HB 626 (2025): directing the secretary of state to implement a vulnerability disclosure program for certain election systems.

HB 626 (2025)

directing the secretary of state to implement a vulnerability disclosure program for certain election systems.

• Status: Signed into law
• Term: 2025-2026
• House committee: Election Law
• Senate committee: Election Law and Municipal Affairs
• Subject: Elections
• Chapter law: 200

The Story

It was introduced on January 9, 2025 and referred to the House Election Law committee. The committee held a public hearing on January 28, 2025, with 9 people signed in online: 4 in support and 5 in opposition. The committee met in executive session on February 4, 2025 to vote on its recommendation. The committee voted unanimously, 17–0, to recommend that the House pass it with changes (amendment 2025-0217h), and the report was placed on the consent calendar. The committee's amendment (0217h) was adopted on a voice vote on February 13, 2025, changing the text of the bill. On February 13, 2025 the House voted to pass it with changes on a voice vote. It crossed to the Senate on March 6, 2025 and was referred to the Senate Election Law and Municipal Affairs committee. The committee held a public hearing on April 15, 2025. The committee voted unanimously, 5–0, to recommend that the Senate pass it with changes (amendment 2025-1696s), and the report was placed on the consent calendar. The committee's amendment (2025-1696s) was adopted on a voice vote on May 1, 2025, changing the text of the bill. On May 1, 2025 the Senate voted to pass it with changes on a voice vote and ordered it to a third reading. On June 12, 2025 the House adopted “House Concurs with Senate Amendment 2025-1696s” on a voice vote, on a motion by Rep. Ross Berry. The bill was enrolled on June 26, 2025 — the final check of the text before it goes to the governor. The governor signed it on July 15, 2025, making it Chapter 200 of the session laws.

Sponsors

• Rep. Donald McFarlane (R - Graf 18) (prime sponsor)
• Rep. James Spillane (R - Rock 2)
• Sen. Keith Murphy (R - SD16)
• Rep. Katelyn Kuttab (R - Rock 17)
• Rep. Daniel Popovici-Muller (R - Rock 17)

Hearings and Sessions

• January 28, 2025, 11:20 AM: public hearing, House Election Law, LOB 306-308
• February 4, 2025, 10:10 AM: executive session, House Election Law, LOB 306-308
• February 13, 2025: consent calendar, House
• April 15, 2025, 10:30 AM: hearing, Senate Election Law and Municipal Affairs, LOB 103
• May 1, 2025: consent calendar, Senate
• June 12, 2025: floor debate, House

Votes

• February 13, 2025, House: Ought to Pass with Amendment 2025-0217h — voice vote, passed
• May 1, 2025, Senate: Ought to Pass with Amendment #2025-1696s — voice vote, passed
• June 12, 2025, House: House Concurs with Senate Amendment 2025-1696s — voice vote, passed

The Docket

Laws It Would Change

• RSA 652:23

From the General Court

• Bill text
• Bill status page
• Docket
• HC 11, page 5
• SC 17
• SC 19