Two bills became law Wednesday, while a handful of election and education measures advanced through the Senate pipeline.
Signed into Law
HB 1388 — Sponsored by Rep. Robert Wherry (R), this law modifies how constitutional amendments are formatted and presented to voters on the ballot.
HB 1192 — Sponsored by Rep. Linda Haskins (D), this law exempts certain household pharmaceutical waste from hazardous waste classification, reducing regulatory barriers for residents disposing of unused medications.
On the Move
Several bills shifted from Senate committee to active status:
HB 1308 — Would increase penalties for drivers who pass stopped school buses. The bill, sponsored by Rep. Henry Giasson (R), is now before the Senate Judiciary committee.
HB 1266 — Ensures election moderators have access to vote-counting areas during elections. The bill cleared committee 4-0 with an amendment and continues to advance.
HB 1298 — Establishes procedures for disposing of memory devices from electronic ballot-counting machines. Sponsored by Rep. Ross Berry (R), the bill addresses data retention and election security protocols.
HB 1140 — Sponsored by Rep. Joe Alexander (R), this bill would allow people with certain disabilities to hunt from a motor vehicle, expanding access for disabled residents to participate in hunting.
HB 1758 — Would modify certification requirements for school bus drivers. Sponsored by Rep. Thomas Oppel (D), the bill is moving through the Senate Transportation committee.
HB 1013 — Addresses regulations on pig-catching contests at fairs and events, raising questions about animal welfare standards. Sponsored by Rep. Cathryn Harvey (D).
Other bills that moved to active status include HB 113, which would allow OHRV operation on certain roads in Windsor, and HB 1369, which updates how special town meeting warrants are posted.
Want to know how your legislators voted on these bills? Find your state House and Senate representatives at nhpolitics.org/find-your-rep.