HB1206 Clarifying the equity jurisdiction of the judicial branch family division.
Clarifying the equity jurisdiction of the judicial branch family division.
Impact Score — How Does This Bill Affect You?
Overall Impact Score
Concerning
Scale: 1 (harmful) to 10 (beneficial)
Your Wallet
The bill makes no changes to court fees, support obligations, or financial procedures in family law cases.
Your Community
The bill does not affect community services, schools, or local government operations.
Your Freedom
The bill clarifies existing court jurisdiction rather than expanding or restricting individual rights; residents retain the same ability to bring family law cases to court.
Status
Inexpedient to Legislate, Motion Adopted, Voice Vote === BILL KILLED ===; 05/07/2026; Senate Journal 11
Sponsor
David Love (R)
The Short Version
This bill clarifies that New Hampshire's family division courts have equity jurisdiction (broad judicial powers) in family law cases like divorce, custody, and support matters. The change removes language stating this power exists 'notwithstanding any law to the contrary,' potentially narrowing the scope of that jurisdiction while still preserving core family court authority.
Who's Behind This Bill?
Who Benefits
- ▲ Family division courts—by having clearer statutory language defining their equity jurisdiction
Who Pays the Price
- ▼ Potentially litigants in family law cases if the removal of 'notwithstanding any law to the contrary' language narrows judicial flexibility in rare circumstances
Bill statuses as of October 7, 2026. Check LegiScan or NH General Court for the latest.
This bill was auto-scored using AI analysis of the bill text and legislative data. Scores may be refined as we review more bills.