HB 1285 (2026): establishing a commission to study if New Hampshire may implement an R-PACER program.

HB 1285 (2026)

establishing a commission to study if New Hampshire may implement an R-PACER program.

• Status: Referred for interim study
• Term: 2025-2026
• House committee: Commerce and Consumer Affairs
• Senate committee: Commerce
• Subject: Study Committees and Commissions

The Story

It was introduced on January 7, 2026 and referred to the House Commerce and Consumer Affairs committee. The committee held a public hearing on January 28, 2026, with 6 people signed in online: 6 in support. The committee held a work session on February 18, 2026. The committee met in executive session on March 3, 2026 to vote on its recommendation. The majority recommended that the House pass it with changes (amendment 1009h), and the minority recommended that the House kill it, by a vote of 13–1. The report was placed on the regular calendar. The committee's amendment (2026-1009h) was adopted on a division vote 328–5 on March 11, 2026, changing the text of the bill. On March 11, 2026 the House voted to pass it with changes on a division vote 320–12. It crossed to the Senate on March 12, 2026 and was referred to the Senate Commerce committee. The committee held a public hearing on April 14, 2026. The committee voted unanimously, 5–0, to recommend that the Senate study it after the session ends, and the report was placed on the consent calendar. On May 7, 2026 the Senate adopted “Refer to Interim Study” on a voice vote.

Sponsors

• Rep. Chris Muns (D - Rock 29) (prime sponsor)
• Rep. Peggy Balboni (D - Rock 38)
• Rep. Nicholas Bridle (R - Rock 29)
• Rep. Will Darby (D - Hills 11)
• Rep. Michael Edgar (D - Rock 29)
• Rep. Allison Knab (D - Rock 12)
• Rep. Jim Maggiore (D - Rock 23)
• Rep. Matt Sabourin dit Choinière (R - Rock 30)
• Rep. Erica de Vries (D - Rock 29)

Hearings and Sessions

• January 28, 2026, 10:30 AM: public hearing, House Commerce and Consumer Affairs, GP 229
• February 18, 2026, 2:00 PM: full committee work session, House Commerce and Consumer Affairs, GP 229
• March 3, 2026, 1:00 PM: executive session, House Commerce and Consumer Affairs, GP 229
• March 11, 2026: floor debate, House
• April 14, 2026, 9:40 AM: hearing, Senate Commerce, SH 100
• May 7, 2026: consent calendar, Senate

Votes

• March 11, 2026, House: Adopt Committee Amendment — yeas 328, nays 5, passed
• March 11, 2026, House: Ought to Pass with Amendment 2026-1009h — yeas 320, nays 12, passed
• May 7, 2026, Senate: Refer to Interim Study — voice vote, passed

The Docket

Laws It Would Change

• RSA 53-F
• RSA 53-F:9

From the General Court

• Bill text
• Bill status page
• Docket
• HJ 1, page 13
• HC 10, page 31
• HJ 7, page 67
• SJ 7
• SC 13
• SC 17
• SJ 11