Day 3 LSR Filings: House Members Push Oversight, Tax Credits, and Psilocybin Debate

CONCORD, NH — Day 3 of Legislative Service Request filings brought the House into the spotlight, adding measures on judicial power, education, consumer protection, and election rules to the growing list of bills for the 2026 session. While the Senate had already staked out positions on health care, fentanyl, and energy, House members widened the debate with proposals ranging from business tax credits to the medical use of psilocybin.

Courts and accountability

Few filings drew as much immediate attention as those targeting the judicial system. LSR 2026-2475, “establishing an external oversight body to investigate and prosecute judicial misconduct” (Prime sponsor: Susan DeRoy-R) suggests lawmakers are considering new checks on the state’s courts. Even more provocative is LSR 2026-2479, “limiting judicial immunity” (Prime sponsor: Susan DeRoy-R). Limiting immunity would strike at longstanding protections shielding judges from liability in their official duties, setting up a clash between accountability advocates and defenders of judicial independence.

Business and tax policy

Republicans added to their affordability message with pro-business filings. LSR 2026-2492, “increasing the research and development tax credit cap” (Prime sponsor: John Janigian-R) would expand incentives for innovation. Supporters argue such credits draw investment and jobs, while critics contend they can shift the tax burden onto other payers.

On the other end, Democrats pressed for regulation. LSR 2026-2482, “prohibiting the construction of data centers in the state of New Hampshire” (Prime sponsor: Peter Schmidt-D) signals environmental and energy-use concerns over the industry’s rapid growth. LSR 2026-2486, “requiring New Hampshire builders to use the 2024 energy building code” (Prime sponsor: Wendy Thomas-D) would tighten building standards, reigniting a familiar affordability versus regulation debate but critics have said it would significantly add to the price of mortgage.

Drugs and health care

LSR 2026-2497, “authorizing the medical use of psilocybin through a program of state-regulated access” (Prime sponsor: Buzz Scherr-D) brings one of the most controversial proposals of the day. Psilocybin, a psychedelic substance, has drawn interest nationally for potential therapeutic uses. Supporters argue it could provide relief for conditions like PTSD, while opponents warn of public health risks and cultural backlash.

Health care rules also surfaced. LSR 2026-2480, “relative to minimum nursing home staffing standards” (Prime sponsor: Linda Haskins-D) addresses workforce and care quality issues, likely sparking debates over funding mandates. LSR 2026-2512, “relative to licensed practical nurse scope of practice” (Prime sponsor: Carol McGuire-R) suggests tweaks to provider roles.

Consumer protection and costs

Several House Democrats zeroed in on consumer issues. LSR 2026-2500, “prohibiting retailers from engaging in price gouging on food and grocery items” (Prime sponsor: Alexis Simpson-D) would put limits on food pricing, a socialist proposal in a time of high grocery costs that critics say have historically caused food lines.

Elections and political process

Election filings continue to pile up. LSR 2026-2524, “requiring the public disclosure of the citizenship of a candidate for elected office” (Prime sponsor: Matt Sabourin) marks a new angle in ballot law. Supporters argue it ensures transparency, while critics will likely call it inflammatory.

Education debates

Education policy once again took center stage. LSR 2026-2495, “relative to the mathematics requirement for high school graduation” (Prime sponsor: Rick Ladd-R) suggests changes to graduation standards.

LSR 2026-2511, “modifying definitions and requirements relative to home education” (Prime sponsor: Kristin Noble-R) could alter rules governing homeschooling families, likely drawing strong testimony on both sides.

Other filings included LSR 2026-2504, “prohibiting school district attorneys and non-school personnel from attending nonpublic sessions of school boards” (Prime sponsor: Vanessa Sheehan-R), limiting outside legal involvement in schools, and LSR 2026-2514, “requiring schools to provide a minimum amount of time for recess” (Prime sponsor: Megan Murray), a quality-of-life issue for parents and students.

Technology and privacy

Lawmakers also targeted technology and oversight. LSR 2026-2513, “relative to the unlawful operation or use of unmanned aircraft” (Prime sponsor: Carol McGuire-R) speaks to growing concern over drones. LSR 2026-2515, “relative to the use of number plate scanning devices by law enforcement” (Prime sponsor: Buzz Scherr-D) takes on surveillance technology, reflecting broader national debates over privacy.

Environment and local governance

Environmental concerns appeared in LSR 2026-2518, “requiring a baseline environmental impact study to be completed prior to major state projects” (Prime sponsor: Kristine Perez-R) and LSR 2026-2520, “establishing a solid waste site evaluation committee” (Prime sponsor: Peter Bixby-D). Such measures align with Democratic priorities but often face Republican skepticism over cost and bureaucracy.

Local government rules also surfaced. LSR 2026-2484, “relative to the removal of members of local land use boards for cause” (Prime sponsor: James Guzofski-R) could shake up municipal control of development decisions. LSR 2026-2503, “requiring municipalities, towns, and cities to submit documents in electronic format to the secretary of state” (Prime sponsor: Diane Pauer-R) points to new reporting or transparency requirements.