HB 1187-FN (2026): relative to the time in which candidates for state representative may file their candidacy for a special election.

HB 1187-FN (2026)

relative to the time in which candidates for state representative may file their candidacy for a special election.

• Status: Signed into law
• Term: 2025-2026
• House committee: Election Law
• Senate committee: Election Law and Municipal Affairs
• Subject: Elections
• Chapter law: 293

The Story

It was introduced on January 7, 2026 and referred to the House Election Law committee. The committee held a public hearing on February 3, 2026, with 2 people signed in online: 1 in support and 1 in opposition. The committee voted unanimously, 16–0, to recommend that the House pass it, and the report was placed on the consent calendar. The committee met in executive session on February 10, 2026 and February 17, 2026. On March 5, 2026 the House voted to pass it on a voice vote. It crossed to the Senate on March 5, 2026 and was referred to the Senate Election Law and Municipal Affairs committee. The committee held a public hearing on March 31, 2026. The committee voted unanimously, 5–0, to recommend that the Senate pass it with changes (amendment 2026-1596s), and the report was placed on the consent calendar. The committee's amendment (2026-1596s) was adopted on a voice vote on May 7, 2026, changing the text of the bill. On May 7, 2026 the Senate voted to pass it with changes on a voice vote and ordered it to a third reading. On May 14, 2026 the House adopted “House Non-Concurs with Senate Amendment 2026-1596s and Requests CofC” on a voice vote, on a motion by Rep. Ross Berry. On May 14, 2026 the Senate adopted “Accedes to House Request for Committee of Conference” on a voice vote, on a motion by Sen. James Gray. A committee of conference met on May 27, 2026 to try to settle the differences between the two chambers' versions of the bill. The Senate adopted the conference report (2026-2096c) on a voice vote. On June 4, 2026 the House adopted the conference report (2026-2096c) on a voice vote. The bill was enrolled on June 4, 2026 — the final check of the text before it goes to the governor. The governor signed it on July 10, 2026, making it Chapter 293 of the session laws.

Sponsors

• Rep. Ross Berry (R - Hills 44) (prime sponsor)
• Rep. James Qualey (R - Ches 18)

Hearings and Sessions

• February 3, 2026, 1:20 PM: public hearing, House Election Law, GP 158
• February 10, 2026, 11:00 AM: executive session, House Election Law, GP 158
• February 17, 2026, 1:40 PM: executive session, House Election Law, GP 158
• March 5, 2026: consent calendar, House
• March 31, 2026, 1:15 PM: hearing, Senate Election Law and Municipal Affairs, SH 122-123
• May 7, 2026: consent calendar, Senate
• May 14, 2026: floor debate, House
• May 27, 2026, 9:50 AM: committee of conference, GP 228

Votes

• March 5, 2026, House: Ought to Pass — voice vote, passed
• May 7, 2026, Senate: Ought to Pass with Amendment # 2026-1596s — voice vote, passed
• May 14, 2026, House: House Non-Concurs with Senate Amendment 2026-1596s and Requests CofC — voice vote, passed
• May 14, 2026, Senate: Accedes to House Request for Committee of Conference — voice vote, passed
• May 29, 2026, Senate: Adopt Conference Committee Report — voice vote, passed
• June 4, 2026, House: Adopt Conference Committee Report — voice vote, passed

The Docket

Laws It Would Change

• RSA 655:81

From the General Court

• Bill text
• Bill status page
• Docket
• HJ 1, page 9
• HC 9, page 13
• HJ 6, page 14
• SJ 6
• SC 12
• SC 17
• SJ 11
• HJ 13, page 151
• SJ 13
• HJ 14, page 35
• SJ 14
• HJ 15, pages 12 and 56
• SJ 15