SB 461 (2026): relative to the definition of hemp.

SB 461 (2026)

relative to the definition of hemp.

• Status: Died: the chambers did not agree on a version
• Term: 2025-2026
• House committee: Criminal Justice and Public Safety
• Senate committee: Judiciary
• Subject: Agriculture

The Story

It was introduced on January 7, 2026 and referred to the Senate Judiciary committee. The committee held a public hearing on January 22, 2026. The committee voted unanimously, 5–0, to recommend that the Senate pass it with changes (amendment 2026-0369s), and the report was placed on the consent calendar. The committee's amendment (2026-0369s) was adopted on a voice vote on February 5, 2026, changing the text of the bill. On February 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 February 19, 2026 and was referred to the House Criminal Justice and Public Safety committee. The committee held a public hearing on March 18, 2026, with 67 people signed in online: 62 in support, 4 in opposition and 1 as neutral. The committee met in executive session on March 18, 2026 to vote on its recommendation. The committee voted unanimously, 13–0, to recommend that the House pass it with changes (amendment 2026-1344h), and the report was placed on the consent calendar. The committee's amendment (2026-1344h) 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 reject the other chamber's changes on a voice vote, on a motion by Sen. Bill Gannon.

Sponsors

• Sen. Donovan Fenton (D - SD10) (prime sponsor)
• Sen. Regina Birdsell (R - SD19)
• Rep. Wayne MacDonald (R - Rock 16)
• Sen. Tara Reardon (D - SD15)

Hearings and Sessions

• January 22, 2026, 2:00 PM: hearing, Senate Judiciary, SH 100
• February 5, 2026: consent calendar, Senate
• March 18, 2026, 12:00 PM: public hearing, House Criminal Justice and Public Safety, GP 159
• March 18, 2026, 12:00 PM: executive session, House Criminal Justice and Public Safety, GP 159
• May 14, 2026: consent calendar, House
• May 21, 2026: floor debate, Senate

Votes

• February 5, 2026, Senate: Ought to Pass with Amendment #2026-0369s — voice vote, passed
• May 14, 2026, House: Ought to Pass with Amendment 2026-1344h — voice vote, passed
• May 21, 2026, Senate: Nonconcur with the House Amendment — voice vote, passed

The Docket

Laws It Would Change

• RSA 439-A:2

From the General Court

• Bill text
• Bill status page
• Docket
• SJ 1
• SC 2
• SC 4
• HJ 5, page 124
• HC 19, page 11
• HJ 13, page 11
• SJ 13