HB 1298 (2026): relative to the disposal of electronic ballot counting device external memory devices.

HB 1298 (2026)

relative to the disposal of electronic ballot counting device external memory devices.

• Status: Signed into law
• Term: 2025-2026
• House committee: Election Law
• Senate committee: Election Law and Municipal Affairs
• Subject: Elections
• Chapter law: 162

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 4 people signed in online: 2 in support and 2 in opposition. The committee met in executive session on February 10, 2026 and February 17, 2026. The committee voted unanimously, 16–0, to recommend that the House pass it with changes (amendment 2026-0603h), and the report was placed on the consent calendar. The committee's amendment (2026-0603h) was adopted on a voice vote on March 11, 2026, changing the text of the bill. On March 11, 2026 the House voted to pass it with changes 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, 5–0, to recommend that the Senate pass it with changes (amendment 2026-1507s), and the report was placed on the consent calendar. The committee's amendment (2026-1507s) was adopted on a voice vote on April 23, 2026, changing the text of the bill. On April 23, 2026 the Senate voted to pass it with changes on a voice vote and ordered it to a third reading. On May 7, 2026 the House adopted “House Concurs with Senate Amendment 2026-1507s” on a voice vote, on a motion by Rep. Ross Berry. 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 June 19, 2026, making it Chapter 162 of the session laws.

Sponsors

• Rep. Ross Berry (R - Hills 44) (prime sponsor)

Hearings and Sessions

• February 3, 2026, 3:00 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 11, 2026: floor debate, House
• April 1, 2026, 1:30 PM: hearing, Senate Election Law and Municipal Affairs, SH 103
• April 23, 2026: consent calendar, Senate
• May 7, 2026: floor debate, House

Votes

• March 11, 2026, House: Ought to Pass with Amendment 2026-0603h — voice vote, passed
• April 23, 2026, Senate: Ought to Pass with Amendment # 2026-1507s — voice vote, passed
• May 7, 2026, House: House Concurs with Senate Amendment 2026-1507s — voice vote, passed

The Docket

Laws It Would Change

• RSA 33-A:3-a

From the General Court

• Bill text
• Bill status page
• Docket
• HJ 1, page 14
• HC 10, page 14
• HJ 7, page 22
• SJ 7
• SC 12
• SC 15
• SJ 10
• HJ 12, page 4
• SJ 14
• HJ 15, page 43