HB 1695 (2026): preventing any guide or explanation regarding the effect of a proposed constitutional amendment from appearing on the ballot.

HB 1695 (2026)

preventing any guide or explanation regarding the effect of a proposed constitutional amendment from appearing on the ballot.

• Status: Referred for interim study
• Term: 2025-2026
• House committee: Election Law
• Senate committee: Election Law and Municipal Affairs
• Subject: Elections

The Story

It was introduced on January 7, 2026 and referred to the House Election Law committee. The committee held a public hearing on January 27, 2026, with 159 people signed in online: 152 in support and 7 in opposition. The committee met in executive session on February 3, 2026 to vote on its recommendation. The committee voted 16–1 to recommend that the House pass it with changes (amendment 2026-0476h), and the report was placed on the consent calendar. The committee's amendment (2026-0476h) 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 21, 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. Connie Lane (D - Merr 16) (prime sponsor)
• Rep. Luz Bay (D - Straf 21)
• Rep. Russell Muirhead (D - Graf 12)
• Sen. Rebecca Perkins Kwoka (D - SD21)
• Sen. Tara Reardon (D - SD15)
• Rep. Gerald Ward (D - Rock 27)

Hearings and Sessions

• January 27, 2026, 2:40 PM: public hearing, House Election Law, GP 158
• February 3, 2026, 10:10 AM: executive session, House Election Law, GP 158
• March 11, 2026: consent calendar, House
• April 21, 2026, 9:15 AM: hearing, Senate Election Law and Municipal Affairs, SH 122-123
• May 7, 2026: consent calendar, Senate

Votes

• March 11, 2026, House: Ought to Pass with Amendment 2026-0476h — voice vote, passed
• May 7, 2026, Senate: Refer to Interim Study — voice vote, passed

The Docket

Laws It Would Change

• RSA 663:3
• RSA 663:3-a

From the General Court

• Bill text
• Bill status page
• Docket
• HJ 1, page 31
• HC 10, page 15
• HJ 7, page 24
• SJ 7
• SC 15
• SC 17
• SJ 11