New Hampshire Bill Book

Property owners could fill out a form each year to avoid funding any local tax credit or exemption, unless they already receive one.

If the bill passes, towns may have less money for tax credit programs, hurting people who count on them. Property owners who don’t want to fund those credits can keep more of their tax bill. This is a chance to influence the debate while the bill is still in committee.

Everyday People

• Accountability (hurts) — opt-out reduces oversight. Owners can skip contributing to tax credits, less public scrutiny
• Rights & Protections (helps) — gives owners choice. Allows owners to opt out of funding credits
• Who Bears the Cost (hurts) — shifts cost to remaining taxpayers. Those who stay in must cover credit costs
• Process Transparency (neutral) — no change. Form filing requirement is clear
• Funding Tilt (hurts) — reduces revenue for credit programs. Credits may be underfunded

• Official text (NH HB1400)https://gc.nh.gov/bill_status/legacy/bs2016/bill_status.aspx?lsr=3233&sy=2026&sortoption=&txtsessionyear=2026&txtbillnumber=HB1400
• LegiScan — HB1400https://legiscan.com/NH/bill/HB1400/2026

The bill would stop a student who gets an education tax credit scholarship from also getting money from the education freedom account in the same year.

Families could lose a source of help for school costs, while the state avoids paying twice for the same student; now is the chance to speak up before it passes.

Government Power

• Accountability (neutral) — No new oversight mechanisms added. The bill simply adds an eligibility restriction without creating new reporting or enforcement bodies.
• Rights & Protections (hurts) — Removes ability to get both aid programs. Students lose the right to receive two sources of education funding in the same year.
• Who Bears the Cost (hurts) — Cost shift to families. Families may receive less financial support because they cannot stack the two programs.
• Process Transparency (neutral) — Limited transparency. The bill does not require additional public reporting on how eligibility is checked.
• Funding Tilt (hurts) — Favors state budget. By preventing double payments, the state saves money while students lose potential aid.

• Official text (NH HB1803)https://gc.nh.gov/bill_status/legacy/bs2016/bill_status.aspx?lsr=2834&sy=2026&sortoption=&txtsessionyear=2026&txtbillnumber=HB1803
• LegiScan — HB1803https://legiscan.com/NH/bill/HB1803/2026

The bill would let businesses claim bigger tax credits and add fees, while the state may lose more revenue.

Citizens should watch because the state could lose money that might otherwise fund schools, while businesses get bigger tax breaks that could boost jobs.

Businesses

• Accountability (neutral) — Commissioner can adopt rules and fees. Commissioner may set rules and charge fees for the program
• Rights & Protections (neutral) — No direct impact on individual rights. Bill focuses on tax credits for businesses
• Who Bears the Cost (hurts) — State loses revenue from larger credits. Higher credit caps reduce tax revenue
• Process Transparency (neutral) — Rulemaking adds some oversight. Commissioner must adopt rules under RSA 541-A
• Funding Tilt (hurts) — Credits shift money away from public funds. Tax credits lower state collections

• Official text (NH SB404)https://gc.nh.gov/bill_status/legacy/bs2016/bill_status.aspx?lsr=2209&sy=2026&sortoption=&txtsessionyear=2026&txtbillnumber=SB404
• LegiScan — SB404https://legiscan.com/NH/bill/SB404/2026

The bill would let many small businesses skip tax returns and lower the business tax rate, while giving $2.5 million to help nursing homes.

Citizens could see lower state revenue, which might affect services, but businesses would keep more money and fewer paperwork hassles; the nursing home money could keep Medicaid rates steady.

Big Business

• who bears the cost (hurts) — Tax cut reduces state revenue. State budget loses money as business tax revenue falls
• funding tilt (helps) — Appropriation for nursing homes. $2.5M directed to support Medicaid per diem rates
• accountability (hurts) — Higher filing threshold reduces oversight. Fewer businesses file, less transparency
• rights & protections (neutral) — No change to citizen rights. Bill does not affect individual legal rights
• process transparency (neutral) — Standard legislative process. Bill follows normal procedure, no special secrecy

Pushing for it: nursing facilities
Bearing the cost: state budget

• Official text (NH HB155)https://gc.nh.gov/bill_status/legacy/bs2016/bill_status.aspx?lsr=504&sy=2026&sortoption=&txtsessionyear=2026&txtbillnumber=HB155
• LegiScan — HB155https://legiscan.com/NH/bill/HB155/2026

This bill would let people sue longer if they feel harmed by laws against gender treatments for minors.

If this bill passes, it could lead to more lawsuits against people involved in gender treatment decisions for minors. This might scare some doctors and parents, but it also gives people a chance to seek justice if they feel wronged.

Everyday People

• Rights & Protections (hurts) — Longer time to sue could be seen as protecting rights.. Extending the statute of limitations allows more time for claims.
• Who Bears the Cost (hurts) — More lawsuits could increase costs for schools and camps.. Schools may face legal costs due to extended rights to sue.

• Official text (NH HB1356)https://gc.nh.gov/bill_status/legacy/bs2016/bill_status.aspx?lsr=3064&sy=2026&sortoption=&txtsessionyear=2026&txtbillnumber=HB1356
• LegiScan — HB1356https://legiscan.com/NH/bill/HB1356/2026

Insurers could claim a smaller tax credit over a longer time, which may keep state revenue steadier but could raise insurance costs for everyday people.

The bill spreads out tax credits for insurers, protecting the state budget but possibly shifting costs to policyholders as higher premiums, so voters should watch its progress.

Government Power

• Accountability (neutral) — No change to oversight or accountability mechanisms.. The bill does not add or remove accountability rules.
• Rights & Protections (neutral) — No rights are removed or added for citizens.. The bill does not affect personal legal rights.
• Who Bears the Cost (helps) — Cost shift from state to insurers (and possibly consumers).. Insurers lose part of a tax credit, which may be passed on as higher premiums.
• Process Transparency (neutral) — Legislative process is standard.. Bill passed through normal committee and enrollment steps.
• Funding Tilt (hurts) — Protects state revenue by limiting credit size.. Reduces potential loss to the General Fund.

• Official text (NH HB1194)https://gc.nh.gov/bill_status/legacy/bs2016/bill_status.aspx?lsr=2748&sy=2026&sortoption=&txtsessionyear=2026&txtbillnumber=HB1194
• LegiScan — HB1194https://legiscan.com/NH/bill/HB1194/2026

The bill would make every bike and e‑bike rider pay $50 a year and a $100 fine if they don’t register, using the money for bike paths.

Cyclists will face a new yearly cost and possible fines, while the state will get money to build and keep bike routes, so riders must decide if the benefit outweighs the expense now.

Government Power

• Accountability (hurts) — adds registration requirement. creates new enforcement and penalties
• Rights & Protections (hurts) — removes free riding right. requires registration to use public paths
• Who Bears the Cost (hurts) — shifts cost to cyclists. fees and fines paid by riders
• Process Transparency (neutral) — bill still early, limited detail. no clear oversight on fee use
• Funding Tilt (helps) — funds go to DOT for bike paths. money earmarked for infrastructure

Pushing for it: State Department of Transportation
Bearing the cost: Cyclists

• Official text (NH HB1703)https://gc.nh.gov/bill_status/legacy/bs2016/bill_status.aspx?lsr=3158&sy=2026&sortoption=&txtsessionyear=2026&txtbillnumber=HB1703
• LegiScan — HB1703https://legiscan.com/NH/bill/HB1703/2026

Businesses could claim a tax credit for building off‑site projects that help the public, reducing the amount of tax they owe.

Supporters say the credit will bring more money for roads and bridges without raising taxes, while critics warn it will cut state revenue and give big firms tax breaks while towns may still pay for upkeep.

Businesses

• Accountability (neutral) — No new oversight. No new accountability measures for businesses
• Rights & Protections (neutral) — No impact on rights. Does not affect individual rights
• Who Bears the Cost (hurts) — State loses revenue. Tax credit reduces state tax income
• Process Transparency (neutral) — Rules set by agency. Implementation rules left to department
• Funding Tilt (hurts) — Reduces state funds. Credit lowers revenue, no new funding

Pushing for it: Businesses
Bearing the cost: State

• Official text (NH HB1646)https://gc.nh.gov/bill_status/legacy/bs2016/bill_status.aspx?lsr=3232&sy=2026&sortoption=&txtsessionyear=2026&txtbillnumber=HB1646
• LegiScan — HB1646https://legiscan.com/NH/bill/HB1646/2026

Utilities could give your personal energy info to local emergency teams without your permission, but only for disaster response.

Citizens could lose some privacy as their electricity usage and address are shared with city officials during storms or fires, though the bill promises security and bans commercial use.

municipalities

• Accountability (hurts) — Data can be shared without direct customer consent. Reduces oversight of utility data sharing
• Rights & Protections (hurts) — Weakens privacy protections. Exempts disclosures from existing privacy law
• Who Bears the Cost (neutral) — No new cost to consumers or government. Costs remain with utility providers
• Process Transparency (hurts) — Limited public notice of data sharing. Sharing occurs with authorized officials only
• Funding Tilt (neutral) — No funding changes. No new money allocated or required

• Official text (NH HB1577)https://gc.nh.gov/bill_status/legacy/bs2016/bill_status.aspx?lsr=2890&sy=2026&sortoption=&txtsessionyear=2026&txtbillnumber=HB1577
• LegiScan — HB1577https://legiscan.com/NH/bill/HB1577/2026

Insurers must send yearly reports on mental health care, letting the state check they follow parity rules and share data with the public.

This bill could help people see if insurers are treating mental health fairly, but it may add admin costs that insurers could pass to premiums, so citizens should watch the debate now.

Everyday People

• Accountability (helps) — Adds reporting and oversight. Annual insurer reports let regulator monitor mental health coverage
• Rights & Protections (helps) — Improves transparency. Public data helps consumers know if parity is being met
• Who Bears the Cost (hurts) — Reporting may raise insurer costs. Admins could raise premiums for consumers
• Process Transparency (helps) — Requires public release of data. De‑identified aggregate data will be posted online
• Funding Tilt (neutral) — No new funding provided. Bill does not allocate money for its requirements

• Official text (NH HB1744)https://gc.nh.gov/bill_status/legacy/bs2016/bill_status.aspx?lsr=2865&sy=2026&sortoption=&txtsessionyear=2026&txtbillnumber=HB1744
• LegiScan — HB1744https://legiscan.com/NH/bill/HB1744/2026

This bill would let injured workers earn full retirement credit while recovering, helping them save for the future.

This bill would help workers who get hurt on the job. Right now, if you get workers' compensation, you can only count one year of that time toward your retirement. This bill would take away that one-year limit. This means if you are hurt for longer, you could still earn retirement credit for all that time. This helps make sure your retirement savings keep growing even when you cannot work. Some might worry this could cost employers and the state more money for retirement plans. But for workers, it means more security for their future.

Workers

• Rights & Protections (helps) — Expands retirement benefits for injured workers.. Removes the one-year cap on creditable service towards retirement for members receiving workers' compensation, allowing them to accrue more retirement credit during injury recovery.
• Who Bears the Cost (hurts) — Increases employer contributions to the retirement system.. The fiscal note states that increasing service credit for periods without active employment generates costs because no member or employer contributions are made during this time, increasing employer contribution rates and actuarial accrued liabilities.

Pushing for it: Injured workers
Bearing the cost: State employers and local government employers (Indeterminable Increase)

• Official text (NH HB216)https://gc.nh.gov/bill_status/legacy/bs2016/bill_status.aspx?lsr=108&sy=2026&sortoption=&txtsessionyear=2026&txtbillnumber=HB216
• LegiScan — HB216https://legiscan.com/NH/bill/HB216/2026

This bill would stop landlords from charging you money just to apply for a home, making it cheaper to find a place to live.

This bill would help people looking for a new home by stopping landlords from charging fees just to apply. Right now, you might have to pay money to many different landlords before you even get approved for a place. This bill would save you that money. Landlords might say these fees help them pay for background checks or other costs. However, the bill says landlords must accept different ways to check your background, not just a Social Security number. This bill was voted down by a committee, meaning they did not think it should become law, so it is unlikely to pass this session.

Everyday People

• Accountability (helps) — Landlords would be more accountable for not charging extra fees.. The bill directly prohibits landlords from charging application fees for residential rental agreements, holding them accountable for this practice.
• Rights & Protections (helps) — Protects renters from an extra cost when seeking housing.. By prohibiting application fees, the bill protects individuals from an additional financial burden when trying to secure residential housing.
• Who Bears the Cost (helps) — Costs for background checks would shift from renters to landlords.. If application fees are prohibited, landlords would likely absorb the costs associated with processing applications and conducting background checks, rather than passing them to prospective tenants.
• Process Transparency (neutral) — No direct impact on transparency of legislative process.. The bill's text does not address the transparency of the legislative process itself.
• Funding Tilt (neutral) — No specific funding or appropriations are mentioned in the bill.. The bill focuses on regulating fees rather than allocating or redirecting public funds.

Pushing for it: Renters, by saving them application fees.
Bearing the cost: Landlords, who would lose revenue from application fees.

• Official text (NH HB1371)https://gc.nh.gov/bill_status/legacy/bs2016/bill_status.aspx?lsr=3009&sy=2026&sortoption=&txtsessionyear=2026&txtbillnumber=HB1371
• LegiScan — HB1371https://legiscan.com/NH/bill/HB1371/2026

This bill would stop landlords from charging you more than one application fee in a year, saving you money when looking for a home.

This bill would help people looking for a place to live by stopping landlords from charging many application fees. Right now, if you apply to a few apartments from the same landlord, you might have to pay a fee for each one. This bill would say you only pay one fee every 12 months, no matter how many places you apply for with that landlord. Landlords might say they need these fees to cover their costs for checking backgrounds and credit. But for renters, these fees add up quickly. This bill is still being discussed, so now is the time to let your lawmakers know if you think this is a good idea to help renters save money.

Everyday People

• Accountability (helps) — Limits landlord ability to repeatedly charge fees.. The bill would stop landlords from charging more than one application fee from the same prospective tenant within a 12-month period, regardless of the number of rental units for which the tenant applies or leases.
• Rights & Protections (helps) — Protects renters from repeated application fees.. The bill defines 'application fee' to include charges for background checks, credit checks, or administrative costs, ensuring these are covered by the one-fee limit.
• Who Bears the Cost (helps) — Reduces financial burden on renters.. No landlord shall require or accept more than one application fee from the same prospective tenant within any period of 12 months, regardless of the number of rental units for which the tenant applies or leases.
• Process Transparency (neutral) — No direct impact on process transparency.. The bill focuses on fee limits, not how application processes are communicated.
• Funding Tilt (neutral) — No specific funding changes.. This bill does not involve government funding or appropriations.

Pushing for it: Renters/Tenants
Bearing the cost: Landlords

• Official text (NH HB1375)https://gc.nh.gov/bill_status/legacy/bs2016/bill_status.aspx?lsr=3034&sy=2026&sortoption=&txtsessionyear=2026&txtbillnumber=HB1375
• LegiScan — HB1375https://legiscan.com/NH/bill/HB1375/2026

This bill would stop landlords from charging too much for pets, making it easier for people with animals to find and keep homes.

This bill was a win for people who rent with pets, aiming to make housing more affordable and fair. It would have stopped landlords from charging big, non-refundable fees and capped monthly pet rent. While landlords say these fees help cover potential damage, many tenants feel they are too high and make it hard to find a home. However, the bill has already been voted down by a committee and that vote was accepted by the House. This means it is unlikely to become law this session, but the idea could come back in the future.

Everyday People

• Accountability (helps) — Landlords would be held to clearer rules about pet-related charges, making it harder for them to charge excessive fees.. The bill sets a clear cap on pet rent and prohibits nonrefundable fees, increasing landlord accountability for fair pricing.
• Rights & Protections (helps) — Tenants with pets would have more predictable and lower costs, protecting them from financial barriers to housing.. By limiting pet rent and banning nonrefundable fees, the bill protects tenants from high costs that can make housing inaccessible for pet owners.
• Who Bears the Cost (helps) — Tenants would pay less in upfront and monthly pet fees, shifting some potential risk for pet damage back to landlords, though landlords could still charge for actual damage.. The financial burden of pet-related charges would be reduced for tenants, while landlords would still be able to recover costs for actual damage.
• Process Transparency (neutral) — The bill does not directly address process transparency beyond setting clear rules for pet fees.. The bill focuses on the substance of pet fees rather than the transparency of the legislative or rental process itself.
• Funding Tilt (neutral) — No specific funding is mentioned in the bill's text.. The bill does not involve state funding or appropriations, focusing instead on regulating private rental agreements.

Pushing for it: Tenants with pets
Bearing the cost: Landlords

• Official text (NH HB1553)https://gc.nh.gov/bill_status/legacy/bs2016/bill_status.aspx?lsr=2810&sy=2026&sortoption=&txtsessionyear=2026&txtbillnumber=HB1553
• LegiScan — HB1553https://legiscan.com/NH/bill/HB1553/2026

This bill would give businesses money back on taxes if they help pay for child care or health insurance for some workers, making these benefits more common.

This bill is good for working families because it would make it easier for businesses to offer child care and health insurance. If businesses get a tax break for these things, they might be more likely to offer them. This could help parents work knowing their kids are cared for and help more people get health coverage. However, giving tax breaks means the state would collect less tax money, which could affect other state services. It also only helps certain employees with health care benefits, like those working specific hours.

Businesses

• Accountability (neutral) — Neutral. This bill creates incentives, not rules for accountability for harm or wrongdoing.
• Rights & Protections (helps) — Positive. It encourages businesses to offer valuable benefits like child care and health insurance, which can help families and protect their well-being.
• Who Bears the Cost (hurts) — Cost shifted to state budget. The state budget would lose tax money from these credits, meaning less money for other state services, but businesses would save money by providing these benefits.
• Process Transparency (neutral) — Neutral. The bill is moving through the regular legislative process with committee actions recorded.
• Funding Tilt (helps) — Positive. The funding tilt is positive because it encourages businesses to spend on employee benefits that directly help workers and their families.

Pushing for it: Businesses providing child care or health benefits, and their employees
Bearing the cost: New Hampshire state budget/taxpayers

• Official text (NH SB654)https://gc.nh.gov/bill_status/legacy/bs2016/bill_status.aspx?lsr=3253&sy=2026&sortoption=&txtsessionyear=2026&txtbillnumber=SB654
• LegiScan — SB654https://legiscan.com/NH/bill/SB654/2026

This bill would let patients know what services were billed to their insurance and how much they owe.

Patients would gain more control and understanding of their medical bills. This is important because it helps them know what they are being charged and what their insurance covers.

Everyday People

• Accountability (helps) — Increases transparency for patients. Patients will understand their medical bills better.
• Rights & Protections (helps) — Empowers patients with information. Patients will know what their insurance covers.
• Process Transparency (helps) — Clearer billing process for patients. Patients will receive detailed billing statements.

• Official text (NH HB1231)https://gc.nh.gov/bill_status/legacy/bs2016/bill_status.aspx?lsr=2961&sy=2026&sortoption=&txtsessionyear=2026&txtbillnumber=HB1231
• LegiScan — HB1231https://legiscan.com/NH/bill/HB1231/2026

The bill would end the special protection that hospitals got for following COVID emergency orders, so people could sue them for any harm.

The state is deciding whether hospitals stay shielded or become accountable. If the bill passes, patients can hold hospitals responsible for mistakes, which may improve safety. Hospitals may face higher costs and insurance premiums, but the public gains a stronger right to sue.

Everyday People

• Accountability (helps) — removes shield. Hospitals can be sued for harms
• Rights & Protections (helps) — restores patient rights. People can take legal action
• Who Bears the Cost (hurts) — cost shifts to hospitals. Potential higher insurance premiums
• Process Transparency (neutral) — bill passed House, not yet Senate. standard legislative process
• Funding Tilt (neutral) — no new funding. no budget changes

• Official text (NH HB1071)https://gc.nh.gov/bill_status/legacy/bs2016/bill_status.aspx?lsr=2388&sy=2026&sortoption=&txtsessionyear=2026&txtbillnumber=HB1071
• LegiScan — HB1071https://legiscan.com/NH/bill/HB1071/2026

This bill would change a deadline, making it easier for builders of low-income homes to get tax help, which could mean more affordable places to live.

This bill would give builders of affordable housing more time to apply for a special tax break. Right now, they have to tell the town by October 1 of the year before they want the tax break. This bill would move that date to April 15 of the actual tax year. This extra time could make it easier for them to plan and apply, which might help create more places for people with lower incomes to live. Some might say towns could collect a little less tax money, but the idea is to help people find homes they can afford. Since it is enrolled, it is very close to becoming law.

Developers

• Accountability (neutral) — Neutral. This bill only changes a deadline for an existing tax credit program, not how it is overseen.
• Rights & Protections (helps) — Helps housing access. By making it easier for developers to get tax credits, this bill could encourage more low-income housing, helping people find affordable homes.
• Who Bears the Cost (neutral) — Shift is part of program. The tax credit means municipalities might collect less from these properties, but this is the intended effect of the low-income housing tax credit program.
• Process Transparency (neutral) — Clear change. The bill clearly states the change in the notification deadline.
• Funding Tilt (helps) — Favors affordable housing. The change benefits developers of low-income housing by giving them more time to apply for tax assessment benefits.

Pushing for it: Developers of low-income housing
Bearing the cost: Municipalities (potential lost tax revenue)

• Official text (NH HB1021)https://gc.nh.gov/bill_status/legacy/bs2016/bill_status.aspx?lsr=2342&sy=2026&sortoption=&txtsessionyear=2026&txtbillnumber=HB1021
• LegiScan — HB1021https://legiscan.com/NH/bill/HB1021/2026

Insurers could not increase your car insurance just because your spouse or other household member has a DUI or a suspended license.

Right now, families can lose money when a spouse’s DUI makes insurers hike rates. This bill would stop that, keeping your bill steady, and forces insurers to focus on the driver you actually insure.

Everyday People

• Accountability (helps) — Stops insurers from using unrelated records.. Adds clear rule limiting premium calculations.
• Rights & Protections (helps) — Protects consumers from unfair rate hikes.. Ensures premiums reflect only the insured driver’s record.
• Who Bears the Cost (neutral) — Cost impact unclear; may shift risk to insurers.. No direct cost shift mandated.
• Process Transparency (helps) — Creates a transparent standard for rating.. Policy language is explicit about prohibited practices.
• Funding Tilt (neutral) — No funding changes in the bill.. No new money allocated or required.

• Official text (NH HB1486)https://gc.nh.gov/bill_status/legacy/bs2016/bill_status.aspx?lsr=2627&sy=2026&sortoption=&txtsessionyear=2026&txtbillnumber=HB1486
• LegiScan — HB1486https://legiscan.com/NH/bill/HB1486/2026

This bill would give tax breaks to businesses that create or expand child care, which could make it easier for parents to find care and work.

This bill is very close to becoming law. It would give businesses a tax break for helping create more child care spots. This could be a big help for parents who need child care to go to work. More child care options could mean more parents can keep their jobs or find new ones. Some might worry that giving tax breaks means less money for other state services. But supporters say it is a good way to help families and the economy. If you want more child care options, this bill could be a good thing.

Everyday People

• Accountability (helps) — Encourages businesses to create child care. Businesses would be held accountable for creating or expanding licensed child care seats to receive the tax credit.
• Rights & Protections (helps) — Supports parents' ability to work. By increasing child care availability, the bill supports parents' right to remain in the workforce, as stated in the bill's purpose.
• Who Bears the Cost (helps) — Shifts some child care costs from parents. The state's general fund and education trust fund would see an indeterminable decrease in revenue due to the tax credits, effectively shifting some of the cost of child care from parents and businesses to the state.
• Process Transparency (neutral) — Standard legislative process. The bill went through the standard legislative process, including committee review and votes in both chambers.
• Funding Tilt (helps) — Funds public good (child care). The tax credit would direct state funds (via reduced tax revenue) towards increasing child care options, which is a public good.

Pushing for it: Businesses creating or expanding child care (Up to $5,000,000 per year)
Bearing the cost: New Hampshire General Fund and Education Trust Fund (Indeterminable decrease)

• Official text (NH HB1433)https://gc.nh.gov/bill_status/legacy/bs2016/bill_status.aspx?lsr=2277&sy=2026&sortoption=&txtsessionyear=2026&txtbillnumber=HB1433
• LegiScan — HB1433https://legiscan.com/NH/bill/HB1433/2026