More Than 200 Bills Await Action as New Hampshire Lawmakers Eye 2026 Return

CONCORD — With the first year of the legislative session complete, more than 200 bills remain active in the New Hampshire General Court after being retained or rereferred to committee for further work. The measures span a wide range of policy areas, including property rights, data privacy, energy exemptions and state retirement reform, and are expected to be taken up when lawmakers return to Concord in January.

In the House, more than 160 bills have been “retained,” a procedural move that allows committees to hold bills for additional consideration. In the Senate, over 60 bills have been “rereferred” to their original committees for continued review. The bills must receive a recommendation by early 2026 or they will expire at the end of the session.

Some of the retained legislation includes high-profile proposals backed by Republican leadership, signaling they are far from dead and may resurface with amendments or compromises next year.

Bills to Watch in the House

Among the most closely watched retained bills in the House is House Bill 232, which would allow health care providers to decline to perform or participate in procedures such as abortion, sterilization or contraception if they object on moral or religious grounds. The bill has drawn support from socially conservative lawmakers but stalled in committee amid concerns about patient access and workplace conflicts.

House Bill 359 aims to prohibit financial institutions and insurers from discriminating against individuals based on constitutionally protected activities, such as firearm ownership or political affiliation. Supporters argue the bill is a safeguard against ideological bias in banking, while opponents have questioned whether such cases are occurring in New Hampshire.

Another retained measure, House Bill 453, would prevent municipalities from banning the use of gas-powered landscaping equipment, including lawnmowers and snowblowers. Republican lawmakers framed the bill as a protection against local overreach, while some environmental groups opposed it.

House Bill 510 would establish stronger due process protections for students facing disciplinary hearings at public colleges and universities, including the right to access evidence and question witnesses. Critics raised concerns about costs and practicality, but supporters said the bill is necessary to ensure fairness at state-funded institutions.

Lawmakers also retained two major proposals to alter the New Hampshire Retirement System. House Bills 727 and 728 deal with funding formulas and potential revenue sources, including the use of charitable gaming proceeds to stabilize pension liabilities.

Senate Measures Return for Further Review

The Senate, meanwhile, has rereferred more than 40 bills, including several that drew bipartisan interest.

Senate Bill 459 would exempt small-scale renewable energy installations from local property taxes. Advocates say the change would support energy independence and reduce utility bills for homeowners. Opponents, including some municipal officials, warn that the shift could lead to increased taxes on other properties.

Senate Bill 378 revisits curriculum transparency requirements. The bill comes on the heels of the Parental Bill of Rights, which was signed into law earlier this year. The new proposal would require school districts to post classroom materials and lesson plans online, expanding public access. Supporters say it builds on existing law, while some school officials have raised concerns about administrative burden.

Senate Bill 376, backed by several Democratic senators, would establish minimum staffing ratios for hospitals and long-term care facilities. Health care providers testified in opposition, saying it would be difficult to meet the requirements due to ongoing workforce shortages.

National security concerns are at the center of Senate Bill 395, which seeks to ban certain foreign nationals from purchasing property near military bases or critical infrastructure. Similar bills have been filed in other states, and the measure drew bipartisan attention in committee. It was rereferred for further legal review.

Senate Bill 352 proposes a statewide consumer data privacy law, giving residents the right to know how companies collect and use their personal data. The bill was sent back to committee to align with emerging federal standards and address concerns from business groups.

Pension, Election, and Energy Policy Still in Play

In addition to the high-profile bills, several other retained and rereferred measures remain on the table. These include proposals related to election law, education funding, gun rights and zoning reform. While some may not advance, others are expected to return in early 2026 with amendments or compromise language.

Committees have until the first few weeks of next year to make recommendations. Bills can be reported out as “Ought to Pass,” “Inexpedient to Legislate,” or recommended for interim study. Measures that fail to receive a vote will expire at the end of the biennium.