SB 451 (2026): amending the title of the position of senior deputy secretary of state.

SB 451 (2026)

amending the title of the position of senior deputy secretary of state.

• Status: Signed into law
• Term: 2025-2026
• House committee: Executive Departments and Administration
• Senate committee: Executive Departments and Administration
• Subject: State Government
• Chapter law: 100

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 14, 2026. The committee voted unanimously, 3–0, 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 one person signed in online in support. 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 with changes (amendment 2026-1230h), and the report was placed on the consent calendar. The committee's amendment (2026-1230h) was adopted on a voice vote on April 9, 2026, changing the text of the bill. On April 9, 2026 the House voted to pass it with changes on a voice vote. On April 16, 2026 the Senate voted to agree to the other chamber's changes on a voice vote, on a motion by Sen. Howard Pearl. The bill was enrolled on May 14, 2026 — the final check of the text before it goes to the governor. The governor signed it on May 28, 2026, making it Chapter 100 of the session laws. It took effect on July 27, 2026.

Sponsors

• Sen. James Gray (R - SD6) (prime sponsor)

Hearings and Sessions

• January 14, 2026, 9:00 AM: hearing, Senate Executive Departments and Administration, SH 103
• January 29, 2026: consent calendar, Senate
• March 18, 2026, 11:20 AM: public hearing, House Executive Departments and Administration, GP 231
• March 18, 2026, 11:20 AM: executive session, House Executive Departments and Administration, GP 231
• April 9, 2026: floor debate, House
• April 16, 2026: floor debate, Senate

Votes

• January 29, 2026, Senate: Ought to Pass — voice vote, passed
• April 9, 2026, House: Ought to Pass with Amendment 2026-1230h — voice vote, passed
• April 16, 2026, Senate: Concur with the House Amendment — voice vote, passed

The Docket

Laws It Would Change

• RSA 5:2-a

From the General Court

• Bill text
• Bill status page
• Docket
• SJ 1
• SC 1
• SC 3
• SJ 2
• HJ 5, page 124
• HJ 10, page 12
• SJ 9
• SJ 13
• HJ 13, page 147
• House Calendar 14, 2026, committee report