HB 1003 (2026): prohibiting the Grafton county attorney from engaging in the private practice of law.

HB 1003 (2026)

prohibiting the Grafton county attorney from engaging in the private practice of law.

• Status: Signed into law
• Term: 2025-2026
• House committee: Municipal and County Government
• Senate committee: Judiciary
• Subject: Counties
• Chapter law: 117

The Story

It was introduced on January 7, 2026 and referred to the House Municipal and County Government committee. The committee held a public hearing on January 13, 2026, with 8 people signed in online: 2 in support and 6 in opposition. The committee met in executive session on January 13, 2026 to vote on its recommendation. The committee voted unanimously, 14–0, to recommend that the House pass it, and the report was placed on the consent calendar. On February 5, 2026 the House voted to pass it on a voice vote. It crossed to the Senate on February 5, 2026 and was referred to the Senate Judiciary committee. The committee held a public hearing on April 7, 2026. The committee voted unanimously, 5–0, to recommend that the Senate pass it, and the report was placed on the consent calendar. On April 23, 2026 the Senate voted to pass it on a voice vote and ordered it to a third reading. The bill was enrolled on May 14, 2026 — the final check of the text before it goes to the governor. The governor signed it on June 5, 2026, making it Chapter 117 of the session laws.

Sponsors

• Rep. Donald McFarlane (R - Graf 18) (prime sponsor)
• Rep. Joseph Barton (R - Graf 1)
• Rep. Lex Berezhny (R - Graf 11)
• Rep. Marie Louise Bjelobrk (R - Graf 5)
• Rep. Linda Franz (R - Graf 6)
• Rep. Joseph Guthrie (R - Rock 15)
• Rep. Bob Lynn (R - Rock 17)
• Rep. Diane Pauer (R - Hills 36)
• Rep. John Sellers (R - Graf 10)
• Rep. Jordan Ulery (R - Hills 13)

Hearings and Sessions

• January 13, 2026, 10:30 AM: public hearing, House Municipal and County Government, GP 154
• January 13, 2026, 10:30 AM: executive session, House Municipal and County Government, GP 154
• February 5, 2026: consent calendar, House
• April 7, 2026, 1:20 PM: hearing, Senate Judiciary, SH 100
• April 23, 2026: consent calendar, Senate

Votes

• February 5, 2026, House: Ought to Pass — voice vote, passed
• April 23, 2026, Senate: Ought to Pass — voice vote, passed

The Docket

Laws It Would Change

• RSA 7

From the General Court

• Bill text
• Bill status page
• Docket
• HJ 1, page 2
• HC 5, page 9
• HJ 3, page 13
• SJ 4
• SC 13
• SC 15A
• SJ 10
• SJ 13
• HJ 13, page 154