Committee Summary for House Judiciary (02/27/2026)

Bill/Time	Type	Title	Sponsor
HB1611 00:10:28.081 - 8:09:09 AM	Public Hearing	relative to the taking of private property.	Potucek, John(R)[A-]2025
HB1611 00:10:28.081 - 8:09:09 AM	Executive Session	relative to the taking of private property.	Potucek, John(R)[A-]2025
HR41 00:34:13.212 - 8:32:54 AM	Public Hearing	instructing the house of representatives to investigate whether grounds exist to impeach Executive Councilor Karen Liot Hill.	Sweeney, Joe(R)[A]2025
HR41 00:49:09.883 - 8:47:50 AM	Executive Session	instructing the house of representatives to investigate whether grounds exist to impeach Executive Councilor Karen Liot Hill.	Sweeney, Joe(R)[A]2025
HB1384 2026-09218 01:20:29.924 - 9:19:10 AM	Executive Session	relative to reporting requirements for persons or entities financing lawsuits.	Cole, Brian(R)[A-]2025
HB1389 08558h 01:35:29.924 - 9:34:10 AM	Executive Session	relative to PFAS facility liability.	Murphy, Nancy(D)[CT]2025
HB1416 2026-09168 01:50:29.924 - 9:49:10 AM	Executive Session	prohibits certain government regulations regarding pregnancy resource centers in connection with abortion and contraception service offerings.	Farrington, Samuel(R)[A+]2025
HB1419 2026-0897h 02:00:32.003 - 9:59:13 AM	Executive Session	establishing a commission to study whether a court with specialized jurisdiction over corporate, commercial, and equitable matters should be established.	McFarlane, Donald(R)[A]2025
HB1593 02:22:07.545 - 10:20:48 AM	Executive Session	relative to nondiscrimination due to disability.	Cornell, Patricia(D)[F]2025

HB1611: Representative Keelan Kutab Information Only00:10:28.081 - 8:09:09 AM; Representative Keelan Kutab introduced House Bill 1611 on behalf of the prime sponsor, Representative Potoczek, who was not present. He stated he would not take questions.
HB1611: Representative Birch Oppose00:10:28.081 - 8:09:09 AM; Representative Birch moved to ITL the bill, stating it is unnecessary as procedures are already in place, nothing shows they haven't worked, and it adds complexity to emergency circumstances without thought.
HB1611: Chairman Lynn Oppose00:10:28.081 - 8:09:09 AM; Chairman Lynn noted the absence of the sponsor and lack of explanation for the bill's necessity, agreeing with Representative Birch's points and intending to vote ITL.
HB1611: Representative Stone Oppose00:10:28.081 - 8:09:09 AM; Representative Stone emphasized the importance of demonstrating need for a bill and, in its absence, votes ITL, wishing the sponsor had been present.
HB1611: Representative (unnamed) Oppose00:10:28.081 - 8:09:09 AM; The representative highlighted the bill's broad expansion of current law by adding real estate and improvements to protections against seizure, calling it a major change without clear goal, and supports ITL.
HR41: Representative Dennis Mannion, Rockingham 25, Salem Information Only00:34:13.212 - 8:32:54 AM; Representative Mannion introduced HR 41 for the absent prime sponsor, stating it instructs the House to investigate grounds for impeaching Executive Councilor Karen Layard Hill, and declined questions.
HR41: Executive Councilor Karen Layard Hill Oppose00:34:13.212 - 8:32:54 AM; Executive Councilor Karen Layard Hill kept her testimony brief given the intent to ITL the bill. She noted her emails were typical constituent services, the Attorney General found no wrongdoing, and submitted materials including the AG's report and emails for the record. She requested the committee recommend ITL, appreciating public support and nearly 2,000 online signatures in opposition. She affirmed using government email for constituent services is appropriate, as she did as a city councilor and currently. She described the impact as diverting time and resources, including hiring an attorney, and urged quick disposal to focus on priorities. She confirmed her two-year term and noted impeachment's rarity in NH due to short terms and voter accountability.
HR41: Avery Sierra, Moderator Ward 3, Manchester Oppose00:34:13.212 - 8:32:54 AM; Avery Sierra, moderator for Ward 3 in Manchester, stated the people of Ward 3 oppose HR 41, support progressive politicians, and do not want to see Ms. Karen Layard Hill impeached.
HR41: Ken Hartselden, Londonderry Oppose00:34:13.212 - 8:32:54 AM; Ken Hartselden described HR 41 as 'lawfare,' using the legal system to damage opponents, an abuse of power and political persecution seen historically in authoritarian regimes. He argued it violates the rule of law, wastes resources, erodes public trust, and usurps the democratic process. He noted bipartisan efforts like the NOPE Act against targeting political opponents and praised Londonderry's civil political discourse, stating such tactics do not belong in New Hampshire.
HR41: Representative Burch Oppose00:49:09.883 - 8:47:50 AM; Representative Burch moved to ITL HR 41.
HR41: Representative McFarland Information Only00:49:09.883 - 8:47:50 AM; Representative McFarland clarified that lawfare pertains to judicial activities, not legislation, and noted New Hampshire's tradition of public hearings on all bills, regardless of merit.
HB1384 2026-09218: Representative Kutab Support01:20:29.924 - 9:19:10 AM; Moves ought to pass and amendment prohibiting foreign entities of concern from financing third-party litigation, based on federal list under 15 CFR 7914. Explains amendment removes other bill parts.
HB1384 2026-09218: Representative Burch Oppose01:20:29.924 - 9:19:10 AM; Likes parts of bill but concerned about practical implementation, potential unbalanced disclosure requirements, and recreating original bill's problems without in-camera review.
HB1384 2026-09218: Representative Kutab Support01:20:29.924 - 9:19:10 AM; Clarifies no required in-camera review unless violation suspected; judges can order if needed. Attorneys unlikely to violate knowing bar risks.
HB1384 2026-09218: Unnamed Representative Oppose01:20:29.924 - 9:19:10 AM; Notes no provision for in-camera review, leading to discovery motions in every case to check funders.
HB1384 2026-09218: Representative Hort Oppose01:20:29.924 - 9:19:10 AM; Foreign entity list variable (e.g., Maduro regime in Venezuela); China not monolithic, potential issues for dissenting individuals/companies. Litigants may face undue proof burdens.
HB1384 2026-09218: Unnamed Representative Support01:20:29.924 - 9:19:10 AM; In response to discovery requests, parties can deny prohibited funding without further disclosure unless basis for lying suspected.
HB1389 08558h: Unnamed Speaker Support01:35:29.924 - 9:34:10 AM; Urges support for bill against ITL; addresses future and past PFAS problems, high kidney cancer rates; science evolves, holds polluters responsible without harming others.
HB1389 08558h: Representative Scully Oppose01:35:29.924 - 9:34:10 AM; Opposes as retroactive (ex post facto), adding penalties for past acts without prior laws; supports forward-looking measures.
HB1389 08558h: Unnamed Representative Oppose01:35:29.924 - 9:34:10 AM; Agrees bill establishes retrospective liability where unclear before; cannot support due to this and other issues raised by McFarland.
HB1416 2026-09168: Representative Scully Support01:50:29.924 - 9:49:10 AM; Moves OTPA with amendment to ensure only qualified medical personnel provide pregnancy-related advice; allows referrals if centers cannot provide services.
HB1416 2026-09168: Representative Smith Information Only01:50:29.924 - 9:49:10 AM; Questions amendment wording on prohibiting medical pregnancy resource centers from providing care; clarified as replacement in base bill context.
HB1416 2026-09168: Representative Manos Oppose01:50:29.924 - 9:49:10 AM; Opposes due to unproven 'abortion pill reversal'; seeks clarification on referrals implying informed consent including abortion options.
HB1416 2026-09168: Representative Scully Support01:50:29.924 - 9:49:10 AM; Refers to qualified medical personnel for proper advice; assumes they discuss all options without compelled speech.
HB1416 2026-09168: Unnamed Representative Support01:50:29.924 - 9:49:10 AM; Amendment improves underlying bill; intends to vote for it.
HB1416 2026-09168: Representative Oregon Oppose01:50:29.924 - 9:49:10 AM; Argues bill unnecessary as centers unregulated in NH; Vermont case dismissed and law amended; status quo better, future regulation possible via new RSA.
HB1416 2026-09168: Unnamed Representative Oppose01:50:29.924 - 9:49:10 AM; Strongest argument against is necessity; compares to prior abortion bill voted on despite not necessary.
HB1416 2026-09168: Representative McFarland Support01:50:29.924 - 9:49:10 AM; Bill protects existing centers; testimony shows attempts to shut them down elsewhere.
HB1416 2026-09168: Representative Manos Oppose02:00:32.003 - 9:59:13 AM; Reemphasizes no legislative attacks in NH; bill unnecessary and harmful to patients.
HB1416 2026-09168: Representative Bergeron Oppose02:00:32.003 - 9:59:13 AM; Reverses vote to support ITL after reconsideration.
HB1419 2026-0897h: Representative McFarlane Support02:00:32.003 - 9:59:13 AM; Moves OTP and amendment to terminate commission end of 2027 with final report; promotes economic growth, legal excellence, revenue without broad taxes.
HB1419 2026-0897h: Representative Smith Information Only02:15:32.003 - 10:14:13 AM; Asks about Senate conversations; sponsor notes favorable indications.
HB1419 2026-0897h: Representative Burch Oppose02:15:32.003 - 10:14:13 AM; Questions continuity if legislative members lose elections; suggests reintroducing next year.
HB1419 2026-0897h: Representative McFarlane Support02:15:32.003 - 10:14:13 AM; Continuity via joint appointments; balancing timing; commission needed for agreement on actions; revenue over time.
HB1419 2026-0897h: Representative Horgan Oppose02:15:32.003 - 10:14:13 AM; Doubts attracting Delaware-like corporate registrations; Delaware's model century-old; unclear economic benefits.
HB1419 2026-0897h: Representative Rung Oppose02:15:32.003 - 10:14:13 AM; From PFAS Commission experience, commissions onerous; prefers study committee for flexibility.
HB1419 2026-0897h: Representative Burch Oppose02:15:32.003 - 10:14:13 AM; Agnostic on concept but opposes timing/structure in second year; prefers study committee next year.
HB1419 2026-0897h: Representative Horton Oppose02:15:32.003 - 10:14:13 AM; Idea unrealistic for competing with Delaware; doubts benefits.
HB1593: Representative McFarland Oppose02:22:07.545 - 10:20:48 AM; Moves for ITL on HB 1593, stating that the issues were covered in the hearing.
HB1593: Representative Horgan Support02:23:00.000 - 10:21:41 AM; Explains that the bill codifies Section 504, the first federal Disabilities Rights Act, followed by IDEA and ADA, which have enabled differently abled Granite Staters to access education, healthcare, housing, employment, and public services equally. Notes that 13.2% of Granite Staters have disabilities and codifying it in state law allows resolution in state courts and reduces reliance on federal government, especially given changing administrations. Urges voting no on ITL and OTP on the bill as introduced, as benefits outweigh costs and it enables full participation in the economy.
HB1593: Representative Smith Support02:28:00.000 - 10:26:41 AM; Takes issue with the idea that disability is irrelevant but emphasizes decency and treating individuals with disabilities as full participatory citizens. Discusses the value of codifying federal protections in state law, noting New Hampshire's history of strong protections. Argues against relying solely on federal law and stresses honoring all citizens, including those with disabilities, in education, training, and employment. References past discrimination and uses the phrase 'have you no decency' to plead for supporting the bill instead of ITL.
HB1593: Representative Burch Support02:39:12.955 - 10:37:53 AM; Saddened by the positions on HB 1593 and hopes for unanimous support. Speaks personally from a faith perspective, viewing all as God's children, and visualizes disability community members. Describes the bill as a small ask that codifies federal law without creating new rights or spending money (zero fiscal note). Compares it to helping a stranded Granite Stater or the golden rule, arguing against putting obstacles in front of those already struggling. Urges stepping back to consider if killing the bill is necessary, as it ensures protections for neighbors, children, and community members to be fully functional.
HB1593: Representative Mann Oppose02:45:00.000 - 10:43:41 AM; Feels that voting against the bill is being portrayed as lacking compassion for people with disabilities, which offends her as a person with a disability. States there are problems with the bill and takes offense at being labeled uncompassionate for voting ITL.
HB1593: Representative McFarland Oppose02:47:00.000 - 10:45:41 AM; Supports the golden rule but argues the bill compels others. Notes it creates no new protected class but expands causes of action, enforcement authorities, and broad rulemaking. Describes it as broader than federal language, creating litigation exposures and a solution looking for a problem, as federal protections exist. Warns of unexpected consequences discussed in the hearing, and will support the ITL motion.
HB1593: Representative Turr Support02:50:00.000 - 10:48:41 AM; Hopes discussion doesn't reflect personally on votes. Recalls the hearing at the end of a long day where the chair allowed speakers with speaking struggles extra time beyond the limit, seeing it as ironic but beautiful—a local example of the bill's need for accommodations.
HB1593: Representative Smith Support02:51:00.000 - 10:49:41 AM; Apologizes if comments indicated insensitivity to colleagues. Suggests continuing on the ITL motion, and if it fails, making a motion for interim study to address problems and potentially reach OTPA majority.
HB1593: Representative Ball Information Only02:52:00.000 - 10:50:41 AM; Agrees with Representative Smith on interim study. From special education background, concerned about financial impact on education system. Questions if state law provides another avenue beyond ADA or special education processes, allowing dual filings by parents. Reluctant without answers on administrative additions needed, but doesn't want to deny disabilities what they deserve.
HB1593: Unnamed Representative Oppose02:54:12.955 - 10:52:53 AM; Acknowledges possibility of progress via interim study but deems it unrealistic in the biennium's second year due to numerous problems. Strongly supports ITL, arguing no federal undercutting of services for seriously disabled, and efforts target abuses like minor idiosyncrasies expanded into disabilities (e.g., slower learning). Gives example of bar exam accommodations potentially milked. Believes federal trimming of abuses is appropriate and testified individuals have nothing to worry about.
HB1593: Representative Horgan Support02:58:00.000 - 10:56:41 AM; Responds to bar exam example, noting safeguards like market forces. References written testimony from Dr. Louis Esposito detailing federal enforcement changes eroding protections beyond waste, fraud, and abuse. Notes 13-page testimony with data. Argues accommodations benefit everyone, including increased autism diagnoses due to better tools. Opposes ITL, supports OTP as is, as rights enforcement involves legal redress, and frivolous lawsuits are rare. Benefits state courts having jurisdiction.
HB1593: Representative Burch Support03:02:00.000 - 11:00:41 AM; Clarifies bill imposes no state costs unless discriminating; private right of action, no new staff or appropriations. Attorney's fees only for violators. Parallels RSA 354-A discrimination law with federal-state enforcement. Notes federal civil rights enforcement in disarray: reduced Office of Civil Rights, dismantled Administration for Community Living, terminated fair housing grants. Addresses real defunding, not hypothetical; small ask without new obligations or costs.
HB1593: Representative McFarland Information Only03:05:00.000 - 11:03:41 AM; Appreciates colleagues' comments, moves to withdraw ITL motion and make motion for interim study.

Lynn, Bob(Chairman)(R)[B]2025	Kuttab, Katelyn(Clerk)(R)[B]2025	Mannion, Dennis(V Chairman)(R)[B+]2025
Smith, Marjorie(D)[F]2025	Bergeron, Dan(D)[F]2025	Horrigan, Timothy(D)[F]2025
Berch, Paul(D)[F]2025	Turer, Eric(D)[F]2025	Scully, Kevin(R)[A-]2025
Tripp, Richard(R)[B]2025	Andrus, Louise(R)[C+]2025	Ball, Lorie(R)[B+]2025
Manos, Zoe(D)[CT]2025	Perez, Kristine(R)[B+]2025	Alexander, Joe(R)[A+]2025
McFarlane, Donald(R)[A]2025	Rombeau, Catherine(D)[CT]2025	Paige, Mark(D)[D-]2025