Committee Summary for House Election Law (02/14/2025)

Bill/Time	Type	Title	Sponsor
HB27,HB289,HB323,HB365,HB385,HB418,HB472,HB618,HB684,HB686 00:01:46.799 - 8:30:52 AM	General Working Session	Unclear	Likely Text to Speech Error on Bill #
HB472,HB686 01:36:08.679 - 10:05:14 AM	General Working Session	Unclear	Likely Text to Speech Error on Bill #

HB27,HB289,HB323,HB365,HB385,HB418,HB472,HB618,HB684,HB686: Representative Newsome Information Only00:01:46.799 - 8:30:52 AM; Representative Newsome opened the February 14th working session of the election law subcommittee on voter registration and impacts of nonresident voting. They led the group in the Pledge of Allegiance and welcomed everyone, also wishing them a happy Valentine's Day.
HB27,HB289,HB323,HB365,HB385,HB418,HB472,HB618,HB684,HB686: Unnamed Subcommittee Chair Information Only00:02:33.280 - 8:31:39 AM; The chair provided background on the subcommittee's mission, stating it was tasked by the election law committee to evaluate, consolidate, and reconcile various 2025 house bills concerning voter registration and non-resident voting. The subcommittee is to review legislation for constitutionality, alignment with federal election law, and consider historical context, aiming to issue a report by March 14th.
HB27,HB289,HB323,HB365,HB385,HB418,HB472,HB618,HB684,HB686: Unnamed Subcommittee Chair Information Only00:03:20.159 - 8:32:26 AM; The chair listed the ten house bills assigned to the subcommittee: HB27, HB289, HB323, HB365, HB385, HB418, HB472, HB618, HB684, and HB686. These bills have already had public hearings within the house election law committee. The subcommittee can return bills to the election law committee if deemed necessary and will hold regular working sessions on Fridays from 9:30 to 12:30, except during school vacation week.
HB27,HB289,HB323,HB365,HB385,HB418,HB472,HB618,HB684,HB686: Unnamed Subcommittee Chair Information Only00:04:56.560 - 8:34:02 AM; The chair mentioned a memorandum from Davis Allen, the committee researcher, on the definitions of domicile and resident relative to voting purposes. They encouraged public testimony but noted that the subcommittee members had already attended public hearings on the bills under review. The Secretary of State's office and the ACLU were invited to speak to the subcommittee.
HB27,HB289,HB323,HB365,HB385,HB418,HB472,HB618,HB684,HB686: Unnamed Subcommittee Chair Information Only00:06:28.800 - 8:35:34 AM; The chair, identifying as an engineer, discussed the voting process from a process engineering perspective. They outlined the verification events in voting, such as voter registration and check-in, to ensure New Hampshire elections are safe and secure. They emphasized the importance of these verification steps.
HB27,HB289,HB323,HB365,HB385,HB418,HB472,HB618,HB684,HB686: Unnamed Subcommittee Chair Information Only00:08:56.360 - 8:38:02 AM; The chair reviewed four bills from RSA 659:13: HB323 (requiring government-issued photographic ID to vote), HB472 (requiring proof of domicile), HB618 (verifying the single use of an out-of-state driver's license), and HB684 (preventing use of student ID cards for voting). They suggested starting the discussion with these bills.
HB27,HB289,HB323,HB365,HB385,HB418,HB472,HB618,HB684,HB686: Representative C Information Only00:10:30.680 - 8:39:36 AM; Representative C discussed HB385, which affects multiple sections of the RSA and aims to revert changes made by a previous bill. They mentioned that the bill is lengthy and suggested a specific subcommittee session to review it thoroughly.
HB27,HB289,HB323,HB365,HB385,HB418,HB472,HB618,HB684,HB686: Unnamed Subcommittee Chair Information Only00:13:51.199 - 8:42:57 AM; The chair discussed HB323, which requires a government-issued photographic means of identification to vote. They noted that it addresses verification of identity adequately for check-in purposes and does not create a subclass of voters by requiring all voters to provide government-issued IDs.
HB27,HB289,HB323,HB365,HB385,HB418,HB472,HB618,HB684,HB686: Representative Lane Oppose00:18:22.600 - 8:47:28 AM; Representative Lane opposed HB323, arguing that it would tremendously impact voter registration, especially targeting students. They questioned whether the UNH card could be considered a government-issued ID, as UNH is part of the state government.
HB27,HB289,HB323,HB365,HB385,HB418,HB472,HB618,HB684,HB686: Unnamed Subcommittee Chair Information Only00:19:56.760 - 8:49:02 AM; The chair clarified that the UNH card does not show a specific physical domicile, only a generic UNH address or a PO box, which does not verify domicile. They emphasized the need for separate verification of identity and domicile.
HB27,HB289,HB323,HB365,HB385,HB418,HB472,HB618,HB684,HB686: Michael O'Brien, lobbyist at Pretty Strategies representing America Votes Information Only00:22:50.559 - 8:51:56 AM; Michael O'Brien discussed the use of IDs for voting, stating that IDs like passports prove identity but not domicile. He highlighted that New Hampshire licenses could prove both identity and domicile if the address is correct. He noted that a secondary document is needed to prove domicile if the ID does not.
HB27,HB289,HB323,HB365,HB385,HB418,HB472,HB618,HB684,HB686: Unnamed Subcommittee Chair Information Only00:24:22.640 - 8:53:28 AM; The chair discussed the verification events in the voting process, emphasizing that pre-registered voters need to verify identity but not domicile, while same-day registrants need to verify both. They asked about the process for students proving domicile.
HB27,HB289,HB323,HB365,HB385,HB418,HB472,HB618,HB684,HB686: Michael O'Brien, lobbyist at Pretty Strategies representing America Votes Information Only00:27:29.640 - 8:56:35 AM; Michael O'Brien explained that students must provide their college ID to prove identity and another document, like a dorm letter, to prove domicile. He also mentioned that non-students might use work badges for identity and need additional documents to prove domicile.
HB27,HB289,HB323,HB365,HB385,HB418,HB472,HB618,HB684,HB686: Unnamed Subcommittee Chair Information Only00:33:50.399 - 9:02:56 AM; The chair discussed HB472, which deals with the lack of valid photo ID at check-in and proposes to direct voters to the supervisor of the checklist to verify residency or domicile. They questioned the conflation of registration and voting processes in this bill.
HB27,HB289,HB323,HB365,HB385,HB418,HB472,HB618,HB684,HB686: Unnamed Subcommittee Chair Information Only00:36:55.560 - 9:06:01 AM; The chair noted that HB472 might be returned to the election law committee, as it conflates the processes of registration and obtaining a ballot. They suggested reviewing the bill for elements that could improve the registration process.
HB27,HB289,HB323,HB365,HB385,HB418,HB472,HB618,HB684,HB686: Representative C Information Only00:46:29.880 - 9:15:35 AM; Representative C discussed HB618, which allows a one-time exception for using an out-of-state driver's license to vote for someone who has just moved to New Hampshire. They emphasized that the ballot clerk would inform the voter that the out-of-state license cannot be used again.
HB27,HB289,HB323,HB365,HB385,HB418,HB472,HB618,HB684,HB686: Deputy Secretary Hennessy, Secretary of State's Office Information Only00:50:30.640 - 9:19:36 AM; Deputy Secretary Hennessy explained that the Secretary of State's office sends letters to voters using out-of-state driver's licenses to inform them of the law, but there are no ramifications for not obtaining a New Hampshire license. They discussed potential changes required in reporting and system access for supervisors of the checklist.
HB27,HB289,HB323,HB365,HB385,HB418,HB472,HB618,HB684,HB686: Michael O'Brien, lobbyist at Pretty Strategies representing America Votes Information Only01:28:36.000 - 9:57:42 AM; Michael O'Brien shared a personal anecdote about moving within New Hampshire and the 60-day rule for updating a driver's license. He emphasized that an out-of-state license proves identity but not domicile, and that moving within the state or having elections close together could complicate the process.
HB472,HB686: Davis Allen, Committee Researcher for the Election Law Committee and subcommittee Information Only01:36:08.679 - 10:05:14 AM; Davis Allen provided procedural guidance on how the subcommittee should report back to the main election law committee. He explained that the subcommittee would need to conduct a vote on their recommendations regarding the referred bills. The vote could be done by a show of hands, and the results would be documented on a work session form. The subcommittee chair would then communicate these recommendations to the full committee during a work or executive session. Allen clarified that standard motions such as 'ought to pass', 'ought to pass amended', 'inexpedient to legislate', and 'retained' would be used for each bill.
HB472,HB686: Representative Lane Information Only02:13:34.760 - 10:42:40 AM; Representative Lane discussed House Bill 472, which requires voters to prove domicile. He moved to recommend the bill as inexpedient to legislate (ITL) because it conflates domicile and identification, creating confusion between voter registration and voting processes. He believed the bill, while having merit, was misplaced in the context of the RSA it addresses.
HB472,HB686: Representative C Information Only02:14:21.719 - 10:43:27 AM; Representative C seconded the motion to ITL HB472. He agreed with the analysis that the bill conflates two separate processes, registration and check-in. He believed that while proof of domicile is necessary at registration, it should not be required at check-in, suggesting the bill's approach was inappropriate.
HB472,HB686: Representative Burnham Information Only02:15:54.320 - 10:45:00 AM; Representative Burnham supported the motion to ITL HB472. He echoed the concerns about the bill conflating registration and check-in processes. He stressed the importance of keeping these processes distinct to avoid confusion and ensure the bill's appropriateness.
HB472,HB686: Subcommittee Chair Information Only02:16:41.558 - 10:45:47 AM; The Subcommittee Chair summarized the vote on HB472, which passed 5-0 to recommend it as ITL due to the conflation of registration and check-in processes. The chair expressed satisfaction with the progress made and planned to continue discussing other bills in future sessions.
HB472,HB686: Subcommittee Chair Information Only02:19:49.200 - 10:48:55 AM; The Subcommittee Chair introduced House Bill 686, which requires a voter to provide identification when requesting an absentee ballot. The bill includes provisions for notarization, the submission of a color copy of a government-issued photo ID, and the ability to cure defects in the application in person with a city or town clerk. The chair outlined the eligibility criteria for absentee voting detailed in the bill.
HB472,HB686: Representative C Information Only02:29:17.080 - 10:58:23 AM; Representative C raised concerns about HB686, noting that if other legislation passes, it could require two notarizations, one for the application and one for the ballot envelope. He suggested that notarization should focus on the ballot itself, not the application, and pointed out a grammatical error in the bill's text. He also suggested that town clerks should be able to handle notarization without requiring a notary public, questioning the necessity and cost of double notarization.
HB472,HB686: Representative Lane Information Only02:31:44.800 - 11:00:50 AM; Representative Lane expressed concerns about HB686's requirements for a color copy of identification and notarization. He questioned the necessity of these measures, noting that they could disenfranchise voters without access to such technology or services. He highlighted the lack of evidence of a problem that the bill aims to solve, questioning its purpose.
HB472,HB686: Subcommittee Chair Information Only02:34:10.960 - 11:03:16 AM; The Subcommittee Chair responded to concerns about HB686 by emphasizing the need for consistent verification across all voting methods. He suggested that if local or state officials cannot provide verification, a notary public could serve as an alternative. He also considered the use of technology for identity verification, similar to banking and finance industries, as a future option to be explored at the state level.
HB472,HB686: Representative C Information Only02:42:56.760 - 11:12:02 AM; Representative C reiterated concerns about the color copy requirement in HB686, suggesting it was unnecessary if a notary could verify identity in person. He distinguished between verifying the identity of the person applying for an absentee ballot and ensuring the ballot itself comes from the correct person, suggesting the latter was more crucial.
HB472,HB686: Representative Burnham Information Only02:44:33.479 - 11:13:39 AM; Representative Burnham proposed using technology, such as taking a photo of the voter and their ID, as a potential solution for identity verification in absentee voting. He suggested this could be a future consideration at the state level, acknowledging the potential security and cost implications for local jurisdictions.
HB472,HB686: Representative Newsome Information Only02:50:57.279 - 11:20:03 AM; Representative Newsome suggested aligning the process for obtaining an absentee ballot with in-person voting by using an affidavit system, similar to what was used in the past. He argued this would simplify the process and match the methods of obtaining a ballot, whether in-person or absentee, without the need for additional identification requirements.
HB472,HB686: Subcommittee Chair Information Only02:51:43.040 - 11:20:49 AM; The Subcommittee Chair responded to Representative Newsome's suggestion by cautioning against reverting to an affidavit system without proper legal definitions. He emphasized the importance of tightening up absentee ballot verification without loosening in-person voting standards. The chair concluded the session, planning to continue discussions in the next meeting.

Berry, Ross(Chairman)(R)[A-]2024	Burnham, Claudine(Clerk)(R)[A]2024	Qualey, James(V Chairman)(R)[A-]2024
Ward, Gerald(D)[CT]2024	Prudhomme-O'Brien, Katherine(R)[B+]2024	Gilmore, Gary(D)
See, Alvin(R)[A]2024	Grill, Jessica(D)[CT]2024	Wood, Clayton(R)[A-]2024
Bay, Luz(D)[F]2024	Wherry, Robert(R)[A]2024	Harvey-Bolia, Juliet(R)[A]2024
Muirhead, Russell(D)[CT]2024	Wilhelm, Matthew(D)[CT]2024	Lane, Connie(D)[F]2024
Newsom, James(D)	Toner, Travis(R)	Guzofski, James(R)