State House Watch: May 5, 2026

“A nation that combines the America predilection towards violence, the American stockpile of weapons and the American lack of empathy for the earth's humiliated peoples is a dangerous nation.” – Vincent Harding

"The moment we choose to love we begin to move against domination, against oppression." — Bell Hooks

May 5, 2026

Greetings, State House Watchers,

AFSC marked its 109th birthday last week! For a look at some of the key moments since our founding in 1917, read more here. 

We hope you found many ways to celebrate International Workers’ Day last week! The AFSC team joined multiple events, including the rally at the NH State House on Friday. April Richer, our Interfaith Organizer, invoked her family’s long history of dignified labor “in solidarity with the 300,000 workers who walked off jobs in the General Strike on May 1, 1886.” She honored the “struggle and sacrifice of those workers who brought us 'eight hours for work, eight hours for rest, eight hours for what we will,'“ while acknowledging the “humbling reality that for most of our community members here in New Hampshire and across the United States, the average worker needs more than one 40 hour job to meet their basic human needs of food, shelter and clothing.”

Divine Nkwelle, AFSC’s Program Coordinator, spoke from his experiences as an immigrant worker and international student: “The spirit of May Day reminds us that workers’ rights have never been given freely; they have been built through solidarity. And that solidarity must be inclusive.  It must recognize that dignity at work cannot depend on where you come from, what passport you hold, or what visa you carry. When workers are divided by status, nationality, or by who feels safe speaking, it weakens the collective strength that movements like May Day embody. Today, in a time when conversations around immigration are often politicized, it is important to return to a simple truth: behind every policy are people; people working, contributing, and striving for stability and respect.” Read more about Concord’s May Day rally here.

We’re grieving the horrific decisions from the Supreme Court last week, including a final blow to the Voting Rights Act, one of the most important gains of the civil rights movement. Read more here: Finishing Off Voting Rights Act, Supreme Court Declares Racism Over — Again, (Brennan Center for Justice, April 30, 2026); and here: In major Voting Rights Act case, Supreme Court strikes down redistricting map challenged as racially discriminatory (SCOTUSblog, April 29, 2026)

We listened to oral arguments at the Supreme Court last week regarding the future of Temporary Protected Status (TPS), a matter of life and death for nearly a million people currently living in the US who fled violence and chaos. Read more here.

NH Voices of Faith wrapped up its April series of “Short & Sweets” with presentations last week by two friends named Arnie! Arnie Arneson spoke about “NH Politics: The Rich, the Retired, and the Remunerated,” and Arnie Alpert shared insights from decades of movement-building work for justice; watch here. In short, he urged us to “Make good trouble. Don’t give up on anyone including members of the legislature. Give people a reason to do the right thing. Be persistent. Practice independent politics. Build community. Be the ‘yes.’” And watch Acres of Clams!

The Youth Success Project, an advocacy focused youth homelessness organization, is searching for their next Executive Director! The hiring committee invites you to learn more, apply, or share the opportunity with your networks. Please note that the application deadline is Friday, May 8. Please feel free to reach out to Ariel at ariel@nhyouthsuccess.com with any questions. 

Recommended reading
Many thanks to David Blair for sharing these interviews with us:
How to Change the World – A conversation with Erica Chenoweth(Hidden Brain, April 13, 2026)

The discipline of nonviolence - Rev. James Lawson's spiritual grounding, strategic brilliance and lifelong commitment to nonviolent direct action (Metta Center for Nonviolence, April 9, 2026)

ACTION ALERTS! 
Our action alerts this week are focused on committee executive sessions, and on the House and Senate session days on Thursday, May 7. 

Useful links:
Sign in for House hearings. 
Sign in for Senate hearings. 
Email House committees.
Email Senate committees.
Contact your Senator.
Contact your Representatives.
Contact the governor.

Tuesday, May 5 – Contact the House Election Law Committee.
OPPOSE SB 223-FN, prohibiting student identification cards from being used as photo identification for purposes of obtaining a ballot. From the NH Campaign for Voting Rights: “Voters who are 18, US citizens, and domiciled in New Hampshire have the right to vote here and are asked to prove their identity when they do so. By limiting the types of IDs that are accepted, eligible voters will be turned away solely because they don’t have the right documents – even when they can prove who they are and that they are eligible. By removing only college student IDs from the list of acceptable proofs of identity, this legislation specifically targets college students in an attempt to make it more difficult for them to vote.” This harmful bill will be voted on in the House Election Law Committee on Tuesday, May 5 at 10 AM in Room 158, GP. Please contact the committee and urge them to defeat the bill.

Wednesday, May 6 – Urge the House Legislative Administration Committee to recommend removal of Representative Travis Corcoran.
On Wednesday, May 6, the House Legislative Administration Committee will meet in Executive Session to consider the recent disturbing and dehumanizing behavior of Representative Travis Corcoran. The committee heard moving and urgent testimony last week, on April 27. You can watch it here. Read more here and here. The committee has four options – they can recommend removal, reprimand, expulsion, or take no action. Following the committee’s decision, the full House will take up the matter. Please contact the committee to urge them to recommend removal.

Thursday, May 7 – Contact your Representatives ahead of Thursday’s House session. Please urge them to take the following actions: 
SUPPORT SB 603-FN, relative to the funding of the SNAP program by the department of health and human services. This bill directs the department of health and human services to transfer funds as necessary to compensate for any reduction in federal funds received by the state for SNAP, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program.

SUPPORT SB 520, relative to breast surgeries for minors. This bill permits a physician to perform breast surgery on a minor in certain instances if the procedure is at the election of the minor in consultation with her primary care physician. 

Thursday, May 7 – Contact your Senator ahead of Thursday’s Senate session. Please urge them to take the following actions:
OPPOSE HB 1499-FN, relative to additional grounds for eviction under the landlord and tenant statute. This bill allows eviction if a tenant uses someone else’s personal information to obtain the rental or if the tenant or an occupant has certain criminal convictions, including improper entry as a noncitizen or a conviction requiring registration as a sexual offender or offender against children. The landlord cannot use a conviction disclosed in writing before the start of the tenancy as grounds for eviction. While a recent amendment eliminates several problematic provisions of the original bill, what remains is still unacceptable and will harm immigrants and families. Read testimony in opposition from the NH Immigrant Rights Network.

OPPOSE HB 1792-FN, prohibiting school districts and personnel from the instruction of critical race theory and LGBTQ+ ideologies in schools as well as establishing a private right of action for violations. This extremist bill has been amended to mirror the highly problematic and unconstitutional “Divisive Concepts” law and includes the penalty for teachers of losing their license and ability to earn a living. The bill also includes a prohibition on teachers and school staff using any name for students other than the name on their birth certificate.

OPPOSE HB 1217, permitting classification of individuals based on biological sex under certain limited circumstances. This bill permits the public and private classification of individuals based on biological sex in multi-user lavatory facilities and in athletic competitions where biological males have a competitive advantage. The bill also establishes that these forms of separation based on biological sex do not qualify as discrimination.

OPPOSE HB 1299, permitting classification of individuals based on biological sex under certain limited circumstances and establishing that certain biological sex distinctions do not qualify as discrimination. 

OPPOSE HB 1447, restricting the use of certain public and private facilities on the basis of sex and establishing that such restriction does not qualify as discrimination. 

OPPOSE HB 1793-FN, prohibiting public colleges and universities from regulating the possession or carrying of firearms and non-lethal weapons on campus. The original bill prohibits public institutions of higher education from enacting rules or policies restricting the possession, carry, storage, or lawful use of non-lethal weapons on campus and establishes a committee to study the feasibility of allowing guns on campuses of public institutions of higher education. A committee amendment creates a committee to study the feasibility of allowing guns on campuses of public institutions of higher education – a definite improvement but still a terrible and unnecessary proposal.

OPPOSE HB 1252, 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. This bill codifies the recent enforcement of a federal requirement that the administration of the skills test for commercial driver's licenses only be conducted in English and that interpreters are not permitted for the administration of the skills test; and extends the same requirements for the administration of the knowledge test for commercial driver's licenses. Read testimony in opposition from the NH Immigrant Rights Network.

OPPOSE HB 155-FN, reducing the rate of the business enterprise tax. The bill was amended in the Senate Ways and Means Committee such that the rate isn’t lowered but the income threshold for the tax is increased. Read more here. It’s still a bad idea. New Hampshire does not need yet another tax cut for wealthy business owners, while we fail to adequately fund essential programs and infrastructure.

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

Last week in the House
The House did not meet in session last week.

Last week in the Senate
The Senate did not meet in session last week.

Coming Up in the House
The House will meet in session next week on Thursday, May 7 starting at 10 AM. You can watch it here. In addition to the Consent and Regular Calendars, Representatives may take up House bills that were amended by the Senate. In each case, they can decide to concur with the Senate changes, and the bill moves on to the governor’s desk; or non-concur, and the bill is defeated; or non-concur and request a committee of conference.

House members will also meet on May 14, the last day to act on all Senate bills. 

On the Consent Calendar

EDUCATION FUNDING
SB 491-FN, enabling students to utilize education freedom account funds to pay for certain career and technical education funding. Committee recommends OTP-A.

HOUSING
SB 490, establishing a task force to assess the development of housing at Great Bay community college and authorizing the college the right to use vacant property for the purpose of developing housing. Committee recommends OTP-A.

On the Regular Calendar

FINANCE
SB 603-FN, relative to the funding of the SNAP program by the department of health and human services. Majority committee recommends ITL. Minority committee recommends OTP-A.

HEALTH, HUMAN SERVICES AND ELDERLY AFFAIRS
SB 501, relative to authorization of seclusion or restraint during a personal safety emergency by a physician, physician associate, or advanced practice registered nurse. Majority committee recommends ITL. Minority committee recommends OTP.
SB 520, relative to breast surgeries for minors. Majority committee recommends ITL. Minority committee recommends OTP.
SB 615-FN, (New Title) establishing a commission to study the use and regulation of SNAP in New Hampshire. Majority committee recommends ITL. Minority committee recommends OTP.

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

Monday, May 4

EDUCATION POLICY AND ADMINISTRATION, Room 232, GP
10:00 AM Public hearing on proposed non-germane amendment #2026-1708h to SB 575, establishing a study committee to study the issue of school bullying. This amendment creates a study committee to study the issue of school bullying and modifies the assignment of personnel authorized to perform superintendent services for school administrative units by requiring assignment by the school board instead of by the superintendent. 
10:15 AM Public hearing on proposed non-germane amendment #2026-1715h to SB 575, establishing a study committee to study the issue of school bullying. This amendment creates a study committee to study the issue of school bullying and modifies the exemption of teacher certification records under RSA 91-A by replacing the term “teacher” with “educator”.
10:30 AM Executive session on SB 430, relative to mandatory disclosure by school district employees to parents and legal guardians; SB 431, relative to violations of the prohibition on teaching discrimination; SB 434, relative to regulation of public school materials; SB 507, establishing a committee to study violence in schools directed at staff members and the obstacles to disciplining or expelling students in such circumstances.

Tuesday, May 5

ELECTION LAW, Room 158, GP
10:00 AM Executive session on SB 223-FN, prohibiting student identification cards from being used as photo identification for purposes of obtaining a ballot; SB 438, relative to the sharing of data between the department of safety and the secretary of state for the purposes of verifying the accuracy of information in the centralized voter registration database; SB 660, relative to photo identification cards issued solely for the purpose of voting. 

LABOR, INDUSTRIAL AND REHABILITATIVE SERVICES, Room 159, GP
11:00 AM Continued executive session on SB 416, relative to the pooling and sharing of tips among tipped employees.

Wednesday, May 6

COMMERCE AND CONSUMER AFFAIRS, Room 229, GP
10:30 AM Continued executive session on SB 498-FN, relative to children’s mental health services for persons 18 years of age and younger.

LEGISLATIVE ADMINISTRATION, Room 234, GP
1:00 PM Executive session on SB 570, relative to legislative ethics. 
1:15 PM Executive Session on the matter of Representative Travis Corcoran.

Coming Up in the Senate 
The Senate will meet in session next week on Thursday, May 7 starting at 9 AM. You can watch it here.

On the Consent Calendar

COMMERCE
HB 1079, allowing accessory dwelling units to be built within or attached to certain non-conforming structures. Committee recommends OTP-A. 
HB 1112, relative to snow removal responsibilities in lease agreements. Committee recommends OTP.

EDUCATION
HB 1832-FN, adding students with a parent or guardian on active military duty to the education freedom accounts priority guidelines. Committee recommends referral for interim study.

ELECTION LAW AND MUNICIPAL AFFAIRS
HB 1601-FN, requiring the secretary of state to create a voter education program that includes information on recent changes to voting laws. Committee recommends referral for interim study.

ENERGY AND NATURAL RESOURCES
HB 215-FN, requiring a landfill permit applicant to submit a report listing potential harms and benefits of the project. Committee recommends referral for interim study. 
HB 219-FN, relative to changes to the minimum electric renewable portfolio standards. Committee recommends referral for interim study.
HB 1138, limiting the placement of out-of-state waste going into New Hampshire landfills. Committee recommends referral for interim study.
HB 1275, relative to the effects of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances on agriculture. Committee recommends OTP-A.

EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENTS AND ADMINISTRATION
HB 1097, requiring legislative approval of the amendment or permanent removal of historical markers. Committee recommends OTP.
HB 1132, prohibiting the display of certain flags and banners in public schools and public charter schools and establishing penalties for the display of prohibited flags and banners. Committee recommends referral for interim study.

FINANCE
HB 1574-FN, relative to the extension of free and reduced price breakfast and lunch for students under the age of 22 and making an appropriation therefor. Committee recommends OTP-A.

HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
HB 1719-FN, removing Hepatitis B from the list of diseases for which immunization is required under state law. Committee recommends referral for interim study.
HB 1797-FN, relative to eligibility for public assistance, including the New Hampshire employment program, family assistance program, and SNAP. Committee recommends referral for interim study.

JUDICIARY
HB 1499-FN, relative to additional grounds for eviction under the landlord and tenant statute. Committee recommends OTP-A.
HB 1598-FN, relative to notice and proceedings for tenants and landlords engaged in eviction processes. Committee recommends OTP-A.

On the Regular Calendar

EDUCATION
HB 112-FN, requiring students in the university and community college systems of New Hampshire to pass the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services civics naturalization test, take a course that covers fundamental American documents as part of the general education curriculum, or pass a civics course competency test. Committee recommends OTP-A.
HB 1268, modifying the structure and administration of home education programs. Committee recommends OTP-A. 
HB 1358, establishing a commission to study transitioning all public schools to public charter schools. Committee recommends OTP-A.
HB 1374, relative to the procedures for withdrawal from a cooperative school district. Committee recommends OTP-A.
HB 1448, prohibiting the use of the World Economic Forum materials within state curriculum. Committee recommends OTP.
HB 1792-FN, prohibiting school districts and personnel from the instruction of critical race theory and LGBTQ+ ideologies in schools as well as establishing a private right of action for violations. Committee recommends OTP-A.

EDUCATION FINANCE
HB 1816-FN, relative to the intervention of the department of education into a school or school district during a financial emergency. Committee recommends OTP-A.

ENERGY AND NATURAL RESOURCES
HB 1189-FN, establishing a solid waste site evaluation committee. Committee recommends referral for interim study.
HB 1478-FN, requiring the department of environmental services to revise the rules for proposed new landfills. Committee recommends referral for interim study.
HB 1738-FN, relative to ratepayer benefits from the regional greenhouse gas initiative. Committee recommends OTP-A.

HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
HB 232-FN, relative to the rights of conscience for medical professionals. Committee recommends OTP-A.

JUDICIARY
HB 1217, permitting classification of individuals based on biological sex under certain limited circumstances. Committee recommends OTP.
HB 1299, permitting classification of individuals based on biological sex under certain limited circumstances and establishing that certain biological sex distinctions do not qualify as discrimination. Committee recommends OTP.
HB 1447, restricting the use of certain public and private facilities on the basis of sex and establishing that such restriction does not qualify as discrimination. Committee recommends OTP.
HB 1793-FN, prohibiting public colleges and universities from regulating the possession or carrying of firearms and non-lethal weapons on campus. Committee recommends OTP-A.

TRANSPORTATION
HB 1252, 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. Committee recommends OTP-A.
HB 2026, relative to the state 10-year transportation improvement plan. Committee recommends OTP-A.

WAYS AND MEANS
HB 155-FN, reducing the rate of the business enterprise tax. Committee recommends OTP-A.

Coming Up in Senate Committees
You can watch the Senate hearings here. You can sign in for Senate bills here. And you can contact Senate committees here. Committees are meeting in executive session all week to vote on all remaining bills ahead of the May 14 session.

There are no bills we’re tracking with public hearings this week.

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 6 vigil will be at the corner of Central Ave & Third St, down the street from Pappas' district office, 15 Third Street, Dover. The May 13 vigil will be at Shaheen’s office, 2 Washington Street, Dover; we gather at the entrance to Henry Law Park.

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.

Wednesday, May 6, 2026
The State Budget: What You Need to Know – 6 PM, North Conway Community Center, North Conway. 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, May 8, 2026 
Meg Stone Presents “Don’t Fight Back!“– 6:30 PM to 7:30 PM, Gibson’s Book Store, 45 South Main Street, Concord. Meg Stone visits Gibson's Bookstore in partnership with 603 Equality to share her book, ‘Don't Fight Back’: And 10 Other Myths About Crime, Personal Safety, and Gender-Based Violence.  Each chapter offers practical strategies for protecting ourselves that also contribute to the activism it takes to change the conditions that cause or contribute to violence.

Saturday, May 9, 2026
Love Our Earth Day: There is No Planet B – 10 AM to 1 PM, 18 Veterans Square, Laconia. Free outdoor community event, celebrating the Lakes Region environment. What to expect: Family Friendly Activities, youth-led groups, local & regional nonprofits. Sponsored by Congregational Church of Laconia, Laconia Gilford Lions Club, Climate Action, Unitarian Universalist Society of Laconia, and Citizens’ Climate Lobby.

De-Escalation/Self Defense Concord – 10 AM to 5 PM. Address shared at registration. 603 Equality is offering a Deescalation and Self-Defense training led by Impact Boston. This is a scenario-based training to develop verbal deescalation 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.

Monday, May 10, 2026
Conversations with the Mother’s Day 5 – 10:00 AM, Community Church of Durham, 17 Main Street. A conversation about non-violence, resistance, and what we have learned about hope. The Mother’s Day 5 will share reflections about their May 2024 non-violent action and subsequent arrest for demanding congressional accountability and action to end the Gaza genocide.

Tuesday, May 12, 2026
NH Center for Equity and Justice – Annual Meeting – 1:30 PM to 6 PM, at The Hawthorn, 33 Jewell Court, Portsmouth. Be part of the NH Center for Justice & Equity’s Annual Meeting. Join over 150 changemakers to organize & collaborate across sector, issue, identity, in support of our states marginalized communities.

Wednesday, May 13, 2026
The State Budget: What You Need to Know – 6 PM, Upper Valley Senior Center, 10 Campbell Street, Lebanon. 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.

Sunday, May 17, 2026
Tales from Trans+ Lives Lake Region – 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.

Wednesday, May 20, 2026
The State Budget: What You Need to Know – 5:45 PM, Laconia Public Library, 695 Main Street, Laconia.  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.

NH Coalition for Just Peace in the Middle East -6:30 PM, online. NHCJPME will convene a quarterly online meeting on Zoom for members of our supporting organizations to catch up with us. We invite you to come learn about our present initiatives, and to hear about what campaigns our organizations are involved in to promote building peace, justice and liberation for Palestine and the region at this critical time.

Thursday, May 21, 2026
Ona Judge Day Tour – 2 PM, at 222 Court Street, Portsmouth at the BHTNH Headquarters. On this special Ona Judge Day Tour, you will hear the true story of a young woman's quest for freedom. See the waterfront where Ona landed and visit the Portsmouth properties of some of America's most famous families - the Langdons, Warners, and Lears - whose stories are also bound to her incredible journey.

Saturday, May 24, 2026
Ona Judge Staines Mural Unveiling – 2 PM, 222 Court Street, Portsmouth. After years of lifting up her story, we invite you to a powerful moment of truth, remembrance, and celebration—the unveiling of the Ona Judge mural in Portsmouth, New Hampshire.  At a time when her marker in Philadelphia was removed, only to be rightfully reinstalled by law, we are reminded how fragile history can be. Here in New Hampshire, we are ensuring Ona Judge’s courageous journey to freedom is seen, honored, and never erased. Join us as we bring her story into full view, bold, permanent, and undeniable. Stay with us immediately following the unveiling for a special reception to meet author Erica Armstrong Dunbar, the nationally recognized expert on the history of Ona Judge and NH’s own award-winning public mural artist Manny Ramirez, as we honor a woman whose bravery still echoes today.

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
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 – 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
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.

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
Windham Pride Festival – 12 PM to 4 PM, at Windham High School. Hosted by Windham Citizens for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. This community 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

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!