Committee Summary for House Election Law (03/03/2026)

Bill/Time	Type	Title	Sponsor
HB1272 2026-0947H 00:01:41.114 - 9:00:28 AM	Executive Session	providing that each candidate's party affiliation be printed on the town or school district ballot.	Wherry, Robert(R)[A-]2025
HB1277 2026-0987H 00:10:00.000 - 9:08:47 AM	Executive Session	relative to proof of identification on absentee ballot applications.	Muirhead, Russell(D)[D-]2025
HB1284 00:20:00.000 - 9:18:47 AM	Executive Session	requiring the inclusion of a voter's year of birth on the voter checklist.	McGrath, Linda(R)[B]2025
HB1300 2026-0980H 00:25:00.000 - 9:23:47 AM	Executive Session	changing the state's congressional districts.	Ankarberg, Aidan(I)[IN]2025
HB1306 00:40:00.000 - 9:38:47 AM	Executive Session	relative to the counting of absentee ballots.	Burnham, Claudine(R)[A-]2025
HB1396 2026-0984H 00:49:00.000 - 9:47:47 AM	Executive Session	relative to vacancies in state offices.	Sweeney, Joe(R)[A]2025
HB1418 2026-0971H 01:17:07.240 - 10:15:54 AM	Executive Session	setting a minimum affirmative vote for new or expanded spending for SB 2 towns.	Berry, Ross(R)[A+]2025
HB590 2025-2934H 01:32:06.333 - 10:30:53 AM	Executive Session	relative to cooperative school district school board elections.	Andrus, Louise(R)[C+]2025
HB686 2026-0972H 01:47:06.333 - 10:45:53 AM	Executive Session	requiring a voter to provide identification when requesting an absentee ballot.	Potenza, Kelley(R)[A]2025
HB1695 2026-0476H 01:47:06.333 - 10:45:53 AM	Executive Session	requiring the secretary of state to include a voter's guide to the proposed constitutional amendment to voters on the ballot.	Lane, Connie(D)[CT]2025
HB1223 02:02:06.333 - 11:00:53 AM	Executive Session	relative to the moderator's authority to verify the device count during an election.	Scully, Kevin(R)[A-]2025
HB1234 2026-0744h 02:02:06.333 - 11:00:53 AM	Executive Session	identifying certain school district offices as incompatible for purposes of school district elections.	Murphy, Nancy(D)[CT]2025
HB1266 02:02:06.333 - 11:00:53 AM	Executive Session	allowing election moderators access to the area designated for counting votes during the performance of their duties.	Harb, Robert(R)[B+]2025
HB1325 02:02:06.333 - 11:00:53 AM	Executive Session	enabling supervisors of the checklist to correct the checklist on any day of the week.	Kuttab, Katelyn(R)[B]2025
HB1342 02:02:06.333 - 11:00:53 AM	Executive Session	restricting access to certain information relative to voters subject to the Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act.	McGrath, Linda(R)[B]2025
HB1366 02:02:06.333 - 11:00:53 AM	Executive Session	relative to military orders of protection.	Roy, Terry(R)[B]2025
HB1342 02:17:06.333 - 11:15:53 AM	Executive Session	restricting access to certain information relative to voters subject to the Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act.	McGrath, Linda(R)[B]2025
HB1306 02:17:20.000 - 11:16:07 AM	Executive Session	relative to the counting of absentee ballots.	Burnham, Claudine(R)[A-]2025

HB1272 2026-0947H: Chairman Barry Information Only00:01:41.114 - 9:00:28 AM; Opens executive session for HB 1272 and recognizes Rep. Weary for a motion.
HB1272 2026-0947H: Representative Weary Support00:01:41.114 - 9:00:28 AM; Moves ought to pass on HB 1272.
HB1272 2026-0947H: Representative Wood Support00:02:00.000 - 9:00:47 AM; Seconds the motion.
HB1272 2026-0947H: Representative Weary Support00:03:00.000 - 9:01:47 AM; Moves amendment 2026-0947H, explaining it allows towns/school districts and individual candidates to choose to list party affiliation on ballots, adding a layer of enablement.
HB1272 2026-0947H: Representative Newsom Information Only00:04:00.000 - 9:02:47 AM; Seconds the amendment and asks how it differs from the original bill.
HB1272 2026-0947H: Representative Weary Support00:04:30.000 - 9:03:17 AM; Clarifies the amendment allows individual candidates to decide on listing party affiliation, in addition to town/school district choice.
HB1272 2026-0947H: Chairman Barry Information Only00:05:30.000 - 9:04:17 AM; Calls for voice vote on amendment; ayes have it.
HB1272 2026-0947H: Representative Weary Support00:06:00.000 - 9:04:47 AM; Moves ought to pass as amended.
HB1272 2026-0947H: Representative Wood Support00:06:30.000 - 9:05:17 AM; Seconds the motion.
HB1272 2026-0947H: Representative Lane Oppose00:07:00.000 - 9:05:47 AM; Opposes the bill as it increases partisanship and animosity, similar to a previously vetoed bill.
HB1272 2026-0947H: Chairman Barry Information Only00:08:00.000 - 9:06:47 AM; Calls roll on ought to pass as amended; passes 9-7. Assigns reports.
HB1277 2026-0987H: Chairman Barry Information Only00:10:00.000 - 9:08:47 AM; Opens executive session for HB 1277 and initially moves inexpedient to legislate, but withdraws upon amendment notice.
HB1277 2026-0987H: Representative Lane Support00:11:00.000 - 9:09:47 AM; Moves ought to pass, then moves amendment 2026-0987H to make identification requirements consistent with other sections, allowing unexpired licenses for those 65+ for five years.
HB1277 2026-0987H: Representative Newsom Support00:11:30.000 - 9:10:17 AM; Seconds motions.
HB1277 2026-0987H: Chairman Barry Information Only00:13:00.000 - 9:11:47 AM; Calls voice vote on amendment; ayes have it. Calls roll on ought to pass as amended; passes 7-9? (transcript confusion, but proceeds).
HB1277 2026-0987H: Chairman Barry Information Only00:17:07.240 - 9:15:54 AM; Later reopens and moves inexpedient to legislate successfully, passing 9-8 on roll call.
HB1277 2026-0987H: Representative Muirhead Oppose00:18:00.000 - 9:16:47 AM; Assigned minority report.
HB1284: Chairman Barry Information Only00:20:00.000 - 9:18:47 AM; Opens executive session and recognizes Rep. Qualey for motion.
HB1284: Representative Qualey Oppose00:20:30.000 - 9:19:17 AM; Moves inexpedient to legislate, arguing it infringes on privacy with no election security benefit.
HB1284: Representative Wood Oppose00:21:00.000 - 9:19:47 AM; Seconds the motion.
HB1284: Representative Lane Oppose00:22:00.000 - 9:20:47 AM; Supports ITL, noting rare occurrences of same-name issues and failed consensus on age ranges.
HB1284: Chairman Barry Information Only00:23:00.000 - 9:21:47 AM; Calls roll; ITL passes 17-0, places on consent calendar.
HB1284: Representative Qualey Information Only00:23:30.000 - 9:22:17 AM; Assigned committee report.
HB1300 2026-0980H: Chairman Barry Information Only00:25:00.000 - 9:23:47 AM; Opens executive session and moves ought to pass.
HB1300 2026-0980H: Representative Weary Support00:25:30.000 - 9:24:17 AM; Seconds motion.
HB1300 2026-0980H: Representative C Support00:26:00.000 - 9:24:47 AM; Moves amendment 2026-0980H, explaining it implements a biennial November ballot question for school district tax effort cap (60% vote), with inflation/ADM adjustments, removes town portion, adds 6% SAU spending cap; emphasizes local control and property tax relief.
HB1300 2026-0980H: Representative Weary Support00:30:00.000 - 9:28:47 AM; Seconds amendment.
HB1300 2026-0980H: Representative Muirhead Oppose00:32:07.240 - 9:30:54 AM; Opposes amendment, citing flaws like incompatibility with official ballot system, unclear secretary role, usurps moderator power, process issues.
HB1300 2026-0980H: Representative Lane Oppose00:34:00.000 - 9:32:47 AM; Raises constitutional concerns, arguing it's a state mandate requiring referenda, citing case law.
HB1300 2026-0980H: Representative C Support00:35:00.000 - 9:33:47 AM; Defends constitutionality, notes voter questions on budgeting are allowed, prefers November turnout over low March meetings, consulted experts.
HB1300 2026-0980H: Representative Muirhead Information Only00:36:00.000 - 9:34:47 AM; Questions sponsor on eliminating town meetings due to turnout.
HB1300 2026-0980H: Representative C Support00:36:30.000 - 9:35:17 AM; Acknowledges potential for lawsuits on low turnout, supports voter control.
HB1300 2026-0980H: Chairman Barry Information Only00:37:00.000 - 9:35:47 AM; Calls roll on amendment; passes 9-8. Moves ought to pass as amended; passes 9-8. Assigns reports.
HB1300 2026-0980H: Representative Newsom Oppose00:38:00.000 - 9:36:47 AM; Reiterates problems with amendment, notes November elections not noticed for school budgeting.
HB1306: Chairman Barry Information Only00:40:00.000 - 9:38:47 AM; Opens executive session and recognizes Rep. Burnham for motion.
HB1306: Representative Burnham Support00:40:30.000 - 9:39:17 AM; Moves ought to pass with amendment, explaining changes based on clerk and Secretary of State input: 48-hour reporting, UOCAVA addition, ensures tracking like same-day ballots.
HB1306: Representative Wood Support00:42:00.000 - 9:40:47 AM; Seconds motion.
HB1306: Representative Lane Information Only00:43:00.000 - 9:41:47 AM; Notes work in process and questions on test ballots.
HB1306: Chairman Barry Information Only00:47:07.240 - 9:45:54 AM; Calls roll on ought to pass as amended; passes 13-4. Assigns reports.
HB1306: Representative Burnham Information Only00:48:00.000 - 9:46:47 AM; Assigned committee report.
HB1396 2026-0984H: Chairman Barry Information Only00:49:00.000 - 9:47:47 AM; Opens executive session and recognizes Rep. C for motion.
HB1396 2026-0984H: Representative C Support00:49:30.000 - 9:48:17 AM; Moves ought to pass and amendment 2026-0984H, changing to governor appointment for House vacancies (same party as of last election), faster than special election; party nominates, governor/council approves unless ineligible.
HB1396 2026-0984H: Representative Kazowski Support00:51:00.000 - 9:49:47 AM; Seconds motions.
HB1396 2026-0984H: Representative Newsom Information Only00:52:00.000 - 9:50:47 AM; Asks if appointee must be registered in party at time of appointment or as of election; clarified as of past election.
HB1396 2026-0984H: Representative C Support00:52:30.000 - 9:51:17 AM; Explains safeguards: party nomination required, approval within timeframe unless constitutional issue; addresses gamesmanship, notes House seats' greater number justifies focus.
HB1396 2026-0984H: Representative Lane Information Only00:55:00.000 - 9:53:47 AM; Asks if only for House; confirmed yes, due to vote power concentration in Senate/Council.
HB1396 2026-0984H: Representative C Support00:55:30.000 - 9:54:17 AM; Raises broader concerns on delays in special elections (e.g., current vacancy in Wolfeboro, Ossipee, Tuftonboro); prefers quick fill over underrepresentation, encourages resignations if unwilling to work.
HB1396 2026-0984H: Representative (Unnamed) Support01:02:07.240 - 10:00:54 AM; Discusses challenges of vacancies in the House, notes frequent absences and long vacancies without resignation, compares to town selectboard appointments, acknowledges difficulty in choosing between special elections and quick appointments, concedes it's an interesting proposition using party for partisan system, toys with idea but decides against House involvement, acknowledges 400 members and special laws for reps.
HB1396 2026-0984H: Representative C Information Only01:02:07.240 - 10:00:54 AM; Follows up on original question, notes original bill addressed state reps, amendment does it differently, references Vermont's governor appointment as extreme with abuse potential, sees this as middle ground to avoid abuse and fill vacancies quickly.
HB1396 2026-0984H: Unnamed Representative Information Only01:02:07.240 - 10:00:54 AM; Asks about undeclared candidate appointment, notes it's addressed in amendment by governor and council appointing undeclared, rare occurrence, even if switch parties uses original election party.
HB1396 2026-0984H: Representative C Information Only01:02:07.240 - 10:00:54 AM; Confirms for minor party like pine tree party, governor appoints unaffiliated or undeclared, rare as non-Dem/Rep rarely elected, references past write-in as Democrat.
HB1396 2026-0984H: Representative Ward Information Only01:02:07.240 - 10:00:54 AM; Raises point on registration vs nomination for write-in unaffiliated nominated as Democrat.
HB1396 2026-0984H: Representative (Unnamed) Support01:02:07.240 - 10:00:54 AM; Suggests fast filing OTS amendment to cover gap on registered or nominated, avoids floor amendment.
HB1396 2026-0984H: Representative C Information Only01:02:07.240 - 10:00:54 AM; Clarifies intent for Luno rule case, suggests adding 'or nominated' to language on page two line 10.
HB1396 2026-0984H: Chair Information Only01:02:07.240 - 10:00:54 AM; Asks Rep C to file OTS amendment quickly or do floor amendment, recesses on HB 1396.
HB1396 2026-0984H: Representative Newsom Oppose01:17:07.240 - 10:15:54 AM; Argues special elections take too long, but solution is to shorten delay not cancel elections, bill removes people's voice, wrong message to cancel elections.
HB1396 2026-0984H: Unnamed Representative (Sponsor?) Support01:17:07.240 - 10:15:54 AM; Notes special elections only if town requests, towns already can choose not to, bill kicks in upon no request, discusses multi-town districts where one town's request burdens others financially.
HB1396 2026-0984H: Representative Newsom Information Only01:17:07.240 - 10:15:54 AM; Concedes if statute allows towns to not request, accepts but prefers allowing towns to choose election or appointment.
HB1396 2026-0984H: Representative C Support01:17:07.240 - 10:15:54 AM; Points out federal 45-day requirement for overseas ballots causes delay, can't avoid.
HB1396 2026-0984H: Representative Kosofsky Support01:17:07.240 - 10:15:54 AM; Notes consistency with town selectboard replacements for vacancies, brings consistency and timely representation.
HB1396 2026-0984H: Representative Gilmore Oppose01:17:07.240 - 10:15:54 AM; Leery of appointed reps without will of people, it's party will, not right road.
HB1418 2026-0971H: Representative (Sponsor) Support01:17:07.240 - 10:15:54 AM; Explains amendment adds three words to clarify 15% of voters must vote yes in majority for new spending in SB2 towns and schools, safeguard against small minority raising taxes on majority in low turnout elections like snow days.
HB1418 2026-0971H: Clerk Vote01:17:07.240 - 10:15:54 AM; Calls roll on amendment: Yes votes from Qualey, Prudhoe-Morayan, Weary, Wood, C, Kosowski, Orrs; No from Lane, Ward, Gilmore, Muirhead, Bay, Newsom, Leischman, Ebel; Chair yes. Amendment carries 9-8.
HB1418 2026-0971H: Representative (Sponsor) Support01:17:07.240 - 10:15:54 AM; Moves Ought to Pass as amended.
HB1418 2026-0971H: Clerk Vote01:17:07.240 - 10:15:54 AM; Roll call on Ought to Pass as amended: Similar yes/no, carries 9-8.
HB590 2025-2934H: Chair Support01:32:06.333 - 10:30:53 AM; Moves Ought to Pass on original form since recommitted, amendment not adopted on floor.
HB590 2025-2934H: Representative Qualey Support01:32:06.333 - 10:30:53 AM; Seconds motion.
HB590 2025-2934H: Chair Support01:32:06.333 - 10:30:53 AM; Moves to remove then readopt amendment 2025-2934H previously adopted.
HB590 2025-2934H: Committee Vote01:32:06.333 - 10:30:53 AM; Voice vote adopts amendment, ayes have it.
HB590 2025-2934H: Chair Support01:32:06.333 - 10:30:53 AM; Moves Ought to Pass as amended.
HB590 2025-2934H: Representative Lane Oppose01:32:06.333 - 10:30:53 AM; Was not present originally, no public hearing or discussion, recommitted for that reason, votes against bills without understanding or hearing.
HB590 2025-2934H: Representative Newsom Oppose01:32:06.333 - 10:30:53 AM; Bill removes or overrides existing contract agreements in cooperative school districts without adequate protection.
HB590 2025-2934H: Clerk Vote01:32:06.333 - 10:30:53 AM; Roll call on Ought to Pass as amended: Yes from most, No from Lane, Ward, Gilmore, Muirhead, Bay, Newsom, Leishman, Ebel; carries (implied 9-8).
HB590 2025-2934H: Committee Vote01:32:06.333 - 10:30:53 AM; Motion to reconsider passes (transcription note), then second roll call similar, carries 9-8.
HB686 2026-0972H: Chair Support01:47:06.333 - 10:45:53 AM; Moves Ought to Pass, then amendment 2026-0972H.
HB686 2026-0972H: Representative (Sponsor) Support01:47:06.333 - 10:45:53 AM; Explains amendment bans surveys/polls/questionnaires by public bodies/employees on candidates/parties/measures while in official capacity, exception for academic research, leaves existing misdemeanor statute, argues inappropriate for taxpayer-funded entities, should be private groups.
HB686 2026-0972H: Representative Lane Information Only01:47:06.333 - 10:45:53 AM; Recalls prior veto on similar bill, asks if worked with governor's office on concerns like police chiefs advocating.
HB686 2026-0972H: Representative (Sponsor) Information Only01:47:06.333 - 10:45:53 AM; Confirms spoke with governor's office, concern was absentee ballot conflict and protecting advocacy like cruisers, decides to focus only on banning surveys.
HB686 2026-0972H: Representative Wery Support01:47:06.333 - 10:45:53 AM; Adds to school discussion, potential influence on eligible high school voters in election practices.
HB686 2026-0972H: Clerk Vote01:47:06.333 - 10:45:53 AM; Voice vote adopts amendment, ayes have it. Then roll call on Ought to Pass as amended: Yes from all except possibly, carries 17-0 (transcription error on bill no to 1667).
HB1695 2026-0476H: Chair Support01:47:06.333 - 10:45:53 AM; Remakes motion Ought to Pass, moves amendment 2026-0476H replacing with OLS markup of amendment.
HB1695 2026-0476H: Chair Support01:47:06.333 - 10:45:53 AM; Explains amendment uses bold for new, strikeout for removed, neutral way, better than current plain print, step forward though not original intent.
HB1695 2026-0476H: Representative Lane Information Only01:47:06.333 - 10:45:53 AM; As sponsor, notes strikeouts/bold may confuse public, torn as current system problematic, suggests road test, mentions related website bill compromise.
HB1695 2026-0476H: Chair Support01:47:06.333 - 10:45:53 AM; Acknowledges concern, offers to add explanation on form, brought as good faith to save bill.
HB1695 2026-0476H: Representative Lane Support01:47:06.333 - 10:45:53 AM; Inclined to vote for it as improvement, votes conscience.
HB1695 2026-0476H: Representative Quick Support01:47:06.333 - 10:45:53 AM; Confident in public understanding, merits: unassailably objective, no interpretation.
HB1695 2026-0476H: Unnamed Representative Information Only01:47:06.333 - 10:45:53 AM; Voted to keep register of probate, wants office back.
HB1695 2026-0476H: Committee Vote01:47:06.333 - 10:45:53 AM; Voice vote adopts amendment, ayes. Roll call Ought to Pass as amended: Yes 16, No 1 (Neerhen), carries.
HB1223: Representative Weary Oppose02:02:06.333 - 11:00:53 AM; Moves Inexpedient to Legislate, notes potential constitutional issue with moderator's sole duty, bill doesn't resolve, adds confusion; RSA 659:9-a gives Secretary of State resolution authority; needs further examination, suggests additional testing.
HB1223: Clerk Vote02:02:06.333 - 11:00:53 AM; Roll call Inexpedient: All yes, 17-0.
HB1234 2026-0744h: Representative Lane Support02:02:06.333 - 11:00:53 AM; Moves Ought to Pass, then as amended by 2026-0744h.
HB1234 2026-0744h: Representative Weary Support02:02:06.333 - 11:00:53 AM; Seconds.
HB1234 2026-0744h: Committee Vote02:02:06.333 - 11:00:53 AM; Voice vote adopts amendment. Roll call Ought to Pass as amended: 17-0.
HB1266: Representative Wood Support02:02:06.333 - 11:00:53 AM; Moves Ought to Pass.
HB1266: Representative Qualey Support02:02:06.333 - 11:00:53 AM; Seconds.
HB1266: Clerk Vote02:02:06.333 - 11:00:53 AM; Roll call: 17-0.
HB1325: Representative Weary Support02:02:06.333 - 11:00:53 AM; Moves Ought to Pass.
HB1325: Representative Lane Support02:02:06.333 - 11:00:53 AM; Seconds.
HB1325: Representative Ward Information Only02:02:06.333 - 11:00:53 AM; Comments that analysis does not match what bill does.
HB1325: Clerk Vote02:02:06.333 - 11:00:53 AM; Roll call: 17-0.
HB1342: Representative Lane Oppose02:02:06.333 - 11:00:53 AM; Moves Inexpedient to Legislate.
HB1342: Unnamed Oppose02:02:06.333 - 11:00:53 AM; Seconds.
HB1342: Clerk Vote02:02:06.333 - 11:00:53 AM; Roll call: 17-0.
HB1366: Representative Wood Support02:02:06.333 - 11:00:53 AM; Moves Ought to Pass.
HB1366: Representative Qualey Support02:02:06.333 - 11:00:53 AM; Seconds.
HB1342: Committee Chair Vote02:17:06.333 - 11:15:53 AM; Announces that bill 1342 is closed and inquires if that concludes the business for the day.
HB1306: Representative Lane Information Only02:17:20.000 - 11:16:07 AM; Raises a concern regarding bill 1306.
HB1306: Committee Chair Information Only02:17:25.000 - 11:16:12 AM; Responds to Representative Lane, stating that she can send the information via email and that anyone can submit a minority report. Confirms the discussion is about bill 1306. Asks if there are any other concerns for committee business. Thanks the substitute members for attending. Notes that it is very doubtful the committee will meet next week but reserves the right to do so, mentioning four Senate bills and the intent to limit hearing days to avoid unnecessary travel to Concord. Confirms there are four Senate bills currently. Adjourns the session, stating they will see everyone on Thursday and that the session is closed.

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	Aures, Cyril(R)[B+]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