SB 402-FN (2026): eliminating certain non-compete agreements for physician associates.

SB 402-FN (2026)

eliminating certain non-compete agreements for physician associates.

• Status: Signed into law
• Term: 2025-2026
• House committee: Executive Departments and Administration
• Senate committee: Executive Departments and Administration
• Subject: Business and Industry
• Chapter law: 55

The Story

It was introduced on January 7, 2026 and referred to the Senate Executive Departments and Administration committee. The committee held a public hearing on January 21, 2026. The committee voted unanimously, 5–0, to recommend that the Senate pass it, and the report was placed on the consent calendar. On January 29, 2026 the Senate voted to pass it on a voice vote and ordered it to a third reading. It crossed to the House on February 19, 2026 and was referred to the House Executive Departments and Administration committee. The committee held a public hearing on March 18, 2026, with 18 people signed in online: 17 in support and 1 in opposition. The committee met in executive session on March 18, 2026 to vote on its recommendation. The committee voted unanimously, 12–0, to recommend that the House pass it, and the report was placed on the consent calendar. On April 9, 2026 the House voted to pass it on a voice vote. The bill was enrolled on April 23, 2026 — the final check of the text before it goes to the governor. The governor signed it on May 8, 2026, making it Chapter 55 of the session laws. It took effect on July 7, 2026.

Sponsors

• Sen. Bill Gannon (R - SD23) (prime sponsor)
• Sen. Kevin Avard (R - SD12)
• Sen. Regina Birdsell (R - SD19)
• Sen. Donovan Fenton (D - SD10)
• Rep. Patrick Long (D - Hills 26)
• Rep. Jennifer Mandelbaum (D - Rock 21)
• Sen. Tim McGough (R - SD11)
• Sen. Howard Pearl (R - SD17)
• Rep. Mark Pearson (R - Rock 34)
• Sen. Suzanne Prentiss (D - SD5)
• Sen. Tara Reardon (D - SD15)
• Sen. David Rochefort (R - SD1)
• Sen. Cindy Rosenwald (D - SD13)
• Sen. Victoria Sullivan (R - SD18)
• Rep. Michael Vose (R - Rock 5)
• Sen. David Watters (D - SD4)
• Rep. Kenneth Weyler (R - Rock 14)

Hearings and Sessions

• January 21, 2026, 9:40 AM: hearing, Senate Executive Departments and Administration, SH 103
• January 29, 2026: consent calendar, Senate
• March 18, 2026, 10:10 AM: public hearing, House Executive Departments and Administration, GP 231
• March 18, 2026, 10:10 AM: executive session, House Executive Departments and Administration, GP 231
• April 9, 2026: consent calendar, House

Votes

• January 29, 2026, Senate: Ought to Pass — voice vote, passed
• April 9, 2026, House: Ought to Pass — voice vote, passed

The Docket

Laws It Would Change

• RSA 328-D

From the General Court

• Bill text
• Bill status page
• Docket
• SJ 1
• SC 2
• SC 3
• SJ 2
• HJ 5, page 124
• HJ 10, page 12
• SJ 11
• HJ 11, page 82
• House Calendar 14, 2026, committee report