SB 549-FN (2026): requiring certain syringe service program entities to provide options for disposal of used syringes and needles and creating reporting requirements for such entities.

SB 549-FN (2026)

requiring certain syringe service program entities to provide options for disposal of used syringes and needles and creating reporting requirements for such entities.

• Status: Signed into law
• Term: 2025-2026
• House committee: Health, Human Services and Elderly Affairs
• Senate committee: Health and Human Services
• Subject: State Government
• Chapter law: 106

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 unanimously, 5–0, to recommend that the Senate pass it with changes (amendment 2026-1040s). The committee's amendment (2026-1040s) was adopted on a voice vote on March 12, 2026, changing the text of the bill. A floor amendment (2026-1162s), offered by Sen. Keith Murphy, 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 Health, Human Services and Elderly Affairs committee. The committee held a public hearing on March 25, 2026, with 7 people signed in online: 5 in support and 2 in opposition. The committee met in executive session on April 15, 2026 to vote on its recommendation. The majority recommended that the House pass it, and the minority recommended that the House kill it, by a vote of 10–8. The report was placed on the regular calendar. On April 23, 2026 the House voted to pass it on a division vote 186–152. On April 23, 2026 the bill was referred to the Finance committee, whose chair waived the referral under House Rule 47(f). 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 106 of the session laws. It took effect on August 26, 2026.

Sponsors

• Sen. Keith Murphy (R - SD16) (prime sponsor)
• Sen. Kevin Avard (R - SD12)
• Sen. Regina Birdsell (R - SD19)
• Sen. Bill Gannon (R - SD23)
• Sen. Daniel Innis (R - SD7)
• Sen. Timothy Lang (R - SD2)
• Sen. Tim McGough (R - SD11)
• Sen. Howard Pearl (R - SD17)
• Sen. Victoria Sullivan (R - SD18)
• Sen. Ruth Ward (R - SD8)

Hearings and Sessions

• February 4, 2026, 9:15 AM: hearing, Senate Health and Human Services, SH 100
• March 12, 2026: floor debate, Senate
• March 25, 2026, 2:00 PM: public hearing, House Health, Human Services and Elderly Affairs, GP 158
• April 15, 2026, 10:00 AM: executive session, House Health, Human Services and Elderly Affairs, GP 158
• April 23, 2026: floor debate, House

Votes

• March 12, 2026, Senate: Ought to Pass with Amendments #2026-1040s and #2026-1162s — voice vote, passed
• April 23, 2026, House: Ought to Pass — yeas 186, nays 152, passed

The Docket

Laws It Would Change

• RSA 318:43-a

From the General Court

• Bill text
• Bill status page
• Docket
• SJ 1
• SC 4
• SC 9
• SJ 6
• HJ 8, page 114
• HJ 11, pages 60 and 72
• SJ 13
• HJ 13, page 147
• House Calendar 16, 2026, committee report