HB 266 (2026): relative to structural changes to the department of energy and creating a limited exemption from parental consent required for certain recordings under the parental bill of rights and relative to the effect of murder on a decedent's estate.

HB 266 (2026)

relative to structural changes to the department of energy and creating a limited exemption from parental consent required for certain recordings under the parental bill of rights and relative to the effect of murder on a decedent's estate.

• Status: Signed into law
• Term: 2025-2026
• House committee: Science, Technology and Energy
• Senate committee: Executive Departments and Administration
• Subject: Energy and Utilities
• Chapter law: 4

The Story

It was introduced on January 8, 2025 and referred to the House Executive Departments and Administration committee. The House withdrew that referral and sent the bill to the Science, Technology and Energy committee instead. The committee held a public hearing on March 3, 2025, with 10 people signed in online: 3 in support and 7 in opposition. The committee held a work session on March 10, 2025. The committee met in executive session on March 10, 2025 to vote on its recommendation. The committee retained the bill, holding it for further work rather than reporting it out this year. The committee held a work session on October 14, 2025. The committee met in executive session on October 14, 2025 to vote on its recommendation. The committee voted unanimously, 17–0, to recommend that the House pass it with changes (amendment 2025-2998h), and the report was placed on the consent calendar. The committee's amendment (2025-2998h) was adopted on a voice vote on January 7, 2026, changing the text of the bill. On January 7, 2026 the House voted to pass it with changes on a voice vote. It crossed to the Senate on January 29, 2026 and was referred to the Senate Executive Departments and Administration committee. The committee held a public hearing on February 11, 2026. The committee voted unanimously, 3–0, to recommend that the Senate pass it. A floor amendment (2026-0719s), offered by Sen. Regina Birdsell, was adopted on a voice vote on February 19, 2026, changing the text of the bill. A floor amendment (2026-0720s), offered by Sen. Regina Birdsell, was adopted on a voice vote on February 19, 2026, changing the text of the bill. On February 19, 2026 the Senate voted to pass it with changes on a voice vote and ordered it to a third reading. On February 19, 2026 the Senate adopted “Without Objection, the Clerk is authorized to make technical and administrative corrections which are necessary to reflect the intent of the Senate”. On February 19, 2026 the House adopted “House Concurs with Senate Amendment 2026-0719s and 2026-0720s” on a voice vote, on a motion by Rep. Vose. The bill was enrolled on February 19, 2026 — the final check of the text before it goes to the governor. The governor signed it on March 3, 2026, making it Chapter 4 of the session laws.

Sponsors

• Rep. Michael Harrington (R - Straf 18) (prime sponsor)
• Rep. Jeanine Notter (R - Hills 12)
• Rep. James Summers (R - Rock 20)

Hearings and Sessions

• March 3, 2025, 9:00 AM: public hearing, House Science, Technology and Energy, LOB 302-304
• March 10, 2025, 9:00 AM: full committee work session, House Science, Technology and Energy, LOB 302-304
• March 10, 2025, 1:00 PM: executive session, House Science, Technology and Energy, LOB 302-304
• October 14, 2025, 10:00 AM: full committee work session, House Science, Technology and Energy, GP 229
• October 14, 2025, 1:00 PM: executive session, House Science, Technology and Energy, GP 229
• January 7, 2026: consent calendar, House
• February 11, 2026, 9:00 AM: hearing, Senate Executive Departments and Administration, SH 103
• February 19, 2026: floor debate, Senate

Votes

• January 7, 2026, House: Ought to Pass with Amendment 2025-2998h — voice vote, passed
• February 19, 2026, Senate: Ought to Pass with Amendments #2026-0719s and #2026-0720s — voice vote, passed
• February 19, 2026, House: House Concurs with Senate Amendment 2026-0719s and 2026-0720s — voice vote, passed

The Docket

Laws It Would Change

• RSA 12-P:2
• RSA 12-P:3
• RSA 12-P:5
• RSA 12-P:10
• RSA 189-B:2
• RSA 189-B:4
• RSA 562-A:1
• RSA 562-A:5

From the General Court

• Bill text
• Bill status page
• Docket
• HC 51, page 17
• HJ 1, page 78
• SC 5
• SC 6
• SJ 4
• HJ 5, pages 89 and 124
• SJ 5