SB 489 (2026): altering the appointment process for the board of tax and land appeals.

SB 489 (2026)

altering the appointment process for the board of tax and land appeals.

• Status: Signed into law
• Term: 2025-2026
• House committee: Executive Departments and Administration
• Senate committee: Election Law and Municipal Affairs
• Subject: Elections
• Chapter law: 64

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 2026-0346s), and the report was placed on the consent calendar. The committee's amendment (2026-0346s) 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 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, 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 64 of the session laws. It took effect on May 8, 2026.

Sponsors

• Sen. Kevin Avard (R - SD12) (prime sponsor)
• Rep. Liz Barbour (R - Hills 35)
• Rep. Shane Sirois (R - Hills 32)

Hearings and Sessions

• January 20, 2026, 9:45 AM: hearing, Senate Election Law and Municipal Affairs, SH 122-123
• February 5, 2026: consent calendar, Senate
• March 18, 2026, 11:30 AM: public hearing, House Executive Departments and Administration, GP 231
• March 18, 2026, 11:30 AM: executive session, House Executive Departments and Administration, GP 231
• April 9, 2026: consent calendar, House

Votes

• February 5, 2026, Senate: Ought to Pass with Amendment #2026-0346s — voice vote, passed
• April 9, 2026, House: Ought to Pass — voice vote, passed

The Docket

Laws It Would Change

• RSA 71-B:2

From the General Court

• Bill text
• Bill status page
• Docket
• SJ 1
• SC 2
• SC 4
• HJ 5, page 124
• HJ 10, page 13
• SJ 11
• HJ 11, page 82
• House Calendar 14, 2026, committee report