HB 1247 (2026): requiring the secretary of state to create, post on the secretary of state's website, and otherwise distribute notice of proposed constitutional amendments.

HB 1247 (2026)

requiring the secretary of state to create, post on the secretary of state's website, and otherwise distribute notice of proposed constitutional amendments.

• Status: Signed into law
• Term: 2025-2026
• House committee: Election Law
• Senate committee: Election Law and Municipal Affairs
• Subject: Elections
• Chapter law: 91

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 131 people signed in online: 127 in support and 4 in opposition. The committee met in executive session on March 3, 2026 to vote on its recommendation. The committee voted unanimously, 17–0, to recommend that the House pass it, and the report was placed on the consent calendar. On March 11, 2026 the House voted to pass it on a voice vote. It crossed to the Senate on March 12, 2026 and was referred to the Senate Election Law and Municipal Affairs committee. The committee held a public hearing on April 1, 2026. The committee voted unanimously, 4–0, to recommend that the Senate pass it, and the report was placed on the consent calendar. On April 9, 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 May 28, 2026, making it Chapter 91 of the session laws.

Sponsors

• Rep. Robert Wherry (R - Hills 13) (prime sponsor)
• Rep. Claudine Burnham (R - Straf 2)
• Rep. Donald McFarlane (R - Graf 18)
• Rep. Linda McGrath (R - Rock 40)
• Rep. Mary Murphy (R - Hills 27)
• Rep. Clayton Wood (R - Merr 13)

Hearings and Sessions

• February 3, 2026, 2:20 PM: public hearing, House Election Law, GP 158
• March 3, 2026, 10:00 AM: executive session, House Election Law, GP 158
• March 11, 2026: consent calendar, House
• April 1, 2026, 1:15 PM: hearing, Senate Election Law and Municipal Affairs, SH 103
• April 9, 2026: consent calendar, Senate

Votes

• March 11, 2026, House: Ought to Pass — voice vote, passed
• April 9, 2026, Senate: Ought to Pass — voice vote, passed

The Docket

Laws It Would Change

• RSA 663

From the General Court

• Bill text
• Bill status page
• Docket
• HJ 1, page 12
• HC 10, page 14
• HJ 7, page 21
• SJ 7
• SC 12
• SC 13
• SJ 8
• SJ 13
• HJ 13, page 147