Committee Summary for House Election Law (02/10/2026)

Berry, Ross(Chairman)(R)[A+]2025	Burnham, Claudine(Clerk)(R)[A-]2025	Qualey, James(V Chairman)(R)[B+]2025
Ward, Gerald(D)[F]2025	Prudhomme-O'Brien, Katherine(R)[B+]2025	Gilmore, Gary(D)[F]2025
See, Alvin(R)[A-]2025	Grill, Jessica(D)[D-]2025	Wood, Clayton(R)[B+]2025
Bay, Luz(D)[F]2025	Wherry, Robert(R)[A-]2025	Harvey-Bolia, Juliet(R)[A-]2025
Muirhead, Russell(D)[D-]2025	Wilhelm, Matthew(D)[F]2025	Lane, Connie(D)[CT]2025
Newsom, James(D)[CT]2025	Guzofski, James(R)[B+]2025

Bill/Time	Type	Title	Sponsor
HB1667 00:01:56.960 - 9:00:37 AM	Public Hearing	establishing the first-in-the-nation security task force to coordinate planning for presidential campaign events.	Sweeney, Joe(R)[A]2025
HB601 00:28:50.000 - 9:27:31 AM	Public Hearing	relative to causes of action against companies that misstate the impacts of their business on the environment.	Read, Ellen(D)[D]2025
HB604 00:38:47.520 - 9:37:28 AM	Executive Session	relative to a loan forgiveness program for low-income homeowners to build new accessory dwelling units or renovate existing structures into accessory dwelling units.	Newell, Jodi(D)[CT]2025
HB1391 00:49:31.920 - 9:48:12 AM	Public Hearing	establishing a commission to study the implementation of a single ballot primary election.	Colby, Eleana (D)[F]2025
HB1391 01:11:02.080 - 10:09:43 AM	Executive Session	establishing a commission to study the implementation of a single ballot primary election.	Colby, Eleana (D)[F]2025
HB1388 01:41:59.760 - 10:40:40 AM	Public Hearing	relative to the form of ballot for amendments to the constitution.	Wherry, Robert(R)[A-]2025
HB1277 01:44:54.239 - 10:43:35 AM	Public Hearing	relative to proof of identification on absentee ballot applications.	Muirhead, Russell(D)[D-]2025
HB1187 01:56:33.360 - 10:55:14 AM	Executive Session	relative to the time in which candidates for state representative may file their candidacy for a special election.	Berry, Ross(R)[A+]2025
HB1541 01:58:52.480 - 10:57:33 AM	Executive Session	requiring the secretary of state to provide all voting precincts with secure containers for storing ballots.	Porcelli, Susan(R)[B]2025
HB1257 2026-0622h 02:04:39.280 - 11:03:20 AM	Executive Session	requiring that candidates for state representative and state senator live in the district for which they seek election for at least 2 years.	Cahill, Michael(D)[CT]2025
HB1298 2026-0603h 02:11:03.280 - 11:09:44 AM	Executive Session	relative to the disposal of electronic ballot counting device external memory devices.	Berry, Ross(R)[A+]2025
HB1082 02:16:29.760 - 11:15:10 AM	Executive Session	enabling municipalities to remove political signs from state-owned property located within the municipality after an election.	Rombeau, Catherine(D)[CT]2025
HB1326 02:19:22.639 - 11:18:03 AM	Executive Session	relative to special elections.	Long, Patrick(D)[D]2025
CACR31 02:22:09.920 - 11:20:50 AM	Executive Session	relating to ballot reconciliation. Providing that the state adopt certain provisions and penalties relative to the ballot reconciliation process.	Sabourin dit Choinière, Matt(R)[A-]2025
HB1381 02:24:08.560 - 11:22:49 AM	Executive Session	extending the time of the party filing period.	Wilhelm, Matthew(D)[F]2025
HB1391 02:25:23.439 - 11:24:04 AM	Executive Session	establishing a commission to study the implementation of a single ballot primary election.	Colby, Eleana (D)[F]2025

HB1667: Representative Sweeney Support00:01:56.960 - 9:00:37 AM; Introduced HB1667 as a bipartisan bill to establish a task force for reviewing security protocols and creating a comprehensive plan for presidential campaigns in New Hampshire's primary, emphasizing safety amid rising political violence. Highlighted inclusion of law enforcement, campuses, and political parties to compile best practices for event security, ensuring safety for candidates and attendees without mandating specific measures.
HB1667: Representative Lane Information Only00:04:50.720 - 9:03:31 AM; Asked if the bill is redundant since candidates already have security in place.
HB1667: Representative Pretty O'Brien Information Only00:05:45.680 - 9:04:26 AM; Inquired about outreach to political parties and confirmed their representation on the task force.
HB1667: Representative Mirhead Information Only00:06:39.280 - 9:05:20 AM; Questioned the role of universities and experts in campus free speech on the task force, discussing balance between security and free speech protections.
HB1667: Representative Primob O'Brien Information Only00:10:27.839 - 9:09:08 AM; Noted a potential typo listing the bill in the environment and agriculture committee.
HB1667: Representative Matt Wilhelm Support00:11:36.480 - 9:10:17 AM; As co-sponsor, shared personal experience in politics starting from student government at Plymouth State College, emphasizing the bill's role in coordinating safe high-profile events. Stressed its content-neutral approach, protecting free speech while ensuring safety, with diverse task force members to build practical guidance enhancing voter confidence and participation.
HB1667: Captain Matt Amatuchi, New Hampshire State Police Information Only00:15:34.720 - 9:14:15 AM; Presented neutral stance but raised concerns about redundancy with existing mutual aid agreements, potential for slowed decision-making, security risks from shared reports, funding issues, and duplication of federal efforts. Explained current protocols for protected persons and suggested public awareness could be double-edged.
HB1667: Representative Prian Information Only00:17:29.039 - 9:16:10 AM; Suggested an amendment for more confidentiality to address security concerns.
HB1667: Representative Les Information Only00:21:54.799 - 9:20:35 AM; Asked if the bill suggests enhancements to existing protocols beyond public awareness.
HB1667: Representative Lane (follow-up) Information Only00:24:14.480 - 9:22:55 AM; Sought clarification on what constitutes a protected person and how campaigns can directly contact for guidance.
HB601: Representative Matt Wilhelm Support00:28:50.000 - 9:27:31 AM; As prime sponsor, explained HB601 directs the Secretary of State to use $50,000 in HAVA funds for a one-time voter education program on recent election law changes to reduce confusion, enhance transparency, and build trust without altering voting rules.
HB601: Representative Wood Information Only00:30:48.640 - 9:29:29 AM; Asked what differentiates this from current practices and if it's a one-time expenditure.
HB601: Kristen Evans, ABLE New Hampshire Support00:33:37.919 - 9:32:18 AM; Testified in support, highlighting the need for accessible information on voting changes for voters with disabilities, older, low-income, and first-time voters to prevent disenfranchisement and ensure meaningful exercise of rights.
HB601: Kaylee Abstradio, Open Democracy Support00:35:59.119 - 9:34:40 AM; Shared observations from poll watching about voter confusion on new requirements, advocating for proactive, repeated education to help voters prepare and smooth election processes, citing the 'rule of seven' for information retention.
HB604: Representative Gazowski Support00:38:47.520 - 9:37:28 AM; Moved for ought to pass, describing the bill as a clarification to fix a loophole in RSA 658 requiring public facilities to be available, emphasizing cooperation and covering reasonable costs.
HB604: Representative Lane Information Only00:39:37.040 - 9:38:18 AM; Raised concerns about including school districts and multi-town areas, suggesting an amendment for clarity.
HB604: Representative Newsome Oppose00:42:02.720 - 9:40:43 AM; Questioned if the bill allows commandeering of school property without consultation or agreement.
HB604: Representative Gilmore Support00:43:18.000 - 9:41:59 AM; Shared experience as a moderator using school buildings, arguing necessity for accessible polling places.
HB604: Representative C Information Only00:47:43.040 - 9:46:24 AM; Noted local school owned by district, highlighting potential cooperation issues.
HB1391: Representative Elena Colby Support00:49:31.920 - 9:48:12 AM; Introduced HB1391 to form a study commission on single ballot primaries, addressing constituent interest in alternative systems to streamline processes, increase efficiency, and reduce costs, involving stakeholders for recommendations.
HB1391: Representative Gilmore Information Only00:52:41.920 - 9:51:22 AM; Asked for explanation of a single ballot primary and inquired about fiscal note.
HB1391: Representative Mirhead Information Only00:53:47.839 - 9:52:28 AM; Questioned if it allows cross-party voting in different races.
HB1391: Representative Lane Information Only00:53:47.839 - 9:52:28 AM; Inquired about difference between study commission and committee, suggesting possible change.
HB1391: Eric Her, Hill, NH Support00:57:30.240 - 9:56:11 AM; Eric Her testified in support of HB 1391, emphasizing the flaws in New Hampshire's two-ballot primary system where votes across party lines are not counted, disenfranchising independent voters and potentially fielding weaker candidates. He advocated for a study commission to examine remedies like a single ballot primary, drawing from experiences in other states and his own observations as a town moderator. He supported the bill with a caveat that the commission should include more direct public participation to ensure diverse perspectives and avoid party-biased outcomes.
HB1391: Angela Brennan, One People New Hampshire and New Hampshire Together Forum Support01:02:31.440 - 10:01:12 AM; Angela Brennan, a former legislator and municipal official, spoke in support of HB 1391, highlighting that it creates a study commission without altering election systems, involving key stakeholders like clerks and local officials. She noted resistance to commissions but argued it offers a chance to learn from diverse voices, citing strong support for single ballot primaries in deliberative forums. Brennan emphasized reducing political division by allowing voters to choose the best candidates regardless of party, promoting a simpler, more unifying process.
HB1391: Warner Horn, One People, Inc. Support01:07:40.960 - 10:06:21 AM; Warner Horn supported HB 1391, focusing on the advantages of a commission over a committee for broader perspectives and longer duration through the election cycle. He argued that commissions enable diverse stakeholders to contribute via their networks, enhancing information gathering and dissemination. Horn stressed continuity with organizational appointees and cited New Hampshire's history of successful commissions for complex issues, allowing thorough study without legislative overload.
HB1391: Chairman Information Only01:11:02.080 - 10:09:43 AM; The chairman closed the public hearing and opened a brief executive session to discuss HB 1391 without voting. He offered to form a subcommittee of at least five members to study the issues, allowing input from listed stakeholders except Senate members, as an alternative to a full commission due to House preferences and workload concerns.
HB1388: Representative Robert Weary, Hudson, NH Information Only01:41:59.760 - 10:40:40 AM; Representative Weary introduced HB 1388, aimed at clarifying ballot questions for constitutional amendments to avoid historical confusions, such as multiple questions with single yes/no options in 1976 or co-mingled issues in 1966 that led to court cases. He referenced recent issues with added text post-vote under 73A, emphasizing the need for clear presentation to voters.
HB1277: Representative Mirhead Information Only01:44:54.239 - 10:43:35 AM; Representative Mirhead introduced HB 1277, which allows absentee voters to prove identity by writing their driver's license or non-driver ID number on the application, simplifying the process by avoiding the need to scan or notarize IDs. He noted challenges for some voters with printers or photo devices and confirmed feasibility through DMV verification, citing successful implementation in at least one other state.
HB1277: Unknown Speaker Information Only01:51:34.960 - 10:50:15 AM; The speaker discusses potential risks of voter fraud using driver's license images or numbers for impersonation, noting it is difficult but possible in corner cases. They highlight risks like criminal prosecution and the likelihood of detection when the legitimate voter attempts to vote.
HB1277: Kristen Evans, Director of Policy, ABLE New Hampshire Support01:53:08.080 - 10:51:49 AM; Kristen Evans testifies in support of HB 1277, explaining that it removes barriers for voters with disabilities by allowing use of an identification number instead of a notarized signature on absentee ballots. She notes challenges in accessing notaries for people with mobility issues, chronic illnesses, or cognitive disabilities. While the bill does not address broader absentee voting barriers, it is a harm reduction measure that improves accessibility without compromising election integrity. ABLE New Hampshire urges support for the bill while advocating for further reforms.
HB1277: Sarah Ortiz, Public Policy Fellow, Open Democracy Support01:55:38.239 - 10:54:19 AM; Sarah Ortiz supports HB 1277, describing it as a bipartisan bill that modernizes absentee voting by allowing driver's license numbers instead of notarization or ID copies. It eases the process for voters, reduces burdens on local clerks reviewing paperwork, enhances voter privacy by minimizing sensitive document handling, and maintains election security. She asks the committee to recommend it as ought to pass.
HB1187: Committee Chair Vote01:56:33.360 - 10:55:14 AM; The committee discusses and votes on a motion for ought to pass on HB 1187, which requires clerk's offices to be open for at least three days for in-person filing in special elections to address issues with limited access. A concern is raised about changing 'shall' to 'may' potentially removing the requirement, leading to a recess for fixes. No final vote is recorded in the transcript.
HB1541: Representative Weary Support01:58:52.480 - 10:57:33 AM; Representative Weary speaks to the motion for ought to pass, noting the bill allows phased implementation of secure ballot boxes without overwhelming the Secretary of State's office. He mentions flexibility in using HAVA funds, suggesting changing 'shall' to 'may' to make it discretionary based on funding. The committee votes 17-0 in favor, placing the bill on the consent calendar.
HB1541: Representative Newsome Information Only02:00:15.760 - 10:58:56 AM; Representative Newsome questions if switching to 'may' for HAVA funds requires a new fiscal note, but learns fiscal notes are not updated until after floor amendments.
HB1257 2026-0622h: Representative Bay Support02:04:39.280 - 11:03:20 AM; Representative Bay moves ought to pass with amendment 2026-0622h, which addresses concerns for candidates moving between wards in the same city like Concord, allowing them to run despite not meeting the two-year residency if within the city. The amendment passes by voice vote.
HB1257 2026-0622h: Representative Lane Oppose02:06:00.800 - 11:04:41 AM; Representative Lane supports the amendment but opposes the underlying bill, noting it would have prevented her own election after moving within Concord to a different ward.
HB1257 2026-0622h: Representative C Oppose02:07:06.159 - 11:05:47 AM; Representative C moves inexpedient to legislate (ITL), calling the bill a nitpicking issue since candidates must already reside in the district for five months due to filing deadlines. The motion passes 17-0, placing the bill on the consent calendar.
HB1298 2026-0603h: Representative Qualey Support02:11:03.280 - 11:09:44 AM; Representative Qualey moves amendment 2026-0603h to distinguish disposal of legacy machine memory cards (expensive and reusable) from image-recording devices, allowing reuse by overwriting rather than destruction to save costs for towns. The discussion recesses without a final vote due to clarity issues on disposal methods.
HB1298 2026-0603h: Representative Lane Information Only02:12:02.719 - 11:10:43 AM; Representative Lane raises concerns about unclear language on how legacy memory cards should be disposed if not like ballots, questioning guidance for clerks.
HB1298 2026-0603h: Representative Weary Information Only02:13:11.360 - 11:11:52 AM; Representative Weary notes testimony that legacy devices are overwritten for reuse in subsequent elections, supporting non-physical disposal.
HB1082: Representative Qualey Oppose02:16:29.760 - 11:15:10 AM; Representative Qualey moves inexpedient to legislate (ITL), arguing the bill is redundant as RSA 664:17 already allows removal of political advertising from public property without time limits. He also notes potential infringement on private property rights in highway rights-of-way. The motion passes 14-0, placing the bill on the consent calendar.
HB1326: Committee Chair Oppose02:19:22.639 - 11:18:03 AM; The chair moves inexpedient to legislate (ITL) on HB 1326, and the motion passes unanimously 14-0 without discussion, placing the bill on the consent calendar.
CACR31: Representative C Oppose02:22:09.920 - 11:20:50 AM; Representative C moves inexpedient to legislate (ITL), criticizing the bill for embedding about 20 provisions from a presidential executive order into the constitution, including bans on voting machines and polling place size limits, arguing constitutions should not include transient policy details. The motion passes 14-0, placing the bill on the consent calendar.
HB1381: Committee Chair Support02:24:08.560 - 11:22:49 AM; The chair moves ought to pass on HB 1381, which passes unanimously 14-0 without discussion, placing the bill on the consent calendar.
HB1391: Committee Chair Information Only02:25:23.439 - 11:24:04 AM; The chair recesses the executive session on HB 1391, open to forming a bipartisan subcommittee of five members to study the bill but notes insufficient Republican volunteers, with three Democrats interested.