Key NH Legislative activity for the week of February 23-27:
HB 1214, which would allow a municipality’s governing body to take control of the public library, was voted inexpedient to legislate.
HB 1512, which would have allowed municipalities to hold a vote to prevent their residents from receiving education freedom account vouchers, was determined inexpedient to legislate.
HB 1564, which would have removed all references to gender identity in state statutes, was determined inexpedient to legislate.
Open Enrollment is being fast-tracked through the House. To protect their budgets from unexpected increases this coming fiscal year, school districts are trying to place limits on the numbers of students leaving and non-district students from coming. For further information, see the March edition of The Amherst Bear, “Open Enrollment Articles Aim to Protect Budget amid Big Changes,” and a
Feb. 27 discussion on New Hampshire PBS. read more
The House rejected a bill reinstating the death penalty (HB 1413) and other bills that would have expanded its use.
Senate Republicans turned down Democratic legislators’ efforts (SB 484) to reduce the Medicaid premium.
HB 1705 is a bill to establish and fund an employee assistance program for small towns and volunteer first responders. Although Republicans on the Labor Committee voted against it, the House passed the bill as amended, 194-154.
HB 1811, which would have ended vaccine mandates, was defeated.
Senate Republicans voted down SB 419, known as the Afford Your Home Act, intended to provide an additional $5 million to the existing Housing Champions Program.
Protestors argued against an array of bills targeting the transgender community. According to InDepthNH.org, the protesters “opposed House Bills 1217 and 1299, which permit classification of individuals based on biological sex in certain circumstances, and specify that biological sex distinctions would not qualify as discrimination. Protesters also opposed House Bills 1442 and 1447, which limit the use of certain public and private facilities on the basis of sex, as well as House Bill 1564, which would remove all references to gender identity in New Hampshire statutes.”
Engage with local leaders. Be heard. Make a difference.
DateFebruary 14, 2026
Time10:00 AM – 1:00 PM
LocationBuck Meadow Club House, 30 Route 101A
Everyone is welcome. This forum is nonpartisan and open to all—regardless of political affiliation.
Join us for a Candidates Forum where municipal and school board candidates will introduce
themselves, share their views, and answer questions from residents.
read more
When & Where: Date: Wednesday, September 17 Time: Doors open at 6:00 pm, Program starts at 6:30 pm Location: Buck Meadow Recreation Area Clubhouse, 30 NH-101A, Amherst, NH
Special Guests: We’re honored to welcome Christine Wellington and Eva Castillo of the New Hampshire Immigrant Rights Network (NHIRN). Both are longtime advocates for immigrant justice, fair housing, and community equity in New Hampshire:read more
