State House Watch: May 3, 2025

“Solidarity is not a matter of sentiment but a fact, cold and impassive as the granite foundations of a skyscraper. If the basic elements, identity of interest, clarity of vision, honesty of intent, and oneness of purpose, or any of these is lacking, all sentimental pleas for solidarity, and all other efforts to achieve it will be barren of results.” – Eugene Debs

Greetings, State House Watchers, 

We hope you had an inspiring May Day! Maybe you joined the spirited crowd of 1,000+ at the State House, or one of the solidarity vigils in other communities that day. Read more here. We’re energized by the growing numbers of people who are calling for an end to detention and deportation, and who are demanding justice for workers and immigrants. Our numbers are growing, as is our courage and commitment to the abolition of dehumanizing policies and systems. Here’s an important reminder of Dr. King’s wisdom for these times. 

Mohsen Mahwadi’s release from immigrant detention the day before May Day added to the celebration of immigrant rights and resilience. (Unfortunately, the NH State Police agreement to a pact with Immigration and Customs Enforcement was also announced last week, a shameful step backwards for the agency whose past statements against racial profiling are now hollow. Read more here.)

Now let’s bring our positive vision to the struggle for a good state budget! On Tuesday, May 6, the Senate Finance Committee will hold a public hearing on HB 1 and HB 2, the state budget bills. Read more here. The Senate Finance Committee received a lousy version from the full House a few weeks ago, and as they prepare their own version, they need to hear from us about the urgent need to fund essential programs in HB 1 and remove the extremist proposals in HB 2. The public hearing begins at 1 PM in Representatives Hall.  Live streaming will be available here. You can submit testimony by emailing the Finance Committee, as well as in person. (A dinner break will occur at 5:00 PM. Testimony will resume at 6:00 PM.)

As always, we encourage you to utilize the excellent budget resources prepared by the NH Fiscal Policy Institute.

Please join us at the State House at 12 noon on that day for the Fight for Our Future Rally, hosted by a number of partners. From the organizers: “New Hampshire’s budget isn’t just numbers on a page—it’s a statement of values. And right now, it’s telling us that working families, students + young people don’t matter. We need to demand a budget that puts people – and not corporations – first.”

Thanks to the ACLU’s Amanda Azad for her recent Union Leader op-ed: To read freely is to live freely, reject book bans. “Public schools are for everyone. The right to read is fundamental. The right to learn from diverse perspectives is essential. And the right to speak, write, and think freely is protected by the Constitution. New Hampshire lawmakers must stand up for these rights.”

ACTION ALERTS
Note that the following 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. 

When a public hearing is scheduled, members of the public have the opportunity sign in online to register their opposition or support for a bill. 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. 

Tuesday, May 6 – EXECUTIVE SESSION 
OPPOSE SB 13-FN, invalidating out-of-state driver licenses issued to undocumented immigrants. This harmful bill would misuse public funds to target immigrant drivers from out of state who are driving with valid licenses. It will promote racial profiling, and create a hostile and unwelcoming environment. It is scheduled for an executive session in House Transportation, Room 103 LOB, on Tuesday, May 6 at 1 PM. Note that the online sign-in period has passed, but please contact the committee; you can use this link to copy and paste their emails and urge them to oppose this bill. 

Tuesday, May 6 – PUBLIC HEARINGS
OPPOSE HB 280, relative to wage payments. This seemingly innocent bill would allow employers to pay employees by any means of the employer’s choosing.  It guts language about using US currency, direct deposit, etc. This terrible bill is scheduled for a public hearing in the Senate Commerce committee, SH Room 100, on Tuesday, May 6 at 10 AM. Please contact the committee, sign in to oppose and share testimony. Check out NHCVR's talking points.  

SUPPORT HB 67-FN-A, relative to agreements with the secretary of state for the use of accessible voting systems. This positive bill would make accessible voting devices available for local elections. It has a public hearing in Senate Election Law and Municipal Affairs committee, Room 103 LOB on Tuesday, May 6 at 10 AM. Please contact the committee, sign in to support and share testimony. Check out NHCVR's talking points. 

OPPOSE HB 60, relative to the termination of tenancy at the expiration of the tenancy or lease term. This forced eviction bill would harm tenants and increase homelessness in a state already experiencing high housing costs and low housing availability. It is scheduled for a public hearing in the Senate Commerce committee, SH Room 100, on Tuesday, May 6 at 10:40 AM. Please contact the committee, sign in to oppose and share testimony. Join GSOP and other partners outside the hearing room doors at 10 AM to make clear our opposition to this dangerous bill. 

OPPOSE HB 148, permitting classification of individuals based on biological sex under certain circumstances. This bill will eliminate protections from discrimination for transgender people by allowing “classification of individuals based on biological sex” in three circumstances, including the use of restrooms/locker rooms, participation in sports, and housing for jails/prisons. It will create confusion and will be an alarming step backwards in terms of basic rights for transgender people. It has a public hearing in the Senate Judiciary Committee on Tuesday, May 6 at 1:50 PM in Room 100, SH. Please contact the committee and sign in to oppose this horrible bill. 

OPPOSE HB 433, making 17 the age of consent for marriage if either party is active duty military. From Equality Now: “Supporters of New Hampshire’s new minimum age of marriage bill argue that a military exception ensures access to military benefits. However, a number of military benefits, including life insurance and death benefits, can be designated without marriage. Opponents of the bill highlight that access to military benefits such as health insurance and housing—which are only available through marriage—should not come at the expense of heightened risks accompanying child marriage. These include domestic violence, sexual abuse, health complications associated with early pregnancies, and loss of education and curtailed economic opportunities that lead to financial dependence and vulnerability.” This harmful bill has a public hearing in the Senate Judiciary Committee on Tuesday, May 6 at 1:30 PM in Room 100, SH. Please contact the committee and sign in to oppose this bill.

Thursday, May 8 – HOUSE SESSION
OPPOSE SB 295-FN, to education freedom accounts, will be voted on when the full House meets in session on Thursday, May 8. From the Education Funding Committee’s minority report: “Given state budget constraints that have reduced state investments in the university system, community college system, public health, arts, tourism, and other critical needs areas, and no demonstrated savings for taxpayers, now is not the time to expand a program with no accountability standards or performance results to show.” Please contact your own Representatives and urge them to defeat this harmful bill. 

OPPOSE SB 62, relative to law enforcement participation in a federal immigration program. This bill provides that neither the state nor any county, municipality, or other political subdivision of this state shall prohibit or impede any state, county, or local law enforcement agency from applying for entry or entering into an agreement with the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement to participate in a federal 287(g) program pursuant to 8 U.S.C. section 1357(g). This bill will escalate the harmful collusion between federal immigration enforcement and NH law enforcement to the detriment of community safety and immigrant well-being. Please contact your own Representatives and urge them to defeat this terrible bill. 

Friday, May 9 – PUBLIC HEARING
OPPOSE non germane amendment 2025-1756h to SB 54, relative to refusal of consent to testing to determine alcohol concentration and penalties for aggravated driving while intoxicated. This terrible amendment would require the Department of Education to adopt standardized firearms safety training for mandatory instruction in public schools. It is scheduled for a public hearing in House Criminal Justice and Public Safety, LOB 202-204, on Friday, May 9 at 10 AM. Please contact the committee; you can use this link to copy and paste their emails. And sign in to oppose and share testimony.

Protect Immigrant Drivers 
Send a message to your state Senators urging them to OPPOSE HB 452, relative to the issuance of drivers' licenses for aliens [sic] temporarily residing in New Hampshire and HB 461, relative to department of safety and department of motor vehicle training and testing materials. Sign here.  

NH Voices of Faith Mother’s Day Card Campaign, May 5-9 
Join us to appeal to Governor Ayotte as a mother and urge her to work for a budget that cares for all New Hampshire people. Write a Mother's Day message that we can deliver during the week of May 5. You can send your messages to us via email starting today; send as many as you'd like! We will bundle these messages together and deliver several of them each day accompanied by a Mother's Day card. Feel free to write about what you care most about - transgender rights, funding for public education, restoring the Office of the Child Advocate, funding for mental health supports, etc. For some toplines, we recommend this summary of key differences between the governor's budget and the House budget from NHFPI here.  Email your message to us at afscnh@afsc.org. We will include your message in our Mother’s Day cards before making an in-person delivery to the Governor’s office each day from Monday May 5 through Friday May 9 at about 10:00 AM. Click here to join us for deliveries on a day that works for you!

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 Thursday, May 1. Below are the outcomes for the bills we are tracking. 

On the Consent Calendar

ELECTION LAW 
SB 16, requiring municipalities to post a copy of election return forms on their websites and in public locations. OTP by VV.

EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENTS AND ADMINISTRATION 
SB 29, relative to membership, jurisdiction, and reports of the health care workplace safety commission and relative to health care facility reporting requirements under the workplace violence prevention program. OTP by VV.
SB 68, adding a member to the governor’s commission on disability. OTP by VV.
SB 192, establishing a committee to study enhanced coordination between county correctional facilities, the department of corrections, and the department of health and human services. ITL by VV.

HEALTH, HUMAN SERVICES AND ELDERLY AFFAIRS 
SB 18, permitting the commissioner of health and human services to authorize additional beds for a pediatric intermediate care facility under certain circumstances. OTP-A by VV.

RESOURCES, RECREATION AND DEVELOPMENT
SB 299, relative to penalties for contractors violating water pollution and waste disposal regulations. OTP by VV.

SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY AND ENERGY
SB 108-FN, relative to the department of energy. OTP-A by VV.
SB 236, relative to transferring control of the Electric Assistance Program to the department of energy. OTP by VV.

On the Regular Calendar

LABOR, INDUSTRIAL AND REHABILITATIVE SERVICES
SB 171, relative to required pay for remote work. Laid on table.

SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY AND ENERGY 
SB 228-FN, relative to the limitations on community customer generators. ITL by RC, 190-151.

Last week in the Senate
The full Senate met in session last week. Here are the results for the bills we’re tracking.

On the Consent Calendar

EDUCATION
HB 68, making best interest placements within the same school district mandatory in the absence of a valid reason to deny the placement. Re-referred to committee.
HB 108, relative to bullying and cyberbullying across multiple school districts. OTP by VV.
HB 653-FN, establishing a pilot program within the department of education to implement alternatives to restraint and seclusion of students. OTP-A by VV.
HB 741-FN, allowing parents to send their children to any school district they choose. Re-referred to committee.
HB 753-FN, relative to expedited due process hearings to enforce special education rights. OTP by VV.

ELECTION LAW AND MUNICIPAL AFFAIRS 
HB 288, limiting how far in advance of an election an absentee ballot may be requested. OTP by VV. 
HB 474, requiring a second witness at the counting of write-in votes. OTP by VV.
HB 569, relative to the establishment of county-wide communication districts. OTP by VV.
HB 626, directing the secretary of state to implement a vulnerability disclosure program for certain election systems. OTP-A by VV.

EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENTS AND ADMINISTRATION 
HB 55, relative to the Selective Service Compliance Act. ITL by VV.
HB 552-FN, relative to coverage of children under the state retiree insurance plan. OTP by VV.

HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES 
HB 357, relative to the department of health and human services’ rulemaking authority regarding immunization requirements. ITL by VV.
HB 679, relative to immunization requirements. ITL by VV.
HB 705, relative to health care cost transparency. Re-referred to committee.

JUDICIARY
HB 59-FN, relative to the assault of a firefighter, emergency medical care provider, or law enforcement officer. Re-referred to committee.
HB 62-FN, relative to protection of persons from domestic violence and military protective orders. OTP by VV.
HB 109-FN, relative to false reports to law enforcement. Re-referred to committee.
HB 146-FN, relative to the use of body-worn cameras. ITL by VV.
HB 195-FN, relative to the expectation of privacy in the collection and use of personal information. ITL by VV.
HB 218-FN, relative to providing victims of crime with a free police report of the investigation. OTP-A by VV.
HB 602, requiring certain offenders to participate in a victim impact program. OTP by VV.

On the Regular Calendar

EDUCATION 
HB 76-FN, relative to tracking special education complaints. OTP by VV.
HB 319-FN, relative to the responsibility of local school districts to provide transportation for pupils in kindergarten. OTP by RC, 13Y-8N.
HB 440, relative to educator licensing. OTP by VV.
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. OTP-A by VV.
HB 749-FN, requiring instruction on communism in public high schools. ITL by VV.

ELECTION LAW AND MUNICIPAL AFFAIRS 
HB 230-L, relative to the adoption of public health ordinances by municipalities. OTP by VV.

JUDICIARY 
HB 198-FN, relative to legalizing certain quantities of cannabis and establishing penalties for the smoking or vaping of cannabis in public. Laid on table.

Coming Up in the House 
There will be a House Session on Thursday, May 8. Here are the bills we’re tracking which will be deliberated and voted on. 

On the Consent Calendar

EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENTS AND ADMINISTRATION
SB 179-FN, (New Title) relative to the state council on housing stability. Committee recommends OTP.

HEALTH, HUMAN SERVICES AND ELDERLY AFFAIRS
SB 92-FN, relative to the collection of birth worksheet information. Committee recommends OTP.
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. Committee recommends OTP-A.

HOUSING 
SB 173, relative to residential property subject to housing covenants under the low income housing tax credit program. Committee recommends OTP. 

On the Regular Calendar

CRIMINAL JUSTICE AND PUBLIC SAFETY
SB 58-FN, (New Title) relative to venue in criminal prosecutions of distribution of a controlled drug with death resulting. Majority committee recommends OTP-A. Minority committee recommends OTP-A.
SB 62, relative to law enforcement participation in a federal immigration program. Majority committee recommends OTP. Minority committee recommends ITL.

EDUCATION FUNDING 
SB 292-FN-A, authorizing a warrant for the funding of state special education aid. Committee recommends OTP-A.
SB 295-FN, (New Title) relative to education freedom accounts. Majority committee recommends OTP-A. Minority committee recommends ITL.

EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENTS AND ADMINISTRATION
SB 190, relative to the state health assessment and state health improvement plan advisory council and the commission on the interdisciplinary primary care workforce. Majority committee recommends OTP. Minority committee recommends OTP-A. 

HEALTH, HUMAN SERVICES AND ELDERLY AFFAIRS
SB 251, establishing a commission to study the delivery of public health services through regional public health networks and the continued development of coordinated responses to public health incidents and emergencies in New Hampshire. Majority committee recommends ITL. Minority committee recommends OTP. 

MUNICIPAL AND COUNTY GOVERNMENT

SB 105, enabling towns to adopt budget caps. Majority committee recommends OTP-A. Minority committee recommends ITL.

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 and using this committee email list here.

TUESDAY, MAY 6 

CHILDREN AND FAMILY LAW, Room 206-208, LOB 
10:00 AM Executive session on SB 72-FN, establishing a parents’ bill of rights in education. 

HOUSING, Room 305, LOB 
10:00 AM Executive session on SB 166, relative to notice required prior to sale of a manufactured housing unit located in a resident-owned community.

TRANSPORTATION, Room 203, LOB
1:00 PM Executive session on SB 13-FN, invalidating out-of-state driver’s licenses issued to undocumented immigrants.

WEDNESDAY, MAY 7

EDUCATION POLICY AND ADMINISTRATION, Room 205-207, LOB

9:30 AM Executive session on SB 97-FN, relative to intra-district public school transfers. This bill authorizes parents to transfer their children to other schools within their resident district as long as such school has the capacity to accommodate the student.

FRIDAY, MAY 9

CRIMINAL JUSTICE AND PUBLIC SAFETY, Room 202-204, LOB
10:00 AM Public Hearing on proposed non-germane amendment #2025-1756h to SB 54, relative to refusal of consent to testing to determine alcohol concentration and penalties for aggravated driving while intoxicated. The amendment requires the department of education to create or adopt standardized firearms safety training for mandatory instruction in public schools.
11:01 AM Continued executive session on SB 14-FN, relative to the penalty for certain fentanyl-related offenses; SB 15-FN, relative to establishing a mandatory minimum sentence for the crime of distribution of a controlled drug with death resulting.

Coming Up in the Senate 
The full Senate will meet in session on Thursday, May 8 starting at 10 AM. Watch it here. Here are the bills we’re tracking which will be deliberated and voted on. 

On the Consent Calendar

CHILDREN AND FAMILY LAW
HB 473-FN, criminalizing multiple forms of exposing children to controlled substances and allowing law enforcement to take a child into protective custody for screening and testing in an instance of suspected or actual criminal exposure to controlled substances. Committee recommends OTP.

COMMERCE
HB 309-FN, relative to making electronic rent payments optional. Committee recommends OTP-A.
HB 382, relative to authority for municipalities to regulate mandatory on-site parking requirements. Committee recommends OTP-A.

ELECTION LAW AND MUNICIPAL AFFAIRS
HB 154, enabling voters to request to have their ballots hand-counted. Committee recommends OTP-A.
HB 200, relative to the procedure for overriding a local tax cap. Committee recommends OTP-A.
HB 284-FN, requiring tax impact statements on municipal warrant articles. Committee recommends ITL.

ENERGY AND NATURAL RESOURCES
HB 504, relative to the state energy policy. Committee recommends OTP-A.
HB 672-FN, to allow for off-grid electricity providers in New Hampshire. Committee recommends OTP-A.
HB 682, relative to the office of offshore wind industry, the offshore and port development commission, and the office of energy innovation. Committee recommends OTP-A. 
HB 690-FN, directing the department of energy to investigate the state’s withdrawal from ISO-New England and other strategy decisions that impact ratepayers in relation to New England’s environmental policy. Committee recommends OTP-A.
HB 707-FN, requiring the department of environmental services to revise the rules for proposed new landfills. Committee recommends to re-refer to Committee.

HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
HB 126, relative to prescriptions for certain controlled drugs. Committee recommends to re-refer to committee.
HB 358, relative to exemption from immunization requirements on the basis of religious belief. Committee recommends OTP-A.

JUDICIARY
HB 514-FN, allowing private persons to sue for violations of election laws. Committee recommends ITL.
HB 522-FN, relative to the expectation of privacy in personal information maintained by the state. Committee recommends ITL.
HB 584-FN, relative to public health, safety, and state sovereignty. Committee recommends ITL.

On the Regular Calendar

COMMERCE

HB 631-FN, permitting residential building in commercial zoning. Committee recommends OTP.
HB 685, permitting in all residentially zoned areas by right the construction of manufactured housing. Committee recommends OTP.

ENERGY AND NATURAL RESOURCES

HB 566-FN, requiring permit applications for new landfills to contain a detailed plan for leachate management. Committee recommends to re-refer. 

ELECTION LAW AND MUNICIPAL AFFAIRS 
HB 107, relative to political advertising printed in newspapers, periodicals, or billboards. Committee recommends OTP-A.

JUDICIARY 
HB 190-FN, relative to therapeutic cannabis possession limits. Committee recommends ITL.
HB 207-FN, relative to repealing the prohibition on the possession or sale of blackjacks, slung shots, and metallic knuckles except by or to minors. Committee recommends ITL.
HB 380-FN, relative to penalties for criminal violations of the therapeutic use of cannabis. Committee recommends ITL.
HB 551-FN, repealing the license to sell pistols and revolvers. Committee recommends OTP.

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, MAY 6

COMMERCE, Room 100, SH
10:10 AM HB 467, defining “social districts” and enabling municipalities to create social districts.
10:20 AM HB 342, relative to the approval process for new construction.
10:40 AM HB 60, relative to the termination of tenancy at the expiration of the tenancy or lease term.

EDUCATION, Room 101, LOB
10:30 AM HB 532, relative to alternative dispute resolution and individualized education plan team meeting facilitation.
10:45 AM HB 446, relative to parental notice for non-academic surveys in public schools.
11:00 AM 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.
11:15 AM HB 768, allowing public schools to contract with any approved private school.

ELECTION LAW AND MUNICIPAL AFFAIRS, Room 103, LOB
9:15 AM Hearing on proposed amendment #2025-1807s, prohibiting certain candidates for political office from participating in counting ballots, enabling the use of certain personal information for determining voter eligibility, and relative to the reporting of low value campaign donations, to HB 464, prohibiting certain candidates for political office from participating in counting ballots.
9:30 AM HB 367, changing the method for adopting partisan town elections to be the same as rescinding partisan town elections.
10:00 AM HB 67-FN-A, relative to agreements with the secretary of state for the use of accessible voting systems.
10:15 AM HB 546-FN, relative to financial disclosures and the public reporting of those disclosures by the secretary of state.

ENERGY AND NATURAL RESOURCES, Room 103, SH
9:00 AM HB 123, relative to yield taxes on property enrolled or registered for the purpose of generating carbon offset credits.

FINANCE, Room Reps Hall, SH
1:00 PM 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.
1:00 PM HB 2-FN-A-L, relative to state fees, funds, revenues, and expenditures.
Live streaming of the hearing will be available here. Individuals looking to register their position may do so remotely here. Individuals who wish to speak will need to sign up in person. The hearing begins at 1:00 PM. A dinner break will occur at 5:00 PM. Testimony will resume at 6:00 PM.

JUDICIARY, Room 100, SH
1:30 PM 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.
1:40 PM HB 506-FN, relative to background checks during motions to return firearms and ammunition.
1:50 PM HB 148, permitting classification of individuals based on biological sex under certain circumstances.
2:00 PM HB 191-FN, providing criminal and civil penalties for the transporting of an unemancipated minor in order to obtain a surgical procedure without parental permission.

Recommendations
The YOCOP (Youth Organizing Community of Practice) 2025 Mutual Aid Fund is open and accepting applications. Find more information here: YOCOP Mutual Aid Fund Application and the YOCOP Mutual Aid Fund Policy.

Are you finding it hard to keep up with all of the harms being enacted by the current administration? Here’s a helpful but daunting report: Documenting the Damage - 100 Harmful Policies from the First 100 Days of the Second Trump Administration. And you can track all Trump executive orders and actions here.

Do you live, work, attend school or do business in Concord? The City of Concord’s Diversity, Inclusion, Justice and Belonging (DEIJB) Committee is seeking to understand the lived experiences of Concord’s diverse community groups regarding access to city services, programs, and opportunities, and feelings of belonging and inclusion. Sign up now for a focus group interview here. 

Job Postings
The NH School Funding Fairness Project is seeking a Communications Director. This is a full-time, hybrid position with a starting salary range of $60,000-$75,000. This person will play a key role in broadening our reach, enhancing our digital strategies, and driving the conversation around school funding and equity statewide. Apply here. 

Upcoming Events 
Many thanks to Mike Franklin for creating this list of weekly vigils for peace and justice across the state. Find it here. 

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 7 vigil will be at Pappas' new district office location, 15 Third Street, Dover. The May 14 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: 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! 

Saturday, May 3
Umokuumani: NH Black & African Diaspora Weekly Meetings  - 1 PM to 2:30 PM. Hosted by AFSC NH. Umokuumani is a place to build connection and solidarity among Black and African people in NH. We share stories, important information, key policy updates and resources to support our personal, professional and creative lives. We meet biweekly on Saturdays on Zoom with occasional in person gatherings. Zoom link will be shared directly with participants.

Monday, May 5 through Friday, May 9
New Hampshire Energy Week – Times & Locations vary. Hosted by Clean Energy NH, CDFA, Community Power Coalition of NH, SBDC NH, Young Professional in Energy, NHBSR & others. NH Energy Week is dedicated to advancing a sustainable and economically prosperous energy future for the Granite State. 

Monday, May 5
Women Write! - 5 PM. LANEY & LU, 26 Water Street, Exeter. Hosted by NH Women’s Foundation. for an evening of advocacy and community-building as we write letters to New Hampshire legislators in support of funding for women and girls in the state budget. We’ll have complimentary drinks and appetizers, as well as staff on hand to answer questions and provide support on writing about Medicaid cuts and access to healthcare – particularly maternal health, mental health, and reproductive and sexual health. This is a critical moment for legislators to hear from YOU! Invite a friend and spend a few hours making an impact and having fun at our Women Write event!

Peace & Justice Conversations: Clean Shelter for Gaza - 7 PM. Hosted by NH Peace Action & Veteran’s for Peace. Join UNH graduate students Kaylie Efstratiou, Eadie Pitino, and Devin Wilson for an in-depth overview of Clean Shelter’s achievements and impact on the Gaza Strip.

Tuesday, May 6
Fight for Our Future Rally – 12 PM to 6 PM. State House, 107 N. Main Street, Concord. Hosted by 603 Forward. New Hampshire’s budget isn’t just numbers on a page—it’s a statement of values. And right now, it’s telling us that working families, students + young people don’t matter. Join us + our partners at the State House to demand a budget that puts people – and not corporations – first.

NH Center for Justice & Equity 2025 Annual Meeting - 2 PM to 6 PM. 781 Union Avenue, Laconia. Join us for our annual meeting to learn more about the NHCJE’s work, be in conversation about solutions that reflect New Hampshire's realities and values, and hear from keynote speaker, Dr. Daniel Black. 

Strong Civics, Strong Business Panel Discussion  - 4 PM. Currier Museum of Art, Manchester. Hosted by NH Civics. Join us for a discussion on how strong civics education can help NH businesses. 

NH NewsGuild Social Media Picket Training – 5:30 PM. Hosted by NH News Guild. Join us for our first-ever digital picket of the Union Leader. It's simple, we hope to flood the Union Leader's social media channels with messages that support the Guild and our efforts to get a fair contract. We'll get together on Zoom, hear from our Local Guild president, get a little training and then start the "picket." Members of the Guild are working now for 14 months without a signed contract, under imposed conditions that threaten our ability to remain in the middle class.

NH Advocacy 101 - 6 PM to 8 PM. Nesmith Library, Windham. Join State Representative Paige Beauchemin to learn more about the basics of NH government, how to stay in the know, and how you can take action.

Thursday, May 8
Welcoming NH May Table Meeting – 9 AM to 11 AM. Hosted by Welcoming NH. Join us to build relationships and hear updates from members who provide services (or are) immigrants in NH. The Welcoming NH table works to make NH more welcoming for everyone with a focused attention on immigrants. Please email WelcomingNH@MIRACoalition.org to join. 

Values-Based Financial Planning - 7 PM to 8:30 PM. Hosted by AFSC. Do you want to make sure your values are incorporated into your retirement and other financial planning? Join us to learn about ways you can support AFSC and other organizations that are important to you. All ages are welcome and encouraged to attend this webinar.

Friday, May 9
Capital Area Public Health Network Regional Convening - 8:30 AM to 12:30 PM. Concord Parks & Recreation Department, 14 Canterbury Road, Concord. Hosted by Capital Area Public Health Network. Deepen understanding of CAPHN’s role and the Community Health Improvement Plan. Explore key public health priority areas through organization-led presentations. Participate in focused breakout sessions on Healthy Aging, Early Childhood, Behavioral Health, and Public Health Emergency Preparedness. Learn how policy and advocacy serve as powerful public health strategies. Network with community organizations and partners who are engaged in public health.

Monday, May 12
Fair School Funding - Book Talk - 10 AM. Frankling NH Public Library, 316 Central Street, Franklin. Hosted by Open Democracy. Join us for this free event discussing “The Last Bake Sale” by Andru Volinsky. 

Tuesday, May 13
Palestinian Women & the Nakba Webinar - 12 PM to 1 PM. Hosted by AFSC. Join AFSC for a virtual gathering on the role of Palestinian women during the 1948 Nakba and learn how it has shaped modern Palestinian society. We will hear from Palestinian women who have kept their families’ legacies alive through storytelling, stitching, cooking, and resisting occupation and settler colonialism. Speakers will dissect how the struggle for a more feminist society and the struggle for liberation from colonialism are inherently intertwined.

Thursday, May 15 
#2 Countering Christian Nationalism Community Conversation  - 6 PM to 8 PM. In person (location TBD) and Zoom. Hosted by NH Council of Churches, Manchester-NAACP, American Friends Service Committee, Engage, Outright New Hampshire, Open Democracy, & more. This hybrid event, the second in a three-part series, seeks to explain the origins, tenets, and impacts of Christian nationalism, particularly in the context of New Hampshire. Co-hosted by the Countering Christian Nationalism Coalition, the event will provide attendees with knowledge to understand and address this issue in NH.

Sunday, May 18
Storytelling for Change Summit - 1 PM to 3:30 PM. Spotlight Room, 96 Hanover St, Manchester. Hosted by Queerlective. Join us for an inspiring afternoon of collaborative storytelling and community art. At this free conference, we’ll dive into the power of art to foster social change. Hear from leading storytellers, artists, and community leaders about how they use their craft to create change, elevate voices, and tell impactful stories that shape our world.

No Voice Too Small - 2 PM to 6 PM. State House, 107 N. Main Street, Concord. Hosted by 50501 NH. Come celebrate our kids. Let’s lift them up and show them how many people believe in them and want the best for them. Let’s listen to them speak. They see more than we could know, and they know more than we think. It’s time to hand them the mic.

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!