRONMENT AND AGRICULTURE 
HB 171, establishing a moratorium on the issuance of permits for new landfills. OTP-A by VV.
HR 13, opposing the permitting of a landfill next to Forest Lake State Park in Dalton, New Hampshire. OTP-A by VV.

HOUSING
HB 631, permitting residential building in commercial zoning by right. OTP-A, DV 204-134.

JUDICIARY
CACR 7, relating to the presumption of innocence. Providing that in all cases and suits of the state against one of the people, the defendant shall be innocent unless proven guilty. ITL by VV.

On the Regular Calendar

CHILDREN AND FAMILY LAW 
HB 10-FN, establishing the parental bill of rights. OTP-A by RC, 212-161. 
HB 433-FN, making 17 the age of consent for marriage if either party is active duty military and removing language regarding age waivers for marriage registration records, since age waivers are no longer issued in New Hampshire. OTP by RC, 193-178.

CRIMINAL JUSTICE AND PUBLIC SAFETY 
HB 109-FN, relative to false reports to law enforcement. OTP by DV, 198-173. 
HB 218-FN, relative to providing victims of crime with a free police report of the investigation. OTP-A by VV. 

EDUCATION FUNDING 
HB 718, requiring the state board of education to report the unfunded financial impact to school districts for rules adopted by the board which exceed state or federal minimum standards. OTP by RC, 211-163. 

EDUCATION POLICY AND ADMINISTRATION
HB 235, relative to amending the educator code of ethics and code of conduct to include responsibility to parents. OTP by RC, 209-164.
HB 329, relative to school district policies governing air quality and temperature issues in schools. ITL by DV, 210-162.
HB 676, relative to the composition and responsibilities of the parent and education service provider advisory commission, and establishing education freedom account impact and parent satisfaction surveys. OTP-A by DV, 205-166.

ELECTION LAW 
CACR 5, relating to absentee ballots. Providing that no excuse shall be needed by the voter to receive an absentee ballot. ITL by DV, 201-169.
HB 136, extending the time period for delivery of an absentee ballot from 5:00 PM to the close of the polls. ITL by DV, 203-169. 
HB 288, requires that absentee ballots be requested at least 6 months prior to any election for which the absentee ballot is requested. OTP-A by VV.
HB 344, enables the processing of absentee ballots before election day. ITL by DV, 204-168. 
HB 389-FN, requiring candidates to attest they have not spent more than $1,000 in an election. OTP-A by VV.
HB 403, relative to weather conditions which enable absentee voting. ITL by VV. 
HB 474, requiring a second witness at the counting of write-in votes. OTP-A by VV. 
HB 630-FN, preventing the dissemination of deepfake materials of political candidates before an election. ITL by RC, 201-169.

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, and requiring that questions put to it in writing or at a meeting be answered and posted on its website within 14 days. OTP-A by DV, 208-164.

HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES AND ELDERLY AFFAIRS
HCR 7, recognizing abortion as a critical component of comprehensive reproductive health care. Laid on table by RC, 199-171.
HR 16, recognizing the essential contributions of frontline health workers in assisting the state to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic and urging greater attention and support for local frontline health workers. OTP-A by VV.

HOUSING 
HB 351, requiring landlords to give tenants of at-will tenancies at least 60-days notice to evict. Laid on table by DV, 352-11.

HB 558-FN, creating a public county registry of the monthly rent charged by landlords for each owned unit and prohibiting landlords from using algorithms or software to determine rental rates. ITL by VV.
HB 628-FN, prohibiting landlords from discriminating against prospective tenants holding certain vouchers under the housing choice voucher program. ITL by DV, 213-152.

JUDICIARY
HB 148, permitting classification of individuals based on biological sex under certain circumstances. OTP by RC, 201-166.
HB 199, extending the statute of limitation on civil actions relative to damage caused by per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). Laid on table by DV, 188-170.
HB 254-FN, relative to options for end of life care. Laid on table by RC, 183-182.
HB 273, relative to a parent’s access to their minor child’s library records. OTP by RC, 196-162. 

LABOR, INDUSTRIAL AND REHABILITATIVE SERVICES
HB 280, repealing the weekly or biweekly payment of wage methods and authorizing employers to choose the payment method of their employees. OTP-A by RC, 191-176.
HB 379, relative to youth employment during the school year and at night. ITL by VV. 

HB 442, relative to prohibiting payment of subminimum wages. Laid on table by RC, 199-153.
HB 726-FN, increasing the minimum hourly rate and increasing the base rate for tipped employees. Laid on table by RC, 197-159.

HB 757, providing that employers administering a tip pooling or sharing arrangement must include an example of the arrangement in its documentation. It further provides that the employer must provide a written notice to the employee, and specifies the content of that notice. Requires certain employers using a service charge to disclose the allocation of that charge on an itemized receipt given to the customer. Laid on table by DV, 204-152.

SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY AND ENERGY
HB 221, modifying the assessment of system benefit charges cost effectiveness. OTP by RC, 195-151. 
HB 535-FN, relative to defining the role of the public utilities commission. Laid on table by DV, 194-153.
HB 599, establishing a committee to examine weatherization initiatives for homes in New Hampshire. Laid on table by DV, 198-148.
HB 672-FN, defining "off-grid electricity providers" and establishing a specific category for off-grid electricity providers, exempting them from certain regulations as long as they remain independent from the regulated electric grid. OTP-A by DV, 215-132.
HB 710-FN, defining "advanced nuclear resource" (ANR) and including ANR options alongside renewable energy sources for utility services, sets limitations and guidelines for investments in distributed electric generation, and clarifies the coordinator's duties in nuclear development and regulatory activities. OTP-A by DV, 259-85.
HCR 2, declaring the development of advanced nuclear energy technology to be in the best interest of the state of New Hampshire and the United States. OTP by DV, 258-83. 

HCR 4, relative to rejecting all offshore wind energy projects in the waters off the coast of New Hampshire and the Gulf of Maine. OTP by RC, 195-149.
HR 15, urging New Hampshire's congressional representatives to advocate for a change in the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission's policy. OTP-A by VV. 

STATE-FEDERAL RELATIONS AND VETERANS AFFAIRS 
HR 12, urging Congress to amend the Smith-Mundt Modernization Act of 2013. OTP by DV, 192-150.

Last week in the Senate
The Senate met in session on March 20. Here are the outcomes for the bills on our watch list. 

On the Consent Calendar

COMMERCE
SB 90, allowing high-density residential development on land zoned for commercial use. Re-referred to committee by VV.
SB 166, relative to notice required prior to sale of a manufactured housing unit located in a resident-owned community. OTP by VV.
SB 170, relative to residential property subject to housing covenants under the low income housing tax credit program. ITL by VV.
SB 171, relative to required pay for remote work. OTP. by VV
SB 173, relative to residential property subject to housing covenants under the low income housing tax credit program. OTP by VV.
SB 175, relative to the use of covenants by municipalities. Re-referred to Committee by VV.

ELECTION LAW & MUNICIPAL AFFAIRS
SB 216, relative to the authority of moderators on election day. ITL by VV.

ENERGY & NATURAL RESOURCES
SB 299, relative to penalties for contractors violating water pollution and waste disposal regulations. OTP by VV.

FINANCE
SB 118-FN, (New Title) relative to the personal needs allowance of residents of nursing homes; making an appropriation to the department of health and human services for Hampstead hospital and residential treatment facility staff; and establishing the Hampstead hospital and residential treatment facility capital investment fund. OTP-A by VV.
SB 119, directing pharmacists to dispense brand name drugs to Medicaid beneficiaries when the brand name drug is on the department of health and human services preferred drug list. The bill also directs the department to develop a standing order for certain medicaid-covered, over-the-counter medications, medical supplies, and laboratory tests when deemed medically necessary and cost effective by the department. OTP by VV.
SB 123, requiring coverage of ear acupuncture as a treatment for substance misuse under the state Medicaid plan. Re-referred to committee by VV.
SB 180-FN, designating Coos county as a distressed place-based economy. OTP by VV.

JUDICIARY 
SB 269, removing references to matrimonial age and time waivers in the vital records act. OTP by VV.

On the Regular Calendar

COMMERCE
SB 174, prohibiting planning boards from differentiating based on the number of bedrooms in a residential development during the hearing and approval process. OTP by VV.
SB 284, limiting residential parking spaces to one per unit, with exceptions for certain workforce housing and multi-family developments. OTP by DV, 15Y-8N.

FINANCE
SB 72-FN, establishing a parents’ bill of rights in education. OTP-A by RC, 15Y-8N.
SB 81-FN, increasing the annual real estate transfer tax revenue contribution and making an appropriation to the affordable housing fund. OTP-A by VV.
SB 122-FN, relative to financial eligibility for the Medicare savings program. OTP by VV.
SB 128-FN, relative to children’s mental health services for persons 18 years of age and younger. Laid on table by VV.
SB 134-FN, relative to work requirements under the state Medicaid program. OTP by VV.
SB 137-FN, relative to hospital stays covered under the state Medicaid plan. Laid on table by VV.
SB 286-FN, creating the New Hampshire office of film and creative media. Laid on table by VV.

Coming Up in the House 

The full House will meet in session on two days next week - March 26 at 9 AM and March 27 at 9 AM. Watch it here. Here are the bills we’re tracking which will be considered and voted on during the March 26 session.

On the Consent Calendar

COMMERCE AND CONSUMER AFFAIRS 

HB 310, establishing a commission to study the creation of a regulatory framework for stable tokens and tokenized real-world assets in New Hampshire. Committee recommends OTP-A.

HB 517-FN, repealing the Granite State paid family leave plan. Committee recommends OTP-A.

HB 705, relative to health care cost transparency. Committee recommends OTP-A.

CRIMINAL JUSTICE AND PUBLIC SAFETY 

HB 146-FN, relative to the use of body-worn cameras. Committee recommends OTP-A.

HB 416-FN, prohibiting the intentional disposal of yard waste into the surface waters of the state. Committee recommends OTP-A.

HB 597, establishing a designated behavioral health access point within the enhanced 911 system. Committee recommends OTP.

EDUCATION FUNDING

HB 237-A, prohibiting the use of special education state aid funds and differentiated aid special education funds on students not receiving special education services. Committee recommends ITL.

EDUCATION POLICY AND ADMINISTRATION

HB 555-FN, relative to required holocaust and genocide study requirements for an adequate public education. Committee recommends ITL.

HB 673-FN, relative to school bullying and discrimination plans. Committee recommends ITL.

HB 765-FN-LOCAL, consolidating school administrative units and making school superintendents jobs an elected position. Committee recommends ITL.

ELECTION LAW

HB 130-FN, relative to the arrangement of candidates on primary election ballots. Committee recommends ITL.

HB 172, restricting undeclared voters from same-day voting in a presidential or state primary. Committee recommends ITL.

HB 220-FN, closing the presidential or state primary of political parties. Committee recommends ITL.

HB 333, requiring moderators to designate a space for electioneering at polling places and provide a schematic thereof.  Committee recommends ITL.

HB 420, relative to the chain of custody for ballots. Committee recommends ITL.

HB 429, relative to amending the term length for county commissioners. Committee recommends ITL.

HB 472, requiring voters to prove domicile. Committee recommends ITL.

HB 684, preventing the use of student identification cards as a means to obtain a ballot. Committee recommends ITL.

ENVIRONMENT AND AGRICULTURE

HB 707, requiring the department of environmental services to establish a site-specific setback distance for proposed new landfills. Committee recommends OTP-A.

EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENTS AND ADMINISTRATION

CACR 1, relating to the governor. Providing that there be a lieutenant governor who shall assume the duties of the governor if the governor is incapacitated. Committee recommends ITL.

HB 161, changing the membership of the New Hampshire commission on Native American affairs. Committee recommends ITL.

FINANCE

HB 165-FN, relative to the maximum amount of disaster relief funding provided to municipalities after a natural disaster. Committee recommends OTP.

HEALTH, HUMAN SERVICES AND ELDERLY AFFAIRS

HB 664-A, relative to childhood immunization requirements. Committee recommends ITL.

HB 701-FN, relative to a health care patient’s right to try certain emergency health care treatment options. Committee recommends OTP-A.

HB 731-FN, relative to supportive housing options for individuals with developmental disabilities. Committee recommends OTP-A.

HOUSING

HB 457, relative to zoning restrictions on dwelling units. Committee recommends OTP-A.

JUDICIARY

HB 522-FN, relative to the expectation of privacy in personal information maintained by the state. Committee recommends OTP-A.

LEGISLATIVE ADMINISTRATION

HB 118, establishing required breaks during legislative proceedings. Committee recommends OTP-A.

HB 331, relative to the secretary of state’s procedures for enrolled bills. Committee recommends OTP.

HB 605, relative to employment protections for members of the general court. Committee recommends ITL.

SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY AND ENERGY

HB 450, relative to commercial property assessed clean energy and resiliency (C-PACER). Committee recommends ITL.

On the Regular Calendar - Part I 

CRIMINAL JUSTICE AND PUBLIC SAFETY

HB 198-FN, relative to legalizing certain quantities of cannabis and establishing penalties for the smoking or vaping of cannabis in public. Majority committee recommends OTP. Minority committee recommends ITL.

EDUCATION FUNDING

HB 137, relative to allocating excess statewide education property tax funds for local school and municipal purposes. Majority committee recommends ITL. Minority committee recommends OTP.

EDUCATION POLICY AND ADMINISTRATION

HB 90-FN, relative to the definition of part-time teachers. Majority committee recommends OTP-A. Minority committee recommends ITL.

ELECTION LAW

CACR 2, relating to the drawing of district boundaries. Providing that no district boundaries shall be drawn in a way that favors or disfavors any political party or candidate. Majority committee recommends ITL. Minority committee recommends OTP.

HB 154, enabling voters to request to have their ballots hand-counted. Majority committee recommends OTP. Minority committee recommends ITL.

HB 408, moving the date of the state primary to the fourth Tuesday in August. Majority committee recommends ITL. Minority committee recommends OTP.

HB 481, relative to moving the state primary date. Majority committee recommends OTP. Minority committee recommends ITL.

HB 514-FN, allowing private persons to sue for violations of election laws. Majority committee recommends OTP. Minority committee recommends ITL.

HB 600-FN, enabling ranked-choice voting for municipal elections. Majority committee recommends ITL. Minority committee recommends OTP.

HEALTH, HUMAN SERVICES AND ELDERLY AFFAIRS

HB 606, relative to a patient’s right to medically appropriate care for reproductive disorders. Majority committee recommends OTP. Minority committee recommends ITL.

JUDICIARY

HB 400, requiring a public body’s collective bargaining negotiations to be deemed public meetings and requiring that arguments made and information generated during the meetings be made available to the public under the right-to-know law. Majority committee recommends ITL. Minority committee recommends OTP.

HB 520, relative to authorizing hearing officers of the department of education to issue subpoenas. Majority committee recommends OTP. Minority committee recommends OTP-A.

HB 641-FN, establishing a private right of action for civil rights violations. Majority committee recommends ITL. Minority committee recommends OTP-A.

LABOR, INDUSTRIAL AND REHABILITATIVE SERVICES

HB 487, relative to providing employees with advance notice of the work schedule. Majority committee recommends ITL. Minority committee recommends OTP-A.

SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY AND ENERGY

HB 755-FN, relative to the state’s electric utility market. Majority committee recommends ITL. Minority committee recommends OTP.

HB 759-FN, relative to community energy generators. Majority committee recommends ITL. Minority committee recommends OTP.

HB 761-FN, relative to customer energy storage. Majority committee recommends ITL. Minority committee recommends OTP.

On the Regular Calendar - Part II 

CRIMINAL JUSTICE AND PUBLIC SAFETY

HB 638-FN, allowing an older prisoner serving a sentence of life without parole to be eligible for parole upon meeting certain criteria. Majority committee recommends ITL. Minority committee recommends OTP.

EDUCATION FUNDING

HB 549-FN, relative to the use of education freedom account funds in religious schools and institutions of higher education. Majority committee recommends ITL. Minority committee recommends OTP.

EDUCATION POLICY AND ADMINISTRATION

HB 50, relative to teaching discrimination in public schools and discrimination in public workplaces. Majority committee recommends OTP-A. Minority committee recommends OTP.

HB 324-FN, relative to prohibiting obscene or harmful sexual materials in schools. Majority committee recommends OTP. Minority committee recommends ITL.

HB 361, prohibiting mandatory mask policies in schools. Majority committee recommends OTP. Minority committee recommends ITL.

HB 431, establishing a commission to review draft rules related to minimum standards for public school approval and state academic standards developed by the department of education. Majority committee recommends OTP-A. Minority committee recommends OTP.

HB 446, relative to parental notice for non-academic surveys in public schools. Majority committee recommends OTP-A. Minority committee recommends ITL.

HB 741-FN, allowing parents to send their children to any school district they choose. Majority committee recommends OTP-A. Minority committee recommends ITL.

HB 749-FN, requiring high schools to include instruction on the nature and history of communism. Majority committee recommends OTP-A. Minority committee recommends ITL.

HB 768, allowing public schools to contract with any approved private school. Majority committee recommends OTP. Minority committee recommends ITL.

ELECTION LAW

HB 217, relative to absentee ballots. Majority committee recommends OTP. Minority committee recommends ITL.

HB 274, relative to the verification of voter rolls annually. Majority committee recommends OTP. Minority committee recommends ITL.

HB 363, establishing redistricting criteria. Majority committee recommends ITL. Minority committee recommends OTP-A.

HB 385-FN, reestablishing voter identification exceptions. Majority committee recommends ITL. Minority committee recommends OTP-A.

HEALTH, HUMAN SERVICES AND ELDERLY AFFAIRS

HB 357, relative to the department of health and human services’ rulemaking authority regarding immunization requirements. Majority committee recommends OTP. Minority committee recommends ITL.

HB 358, relative to exemption from immunization requirements on the basis of religious belief. Majority committee recommends OTP. Minority committee recommends ITL.

HB 377-FN, relative to health care professionals administering hormone treatments and puberty blockers. Majority committee recommends OTP-A. Minority committee recommends ITL.

HB 679, relative to immunization requirements. Majority committee recommends OTP. Minority committee recommends ITL.

HB 712-FN, limiting breast surgeries for minors. Majority committee recommends OTP-A. Minority committee recommends ITL.

JUDICIARY

HB 584-FN, relative to public health, safety, and state sovereignty. Majority committee recommends OTP-A. Minority committee recommends ITL.

HB 620-FN, relative to the exercise of the freedom of religion. Without recommendation. 

HB 666-FN, relative to adding restitution payment for violations of the confidentiality of the library use records and adding library cards and membership status to the list of confidential matters. Majority committee recommends OTP-A. Minority committee recommends ITL.

MUNICIPAL AND COUNTY GOVERNMENT

HB 200, relative to the procedure for overriding a local tax cap. Majority committee recommends OTP-A. Minority committee recommends ITL.

WAYS AND MEANS

HB 402, relative to liability as taxable income of education freedom account payments. Majority committee recommends ITL. Minority committee recommends OTP-A.

HB 483-FN, relative to the definition of a scholarship organization for purposes of the education tax credit. Majority committee recommends ITL. Minority committee recommends OTP.

HB 530-FN, increasing the amount of revenue transferred from the real estate transfer tax to the affordable housing fund. Majority committee recommends ITL. Minority committee recommends OTP.

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 25

WAYS AND MEANS, Room 202-204, LOB

10:00 AM HB 302, relative to enabling the state treasury to invest in precious metals and digital assets.

10:30 AM HB 696-FN, exempting electricity generators from the utility property tax and including them under the statewide education property tax, and relative to communications services tax revenues. 

11:00 AM Executive session on HB 524-FN, repealing the New Hampshire vaccine association.

Coming Up in the Senate 
The full Senate will meet in session on Thursday, March 27 in the Senate Chamber starting at 10 AM. Watch it here. This is “Crossover Day” for the Senate, the deadline by which they have to act on all bills which originated in that chamber. Here are the bills we’re tracking which will be considered and voted on.

On the Consent Calendar

EDUCATION 

SB 210, establishing a study committee to study the issue of school bullying. Committee recommends OTP.

ELECTION LAW AND MUNICIPAL AFFAIRS

SB 222, relative to moving the state primary date. Committee recommends OTP-A.

HB 78, requiring a person to have a domicile in the district from which they serve as county commissioner. Committee recommends OTP.

FINANCE 

SB 86-FN, relative to the housing finance authority’s affordable housing guarantee program. Committee recommends OTP-A.

SB 97-FN, relative to intra-district public school transfers. Committee recommends OTP.

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. Committee recommends OTP-A.

SB 228-FN, relative to the limitations on community customer generators. Committee recommends OTP.

SB 243-FN, relative to the child care scholarship program. Committee recommends OTP.

SB 292-FN-A, authorizing a warrant for the funding of state special education aid. Committee recommends OTP.

WAYS AND MEANS 

SB 275, providing property tax relief for some child care agencies. Committee recommends ITL.

On the Regular Calendar

EDUCATION 

SB 96, relative to mandatory disclosure by school district employees to parents. Committee recommends OTP.

SB 211, relative to biological sex in student athletics. Committee recommends OTP.

ELECTION LAW AND MUNICIPAL AFFAIRS

SB 287, requiring applicants for absentee ballots to present a copy of their photo identification with their application. Committee recommends OTP.

EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENTS AND ADMINISTRATION 

SB 303, directing the commissioner of the department of education to compile a report on the effects of the dissolution of the United States Department of Education on New Hampshire and its residents. Committee recommends ITL.

SB 304, directing the commissioner of the department of business and economic affairs to assemble a report on the effects of tariffs on Canada and New Hampshire residents. Committee recommends ITL.

FINANCE 

SB 244-FN-A, relative to expanding access to primary health care services, increasing the size of the health care workforce, and making appropriations therefor. Committee recommends OTP.

SB 246-FN, providing maternal depression screening for new mothers; increasing access to health care services for new mothers; enabling new parents to attend infant pediatric medical appointments; and developing a plan for perinatal peer support certification. Committee recommends OTP.

SB 255-FN, establishing and developing crisis stabilization services. Committee recommends OTP.

SB 279-FN, establishing the housing champion business loan program and making appropriations to the department of business and economic affairs and the business finance authority. Committee recommends OTP.

SB 295-FN, relative to education freedom accounts. Committee recommends OTP.

JUDICIARY 

SB 38-FN, relative to state recognition of biological sex. This bill increases the number of students eligible for education freedom accounts by removing household income thresholds.

Committee recommends OTP.
SB 260, relative to access to abortion care. Committee recommends ITL.

SB 265, repealing the provision related to religious use of land and structures. Committee recommends ITL.

SB 268, permitting classification of individuals based on biological sex under certain limited circumstances. 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.

TUESDAY, MARCH 25

COMMERCE, Room 100, SH

10:45 AM HB 577, relative to modifying the definition of ADUs.

EDUCATION, Room 101, LOB

9:00 AM HB 184, establishing a committee to study changing school start times.

9:15 AM HB 193, relative to the maximum number of credits per course eligible for the dual and concurrent enrollment program.

9:30 AM HB 222, repealing the requirement for a memorandum of understanding between a chartered public school and school district regarding how students with disabilities will receive special education services. 

9:45 AM HB 440, relative to educator licensing.

ELECTION LAW AND MUNICIPAL AFFAIRS, Room 103, LOB 

10:00 AM HB 261, relative to election audits.

JUDICIARY, Room 100, SH 

1:30 PM HB 196-FN, relative to annulling certain cannabis possession offenses. 

1:45 PM HB 75-FN, legalizing cannabis for persons 21 years of age or older.

TRANSPORTATION, Room 101, LOB

1:30 PM HB 260-FN, creating a commemorative license plate celebrating the 250th anniversary of American Independence.

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 26

EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENTS AND ADMINISTRATION, Room 103, SH 

10:00 AM HB 55, relative to the Selective Service Compliance Act.

HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES, Room 100, SH

10:15 AM HB 73, relative to harm reduction, substance misuse, and the governor’s commission on alcohol and drug abuse prevention, treatment, and recovery.

10:45 AM HB 370, reestablishing the commission to study the delivery of behavioral crisis services to individuals with mental illness with an impairment primarily due to intellectual disability.

Recommendations
The New Hampshire LGBTQ+ Coalition, supported by ACLU NH and New Hampshire Outright, invites you to share your experiences This landscape assessment of the LGBTQ+ community in NH will help the coalition develop a deeper understanding of the needs and experiences of LGBTQ+ people in the state and to inform future actions and advocacy strategies. This anonymous survey is open to anyone who lives in New Hampshire and identifies as part of the LGBTQ+ community. Find it here.

Upcoming Events

Every Third Tuesday
Protect, Resist and Build with AFSC– 8 PM to 9:30 PM. Hosted by AFSC. Monthly webinar series that brings together AFSC constituents to learn about how to protect, resist, and build just peace, just migration, and just economies.

Every Wednesday
Solemn Vigils for Ceasefire Now - 2 PM in Dover at the district offices of Senator Jeanne Shaheen and Congressman Chris Pappas. The March 26 vigil will be at Shaheen’s office, 340 Central Avenue, Dover. We gather at the entrance to Henry Law Park. The April 2 vigil will be at Pappas' office, 660 Central Avenue, Dover.

Every Thursday 
Meeting for Worship with Attention to Peace in Palestine & Israel - 5:30 PM. Hosted by AFSC.

Solemn Vigils for Ceasefire Now – 12 noon at City Hall Plaza, in front of the State House, Concord.

Every Friday 
AFSC Action Hour for a Ceasefire – 12 noon. Join AFSC staff every Friday at 12 PM ET/9 AM PT to hear updates from Gaza. Then, take action with us as we contact our elected officials and call for an immediate ceasefire and humanitarian access to Gaza. Our elected officials need to keep hearing from us. 

Stronger Together Visibility – 4 PM to 5 PM. Hosted by the Stronger Together Coalition. Corner of North Main St. and Loudon Rd. Concord. Join us for a weekly visibility to stand against the war being raged against our communities. Our immigrant loved ones and neighbors are being targeted and kidnapped off the streets. Our public dollars are being funneled into a violent, bloated deportation and detention machine while local police are being weaponized against the communities they are supposed to serve, and life-giving programs are being defunded. Stand with us to protect our communities. All are welcome! 

Wednesday, March 26
Solidarity 2025: Public School Strong Training Series - Deep Canvassing to Build A Bigger We - 7 PM to 8:30 PM. Hosted by Heal Together. Solidarity 2025 is a training series equipping activist educators, school board members, students, parents, and allies to unite against attacks on public education outlined in Project 2025. This training series is part of the Public School Strong campaign, and is designed to empower participants to advocate for students, schools, and communities at local school boards and beyond. Participants will gain critical insights into federal policy proposals, actionable strategies for mobilizing around shared values, and tools like model policies, school board resolutions, and organizing lessons.

Medicaid Matters: Defending Health Care Access in NH - 7 PM. Hosted by New Futures. In New Hampshire, over 187,000 of our residents rely on Medicaid for their health care needs – including children, pregnant women, people with disabilities, veterans, and older adults in nursing homes. But this vital program faces serious threats from potential federal budget cuts. These cuts haven’t happened yet, so this webinar is an important opportunity to become informed and learn how you can take action to defend Medicaid in New Hampshire.

Thursday, March 27 – Saturday, March 29
Undoing Racism Workshop – 6 PM to 8 PM. YWCA-NH, 72 Concord Street, Manchester. Hosted by the People’s Institute For Survival & Beyond. Through dialogue, reflection, role-playing and presentations, this intensive workshop challenges participants to analyze the structures of power and privilege that prohibits social equity and prepares participants to be effective organizers for justice. The cost to attend is: $300 for small organizations / individuals; $350 for large institutions & businesses. Fee includes Snacks and Lunches. Limited Scholarships are available for Students, and Haymarket grantees. Please contact NHBWHP, nhbwhp@gmail.com, 603-840-5819 to preregister today!

Friday, March 28
Criminal Record Annulment Information Session – 5 PM. The Bookery – 844 Elm St. Manchester. Hosted by AFSC NH & 603 Legal Aid. For folks impacted by the criminal legal system, please share and join us for an important information session about annulments for criminal records. 

Saturday, March 29
Housing Co-Op Info Session - 10 AM. Manchester City Library – 405 Pine St. Manchester. Hosted by Manchester Housing Alliance. Join us for an in-person information session at the Manchester City Library to learn about Manchester Housing Alliance Land Trust’s plans to create a limited equity housing co-op. Learn about this affordable housing option for people who are interested in entering the housing market, but unable to qualify for a traditional mortgage. Limited equity co-ops are found in many places around the country but this would be a first for Manchester. Help us make this happen for Manchester renters.

International Women’s Day Celebration – 2 PM to 5 PM. YWCA – 72 Concord St. Manchester. Hosted by Victory Women of Vision. Join us to celebrate International Women’s Day. We forge a better work when we inspire others to understand and value women’s inclusion. 

Monday, March 31
Roots of Resilience: Navigating Change Together - 4:30 – 6 PM. Nashua Public Library, Large Meeting Room - 2 Court St, Nashua. Hosted by MCAC & BWINHC. Join us for a powerful conversation about conflict, culture, and care. This session is for those looking to explore their conflict styles, increase self-awareness, and understand how dominant culture influences how we handle conflict. Together, we’ll begin building a new foundation rooted in curiosity, cultural wisdom, and community care.

Wednesday, April 2
Empowering Communities: Guidance on KYR in Health Access & NILC Office Hours   – 1 PM to 2 PM. Hosted by the National Immigration Law Center. Join us for a three-part webinar series. The Trump administration wasted no time in unleashing an assault on immigrant communities and spreading misinformation. It is important that we all stay informed of our rights and the best ways we can support immigrant communities. Our goal is to empower everyone with the tools they need to defend against increased immigration enforcement.

Thursday, April 3
Resistance to the Rise of the New US Imperialism - African Diaspora Response Webinar - 9 AM to 10:30 AM. Hosted by TrustAfrica and Farafina The Black Link. A conversation with movement leaders in Africa on the lead-up to the African Social Movements Baraza in Accra Ghana. As the world reels over fast-changing news from the US, we explore the response by African diaspora activists, academics, philanthropists and humanists. All are welcome!

Saturday, April 5 
Remove, Reverse, Reclaim Rally - 12 PM. 171 N. Main St. Concord. Hosted by 50-50-1 NH. Remove corrupt politicians. Reverse harmful policies. Reclaim democracy. Join us as we protest, again, the sweeping threat to democracy that is the Trump administration at our state capitol building and send a message that we WILL continue to fight on the right side of history. We will have music, a chance to tell your own story and share why you stand with us, drinks, and snacks. We also have many extra signs from previous protests to share! Kids and well trained pets are welcome!

5th Annual BLM New Hampshire Excellence Awards  – 5 PM to 8 PM. The Office Lounge in Dover. Hosted by BLM NH. Join us to honor Black, Indigenous and Person of Color community members older than 14 years old from all walks of life; artists, educators, activists, entrepreneurs, inventors, musicians, students, etc., that have made contributions to benefit New Hampshire and the Seacoast areas of Maine and Massachusetts! 

Thursday, April 10
Empowering Communities: Guidance on KYR in Protected Areas & NILC Office Hours - 4 PM to 5 PM. Hosted by the National Immigration Law Center. Join us for a three-part webinar series. The Trump administration wasted no time in unleashing an assault on immigrant communities and spreading misinformation. It is important that we all stay informed of our rights and the best ways we can support immigrant communities. Our goal is to empower everyone with the tools they need to defend against increased immigration enforcement.

Saturday, April 12
Rally for Peace & Planet - 1 PM. 171 N. Main St. Concord. Hosted by New Hampshire Peace Action, 350NH, Sierra Club, Climate Action NH, Back from the Brink, Third Act NH. Join a coalition of Peace and Climate Action organizations for a rally at City Plaza. We'll have speakers, activities, music and more!

Tuesday, April 15
Open Democracy Book Club: 100% Democracy - 7 PM. Hosted by Open Democracy. Join us for a discussion of the book 100% Democracy: The Case for Universal Voting. Author Miles Rapoport will be joining us for the first half hour for discussion and Q&A. In 100% Democracy, E.J. Dionne and Miles Rapoport argue that universal participation in our elections should be a cornerstone of our system. It would be the surest way to protect against voter suppression and the active disenfranchisement of a large share of our citizens. And it would create a system true to the Declaration of Independence’s aspirations by calling for a government based on the consent of all of the governed.

Wednesday, April 23
“No Other Land” Film Screening – 6:30 PM doors open, 7 PM film starts. 3S Artspace, 319 Vaughan Street, Portsmouth. Hosted by Not in My Name NH; cosponsored by AFSC-NH.

Saturday, April 26
Granite State Democracy Tour - Concord - 10 AM to 12 PM. NH Historical Society – 30 Park St. Concord. Hosted by Open Democracy. Whether you’re a seasoned adult or a school-age future voter, you’ll learn something when the Granite State Democracy Tour stops in Concord. See the knitted New Hampshire State House created by many NH citizens. Hear presentations about the electoral process and its impact on legislation. Listen to authors read from their books about school children who visit city hall and the U.S. Congress. Take your knowledge of civics to a new level with presentations that address questions like: What makes New Hampshire’s form of government unique? What’s involved in running a town or city? How are decisions made in the community?

Courage to Resist: Commemorating 50 Years Since Vietnam - 5:30 PM to 8:30 PM. Hosted by AFSC. Join us for an evening of stories, connection, resistance, and inspiration for a more just, peaceful future. With opportunities to join in person or online, we will highlight the efforts of AFSC staff, volunteers, conscientious objectors, and other war resisters in the struggle for peace.

Wednesdays, April 30
“There Is Another Way” Film Screening – 6:30 PM doors open, 7 PM film starts. 3S Artspace, 319 Vaughan Street, Portsmouth. Hosted by Not in My Name NH; cosponsored by AFSC-NH. 

With best wishes,
Maggie Fogarty, Grace Kindeke and Kathleen Wooten 

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

The AFSC is a Quaker organization supported by people of many faiths who care about peace, social justice, humanitarian service, and nonviolent change. Maggie Fogarty and Grace Kindeke staff the New Hampshire Program which publishes this newsletter. Kathleen Wooten is AFSC’s State House Watch researcher and database manager.

"State House Watch" is made possible in part by a grant from the Anne Slade Frey Charitable Trust. Your donations make our work possible. Click the DONATE NOW button on our web page to send a secure donation to support the work of the AFSC’s New Hampshire Program. Thank you!