Committee Summary for Senate Judiciary (01/27/2026)

Bill/Time	Type	Title	Sponsor
SB55 00:05:46.560 - 12:05:02 PM	Public Hearing	providing temporary exemptions from the land use change tax for qualifying housing projects.	Lang, Timothy(R)[B-]2025
SB556 00:14:09.040 - 12:13:25 PM	Public Hearing	including syringes and similar medical devices in the definition of special waste for purposes of solid waste management and making the disposal of such special waste a felony.	Murphy, Keith(R)[A]2025
SB462 00:22:06.400 - 12:21:22 PM	Public Hearing	relative to the right of therapeutic cannabis patients to purchase, possess, and transfer firearms in accordance with state law.	Murphy, Keith(R)[A]2025
SB623 00:50:58.880 - 12:50:14 PM	Public Hearing	relative to requirements for law enforcement officers assisting in immigration enforcement.	Altschiller, Debra(D)[CT]2025
Unclear 02:32:10.800 - 2:31:26 PM	Executive Session	Unclear
Unclear 02:49:14.000 - 2:48:30 PM	Executive Session	Unclear
SB512 02:52:32.640 - 2:51:48 PM	Executive Session	relative to fees to annul criminal records related to charges that do not result in conviction.	Murphy, Keith(R)[A]2025

SB55: Senator Keith Murphy (Goffstown, Hooksett, Candia, Raymond, North Manchester) Support00:05:46.560 - 12:05:02 PM; Senator Murphy testified as the prime sponsor, highlighting the severe issue of discarded needles in Manchester streets, playgrounds, and parks, sharing personal photos of littered syringes and drug paraphernalia. He explained that organizations distribute about 1,450 needles daily in Manchester alone, leading to public safety hazards for residents, especially children. The bill upgrades improper disposal of syringes by individuals from a misdemeanor to a class B felony, aligning it with penalties for companies. He emphasized that used needles pose dangers due to bodily fluids and drugs, and this measure addresses community concerns without affecting legitimate medical waste definitions.
SB556: Senator Keith Murphy (Goffstown, Hooksett, Candia, Raymond, North Manchester) Support00:14:09.040 - 12:13:25 PM; Senator Murphy shared a personal story of being wrongfully charged and acquitted, describing the emotional and financial toll, including legal fees draining savings and a permanent mugshot online. He criticized the current $100 fee to annul such records as adding insult to injury, arguing there is no justification for charging innocent individuals. The bill eliminates this fee for petitions where no conviction occurred, ensuring the justice system does not further burden the wrongly accused.
SB462: Senator Keith Murphy (Goffstown, Hooksett, Candia, Raymond, North Manchester) Support00:22:06.400 - 12:21:22 PM; As the sponsor, Senator Murphy presented a concise one-sentence bill affirming that qualifying patients using therapeutic cannabis retain their rights to purchase, possess, and transfer firearms under New Hampshire law. He noted New Hampshire's established policy allowing medical cannabis since 2010, arguing it should not restrict constitutional rights like firearm ownership, unlike regulated activities such as commercial driving. The bill serves as a clarification to prevent any potential restrictions based on prescribed cannabis use.
SB462: Nathaniel Guran, Executive Director of New Hampshire Cannabis Party and CEO of NH Cannabis LLC Support00:25:43.919 - 12:24:59 PM; Nathaniel Guran testified in support of SB 462, emphasizing New Hampshire's strong protection of Second Amendment rights and the conflict with federal law on cannabis. He noted that while states have legalized cannabis in defiance of federal law, users face federal prohibitions on firearms possession. The bill would provide state-level protection similar to cannabis legalization, offering comfort to medical cannabis patients without expanding the program. He discussed the ATF's recent interim final rule redefining 'unlawful user' to habitual or addictive use, reducing prosecution risks. Guran highlighted low prosecution rates and how the bill addresses patient concerns, potentially increasing participation in the medical program. He addressed questions on federal preemption, dealer liabilities, and applicability to recreational users, clarifying the bill's focus on qualified patients and its alignment with federal changes.
SB462: Lieutenant Mary Caterburgger, New Hampshire State Police Information Only00:43:37.760 - 12:42:53 PM; Lieutenant Mary Caterburgger provided neutral testimony from the New Hampshire State Police perspective, stressing federal supremacy over state law. She explained that a medical marijuana card alone does not disqualify someone federally, but consistent use patterns would, requiring proof. Firearms dealers risk federal penalties for selling to prohibited persons, and the bill focuses on purchases but not state enforcement of federal laws. She noted that therapeutic cannabis is not federally recognized as a prescription, so regular use would likely classify users as unlawful. Questions addressed definitions of regular use, state vs. federal implications, and transfers like gifting firearms, confirming no state prohibitions exist outside federal law.
SB462: Nathaniel Guran, Executive Director of New Hampshire Cannabis Party and CEO of NH Cannabis LLC Support00:47:33.839 - 12:46:49 PM; In follow-up testimony, Nathaniel Guran clarified the ATF's new rule, stating that habitual use under a doctor's prescription would not classify someone as an unlawful user. He noted cannabis's Schedule I status prevents prescriptions, using recommendations instead, and raised questions about future Schedule III changes allowing prescriptions. He emphasized this supports the bill's protective intent for medical patients.
SB623: Deborah Altschiller, NH State Senator District 24 Support00:50:58.880 - 12:50:14 PM; Senator Altschiller testified in strong support of SB 623, emphasizing the need to protect New Hampshire's investments in law enforcement accountability amid growing participation in the federal 287G program. She highlighted the rapid adoption of memorandums of understanding between NH agencies and ICE, and concerns over federal officers concealing identities with face coverings and unmarked vehicles, as warned by the FBI in October 2025 due to impersonation risks. She referenced NH's standards in the 2020 Law Enforcement Manual, body cameras, and community policing efforts, noting that 287G places NH officers under ICE supervision, potentially requiring them to follow federal policies that diverge from state accountability norms. Altschiller cited reports from the Center for American Progress, Human Rights Watch, and incidents like shootings by ICE agents and wrongful detentions, underscoring risks to community trust and officer safety. The bill requires NH officers in 287G operations to display name or badge number, prohibit facial coverings, and not disable body cameras, aligning with existing state practices. During Q&A, she addressed concerns about undercover work, gang operations, unmarked vehicles, and policy conflicts, asserting that ICE's routine masking creates chaos and that NH policies already handle collaborations without compromising standards.
SB623: Senator Deborah Altschiller, NH State Senator District 24 Support01:20:19.440 - 1:19:35 PM; Senator Altschiller clarifies that the bill does not prevent any law enforcement agency from entering 287(g) agreements but ensures they adhere to New Hampshire's vetted policies and training, which have been reformed over decades. She emphasizes that no other federal agency requires state or municipal law enforcement to violate their policies, unlike ICE. She addresses concerns about risks to officers from gangs like Tren de Aragua, arguing that New Hampshire officers already operate openly with visible identities and body cameras, which protect both the public and officers. She highlights ICE's issues, such as covering identities and turning off cameras, and stresses the importance of maintaining community policing and public trust without compromising state standards.
SB623: David Trumbull, town of Ware Support01:33:16.639 - 1:32:32 PM; David Trumbull supports the bill for three reasons: it represents common sense policy by aligning with the widespread adoption of body cameras in New Hampshire and nationally, which increase public trust and reduce complaints and use of force; it enhances public trust for people of color who feel unsafe due to ICE operations, leading them to carry passports and withdraw from public life; and it upholds the rule of law by requiring judicial warrants and body cameras in joint operations, preventing scenarios reminiscent of pre-Revolutionary abuses. He argues that while federal policy cannot be changed, New Hampshire should insist on its practices when local officers assist ICE to maintain accountability and legitimacy.
SB623: David Holt, Somersworth NH Support01:43:11.840 - 1:42:27 PM; David Holt, a third-generation immigrant born in New Hampshire, supports SB 623 as a transparency bill that ensures state and local officers assisting in immigration enforcement do so openly with visible identification and body cameras. He argues this protects civil rights, shields officers from false allegations, and maintains state integrity. Anonymity breeds fear, reducing community cooperation and public safety, while transparency builds trust. He notes New Hampshire's tradition of open government and highlights recent wrongful deaths by immigration officers to underscore the need for training and control.
SB623: Executive Councilor Karen Yat Support01:46:14.239 - 1:45:30 PM; Executive Councilor Karen Yat supports SB 623, noting New Hampshire law requires visible name tags and that body cameras were approved for state troopers in 2021 following a governor's commission. The bill provides clarity for 287(g) agreements amid recent masked officer-involved killings that have eroded public trust. It requires identification, prohibits masks, and mandates body cameras to safeguard the public and officers, ensuring legitimacy and safety. She addresses exceptions for high-risk situations like undercover work, suggesting amendments if needed, and emphasizes public expectation of identifiable New Hampshire officers. Regarding the 13 agencies in 287(g) agreements, she argues for legislative clarity on standards, training, and uniforms to avoid ambiguity, drawing from her experience as a former Lebanon city councilor where such protocols built trust.
Unclear: Committee Members Vote02:32:10.800 - 2:31:26 PM; The committee motions to go into executive session and discusses several bills: SB 460 (loitering around schools, churches, child care facilities) passes with an ought to pass motion and consent; SB 461 (defining hemp and delta-9) passes with an ought to pass motion and consent; another bill on federal definitions passes as amended with amendment 0267; SB 463 (gun violence prevention near schools) receives an ITL motion (3-2 vote) despite support testimony noting 272 sign-ins in favor; SB 555 (red flag law for gun removal) receives an ITL motion (3-2 vote) with comments on its necessity to prevent tragedies and clear appeal process; SB 651 (legalizing marijuana) receives an ITL motion due to issues like public smoking violations and dual licensing; SB 479 (alternative treatment centers becoming for-profit) receives an ITL motion over monopoly concerns and broken nonprofit promises.
Unclear: Committee Member Information Only02:49:14.000 - 2:48:30 PM; The speaker clarifies they are discussing alternative treatment centers (ATCs) for medical marijuana, not recreational use. They note initial agreement on a small number of ATCs but increased authorizations due to constituent access issues. Changing ATCs from non-profit to for-profit would require new licensing, a complex process not suitable for a simple study committee.
Unclear: Senator Alice Information Only02:50:19.760 - 2:49:35 PM; Senator Alice discusses that shifting to recreational marijuana typically involves for-profit models due to market expansion. With only seven ATC locations and three owners, there is a monopoly risk, potential lawsuits, and viability depends on business costs. Non-profits face limitations in investments and loans. Suggests comprehensive policy and encouraging ATCs to propose a for-profit framework, possibly expanding beyond current entities.
SB512: Senator Murphy Support02:52:32.640 - 2:51:48 PM; Senator Murphy supports an interim study on the bill, arguing it should not be closed off. Notes funding and cost issues, as waiving fees impacts court administration. References past legislation from 2019 estimating $80 administrative costs for expungements. Emphasizes the work involved in annulling records, making them inaccessible, and suggests this merits further study rather than immediate action.
SB512: Mr. Leman Information Only02:55:55.680 - 2:55:11 PM; Mr. Leman explains administrative aspects, noting the bill's amendment puts the cart before the horse: petitioners must demonstrate eligibility after paying the filing fee, not before. Suggests it could be fixed but as written, it's unclear how courts would waive fees upfront without reviewing the substantive petition.
SB512: Unnamed Speaker (Court Representative) Oppose02:56:50.880 - 2:56:06 PM; The speaker argues against waiving fees without demonstration at filing, as clerks cannot determine eligibility—judges must. Compares to landlord-tenant dismissals where no additional fee is charged for administrative closure, questioning why annulment differs. Notes prosecutors don't pay filing fees for charges, and dismissals are encouraged for resolution.
SB512: Committee Chair Information Only02:52:32.640 - 2:51:48 PM; The chair facilitates discussion, votes on motions, and moves to interim study after debate on fairness, equity, and administrative burdens.

Gannon, Bill(Chairman)(R)[B-]2025	Abbas, Daryl(V Chairman)(R)[B-]2025	Carson, Sharon(R)[B]2025
Altschiller, Debra(D)[CT]2025	Reardon, Tara(D)[F]2025