HB686 Prohibiting certain public entities from conducting or sponsoring political surveys, polls, or questionnaires in their official capacities.
Prohibiting certain public entities from conducting or sponsoring political surveys, polls, or questionnaires in their official capacities.
Impact Score — How Does This Bill Affect You?
Overall Impact Score
Concerning
Scale: 1 (harmful) to 10 (beneficial)
Your Wallet
No direct revenue or appropriation impact identified; potential judicial/correctional costs are indeterminable and likely minimal.
Your Community
The bill restricts a specific government activity but does not directly affect services, schools, or community infrastructure.
Your Freedom
The bill limits the ability of public entities to conduct political surveys, which could reduce access to public opinion data on policy issues, though residents retain freedom to participate in private polls and academic research.
Status
Refer to Interim Study, Motion Adopted, Voice Vote; 04/16/2026; Senate Journal 9
Sponsor
Kelley Potenza (R)
The Short Version
This bill prohibits public employees and public bodies from conducting or sponsoring political surveys, polls, or questionnaires about candidates, parties, ballot measures, or anticipated voter issues, with an exception for academic research by higher education institutions. Violations are misdemeanors. The fiscal impact is indeterminable but could include judicial and correctional costs.
Who's Behind This Bill?
Who Benefits
- ▲ Residents who oppose use of public resources for political data collection
- ▲ Those concerned about government neutrality in political matters
Who Pays the Price
- ▼ Public employees and bodies previously conducting political surveys or polls
- ▼ Residents seeking access to government-sponsored political opinion research
- ▼ Local and state governments that may face prosecution/enforcement costs for violations
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.