SB 497 (2026): removing a reference to procurement through the department of administrative services for certain capital appropriations to the community college system of New Hampshire, changing the name of a capital project, and changing a reference regarding spaces assigned for use for members of the legislature.

SB 497 (2026)

removing a reference to procurement through the department of administrative services for certain capital appropriations to the community college system of New Hampshire, changing the name of a capital project, and changing a reference regarding spaces assigned for use for members of the legislature.

• Status: Signed into law
• Term: 2025-2026
• House committee: Public Works and Highways
• Senate committee: Capital Budget
• Subject: State Government
• Chapter law: 27

The Story

It was introduced on January 7, 2026 and referred to the Senate Capital Budget committee. The committee held a public hearing on January 21, 2026. The committee voted unanimously, 5–0, to recommend that the Senate pass it with changes (amendment 2026-0239s), and the report was placed on the consent calendar. The bill was taken off the consent calendar on February 5, 2026. The committee's amendment (2026-0239s) was adopted on a voice vote on February 5, 2026, changing the text of the bill. A floor amendment (2026-0447s), offered by Sen. Mark McConkey, 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 Public Works and Highways committee. The committee held a public hearing on March 24, 2026, with one person signed in online in support. The committee met in executive session on March 24, 2026 to vote on its recommendation. The committee voted unanimously, 12–0, to recommend that the House pass it with changes (amendment 2026-1031h), and the report was placed on the consent calendar. The committee's amendment (2026-1031h) 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. James Gray. The bill was enrolled on April 16, 2026 — the final check of the text before it goes to the governor. The governor signed it on April 21, 2026, making it Chapter 27 of the session laws. It took effect on April 21, 2026.

Sponsors

• Sen. David Watters (D - SD4) (prime sponsor)
• Rep. John Cloutier (D - Sull 6)
• Sen. Donovan Fenton (D - SD10)

Hearings and Sessions

• January 21, 2026, 1:00 PM: hearing, Senate Capital Budget, SH 122-123
• February 5, 2026: floor debate, Senate
• March 24, 2026, 10:00 AM: public hearing, House Public Works and Highways, GP 228
• March 24, 2026, 10:00 AM: executive session, House Public Works and Highways, GP 228
• April 9, 2026: consent calendar, House
• April 16, 2026: floor debate, Senate

Votes

• February 5, 2026, Senate: Ought to Pass with Amendments #2026-0239s and #2026-0447s — voice vote, passed
• April 9, 2026, House: Ought to Pass with Amendment 2026-1031h — voice vote, passed
• April 16, 2026, Senate: Concur with the House Amendment — voice vote, passed

The Docket

Laws It Would Change

• RSA 14:14-b
• RSA 21-I

From the General Court

• Bill text
• Bill status page
• Docket
• SJ 1
• SC 4
• HJ 5, page 124
• HJ 10, pages 14 and 28
• SJ 9
• House Calendar 14, 2026, committee report