SB 189 (2026): relative to fetal death records.

SB 189 (2026)

relative to fetal death records.

• Status: Signed into law
• Term: 2025-2026
• House committee: Judiciary
• Senate committee: Executive Departments and Administration
• Subject: State Government
• Chapter law: 2

The Story

It was introduced on January 9, 2025 and referred to the Senate Executive Departments and Administration committee. The committee held a public hearing on February 19, 2025. The committee voted unanimously, 5–0, to recommend that the Senate pass it with changes (amendment 2025-1128s), and the report was placed on the consent calendar. The bill was taken off the consent calendar on March 27, 2025. The committee's amendment (2025-1128s) was rejected on a voice vote on March 27, 2025. A floor amendment (2025-1389s), offered by Sen. Cindy Rosenwald, was adopted on a voice vote on March 27, 2025, changing the text of the bill. On March 27, 2025 the Senate voted to pass it with changes on a voice vote and ordered it to a third reading. It crossed to the House on March 27, 2025 and was referred to the House Judiciary committee. The committee held a public hearing on April 9, 2025, with 5 people signed in online: 3 in support and 2 in opposition. The committee met in executive session on April 23, 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 September 10, 2025. The committee voted 15–1 to recommend that the House pass it, and the report was placed on the consent calendar. The committee met in executive session on September 10, 2025 to vote on its recommendation. On January 7, 2026 the House voted to pass it on a voice vote. The bill was enrolled on January 8, 2026 — the final check of the text before it goes to the governor. The governor signed it on February 6, 2026, making it Chapter 2 of the session laws. It took effect on June 6, 2026.

Sponsors

• Sen. Suzanne Prentiss (D - SD5) (prime sponsor)
• Sen. David Watters (D - SD4)
• Sen. Pat Long (D - SD20)
• Sen. Donovan Fenton (D - SD10)

Hearings and Sessions

• February 19, 2025, 9:15 AM: hearing, Senate Executive Departments and Administration, SH 103
• March 27, 2025: floor debate, Senate
• April 9, 2025, 1:30 PM: public hearing, House Judiciary, LOB 206-208
• April 23, 2025, 10:00 AM: executive session, House Judiciary, LOB 206-208
• September 10, 2025, 10:00 AM: full committee work session, House Judiciary, GP 230
• September 10, 2025, 10:00 AM: executive session, House Judiciary, GP 230
• January 7, 2026: floor debate, House

Votes

• March 27, 2025, Senate: Ought to Pass with Amendment #2025-1389s — voice vote, passed
• January 7, 2026, House: Ought to Pass — voice vote, passed

The Docket

Laws It Would Change

• RSA 5-C:79
• RSA 5-C:74
• RSA 5-C:75
• RSA 5-C:76
• RSA 5-C:77
• RSA 5-C:78

From the General Court

• Bill text
• Bill status page
• Docket
• SC 10
• SC 14
• HC 51, page 14
• HJ 1, page 75
• SJ 2
• HJ 3