HB 1442-FN (2026): permitting classification of individuals based on biological sex under certain limited circumstances.

HB 1442-FN (2026)

permitting classification of individuals based on biological sex under certain limited circumstances.

• Status: Vetoed, override failed
• Term: 2025-2026
• House committee: Judiciary
• Senate committee: Judiciary
• Subject: Discrimination

The Story

It was introduced on January 7, 2026 and referred to the House Judiciary committee. The committee held a public hearing on February 20, 2026, with 677 people signed in online: 17 in support and 660 in opposition. The committee met in executive session on February 20, 2026 to vote on its recommendation. The committee voted unanimously, 17–0, to recommend that the House study it after the session ends, and the report was placed on the consent calendar. On March 5, 2026 the House adopted “Special Order to the next order of business” on a division vote 191–158, on a motion by Rep. Jim Kofalt. On March 5, 2026 the House failed “Lay HB1442 on Table” on a roll call 163–186, on a motion by Rep. Alice Wade. On March 5, 2026 the House rejected a motion to study it after the session ends on a roll call 163–182. A floor amendment (2026-1054h), offered by Rep. Erica Layon, was adopted on a roll call 183–162 on March 5, 2026, changing the text of the bill. On March 5, 2026 the House voted to pass it with changes on a roll call 181–164. It crossed to the Senate on March 5, 2026 and was referred to the Senate Judiciary committee. The committee held a public hearing on April 2, 2026. The committee voted 3–2 to recommend that the Senate pass it with changes (amendment 2026-1384s). The committee's amendment (2026-1384s) was adopted on a voice vote on April 16, 2026, changing the text of the bill. On April 16, 2026 the Senate voted to pass it with changes and ordered it to a third reading. On May 21, 2026 the House adopted “House Concurs with Senate Amendment 2026-1384s” on a roll call 184–155, on a motion by Rep. Bob Lynn. The bill was enrolled on June 4, 2026 — the final check of the text before it goes to the governor. The governor vetoed it on July 15, 2026. The legislature can override a veto with a two-thirds vote in both chambers. On August 19, 2026 the House voted 165–149 on overriding the governor's veto on a roll call, and the veto was sustained, failing to meet the two thirds threshold.

Sponsors

• Rep. Erica Layon (R - Rock 13) (prime sponsor)
• Sen. Kevin Avard (R - SD12)
• Rep. Liz Barbour (R - Hills 35)
• Sen. Regina Birdsell (R - SD19)
• Rep. Sayra DeVito (R - Rock 8)
• Sen. Bill Gannon (R - SD23)
• Rep. David Love (R - Rock 13)
• Rep. Lisa Mazur (R - Hills 44)
• Rep. Linda McGrath (R - Rock 40)
• Rep. Katy Peternel (R - Carr 6)
• Rep. Daniel Popovici-Muller (R - Rock 17)
• Rep. Sherri Reinfurt (R - Hills 29)
• Rep. Matt Sabourin dit Choinière (R - Rock 30)

Hearings and Sessions

• February 20, 2026, 11:00 AM: public hearing, House Judiciary, GP 231
• February 20, 2026, 11:00 AM: executive session, House Judiciary, GP 231
• March 5, 2026: floor debate, House
• April 2, 2026, 1:50 PM: hearing, Senate Judiciary, SH 100
• April 16, 2026: floor debate, Senate
• May 21, 2026: floor debate, House
• August 19, 2026: floor debate, House

Votes

• March 5, 2026, House: Special Order to the next order of business — yeas 191, nays 158, passed
• March 5, 2026, House: Lay on Table — yeas 163, nays 186, failed
• March 5, 2026, House: Interim Study — yeas 163, nays 182, failed
• March 5, 2026, House: Adopt Floor Amendment — yeas 183, nays 162, passed
• March 5, 2026, House: Ought to Pass with Amendment — yeas 181, nays 164, passed
• April 16, 2026, Senate: Ought to Pass with Amendment — yeas 15, nays 8, passed
• May 21, 2026, House: Concur — yeas 184, nays 155, passed
• August 19, 2026, House: Veto Override — yeas 165, nays 149, failed

The Docket

Laws It Would Change

• RSA 354-A:1
• RSA 354-A

Related Bills

• SB 268 (2026): permitting classification of individuals based on biological sex under certain limited circumstances.
• SB 562-FN (2024): relative to state recognition of biological sex.
• SB 552 (2026): permitting classification of individuals based on biological sex under certain limited circumstances.
• SB 268 (2026): permitting classification of individuals based on biological sex under certain limited circumstances.
• SB 38-FN (2025): relative to state recognition of biological sex.

From the General Court

• Bill text
• Bill status page
• Docket
• HJ 1, page 20
• HC 9, page 18
• HJ 6, pages 2, 95, 99 and 102
• SJ 6
• SC 12
• SC 14
• SJ 9
• HJ 14, page 18
• SJ 14
• HJ 15, page 52
• HJ 16, page 36
• This page’s data as JSON