SB488 Enabling the governor to declare a state of emergency due to the failure of the legislature to pass a budget or continuing resolution to fund the New Hampshire state government by July 1 of the first year of a biennium.
Enabling the governor to declare a state of emergency due to the failure of the legislature to pass a budget or continuing resolution to fund the New Hampshire state government by July 1 of the first year of a biennium.
Impact Score — How Does This Bill Affect You?
Overall Impact Score
Concerning
Scale: 1 (harmful) to 10 (beneficial)
Your Wallet
Prevents government shutdowns that disrupt services and cost taxpayers money. However, emergency executive spending powers could lack legislative budget oversight.
Your Community
Protects residents from service disruptions during budget impasses, ensuring continued operation of schools, road maintenance, and public safety.
Your Freedom
Significantly expands executive power at the expense of legislative authority over spending. Emergency powers can be abused and reduce democratic budget oversight.
Status
Inexpedient to Legislate: Motion Adopted Voice Vote 05/14/2026 House Journal 13
Sponsor
Sharon Carson (R)
The Short Version
Gives the governor emergency powers if the legislature fails to pass a state budget by July 1. This would allow the governor to maintain government operations during a budget impasse, preventing shutdowns.
Who's Behind This Bill?
Who Benefits
- ▲ State employees who would avoid furloughs
- ▲ Residents dependent on state services
- ▲ The governor's office gaining new authority
Who Pays the Price
- ▼ The legislature losing budget leverage
- ▼ Citizens whose elected representatives lose power of the purse
- ▼ Those concerned about executive overreach
Bill statuses as of May 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.