SB 438 (2026): relative to access to the centralized voter registration database on election days.

SB 438 (2026)

relative to access to the centralized voter registration database on election days.

• Status: Signed into law
• Term: 2025-2026
• House committee: Election Law
• Senate committee: Election Law and Municipal Affairs
• Subject: Elections
• Chapter law: 249

The Story

It was introduced on January 7, 2026 and referred to the Senate Election Law and Municipal Affairs committee. The committee held a public hearing on January 20, 2026. The committee voted unanimously, 5–0, to recommend that the Senate pass it with changes (amendment 2026-0773s), and the report was placed on the consent calendar. The committee's amendment (2026-0773s) was adopted on a voice vote on March 5, 2026, changing the text of the bill. On March 5, 2026 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 12, 2026 and was referred to the House Election Law committee. The committee held a public hearing on March 31, 2026, with 134 people signed in online: 129 in support and 5 in opposition. The committee met in executive session on May 5, 2026 to vote on its recommendation. The committee voted unanimously, 17–0, to recommend that the House pass it with changes (amendment 2026-1833h), and the report was placed on the consent calendar. The committee's amendment (2026-1833h) was adopted on a voice vote on May 14, 2026, changing the text of the bill. On May 14, 2026 the House voted to pass it with changes on a voice vote. On May 21, 2026 the Senate voted to agree to the other chamber's changes on a voice vote, on a motion by Sen. James Gray. The bill was enrolled on June 4, 2026 — the final check of the text before it goes to the governor. The governor signed it on July 2, 2026, making it Chapter 249 of the session laws. It took effect on July 30, 2026.

Sponsors

• Sen. Rebecca Perkins Kwoka (D - SD21) (prime sponsor)
• Rep. Connie Lane (D - Merr 16)
• Sen. Timothy Lang (R - SD2)
• Rep. Alexis Simpson (D - Rock 33)
• Rep. Laura Telerski (D - Hills 11)

Hearings and Sessions

• January 20, 2026, 9:30 AM: hearing, Senate Election Law and Municipal Affairs, SH 122-123
• March 5, 2026: consent calendar, Senate
• March 31, 2026, 10:40 AM: public hearing, House Election Law, GP 158
• May 5, 2026, 10:00 AM: executive session, House Election Law, GP 158
• May 14, 2026: consent calendar, House
• May 21, 2026: floor debate, Senate

Votes

• March 5, 2026, Senate: Ought to Pass with Amendment #2026-0773s — voice vote, passed
• May 14, 2026, House: Ought to Pass with Amendment 2026-1833h — voice vote, passed
• May 21, 2026, Senate: Concur with the House Amendment — voice vote, passed

The Docket

Laws It Would Change

• RSA 654:12
• RSA 654:45
• RSA 260:14

Related Bills

• HB 1600-FN (2026): relative to access to the centralized voter registration database on election days.

From the General Court

• Bill text
• Bill status page
• Docket
• SJ 1
• SC 2
• SC 8
• SJ 5
• HJ 8, page 114
• HC 19, page 12
• HJ 13, page 18
• SJ 13
• SJ 14
• HJ 15, page 45