SB 544-FN (2026): relative to managed care laws.

SB 544-FN (2026)

relative to managed care laws.

• Status: Signed into law
• Term: 2025-2026
• House committee: Commerce and Consumer Affairs
• Senate committee: Health and Human Services
• Subject: Insurance
• Chapter law: 263

The Story

It was introduced on January 7, 2026 and referred to the Senate Health and Human Services committee. The committee held a public hearing on February 4, 2026. The committee voted 4–1 to recommend that the Senate pass it with changes (amendment 2026-1038s), and the report was placed on the consent calendar. The committee's amendment (2026-1038s) was adopted on a voice vote on March 12, 2026, changing the text of the bill. On March 12, 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 Commerce and Consumer Affairs committee. The committee held a public hearing on April 15, 2026, with 16 people signed in online: 16 in support. The committee held work sessions on April 22, 2026 and April 28, 2026. The committee met in executive session on April 29, 2026 to vote on its recommendation. The committee voted unanimously, 15–0, to recommend that the House pass it with changes (amendment 2026-1703h), and the report was placed on the consent calendar. The committee's amendment (2026-1703h) 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. David Rochefort. 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 263 of the session laws. It takes effect January 1, 2027.

Sponsors

• Sen. Donovan Fenton (D - SD10) (prime sponsor)
• Sen. Regina Birdsell (R - SD19)
• Rep. Karel Crawford (R - Carr 3)
• Sen. Pat Long (D - SD20)
• Rep. Lisa Mazur (R - Hills 44)
• Rep. Mark Pearson (R - Rock 34)
• Sen. Cindy Rosenwald (D - SD13)

Hearings and Sessions

• February 4, 2026, 9:00 AM: hearing, Senate Health and Human Services, SH 100
• March 12, 2026: consent calendar, Senate
• April 15, 2026, 11:30 AM: public hearing, House Commerce and Consumer Affairs, GP 229
• April 22, 2026, 10:00 AM: subcommittee work session, House Commerce and Consumer Affairs, GP 229
• April 28, 2026, 10:00 AM: subcommittee work session, House Commerce and Consumer Affairs, GP 229
• April 29, 2026, 10:00 AM: executive session, House Commerce and Consumer Affairs, GP 229
• May 14, 2026: consent calendar, House
• May 21, 2026: floor debate, Senate

Votes

• March 12, 2026, Senate: Ought to Pass with Amendment #2026-1038s — voice vote, passed
• May 14, 2026, House: Ought to Pass with Amendment 2026-1703h — voice vote, passed
• May 21, 2026, Senate: Concur with the House Amendment — voice vote, passed

The Docket

Laws It Would Change

• RSA 420-J:7-b

From the General Court

• Bill text
• Bill status page
• Docket
• SJ 1
• SC 4
• SC 9
• SJ 6
• HJ 8, page 114
• HC 19, page 7
• HJ 13, page 5
• SJ 13
• SJ 14
• HJ 15, page 45