Capitol Insight: Weekly Legislative Update 5/1/26
B
oth legislative chambers took the week off from session during New Hampshire school vacation week. Committees, however, continued to deliberate on final proposals in preparation for floor consideration ahead of the May 14th deadline to act on all bills. The Legislature has now entered a critical stretch as it works to complete action on remaining legislation.
Quiet? Anything But
The week began with a notable political development as Claremont Mayor and State Representative Dale Girard announced a change in party affiliation from Democrat to Republican. Governor Kelly Ayotte further announced that she had directed the Attorney General’s Office to investigate Vail Resorts following allegations that the company improperly applied a sales tax to Epic Pass purchases associated with New Hampshire ski areas. In the ongoing vehicle inspection fight, New Hampshire came away victorious after a federal judge denied a request by Gordon Darby to hold the state in contempt over the termination of the vehicle inspection program. Additionally, a member of the House appeared before the House Legislative Administration Committee as lawmakers consider possible disciplinary measures in response to controversial social media activity. As the 2026 legislative session enters the final stretch, the coming weeks are expected to remain chock full of activity.
Campus Safety Policy Revisions
The Senate Judiciary Committee voted on Thursday to amend legislation that originally sought to ban any New Hampshire college or university from prohibiting firearms on campuses across the state. As amended, the bill now authorizes students, faculty, and campus visitors to possess, store, or carry nonlethal weapons, while removing the broader provisions related to guns. The proposal now also establishes a study committee to evaluate firearm policies on public college and university campuses and to provide recommendations for future legislative consideration. Proponents of the Senate’s revisions contend that the amendment represents a more measured approach while still addressing concerns about the right to self-defense. Opponents, however, believe that the changes may compromise campus safety and undermine the authority of higher education institutions to establish their own campus safety policies. The committee recommended the amended bill for passage along party lines. A legislative priority for House Republicans, the Senate’s action is expected to set the stage for a highprofile showdown between the two chambers.
Tip Pooling
This week also saw the convening of an April Committee of Conference, a relatively rare occurrence, as members of the House and Senate met to reconcile differing versions of a major energy reform bill. The legislation had advanced through the House more than a year ago, with the Senate passing its version in January. Negotiators were able to reach agreement on a deal containing several key provisions. The compromise authorizes electric utilities to issue requests for proposals for long-term purchased power agreements across all energy sources, now expanded to include advanced nuclear technologies. The agreement also eliminates the proposed community solar power expansion, grandfathers existing municipal net metering project rates for a 20-year period and establishes a revised threshold for distinguishing between small and large net metering customer generators at 250 kilowatts, rather than the previously proposed 500 kilowatt increase opposed by the Governor. Both chambers are expected to have sufficient time to sign off on the report before both bodies need to vote on approving the final negotiated settlement.
Week Ahead
The upcoming week represents the penultimate opportunity for the Legislature to take action on remaining bills. Committee activity will intensify as members work to resolve outstanding issues by Thursday’s deadline. Ongoing negotiations are expected to continue behind the scenes, as many of the remaining matters involve complex policy considerations requiring compromise. Both legislative chambers are scheduled to convene in session on Thursday.
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.
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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.
