"The past is prophetic in that it asserts loudly that wars are poor chisels for carving out peaceful tomorrows." – Martin Luther King, Jr.
Memorial Day greetings, State House Watchers.
On this day, we reflect on the extraordinary costs of war – in lives lost, in grief and trauma, in environmental destruction, and in the diversion of our public wealth away from human needs. We say ‘no’ to our government’s treacherous pattern of violence and destruction throughout the world, and ‘yes’ to the sacred work of peacebuilding and active nonviolence for a just world.
We appreciate these reflection on the scope of lives lost to US wars:
A Minute of Silence Isn’t Enough to Reflect on the US’s Death and Destruction(Rory Fanning, Truthout, May 25, 2026)
A Memorial Day Reminder: Not One Post-9/11 War Has Been Worth It (Phyllis Bennis, Common Dreams, May 25, 2026)
And we are grateful for the powerful witness of anti-war veterans who speak with dignity and authority about the immorality of US war making at home and abroad.
There is much good work to be done to defeat the Administration’s “Might Makes Right” ideology that threatens us all. Read more here from AFSC. Please contact your Representatives today and urge them to:
End murder in the Caribbean – Congress must pass legislation to end these strikes immediately;
End the war in Iran – Our elected officials must assert their war powers authority and urge the administration to end the conflict; and
Fund human needs, not war and militarism – Congress must reject this budget and redirect those resources to the programs that keep communities safe and healthy.
We rejoice in the latest news for Kilmar Abrego Garcia and his family; a federal judge dismissed charges against him, finding that they were a vindictive action by the Trump Administration. Read more here; and read the decision here. May he and his family savor this moment of justice. Their story is one of courage and strength in the face of persecution.
We share the horror expressed by thousands of New Hampshire residents at the prospect of an AI datacenter in Nottingham, NH. Read more here, and add your name to the petition urging the Nottingham Planning Board to protect our water, protect our grid, and reject the proposed Route 4 Data Center. Join the effort to defeat this proposal by attending the Nottingham Planning Board meeting on Wednesday, May 27 at 6:30 PM, which has been moved to the school gym – 245 Stage Road, Nottingham – in anticipation of a very large turnout.
We note that Pope Leo has issued an encyclical on the risks of AI, warning that “as with every major technological shift, AI tends to amplify the power of those who already possess economic resources, expertise, and access to data….In light of the common good and the universal destination of goods, this raises serious concerns, since small but highly influential groups can shape information and consumption patterns, influence democratic processes, and steer economic dynamics to their own advantage, undermining social justice and solidarity among peoples…..A society that guarantees employment to only a small fraction of the population, despite having a high level of technical development, risks exposing many to forced inactivity, a lack of responsibility, and the absence of daily tasks and stimuli, resulting in human and cultural impoverishment….This creates a paradox of material progress and anthropological regression that undermines the foundations of a just and stable social peace.”
Under the Dome
There was some good news from last week’s sessions, with the defeat in the House of HB 1792, relative to the prohibition on teaching discrimination (read more here), and the defeat in the Senate of HB 1793, prohibiting public colleges and universities from regulating the possession or carrying of certain weapons on campus and establishing a committee to study the feasibility of allowing guns on campuses of public institutions of higher education. Read more here.
And we’re relieved that House members approved, by an overwhelming majority, a recommendation of censure for Representative Travis Corcoran for antisemitic and racist remarks, and a persistent refusal to accept responsibility for his harmful actions. Read more here.
We’re deeply concerned that a number of horrible bills have not yet been defeated but are headed to Committees of Conference, including bad tax proposals, and anti-immigrant and anti-transgender proposals. Scroll down for the full list. The coming week is a consequential one.
We’re sad to report that Governor Ayotte has signed into law HB 348, relative to eligibility for local assistance, thereby establishing additional barriers to much-needed financial assistance for residents facing economic crisis. Read more here about other bills she signed last week, and one veto.
COMMITTEE OF CONFERENCE PROCEDURES
The procedures for Committees of Conference (CofCs) are as follows. Note that several bills have already been through this process. You can see a current list of all Committees of Conference here; the status of each CofC will be updated over the next week.
The Committee of Conference may not change the title of the bill. The Committee also may not add amendments that are not germane to the subject matter of the bill or contain subject matter that has been indefinitely postponed. A non-germane amendment is one in which the subject matter is not contained in either the House or Senate version of the bill. [House Rule 50 (h)] Further, the House shall not receive any committee of conference report that amends any bill with a tax or fee increased, or creates a new tax or fee, which tax or fee has not received a public hearing and an affirmative vote of the House. [House Rule 50 (k)]
The sponsor of a bill that is in Committee of Conference shall, upon request, be provided an opportunity to be heard. A unanimous vote of both the House and Senate Conferees, voting separately, is necessary for an agreed upon report to be sent to the House and Senate. Reports of all Committees of Conference must be filed with the Office of Legislative Services by the May 28, 2026 deadline adopted by the House. All Committee of Conference members must sign their reports in the Office of Legislative Services by May 28, 2026 by 4:00 p.m.
The first-named House member on all bills in Committee of Conference must prepare an analysis of the report. This report should contain a complete explanation of all changes made to the bill since it was passed by the House and must be submitted to the Clerk of the House for printing in the calendar. House conferees may agree to put a report on the consent calendar; this must be noted by the first-named member. All Committee of Conference reports shall be distributed electronically to members and available in seats at the House session. [House Rule 50 (g)].
ACTION ALERTS
We don’t have action alerts this week but will be monitoring the Committee of Conference reports that will be published on Thursday, May 28. We’ll have action alerts next week ahead of the final House and Senate session days on June 4.
We’ve already started urging Governor Ayotte to defeat the most harmful bills that will make it through this legislative session. Join Voices of Faith for visibility at her office on June 3 and 17. For more details, contact April Richer, aricher@afsc.org. And join Lisa Beaudoin from the NH Council of Churches for a special training on May 29, 12 noon to 1 PM: Tools & Confidence for Faithful Disruption (online).
Key:
Engrossment – In the New Hampshire legislative process, engrossment is the formal preparation of a final, clean version of a bill that incorporates all of the amendments and changes adopted by a chamber during debate. It serves as the definitive document that the House or Senate votes on for final passage.
Enrollment – Enrollment is the final administrative step for a bill or resolution. Once legislation passes both chambers of the General Court, the Office of Legislative Services prepares and prints the final official version of the text. After the Committee on Enrolled Bills approves it, the text is sent to the Governor for signing and is then permanently archived by the Secretary of State.
GP – Granite Place. More information here.
SH – State House (107 N. Main St. Concord)
SL – State Library
OTP – “Ought to Pass,” the recommendation for approving a bill or an amendment
OTP/A – Ought to Pass with Amendment
ITL – “Inexpedient to Legislate,” the recommendation for defeating a bill or an amendment.
ITL” can also be used as a verb.
“Without Recommendation” - This indicates that the committee vote was a tie for both ITL and OTP. During the House session, these bills will be considered first as Ought to Pass.
Re-refer – When a Senate committee wishes to hold onto a bill for further consideration. The recommendation to re-refer must be approved in the full Senate. The committee will have until the end of the calendar year to meet about the bill and make a recommendation for further action.
Retain – When a House committee wishes to hold onto a bill for further consideration. The committee makes this decision for themselves; approval in the full House is not needed. The committee has until the end of the calendar year to make a recommendation for further action.
RC – Roll call vote. Each legislator’s vote is recorded and attributed to them.
VV – Voice vote
DV – Division vote
Last week in the House
The House met in session at 10 AM on Thursday, May 21, which was the deadline to form Committees of Conference (CofC). You can watch it here. Representatives took action on House bills that had been amended by the Senate; their choices were to concur, nonconcur, or nonconcur and request a CofC. When the House concurs, the bill heads to the governor’s office. When the House nonconcurs without requesting a CofC, the bill is defeated. See above for an explanation of the CofC process. Here are the results for the bills we’re tracking:
HB 155, (New Title) relative to business enterprise tax returns and appropriating funds to the department of health and human services for licensed nursing facilities. House non-concurs and requests CofC.
HB 232-FN, relative to the rights of conscience for medical professionals. House concurs.
HB 609-FN, relative to the general court’s authority over the sale, purchase, ownership, use, possession, transportation, licensing, permitting, taxation, and other matters pertaining to firearms, stun guns, Tasers, pepper spray devices, knives and other self-defense tools. House non-concurs and requests CofC.
HB 661-FN, relative to the department of health and human services management of social security payments, supplemental security income payments, and veterans benefits for children in foster care. House non-concurs and requests CofC.
HB 707-FN, (Second New Title) establishing a solid waste site evaluation committee. House concurs.
HB 1062, authorizing the secretary of state to conduct random audits of the citizenship qualification of registered voters. House non-concurs and requests CofC.
HB 1252, (New Title) requiring the department of safety to only administer tests for commercial driver’s licenses in English and prohibiting the assistance of an interpreter during such tests. House concurs.
HB 1275, (Second New Title) relative to the effects of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances on agriculture, exempting certain per- and polyfluoroalkyl products from use restrictions, and relative to the definition of “drinking water standard”. House non-concurs and requests CofC.
HB 1300, (Second New Title) establishing a school district local tax cap question for the state general election of 2026 and related limitations on central office administrative expenses in school districts. House non-concurs and requests CofC.
HB 1332, (New Title) relative to the authorized display of flags on state house grounds. House concurs.
HB 1356-FN, (New Title) relative to the statute of limitations for bringing a private right of action for violation of the statute prohibiting medical procedures and treatments intended to alter a minor’s gender, authorizing the application of sunscreen in schools and camps without a licensed health care provider’s note or prescription, and establishing a skin cancer prevention education program. House non-concurs and requests CofC.
HB 1376, (New Title) relative to a parent’s ability to raise their child in a manner consistent with the child’s biological sex and relative to breast surgeries for minors. House non-concurs and requests CofC.
HB 1442-FN, (New Title) permitting classification of individuals based on biological sex under certain limited circumstances. House concurs.
HB 1449, (New Title) limiting times vaccine clinics may operate at schools, with certain exceptions. House non-concurs.
HB 1499-FN, (New Title) relative to additional grounds for eviction under the landlord and tenant statute, relative to the responsibility of local school districts to provide meals to students during school hours, and reimbursing schools for meals provided to students at no cost and making an appropriation therefor. House non-concurs and requests CofC.
HB 1542-FN, (Third New Title) establishing a committee to study New Hampshire’s electric renewable portfolio standard and the renewable energy fund. House non-concurs.
HB 1574, (New Title) relative to the extension of free and reduced price breakfast and lunch for students under the age of 22 and making an appropriation therefor. House non-concurs and requests CofC.
HB 1598-FN, (New Title) relative to notice and proceedings for tenants and landlords engaged in eviction processes. House concurs.
HB 1610, allowing school districts to annually retain year-end unassigned general funds. House concurs.
HB 1637, relative to the scheduling of hearings on certain motions to modify or revoke bail. House concurs.
HB 1709-FN, (Second New Title) prohibiting certain unlawfully present felons from occupying or renting real property, relative to pet vendor foster home and defining pet vendor foster facility, and providing procedures for the potential confiscation of livestock involved in cruelty to animal cases. House non-concurs and requests CofC.
HB 1738-FN, (New Title) relative to ratepayer benefits from the regional greenhouse gas initiative and relative to net metering, energy procurement, and nuclear regulatory duties. House non-concur and requests CofC.
HB 1774-FN, (New Title) relative to qualifying scholarship granting organizations and federal workforce Pell grants. House concurs.
HB 1792-FN, (New Title) relative to the prohibition on teaching discrimination. Houses non-concurs.
HB 1793-FN, (New Title) prohibiting public colleges and universities from regulating the possession or carrying of certain weapons on campus and establishing a committee to study the feasibility of allowing guns on campuses of public institutions of higher education. House non-concurs and requests CofC.
Last week in the Senate
The Senate met in session at 10 AM on Thursday, May 21, which is the deadline to form Committees of Conference. You can watch it here. Senators took action on the Senate bills that had been amended by the House; their choices were to concur, nonconcur, or nonconcur and request a committee of conference. When the Senate concurs, the bill heads to the governor’s office. When the Senate nonconcurs without requesting a CofC, the bill is defeated. See above for an explanation of the CofC process. Here are the results for the bills we’re tracking:
SB 223, (Second New Title) relative valid photo identification for purposes of obtaining a ballot and relative to the production of lists of certain schools of higher education. Senate concurs.
SB 430, (New Title) relative to mandatory disclosure by school district employees to parents and legal guardians. Senate concurs.
SB 434, relative to regulation of public school materials. Senate concurs.
SB 438, (Second New Title) relative to access to the centralized voter registration database on election days. Senate concurs.
SB 481-FN-A, (New Title) relative to the sale of the Sununu youth services center property. Senate non-concurs and requests CofC.
SB 599-FN, relative to the renewable energy fund. Senate non-concurs and requests CofC.
SB 625-FN, (Third New Title) establishing a committee to study options for family members of intentional homicide victims where the department of justice does not file charges in a case, repealing the refugee resettlement program in the department of health and human services, and prohibiting expenditure of state funds on refugee resettlement. Senate non-concurs and requests CofC.
SB 643-FN, (Second New Title) requiring municipalities, towns, and cities to submit documentation to the department of revenue administration proving they are in compliance with local budget and tax caps and requiring municipalities to hold a public hearing and conduct a roll call vote when seeking to override a tax or spending cap. Senate non-concurs.
Next week: Committees of Conference (CofC)
Here are the Committees of Conference we’re tracking. You can see the full list of CofCs here, and you can watch livestreams/recordings of the meetings here: CofCs (House bills) and CofCs (Senate bills). CofCs will meet on Tuesday, May 26 or Wednesday, May 27.
HB 155, (New Title) relative to business enterprise tax returns and appropriating funds to the department of health and human services for licensed nursing facilities. 05/26/2026 at 9:00 AM, GP 232.
HB 317, (New Title) allowing a supervisor of the checklist to verify a person's identity, with identification, if they personally know that person. 05/27/2026 at 9:20 AM, GP 228.
HB 609, relative to the general court's authority over the sale, purchase, ownership, use, possession, transportation, licensing, permitting, taxation, and other matters pertaining to firearms, stun guns, Tasers, pepper spray devices, knives and other self-defense tools. 05/27/2026 at 11:00 AM, GP 234.
HB 661, relative to the department of health and human services management of social security payments, supplemental security income payments, and veterans benefits for children in foster care. 05/26/2026 at 11:00 AM, GP 231.
HB 751, (Second New Title) establishing a committee to study licensure of outpatient substance use disorder treatment facilities, authorizing parents to enroll their children in any public school in the state and creating a limited exemption from parental consent required for certain recordings under the parental bill of rights. 05/26/2026 at 2:00 PM, GP 231.
HB 1062, authorizing the secretary of state to conduct random audits of the citizenship qualification of registered voters. 05/27/2026 at 9:40 AM, GP 228.
HB 1102, (New Title) increasing the research and development tax credit cap and relative to state park fees for state residents. 05/26/2026 at 9:30 AM, GP 232.
HB 1215, (Second New Title) relative to supporting the preferred method of communication of an individual with a communication disability and relative to transfers from freestanding hospital emergency facilities. 05/26/2026 at 10:00 AM, GP 231.
HB 1275, (Second New Title) relative to the effects of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances on agriculture, exempting certain per- and polyfluoroalkyl products from use restrictions, and relative to the definition of "drinking water standard." 05/26/2026 at 11:00 AM, GP 228.
HB 1300, (Second New Title) establishing a school district local tax cap question for the state general election of 2026 and related limitations on central office administrative expenses in school districts. 05/27/2026 at 10:10 AM, GP 228.
HB 1306, relative to the counting of absentee ballots. 05/27/2026 at 10:20 AM, GP 228.
HB 1323, (New Title) relative to parental alienation, limiting certain prior authorization requirements for physical therapy, occupational therapy, and similar rehabilitative services, relative to children's mental health services for persons 18 years of age and younger. 05/26/2026 at 1:00 PM, GP 232.
HB 1356, (New Title) relative to the statute of limitations for bringing a private right of action for violation of the statute prohibiting medical procedures and treatments intended to alter a minor's gender, authorizing the application of sunscreen in schools and camps without a licensed health care provider's note or prescription, and establishing a skin cancer prevention education program. 05/26/2026 at 11:00 AM, GP 232.
HB 1376, (New Title) relative to a parent's ability to raise their child in a manner consistent with the child's biological sex and relative to breast surgeries for minors. 05/26/2026 at 2:00 PM, GP 232.
HB 1499, (New Title) relative to additional grounds for eviction under the landlord and tenant statute, relative to the responsibility of local school districts to provide meals to students during school hours, and reimbursing schools for meals provided to students at no cost and making an appropriation therefor. 05/26/2026 at 2:30 PM, GP 234.
HB 1574, (Second New Title) relative to the extension of the free and reduced price breakfast and lunch programs and supporting administrative costs for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), and making appropriations therefor. 05/26/2026 at 11:00 AM, GP 234.
HB 1584, directing the department of health and human services to provide notice of medical and religious exemptions from immunization requirements and relative to the form of such exemption. 05/27/2026 at 1:00 PM, GP 231.
HB 1709, (Second New Title) prohibiting certain unlawfully present felons from occupying or renting real property, relative to pet vendor foster home and defining pet vendor foster facility, and providing procedures for the potential confiscation of livestock involved in cruelty to animal cases. 05/26/2026 at 2:45 PM, GP 234.
HB 1738, (New Title) relative to ratepayer benefits from the regional greenhouse gas initiative and relative to net metering, energy procurement, and nuclear regulatory duties. 05/26/2026 at 9:30 AM, GP 228.
SB 481, (New Title) relative to the sale of the Sununu youth services center property. 05/22/2026 at 1:00 PM, GP 159.
SB 599, relative to the renewable energy fund. 05/15/2026 at 10:00 AM, GP 159.
SB 538, extending net metering eligibility terms for municipal energy projects. 05/26/2026 at 12:00 PM, GP 154.
SB 625, (Third New Title) establishing a committee to study options for family members of intentional homicide victims where the department of justice does not file charges in a case, repealing the refugee resettlement program in the department of health and human services, and prohibiting expenditure of state funds on refugee resettlement. 05/27/2026 at 10:30 AM, GP 153.
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 May 27 vigil will be at Shaheen’s office, 2 Washington Street, Dover; we gather at the entrance to Henry Law Park. The June 3 vigil will be at the corner of Central Ave & Third St, down the street from Pappas' district office, 15 Third Street, Dover.
Every First Wednesday
Mindful Meditation with Aryaloka Buddhist Center of Newmarket – 6 PM to 7 PM, Waysmeet, 15 Mill Road, Durham. Join us for a monthly, volunteer-led guided meditation. We have some cushions and yoga mats to share; you’re invited to bring whatever you may need to feel comfortable for 30 minutes of meditation. Free and open to all. For more information: waysmeetcenter.org/calendar.
Every Third Wednesday
Countering Christian Nationalism conversation – 7 PM, hosted by the NH Council of Churches, every third Wednesday of the month. Zoom link here.
Every Thursday
Meeting for Worship with Attention to Peace – 7:30 PM. Hosted by AFSC. Every week, AFSC’s Quaker Engagement team hosts Meeting for Worship virtually for Friends from across the globe. Embracing the practice of Quaker unprogrammed worship, we gather to bring our attention to witnessing injustice in our world and bolstering our solidarity with people facing oppression. Join us to explore and experience the spiritual dimensions of activism and social justice.
Solemn Vigils for Ceasefire Now – 12 noon at City Hall Plaza, in front of the State House, Concord.
Every Friday
AFSC Action Hour for a Ceasefire –12 noon. Join AFSC staff every Friday to hear updates on what’s happening in Gaza. Then, take action with us as we contact Congress and call for a permanent cease-fire, arms embargo on Israel, and humanitarian access for Gaza. Our elected officials need to keep hearing from us!
Stronger Together: Protect Our Neighbors Weekly Visibility – 4 PM to 5 PM. Hosted by the Stronger Together Coalition. Corner of North Main Street and Loudon Road, Concord. Join us for a weekly visibility to stand against the war being raged against our communities. Our immigrant loved ones and neighbors are being targeted and kidnapped off the streets. Our public dollars are being funneled into a violent, bloated deportation and detention machine while local police are being weaponized against the communities they are supposed to serve, and life-giving programs are being defunded. Stand with us to protect our communities. All are welcome!
Every Second Saturday
Nashua Immigrant Solidarity Vigil – 12 PM to 1 PM, hosted by Granite State Organizing Project (GSOP), at United Methodist Church, 154 Main Street, Nashua. Lately, the loudest voices have been those of hate and division. This is our opportunity to show our community that there are people here who welcome immigrants. Bring signs with positive messages.
Every Fourth Friday
Sacred Circle Dance for Spring Equinox – 6 PM to 7:30 PM, at the Community Church of Durham UCC, 15 Main Street Durham. Join us to celebrate the Spring Equinox with dance! People in all cultures, throughout history and across the world, dance. We join in this tradition with dances from a multi-cultural folk dance background. The dances are accessible to many ages, body types and experience levels. Steps taught at all dance sessions. No experience or partner needed. We gather to dance on the fourth Friday of every month in Seacoast NH. Cost: sliding scale of $5-25, pay at the door, cash or check please.
Tuesday, May 26, 2026
Countering Christian Nationalism; Faith, Freedom, and Democracy For All – 7PM to 8 PM, online. Christian nationalism in this country and state blurs the lines between faith and government. It distorts faith into a tool of political power, threatens religious freedom, and undermines the inclusive democracy that protects all Granite Staters. Join us as we welcome Lisa Beaudoin, Executive Director of the New Hampshire Council of Churches, who will speak about countering Christian/White Nationalism here in New Hampshire.
Wednesday, May 27, 2026
The State Budget: What You Need to Know – 6 PM, Portsmouth Senior Activity Center, 125 Cottage Street, Portsmouth. These presentations are focused on the State Budget and what it means for you and your community. Our research team will break down the State Budget, share insights from our research, and answer attendees’ questions. These sessions are designed to make complex policy decisions easier to understand and introduce our work to neighbors across the state.
Un-Masking Christian Nationalism: Impacts on Education & Business – 6:30 PM to 8 PM, online. Zandra Rice Hawkins will explore how Christian nationalist ideology is working to undermine public education, including efforts to reshape curricula, restrict inclusive teaching, and redirect public resources, and why these strategies are central to advancing a broader ideological agenda. James McKim will examine how Christian nationalist ideology is impacting business, including its influence on workplace policies, corporate decision-making, and broader economic practices, with particular attention to how these shifts affect equity, inclusion, and the integrity of diverse marketplaces. Attendees will be provided with practical tools and the names of organizations already engaging in resisting this version of white supremacy in NH.
Friday, May 29, 2026
Tools & Confidence for Faithful Disruption – 12 PM to 1 PM, Online. This training is designed to help clergy deepen their understanding of power, public witness, and the role of faith leaders in moments of moral urgency.
New Hampshire Women’s Foundation 9th Annual GALA – 6 PM to 11 PM, DoubleTree Hotel, 700 Elm Street, Manchester. The New Hampshire Women’s Foundation invites you to a celebration of New Hampshire’s trailblazing women at our ninth annual GALA with dinner, dancing and honoring this year’s AmplifiHER awardee.
Saturday, May 30, 2026
Queer Waterfall Hike with the Reproductive Freedom Fund of NH – 10 AM to 1 PM, White Mountains NH. Have you ever wanted to hike to an 80-foot waterfall? Join Volunteer Jess and the Reproductive Freedom Fund of NH for a relaxing afternoon day hike in the forest. The ReproFund works to alleviate financial burdens to reproductive and gender affirming healthcare for those living and seeking it in NH. This event will be part of the Repro Fund's Spring Reprolympics series to help raise funds for their queer care program! All event proceeds will go to the Repro Fund!
Art for Climate Action- 12:30 PM to 2:30 PM, NH State House Lawn, 107 North Main Street, Concord. Join us for a protest at the State House lawn to call out these legislators and advocate for increased environmental regulation in NH! Have fun with chalk, interactive activities, and most importantly, your voice! Email pat @ 350NH.org for more information.
Sunday, May 31, 2026
Liberty and Justice For All – 1 PM to 4 PM, NH State House, 107 N. Main Street, Concord, Hosted by NH 50501. The mid-terms are coming and this may be the most important election in our country’s history. Every American has the right to cast a vote and have it count. Join us at the NH State House on May 31st from 1-4 pm and make your voice heard!
Tales From Trans+ Lives- Manchester -5:30 PM to 7:30 PM. Address shared at registration. Join us for an evening of storytelling to learn more about the lives of local transgender and nonbinary people, in an intimate and inviting environment. Storytellers will share their lives at some depth, with humor and openness: transition, healthcare, schools, challenges, successes, hopes, and fears. Following individual sharing, we will open the floor to thoughtful questions and reflections.
Tuesday, June 2, 2026
PFAS 101! – 5:45 PM Levenson Room at Portsmouth Library, 175 Parrott Avenue. The 350NH Youth Team will present on the impacts of PFAS over the years and the many negative effects of it when exposed into our water and land. Contact www.350nh.org/youth-team or pat @ 350nh.org
Wednesday, June 3, 2026
The State Budget: What You Need to Know – 6 PM, Newport Community Center, 15 Meadow Road, Newport. These presentations are focused on the State Budget and what it means for you and your community. Our research team will break down the State Budget, share insights from our research, and answer attendees’ questions. These sessions are designed to make complex policy decisions easier to understand and introduce our work to neighbors across the state.
Saturday, June 6, 2026
De-Ice Citizens National Day of Action
Plymouth– 9:00 AM – 10:00 AM, Citizens Bank, 20 Highland Street, Plymouth.
Meredith – 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM, Citizens Bank, 66 NH 25, Meredith
Plymouth – 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM, Citizens Bank, 20 Highland Street, Plymouth
Wolfeboro -1:00 PM – 2:00 PM, Citizens Bank, 70 Main Street, Wolfeboro
Citizens Bank talks a lot about valuing diversity and building strong communities. What they don't talk about: they're helping for-profit prison companies get the cash they need to lock more people away in ICE detention. We must hold them accountable.
Windham Pride Festival – 12 PM to 4 PM, at Windham High School. Hosted by Windham Citizens for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. This community’s favorite event is free and family friendly. Come experience incredible live entertainment, delicious food trucks, and fun activities guaranteed to keep everyone entertained and engaged all day long. All this, while supporting our local LGBTQ+ community!
Sunday, June 7, 2026
Concord Pride 5K Run/Walk – 9 AM, at the NH State House, Concord. The Concord Pride 5K is back for year three! Registration is open! The Concord Pride 5K is back and we’re so excited to bring the race magic back for another year! Join us for a fun, welcoming race-day atmosphere filled with music, Pride energy, and community celebration from start to finish. Some will run for time, some will walk with friends, some will dance across the finish line — all ages, all abilities, and all paces are welcome.
Wednesday, June 10, 2026
The State Budget: What You Need to Know – 6 PM, Medallion Opera House, 20 Park Street, Gorham. These presentations are focused on the State Budget and what it means for you and your community. Our research team will break down the State Budget, share insights from our research, and answer attendees’ questions. These sessions are designed to make complex policy decisions easier to understand and introduce our work to neighbors across the state.
Friday, June 12, 2026
Pride Event – Lebanon – 6 PM to 8:30 PM, at the Lebanon Opera House, 51 North Park Street, Lebanon. For our 5th annual salute to the LGTBQIA+ community, we’re turning up the volume! Our popular resource and artisan fair will be held in Colburn Park followed by a loud and proud dance party inside the theater with guest DJs.
Friday, June 19, 2026
Juneteenth Freedom Walk – 9 AM, John Paul Jones Memorial Park, Kittery. Celebrate Juneteenth side-by-side with others of goodwill by walking from Kittery, Maine, to the African Burying Ground in Portsmouth, NH. Meet at John Paul Jones Memorial Park on the Kittery side of Route 1 Memorial Bridge. Walkers will gather at 9 AM and begin the walk at 9:30 AM to the Burying Ground at 386 State Street, Portsmouth, led by The Leftist Marching Band.
The Healing Rhythm of the Drums – 11 AM, at the African Burying Ground, 386 State Street, Portsmouth. Join us for a sacred Juneteenth gathering honoring the lives and legacies of those excluded from America’s founding promises – Native Americans, Africans and African Americans, immigrants, Latinos, and other marginalized communities. This cross-cultural commemorative event includes a Native American blessing. The reading of Portsmouth’s enslaved Africans’ names, and African drumming and dance. Together, we will remember, reflect, and celebrate resilience, culture, and community. The gathering invites us to honor the past while envisioning the America we can become – one that truly lives up to its ideals of liberty, justice, and inclusion for all. All are welcome.
Saturday, June 20, 2026
Portsmouth Pride – 12:30 PM to 5 PM, at the Strawberry Banke Museum, 14 Hancock Street, Portsmouth.
Sunday, June 21, 2026
Meet New Hampshire’s 5 to Know – 10 AM, at the Black Heritage Trail of NH, 222 Court Street, Portsmouth. This Juneteenth, step into history and celebrate five extraordinary African Americans whose courage, brilliance, and resolve shaped the nation. Firsts in Freedom honors Black pioneers who broke barriers, claimed their humanity, and helped define what freedom means in America. Through dynamic living history interpreters, these historic figures will come to life – sharing their stories in their own voices and inviting you into the moments that changed history. This is a family-friendly celebration and will also feature hands-on activities for children, interactive learning stations, and opportunities to engage directly with interpreters. Young visitors can explore history through crafts, storytelling, and creative play designed to spark curiosity and pride.
Tales from Trans+ Lives Portsmouth – 5:30 PM to 6:30 PM. Address shared at registration. Join 603 Equality for an evening of storytelling to learn more about the lives of local transgender and nonbinary people, in an intimate and inviting environment. Storytellers will share their lives at some depth, with humor and openness: transition, healthcare, schools, challenges, successes, hopes, and fears. Following individual sharing, we will open the floor to thoughtful questions and reflections.
Saturday, June 27, 2026
2026 Frederick Douglass Readings – 12 noon, at locations statewide (see below). On July 5, 1852, Frederick Douglass, an abolitionist and heroic orator for liberty, delivered on of his most famous speeches in which he asked, “What to the slave is your Fourth of July?” For the past several years, the BHTNH has collaborated with community leaders around the Granite State to bring people together to read Douglass’s historic protest speech and to reflect on its meaning. This event happens on the Saturday before the 4th of July at 12 noon. While reading Frederick Douglass’ work is a powerful experience for many, it is only one piece of the long-overdue conversations that our communities need to have. We hope that these readings will be a starting point for these difficult dialogues and that they will provide an opportunity for us to engage in deeper conversations that will lead to actions to help build more inclusive and just communities today.
Portsmouth, NH – Hosted by Black Heritage Trail of New Hampshire at Strawberry Banke, 14 Hancock Street, Portsmouth
Amherst, NH – Congregational Church of Amherst, 11 Church Street, Amherst
Andover, NH – Andover Historical Society, Potter Place, 105 Depot Street, Andover
Canterbury, NH – Canterbury Shaker Village in Partnership with Canterbury’s Elkins Public Library, Location TBD
Saturday, July 12, 2026
De-Escalation/Self- Defense Manchester – 10 AM to 5 PM. Address shared at registration. 603 Equality is offering a de-escalation and self-defense training led by Impact Boston. This is a scenario-based training to develop verbal de-escalation and basic physical self-defense skills specifically for the trans/queer/gender non-conforming community. This will include responses to bullying, harassment and bathroom enforcement scenarios. This training is centered in a trauma-informed, disability-aware, queer-positive, feminist approach, and your feelings are welcomed.
Sunday, July 26, 2026
Tales from Trans+ Lives Conway – 5:30 PM to 6:30 PM. Address shared at registration. Join 603 Equality for an evening of storytelling to learn more about the lives of local transgender and nonbinary people, in an intimate and inviting environment. Storytellers will share their lives at some depth, with humor and openness: transition, healthcare, schools, challenges, successes, hopes, and fears. Following individual sharing, we will open the floor to thoughtful questions and reflections.
Sunday, August 16, 2026
Tales from Trans+ Lives Lebanon – 5:30 PM to 6:30 PM. Address shared at registration. Join 603 Equality for an evening of storytelling to learn more about the lives of local transgender and nonbinary people, in an intimate and inviting environment. Storytellers will share their lives at some depth, with humor and openness: transition, healthcare, schools, challenges, successes, hopes, and fears. Following individual sharing, we will open the floor to thoughtful questions and reflections.
Saturday, September 26, 2026
SAVE THE DATE – AFSC-NH annual celebration, 12 noon to 4 PM at Concord UU Church, with keynote speaker Kelly Hayes, author, organizer, educator, and movement leader. All are welcome! Registration link coming soon.
Sunday, September 30, 2026
Tales from Trans+ Lives Concord – 5:30 PM to 6:30 PM. Address shared at registration. Join 603 Equality for an evening of storytelling to learn more about the lives of local transgender and nonbinary people, in an intimate and inviting environment. Storytellers will share their lives at some depth, with humor and openness: transition, healthcare, schools, challenges, successes, hopes, and fears. Following individual sharing, we will open the floor to thoughtful questions and reflections.
Saturday, October 3, 2026
Black Lives Matter New Hampshire Gala – 6 PM to 10 PM, at Rivermill at Dover Landing, Dover. Save the date!
Sunday, October 25, 2026
Tales from Trans+ Lives Littleton – 5:30 PM to 6:30 PM. Address shared at registration. Join us for an evening of storytelling to learn more about the lives of local transgender and nonbinary people, in an intimate and inviting environment. Storytellers will share their lives at some depth, with humor and openness: transition, healthcare, schools, challenges, successes, hopes, and fears. Following individual sharing, we will open the floor to thoughtful questions and reflections.
Saturday, November 14, 2026
De-Escalation/Self-Defense Nashua/Milford – 10 AM to 6 PM. Address shared at registration. 603 Equality is offering a De-escalation and Self-Defense training led by Impact Boston. This is a scenario-based training to develop verbal de-escalation and basic physical self-defense skills specifically for the trans/queer/gender non-conforming community. This will include responses to bullying, harassment and bathroom enforcement scenarios. This training is centered in a trauma-informed, disability-aware, queer-positive, feminist approach, and your feelings are welcomed.
Sunday, November 22, 2026
Tales from Trans+ Lives Claremont/Newport – 5:30 PM to 6:30 PM. Address shared at registration. Join us for an evening of storytelling to learn more about the lives of local transgender and nonbinary people, in an intimate and inviting environment. Storytellers will share their lives at some depth, with humor and openness: transition, healthcare, schools, challenges, successes, hopes, and fears. Following individual sharing, we will open the floor to thoughtful questions and reflections.
Thursday, December 4, 2026
NHFPI’s Annual Budget & Policy Conference – Save the date!
Sunday, December 6, 2026
Tales from Trans+ Lives Rochester – 5:30 PM to 6:30 PM. Address shared at registration. Join us for an evening of storytelling to learn more about the lives of local transgender and nonbinary people, in an intimate and inviting environment. Storytellers will share their lives at some depth, with humor and openness: transition, healthcare, schools, challenges, successes, hopes, and fears. Following individual sharing, we will open the floor to thoughtful questions and reflections.
With best wishes,
Maggie Fogarty, Maille & Kathleen Wooten, and April Richer
AFSC’s New Hampshire “State House Watch" newsletter is published to bring you information about matters being discussed in Concord including housing, the death penalty, immigration, education, civil liberties, and labor rights. We also follow the state budget and tax system, voting rights, corrections policy, and more.
The AFSC is a Quaker organization supported by people of many faiths who care about peace, social justice, humanitarian service, and nonviolent change. Maggie Fogarty is the NH Director for AFSC which publishes this newsletter; April Richer is the NH Interfaith Organizer. Maille Wooten, in partnership with Kathleen Wooten, is AFSC’s State House Watch researcher and database manager.
"State House Watch" is made possible with your financial support. Click the DONATE NOW button on our web page to send a secure donation to support the work of the AFSC’s New Hampshire Program. Thank you!