Capitol Insight: Weekly Legislative Update 4/24/26
T
he House and Senate were both in session this week as final legislative deadlines rapidly approach. Each chamber continued its work on proposed legislation, advancing bills through committee in preparation for consideration before mid-May.
Housing Champion Program Receives Bipartisan Support
In February, the House of Representatives voted to repeal the state’s Housing Champion Program and this week, it was the Senate’s turn to consider the proposal. This initiative is designed to encourage municipalities to adopt zoning and land use reforms that support new housing development. Supporters of the repeal argued that policies directly resulting in the construction of housing are more effective than the existing program, which they characterized as imposing significant administrative costs without delivering sufficient benefits. Opponents, however, contended that the Housing Champion Program is one of the state’s most effective tools to expand housing supply. The proposal faced broad opposition in the Senate committee, with housing advocates urging the Senate to reject the measure. Ultimately, without debate, the Senate unanimously voted to defeat the legislation, thereby leaving the Housing Champion Program in place.
Open Enrollment Put on Hold
The New Hampshire House of Representatives put the brakes on a Republican backed proposal on Thursday that would have established a statewide public school open enrollment policy, allowing parents to enroll their children in any public school in the state, regardless of residence. The committee amendment sought to create a funding structure administered through the Department of Education and Education Trust Fund, while keeping local property taxes with the student’s resident district. Supporters asserted that the bill would expand school choice while preserving local control. Opponents, however, warned that the policy would primarily benefit higher-income families with the means to transport their children to other districts and create capacity issues for certain school systems. The bill
was ultimately tabled after failing to secure sufficient support for passage. Similar language has already been adopted by both bodies and awaits a conference committee, where the Senate will likely attempt to incorporate some additional measures before session comes to a close.
BET Tax Reform
The Senate Ways and Means Committee amended a House proposal this week that would have further reduced the Business Enterprise Tax (BET). The committee cited concerns about state revenues, with estimates showing a broad tax cut could reduce collections by $25 million. As amended, the bill would raise the BET filing threshold from $298,000 to $350,000, providing targeted relief to smaller businesses while limiting the fiscal impact to the state. Supporters argued that the new proposal is a more targeted approach that would only reduce revenues by $2 million while exempting 2,000 New Hampshire small businesses from future tax filing and payment obligations. In light of ongoing uncertainty surrounding revenue forecasts, the Senate has taken a more cautious approach to tax reductions while the House continues to support a broader BET cut. If the Senate Ways and Means recommendation is adopted, the bill is likely to go to a committee of conference where the differences between the two chambers will be hashed out.
Week Ahead
While February school recess was relatively quiet at the State House, the same is not expected for the April break. With only three weeks remaining to act on
pending legislation, committees are facing increasing pressure to meet critical deadlines. Neither chamber will convene in session.
About Rath, Young and Pignatelli
Capitol Insight is produced with the support of the Chamber’s government relations consultant: Rath, Young and Pignatelli (RYP). RYP merges traditional legal practice areas with legislative and public policy expertise. They have earned a reputation for achieving client success through skillful and creative advocacy in private party negotiations, before courts, regulatory agencies, and legislatures.
Their professionals are leaders in key sectors of the economy where business and government intersect including business and finance, energy, tax, health care, environmental, and insurance.
About The Greater Manchester Chamber
Incorporated in 1911, the Greater Manchester Chamber (GMC) is the largest business organization in New Hampshire, focusing its efforts primarily on Manchester and the surrounding communities of Auburn, Bedford, Candia, Derry, Goffstown, Hooksett, Litchfield, Londonderry, and Merrimack. It is the Chamber’s mission to bring together business and community to enhance economic success and quality of life in our region. For more information visit www.manchester-chamber.org.
