Tuesday’s update was dominated by a batch of 26 bills that Governor Ayotte signed on May 8 and that appeared in the official record on May 12. The package spans healthcare workforce policy, elections, environmental management, and a cluster of administrative housekeeping measures. No bills were killed and no new legislation was introduced.
Signed into Law
Healthcare
-
SB402 — Bans non-compete agreements for physician associates (PAs), allowing them to practice freely in NH after leaving an employer. Addresses healthcare workforce shortages by removing contractual barriers to provider mobility. Effective July 7.
-
HB1030 — Expands the scope of practice for licensed practical nurses (LPNs), allowing them to perform more tasks. Responds to the state’s ongoing healthcare staffing shortage. Effective July 7.
-
SB401 — Removes outdated annual reporting requirements for municipal welfare overseers and repeals a DHHS demographic cost projection report. Administrative housekeeping.
Elections
- HB481 — Changes the date of NH’s state primary election. The shift affects voter turnout dynamics and the length of the general election campaign window. Takes effect January 1, 2028.
Environment
-
HB1205 — Bans state and county-owned lands from participating in timber carbon sequestration programs, which pay landowners to maintain forests that absorb CO2. Closes off a potential revenue source for public lands while keeping them out of carbon markets. Effective July 7.
-
SB593 — Gives solid waste management districts more flexibility to use their designated funds for waste disposal needs. Effective immediately.
-
SB443 — Updates regulations for wastewater engineering. Passed committee 15-0. Effective July 7.
Public Safety and Justice
-
SB412 — Updates conditional release procedures for delinquent minors and youth in need of services, improving how the juvenile justice system handles youth returning to their communities. Passed committee 14-0. Effective January 1, 2027.
-
SB413 — Addresses the procedural gap when a juvenile defendant turns 18 while their delinquency case is still pending. Passed committee 14-0. Effective July 7.
-
SB411 — Updates procedures for documenting items seized during search warrant execution, strengthening accountability for property confiscated by law enforcement. Effective January 1, 2027.
-
HB109 — Strengthens penalties for filing false reports to law enforcement. Effective July 7.
Other New Laws
-
HB610 — Reforms the residential ratepayers advisory board, which represents homeowners in utility rate cases before the Public Utilities Commission. Effective August 6.
-
HB1159 — Updates NH’s state building code to bring it closer to current national standards. Effective July 1.
-
SB469 — Allows electronic signatures for vehicle title transfers and insurance salvage claims at the DMV. Passed committee 12-0. Effective July 7.
-
HB1310 — Updates licensing requirements for real estate appraisers. Effective July 7.
And 11 other laws enacted covering county commissioner vacancies, employer documentation, state employee classification, the electricians’ licensing board, OHRV study commission, property tax appeals board, the NH–Greece trade council, dog licensing, and arts and culture economic study.
On the Move
Seven bills completed enrollment and are awaiting the governor’s signature:
-
HB59: Strengthens penalties for assaulting firefighters, EMTs, and law enforcement officers — enrolled after Senate passage with amendment.
-
HB126: Updates prescription rules for certain controlled substances — enrolled after Senate passage.
-
HB348: Modifies eligibility requirements for local welfare assistance — completed its path through both chambers.
-
HB1366: Ensures military protective orders are recognized and enforceable in NH — passed committee 5-0.
To see how your representatives voted, visit nhpolitics.org/find-your-rep.