State House Watch: March 29, 2025

“As I pondered a pronoun change, I began to think of gender less as a scale and more as a landscape. Some people are born in the mountains, while others are born by the sea. Some people are happy to live in the place they were born, while others must make a journey to reach the climate in which they can flourish and grow. Between the ocean and the mountains is a wild forest. That is where I want to make my home.” – Maia Kobabe, author, Gender Queer: A Memoir

Hello, State House Watchers,

We begin by acknowledging that yesterday morning, a 7.7 magnitude earthquake hit Myanmar, sending shock waves throughout the region and collapsing buildings in neighboring Thailand. As of this writing, the death toll is greater than 1,600. We are holding the people of Myanmar, Thailand, and everyone affected by this disaster – including AFSC staff in the region – in the Light. Read more here.

We also want to take a moment to celebrate the magnificent life of David Hartsough, pacifist, Quaker, and lifelong practitioner of active nonviolence, who died this past week at the age of 84. A co-founder of Nonviolent Peaceforce and World Beyond War, his life demonstrated an unwavering commitment to the transformative power of nonviolence. Read more here, and here. We love this story that illustrates the humility, love, and courage that animated his activism. 

We’ll seek guidance in David’s example during these troubled times as we face new horrors every week – US bombing of Yemen, unabated US funding of ethnic cleansing in Palestine, abductions of international students who dare to live as if the First Amendment’s protections were real, expulsions of human beings from this country with complete disregard for due process, and the elimination of a dedicated federal workforce and essential programs that serve vulnerable people and the common good not only here in the US but throughout the world. May the rich legacy of nonviolent action that was the labor of David’s life illuminate our path forward as we confront violence, chaos, and authoritarianism. 

We remembered the life and witness of Archbishop Oscar Romero this past week as well. Romero was assassinated on March 24, 1980 for daring to challenge state violence in El Salvador and siding with the oppressed. In his final homily, he preached a message that could be delivered today to the more than 20,000 ICE agents who are terrorizing communities and enacting the White supremacist agenda of this Administration. From Romero’s final sermon: “I want to make a special appeal to soldiers, national guardsmen, and policemen: each of you is one of us. The peasants you kill are your own brothers and sisters. When you hear a man telling you to kill, remember God’s words, ‘thou shalt not kill.’ No soldier is obliged to obey a law contrary to the law of God. In the name of God, in the name of our tormented people, I beseech you, I implore you; in the name of God I command you to stop the repression.”

Monday, March 31 is Transgender Day of Visibility, an opportunity to demonstrate solidarity with transgender people who are being persecuted for daring to exist. The Republican majority in the NH House and Senate (with support from a small number of House Democrats) passed five bills this past week and seven total over the past two weeks, that will authorize discrimination, force schools to ‘out’ students, and deny gender affirming care. For some compelling speeches from the House floor, see the session recording, starting at 2:45:34. We also appreciate Senator David Watters’ message from the Senate floor. Read more about last week’s votes here.

Take a moment today and call Governor Ayotte (603-271-2121); urge her to veto all bills that would harm LGBTQ+ people. Insist that she transcend the bigotry and transphobia that currently dominate our state (and national) politics, and to be a governor for all New Hampshire people. 

In the ongoing campaign to harm public education, the House approved book ban legislation last week - HB 324, relative to prohibiting “obscene or harmful sexual materials” in schools - and a host of other bad bills, and the Senate approved SB 295, a bill that would remove household income limits for school vouchers. We recommend the legislative updates posted by NEA-NH, and also this summary from Reaching Higher NH of the harmful education-related proposals being included in the state budget, including budget caps, expanded eligibility for vouchers, and funding cuts for key programs.

Governor Ayotte signed HB 592 into law last week, following a hasty approval process in the House and Senate. The anti-bail reform bill, as described by the ACLU-NH, “[reinstates] a system of wealth-based incarceration in New Hampshire, and [flips] ‘innocent until proven guilty’ on its head….Under this bill, we will return to an unjust system where Granite Staters will be held in jail for days, weeks, or even months for no reason other than they cannot afford bail.” 

In other important news from last week, the House Finance Committee continued its work on the state budget, preparing to finalize their proposal by the end of next week with a number of executive sessions. We’ll see their proposed version by April 4, and the full House will vote on it when they meet in session on April 10. We look forward to the NH Fiscal Policy Institute’s webinar on April 7 which will do a deep dive into the committee’s proposal. Register here. 

We’ll close this section with some good news: the Senate passed SB 244, relative to expanding access to primary health care services, increasing the size of the health care workforce, and making appropriations therefor. From our friends at New Futures: “SB 244 builds on the work of the NH Health Care Workforce Coalition to address our state’s workforce crisis that impacts access to quality and timely health care for our residents. This bill includes investments in programs and initiatives that attract, train, and retain health care workers within the Granite State.” And the House passed HB 226, which legalizes drug-testing equipment, which is important for harm reduction and overdose prevention.

Next week is a light week – no House or Senate sessions, mostly work sessions in House committees, and some public hearings in the Senate – but there are still several important opportunities for advocacy, including multiple consequential bills that will be voted on in the House Finance Committee on Tuesday. Read on.

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. After a public hearing has passed and the committee is ready to vote on a bill, they will hold an executive session. There is no sign-in or public testimony at executive sessions, but you can still contact members of that committee by email or phone to let them know how you’d like them to vote. 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!

Monday, March 31
10 AM - Executive session in House Finance, Room 210-211, LOB 
Oppose HB 1-A, making appropriations for the expenses of certain departments of the state for fiscal years ending June 30, 2026 and June 30, 2027; HB 2-FN-A-L, relative to state fees, funds, revenues, and expenditures. Please contact the committee to oppose cuts to Medicaid, WIC, family planning programs, and increases in Medicaid premiums and copays. Tell lawmakers that it is wrong for them to give tax cuts to the wealthy by repealing the Interest and Dividends tax repeal or expanding the school voucher programs and then force NH communities to bear the cost. Additional exec sessions are scheduled for Tuesday, April 1 and Thursday, April 3. Please contact the House Finance Committee before they meet on Monday at 10 AM.

Tuesday, April 1
9:15 AM - Public Hearing in Senate Education, Room 101, LOB  
Oppose HB 10, establishing the parental bill of rights. This harmful bill creates criminal penalties for medical providers and requires written permission before doctors can treat children despite current best practice that allows parents to give verbal consent for routine services like prescription refills. It also requires educators (under threat of penalty) to monitor their students’ romantic and personal relationships in order to report back to parents who ask. Please contact the Senate Education Committee, and sign in to oppose and share testimony.

9:45 AM - Executive session in Senate Election Law & Municipal Affairs, Room 103, LOB 
Support HB 294, relative to the processing of absentee ballots. This positive bill ends the ability to delay of absentee ballot processing. Please contact the committee, and sign in to support and share testimony. 

10 AM - Executive session in House Finance, Room 210-211, LOB 
Please contact the House Finance Committee with the following messages regarding the multiple bills they will consider during this executive session: 
Oppose HB 511-FN, relative to cooperation with federal immigration authorities in. This horrible, so-called “anti-sanctuary cities” bill would require local law enforcement to comply with immigration detainers for incarcerated people. This harmful bill also undermines local control by prohibiting municipalities from adopting community policing policies or welcoming ordinances that limit local police from acting as federal immigration enforcement. 
Support HB 640-FN, relative to the transparency of federal agency operations within New Hampshire. This data gathering bill would require the NH Attorney General to gather and maintain a database of federal agency activities including deportations, warrants issued, surveillance operations, etc. 
Oppose HB 115, relative to universal eligibility for the education freedom account program. This harmful bill would vastly expand the school voucher program to NH residents who have never attended public school. It would undermine public education while also overburdening taxpayers. more. 
Oppose HB 570, repealing the prescription drug affordability board. This unnecessary bill would increase prescription drug costs for NH families. 
Oppose HB 611-FN, relative to repayment regarding appointed counsel for indigent criminal defendants. This once good bill has been amended and been made bad. It would now require people to reimburse the state for use of a public defender, a process that is more expensive to administer compared than what is collected. 
Oppose HB 365, relative to proof of United States citizenship for indigent voters. This bill would unnecessarily impose additional burdens on not only impoverished New Hampshire voters but also upon the cities and towns and the Secretary of State’s office.

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 26 and 27. Here are the outcomes for the bills on our watch list. 

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. OTP-A by VV.
HB 517-FN, repealing the Granite State paid family leave plan. OTP-A by VV.
HB 705, relative to health care cost transparency. OTP-A by VV.

CRIMINAL JUSTICE AND PUBLIC SAFETY 
HB 146-FN, relative to the use of body-worn cameras. OTP-A by VV.
HB 416-FN, prohibiting the intentional disposal of yard waste into the surface waters of the state. OTP-A by VV.
HB 597, establishing a designated behavioral health access point within the enhanced 911 system. OTP by VV.

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. ITL by VV.

EDUCATION POLICY AND ADMINISTRATION
HB 555-FN, relative to required holocaust and genocide study requirements for an adequate public education. ITL by VV.
HB 673-FN, relative to school bullying and discrimination plans. ITL by VV.
HB 765-FN-LOCAL, consolidating school administrative units and making school superintendents jobs an elected position. ITL by VV.

ELECTION LAW
HB 130-FN, relative to the arrangement of candidates on primary election ballots. ITL by VV.
HB 172, restricting undeclared voters from same-day voting in a presidential or state primary. ITL by VV.
HB 220-FN, closing the presidential or state primary of political parties. ITL by VV.
HB 333, requiring moderators to designate a space for electioneering at polling places and provide a schematic thereof. ITL by VV.
HB 420, relative to the chain of custody for ballots. ITL by VV.
HB 429, relative to amending the term length for county commissioners. ITL by VV.
HB 472, requiring voters to prove domicile. ITL by VV.
HB 684, preventing the use of student identification cards as a means to obtain a ballot. ITL by VV.

ENVIRONMENT AND AGRICULTURE
HB 707, requiring the department of environmental services to establish a site-specific setback distance for proposed new landfills. OTP-A by VV.

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

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

HEALTH, HUMAN SERVICES AND ELDERLY AFFAIRS
HB 664-A, relative to childhood immunization requirements. ITL by VV.
HB 701-FN, relative to a health care patient’s right to try certain emergency health care treatment options. OTP-A by VV.
HB 731-FN, relative to supportive housing options for individuals with developmental disabilities. OTP-A by VV.

HOUSING
HB 457, relative to zoning restrictions on dwelling units. OTP-A by VV.

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

LEGISLATIVE ADMINISTRATION
HB 118, establishing required breaks during legislative proceedings. OTP-A by VV.
HB 331, relative to the secretary of state’s procedures for enrolled bills. OTP by VV.
HB 605, relative to employment protections for members of the general court. ITL by VV.

SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY AND ENERGY
HB 450, relative to commercial property assessed clean energy and resiliency (C-PACER). ITL by VV.

On the Regular Calendar

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. OTP by RC, 208-125. 

EDUCATION FUNDING
HB 137, relative to allocating excess statewide education property tax funds for local school and municipal purposes. ITL by VV. 

EDUCATION POLICY AND ADMINISTRATION
HB 90-FN, relative to the definition of part-time teachers. OTP-A by DV, 198-139. 

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. ITL by DV, 186-150. 
HB 154, enabling voters to request to have their ballots hand-counted. OTP by VV. 
HB 408, moving the date of the state primary to the fourth Tuesday in August. Laid on table by DV, 190-147.
HB 481, relative to moving the state primary date. OTP-A by VV. 
HB 514-FN, allowing private persons to sue for violations of election laws. OTP by DV, 186-152. 
HB 600-FN, enabling ranked-choice voting for municipal elections. ITL by RC, 194-145. 

HEALTH, HUMAN SERVICES AND ELDERLY AFFAIRS
HB 606, relative to a patient’s right to medically appropriate care for reproductive disorders. OTP by VV. 

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. ITL by DV, 211-135. 
HB 520, relative to authorizing hearing officers of the department of education to issue subpoenas. OTP by RC, 193-155. 
HB 641-FN, establishing a private right of action for civil rights violations. ITL by DV, 195-146. 

LABOR, INDUSTRIAL AND REHABILITATIVE SERVICES
HB 487, relative to providing employees with advance notice of the work schedule. ITL by RC, 196-155. 

SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY AND ENERGY
HB 755-FN, relative to the state’s electric utility market. Laid on table by VV.
HB 759-FN, relative to community energy generators. Laid on table by VV.
HB 761-FN, relative to customer energy storage. Laid on table by VV.

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. ITL by RC, 214-127. 

EDUCATION FUNDING
HB 549-FN, relative to the use of education freedom account funds in religious schools and institutions of higher education. Indefinitely postponed by RC, 186-156.

EDUCATION POLICY AND ADMINISTRATION
HB 50, relative to teaching discrimination in public schools and discrimination in public workplaces. OTP-A by RC, 183-157. 
HB 324-FN, relative to prohibiting obscene or harmful sexual materials in schools. OTP by RC, 183-148.
HB 361, prohibiting mandatory mask policies in schools. OTP by RC, 203-164. 
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. OTP-A by VV. 
HB 446, relative to parental notice for non-academic surveys in public schools. OTP-A by DV, 202-166. 
HB 741-FN, allowing parents to send their children to any school district they choose. OTP-A by RC, 198-174. 
HB 749-FN, requiring high schools to include instruction on the nature and history of communism. OTP-A by RC, 200-173. 
HB 768, allowing public schools to contract with any approved private school. OTP by DV, 202-170. 

ELECTION LAW
HB 217, relative to absentee ballots. OTP by VV. 
HB 274, relative to the verification of voter rolls annually. OTP by RC, 200-174. 
HB 363, establishing redistricting criteria. ITL by RC, 203-167. 
HB 385-FN, reestablishing voter identification exceptions. ITL by VV. 

HEALTH, HUMAN SERVICES AND ELDERLY AFFAIRS
HB 357, relative to the department of health and human services’ rulemaking authority regarding immunization requirements. OTP by RC, 195-174. 
HB 358, relative to exemption from immunization requirements on the basis of religious belief. OTP by RC, 206-169. 
HB 377-FN, relative to health care professionals administering hormone treatments and puberty blockers. OTP-A by RC, 197-167. 
HB 679, relative to immunization requirements. OTP by RC, 204-165. 
HB 712-FN, limiting breast surgeries for minors. OTP-A by RC, 200-165. 

JUDICIARY
HB 584-FN, relative to public health, safety, and state sovereignty. OTP-A by RC, 198-162. 
HB 620-FN, relative to the exercise of the freedom of religion. Laid on table by DV, 290-72.
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. OTP-A by RC, 189-172. 

MUNICIPAL AND COUNTY GOVERNMENT
HB 200, relative to the procedure for overriding a local tax cap. OTP-A by DV, 195-165. 

WAYS AND MEANS
HB 402, relative to liability as taxable income of education freedom account payments. Laid on table by DV, 202-149.
HB 483-FN, relative to the definition of a scholarship organization for purposes of the education tax credit. Laid on table by DV, 198-153.
HB 530-FN, increasing the amount of revenue transferred from the real estate transfer tax to the affordable housing fund. Laid on table by VV.

Last week in the Senate
The Senate met in session on March 27. Here are the outcomes for the bills on our watch list. 

On the Consent Calendar

EDUCATION 
SB 210, establishing a study committee to study the issue of school bullying. OTP by VV.

ELECTION LAW AND MUNICIPAL AFFAIRS
SB 222, relative to moving the state primary date. OTP-A by VV.
HB 78, requiring a person to have a domicile in the district from which they serve as county commissioner. OTP by VV.

FINANCE 
SB 86-FN, relative to the housing finance authority’s affordable housing guarantee program. Laid on table by VV.
SB 97-FN, relative to intra-district public school transfers. OTP by VV.
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. OTP-A by VV.
SB 228-FN, relative to the limitations on community customer generators. OTP by VV.
SB 243-FN, relative to the child care scholarship program. OTP by VV.
SB 292-FN-A, authorizing a warrant for the funding of state special education aid. OTP by VV.

WAYS AND MEANS 
SB 275, providing property tax relief for some child care agencies. ITL by RC, 16Y-8N.

On the Regular Calendar

EDUCATION 
SB 96, relative to mandatory disclosure by school district employees to parents. OTP by RC, 16Y-8N.
SB 211, relative to biological sex in student athletics. OTP by RC, 16Y-8N.

ELECTION LAW AND MUNICIPAL AFFAIRS
SB 287, requiring applicants for absentee ballots to present a copy of their photo identification with their application. OTP by RC, 16Y-8N.

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. Laid on table by VV.
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. Laid on table by RC, 16Y-8N.

FINANCE 
SB 244-FN-A, relative to expanding access to primary health care services, increasing the size of the healthcare workforce, and making appropriations therefor. Laid on table by VV.
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. Laid on table by VV.
SB 255-FN, establishing and developing crisis stabilization services. Laid on table by VV.
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. Laid on table by VV.
SB 295-FN, relative to education freedom accounts. OTP by RC, 16Y-8N.

JUDICIARY 
SB 38-FN, relative to state recognition of biological sex. This bill provides a definition for "biological sex" and provides that certain designations by biological sex do not constitute unlawful discrimination. Laid on table by VV.
SB 260, relative to access to abortion care. ITL by RC, 16Y-8N.
SB 265, repealing the provision related to religious use of land and structures. ITL by VV.
SB 268, permitting classification of individuals based on biological sex under certain limited circumstances. OTP-A by RC, 16Y-8N.

Coming Up in the House 
The full House will not meet in session next week. They will meet next on April 10, which is “Crossover Day” for the House, the deadline by which all bills that originated in the House must be acted upon.

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

MONDAY, MARCH 31

FINANCE, Room 210-211, LOB
10:00 AM Executive session on HB 1-A, making appropriations for the expenses of certain departments of the state for fiscal years ending June 30, 2026 and June 30, 2027; HB 2-FN-A-L, relative to state fees, funds, revenues, and expenditures. These are the state budget bills.

TUESDAY, APRIL 1

FINANCE, Room 210-211, LOB 
10:00 AM Executive session on HB 365-FN, relative to proof of United States citizenship for indigent voters; HB 511- FN, relative to cooperation with federal immigration authorities; HB 552-FN, relative to coverage of children under the state retiree insurance plan; HB 572-FN, establishing the “partners in housing” program, an initiative under the housing champions fund to assist municipalities, counties, and developers in building workforce housing, and making an appropriation therefor; HB 640-FN, relative to the transparency of federal agency operations within New Hampshire; HB 115-FN, relative to universal eligibility for the education freedom account program; HB 563-FN, relative to the cost of an opportunity for an adequate education, extraordinary need grants, fiscal capacity disparity aid, and determination of education grants; HB 675-FN-A-L, limiting the authority of school districts to make certain appropriations. 

A continued Executive Session on HB 1 and HB 2 (the state budget bills) will immediately follow.

THURSDAY, APRIL 3

FINANCE, Room 210-211, LOB 
1:00 PM Continued executive session on HB 1-A, making appropriations for the expenses of certain departments of the state for fiscal years ending June 30, 2026 and June 30, 2027; HB 2-FN-A-L, relative to state fees, funds, revenues, and expenditures (the state budget bills).

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

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

TUESDAY, APRIL 1

EDUCATION, Room 101, LOB
9:15 AM HB 10-FN, establishing the parental bill of rights.
9:30 AM HB 319-FN, relative to the responsibility of local school districts to provide transportation for pupils in kindergarten.

ELECTION LAW AND MUNICIPAL AFFAIRS, Room 103, LOB
9:15 AM HB 107, relative to political advertising printed in newspapers, periodicals, or billboards.
9:30 AM HB 269, relative to the date for correction of the voter checklist.
9:45 AM HB 294, relative to the processing of absentee ballots.

ENERGY AND NATURAL RESOURCES, Room 103, SH 
9:20 AM HB 221, relative to assessment of cost effectiveness of the systems benefit charge.
9:40 AM HB 672-FN, to allow for off-grid electricity providers in New Hampshire.
10:00 AM HB 710-FN, enabling electric utilities to own, operate, and offer advanced nuclear resources.

JUDICIARY, Room 100, SH
1:45 PM HB 162-FN, relative to informed consent for law enforcement searches of houses or other property.

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 2

EDUCATION, Room 101, LOB
1:00 PM HB 667-FN, relative to health education and requiring the viewing of certain videos demonstrating gestational development from embryo to fetus through birth by public school students.
1:15 PM HB 231, prohibiting school district personnel from transporting students to medical or mental health appointments, visits, or procedures without parental consent.

THURSDAY, APRIL 3

ENERGY AND NATURAL RESOURCES, Room 100, SH
9:00 AM HB 189, defining “clean energy” and the department of energy’s 10-year state energy strategy to include new technology small-scale nuclear energy, renewable energy, and fuel diversity; and, removing references to the energy efficiency and sustainable energy board.
9:20 AM HB 504, relative to the state energy policy.
10:00 AM HB 682, relative to the office of offshore wind industry, the offshore and port development commission, and the office of energy innovation.

JUDICIARY, Room 100, SH
1:15 PM HB 218-FN, relative to providing victims of crime with a free police report of the investigation.
1:30 PM HB 109-FN, relative to false reports to law enforcement.
1:45 PM HB 59-FN, relative to the assault of a firefighter, emergency medical care provider, or law enforcement officer.

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 April 2 vigil will be at Shaheen’s office, 340 Central Avenue, Dover. We gather at the entrance to Henry Law Park. 

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! 

Sunday, March 30
Identifying Immediate Threats and Planning Resistance Response - 9:30 AM to 11:30 AM. Hosted by NH Forward. It is clear that we, the American People are under direct attack from this authoritarian administration. As are all of our institutions and our communities. This meeting is to identify the immediate threats that are in front of us and to plan resistance responses. This meeting will include interactive discussions, and the goal is very actionable outcomes.

Rally for Democracy – 12 noon to 1 PM – Market Square, Portsmouth.

Trans Day of Visibility – 1 PM to 3 PM at South Church, 292 State Street, Portsmouth. Hosted by NH Outright & 603 Equality. Hear from speakers sharing their personal stories and be in community with LGBTQIA+ folks and allies. In these difficult times, it’s more urgent than ever that we deepen our community ties and show up for each other. 

Civil Rights Sundays - 4 PM to 5 PM in Market Square, Portsmouth. Hosted by Occupy Seacoast. Stand up for Democracy and our country! We stand along the street in front of the North Church, the Brick Church off of Market Square in Portsmouth. Everyone is welcome to bring their own signs; we also have signs and flags to share.

Meeting the Moment: A Kent Street Open Forum - 4 PM to 5:30 PM. Hosted by Kent Street Coalition. We are now at a moment that demands even more of us. The threats to individuals, to whole communities, to our institutions and to democracy itself have never been more targeted, terrifying and real. The extent to which this second Trump administration has flouted the rule of law is new and frightening...and that only begins the parade of horrors. Join us to share ideas, strategies, thoughts and actions. It’s important to remember that no one of us is in this fight for democracy alone; we are building this airplane of resistance while in mid-air together. We will hear from local organizers and activists about plans for upcoming protest actions and more. We will draw strength from each other, share fears, ideas, and resolve.

Monday, March 31
Roots of Resilience: Navigating Change Together - 4:30 to 6 PM at the Nashua Public Library, Large Meeting Room, 2 Court Street, 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.

Tuesday, April 1
Stand up against illegal ICE deportation and detention! - 4 PM to 6 PM at City Hall Plaza, 900 Elm Street, Manchester. Hosted by NH Forward. We have now witnessed trump's ILLEGAL deportation on both individual and mass scale! Not ONE of the individuals deported has had their right to due process under the law! And we know of at least 2 individuals, including Nashua resident Fabian Schmidt, are Green Card Holders. If we don't stand up to these violations of law and human rights, no one the United State can be considered safe! Join us in the Queen City to show trump and musk that we will fight to protect the rights and dignity of immigrants!

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.

Hands Off: De-escalation Training - 8 PM to 9 PM. Hosted by Hands Off 2025. Getting ready for your mobilization? Join us for a security and de-escalation training to get ready for your action! A core principle behind all Hands Off! events is a commitment to nonviolent action, and all participants are expected to seek to de-escalate potential confrontation with those who may disagree with our values. Wherever you are and whatever your level of concern, this training is a great opportunity to learn best practices to consider for your event to help ensure it's as safe and welcoming as possible for all attendees.

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!

Manchester True Collaborative Grand Opening - 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM. Manchester True Collaborative Center, 72 Concord Street, Manchester. Hosted by Manchester True Collaborative. Join us for the grand opening of New Hampshire’s first-ever LGBTQUIA+ community center! Celebrate inclusivity, support, and unity with a brief introduction & center tour, programming updates, community conversation, and more! Be a part of this historic moment as we create a safe and vibrant space for everyone.

Saturday, April 5 
Remove, Reverse, Reclaim Rally - 12 PM at 171 N. Main Street, 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!

Hands Off! New Hampshire – 12 PM to 5 PM. Hosted by Hands Off! Trump and Musk think this country belongs to them, but we say NO! They're taking everything they can get their hands on—our health care, our data, our jobs, our services—and daring the world to stop them. This is a crisis, and the time to act is now. This mass mobilization day is our message to the world that we do not consent to the destruction of our government and our economy for the benefit of Trump and his billionaire allies. Join people across the country to demand a stop the chaos and build an opposition movement against the looting of our country.

Concord - 107 N. Main Street
Dover - Week's Crossing - 238 Indian Brook Road
New London - Town Green - Main Street
Portsmouth - Market Square
Keene - 1 Central Square
Wolfeboro - Pickering Corner - 136 S Main Street

5th Annual BLM New Hampshire Excellence Awards  – 5 PM to 8 PM at 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! 

Monday, April 7
NHFPI 2025 State Budget Webinar Series: Exploring the House Finance Committee’s Proposal - 10:30 AM. Hosted by NH Fiscal Policy Institute. The House Finance Committee will be working to understand and plan modifications to the Governor’s State Budget proposal upon its release. The House Finance Committee’s version of the State Budget will go before the entire House for amendments and a vote. This webinar will delve into the House Finance Committee’s proposal, including a discussion of key changes relative to the Governor’s proposal and to the State’s current operating budget. An audience Q&A will follow the NHFPI staff led presentation.

Wednesday, April 9
Building Pipelines for Women’s Leadership in Public Health - 1 PM to 2:30 PM. Hosted by Boston University School of Public Health. Join this program will explore the landscape of public health leadership, both nationally and globally. How can we better support building pipelines for women’s leadership in the field? How can we synergize this effort to include all who are historically underrepresented in public health leadership roles?

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 at 171 N. Main Street, 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.

Fair Housing Tester Training – 5 PM to 7 PM. Hosted by NH Legal Assistance. The Fair Housing Project (FHP) of NH Legal Assistance, a statewide non-profit law firm providing civil legal services to low-income New Hampshire residents, will be holding a virtual training for area people to become involved in this work as fair housing testers. Testers are individuals who are trained to act as prospective tenants seeking rental housing and to gather information on possible housing discrimination. Successful testers are committed to justice, are detailed observers, good writers/typists, and punctual. Testers receive a flat fee of $150 for the training once a practice test is completed, and $18/hr. afterwards. Testers are independent contractors, participate in 2-4 tests a year and are critical to ending housing discrimination. Contact Liliana Neumann at 603-261-2851 or lneumann@nhla.org to register for the training. 

Wednesday, April 16
Active Bystander training – 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM in Dover. Venue is shared when you register. Join the Dover Democrats and American Friends Service Committee on Wednesday, April 16 for an in-person Active Bystander Training session conducted by the Granite State Organizing Project. We are in a time when people are quicker to express anger and more likely to be rude to people “not like them.” Many of us are seeking tools to respond effectively to such biased anger. This highly interactive Active Bystander Training session will provide tools and insights to use in such situations and help make it easier to navigate these moments with confidence. Participants will learn about the importance of being an active bystander in various situations, the roles we all play, how to recognize when someone needs help and how to safely respond, what discourages us from acting when we see harm occurring, how to move through this resistance, tools to use when we are ready, and basic principles to guide our actions in becoming more aware and proactive bystanders in our community. This session is free and is open to everyone ages 18 and up. Space is limited. While this is a free event however donations to Granite State Organizing Project to continue their good work would be much appreciated.

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.

Thursday, April 24
Youth Division Information Session - 6 PM. Hosted by BLM NH. We will be recruiting for our Youth Division, a space where young voices unite to fight for justice, equality, and social change. Not only are we looking for middle and high school students to join as members and leaders but College advisors as well to work with our team. Join us to learn more about the goals/mission and foundational details of the Youth Division. Here we’re creating a community where we amplify each other’s voices, push for meaningful change, and advocate for the marginalized and underserved. Whether you’re passionate about racial justice, environmental sustainability, economic equity, or human rights, there’s a place for you here. 

Saturday, April 26
Granite State Democracy Tour - Concord - 10 AM to 12 PM at the NH Historical Society, 30 Park Street, 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!