SB 552 (2026): permitting classification of individuals based on biological sex under certain limited circumstances.

SB 552 (2026)

permitting classification of individuals based on biological sex under certain limited circumstances.

• Status: Vetoed, override failed
• Term: 2025-2026
• House committee: Judiciary
• Senate committee: Judiciary
• Subject: Discrimination

The Story

It was introduced on January 7, 2026 and referred to the Senate Judiciary committee. The committee held a public hearing on February 11, 2026. The committee voted 3–2 to recommend that the Senate pass it. On March 5, 2026 the Senate adopted “Special Order to the end of the calendar, Without Objection”. On March 5, 2026 the Senate voted to pass it and ordered it to a third reading. It crossed to the House on March 12, 2026 and was referred to the House Judiciary committee. The committee held a public hearing on March 25, 2026, with 382 people signed in online: 47 in support and 335 in opposition. The committee met in executive session on April 8, 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 9–8. The report was placed on the regular calendar. On May 14, 2026 the House adopted “Special Order to after ED&A” on a voice vote, on a motion by Rep. Bob Lynn. On May 14, 2026 the House voted to pass it on a roll call 179–159. The bill was enrolled on June 4, 2026 — the final check of the text before it goes to the governor. The governor vetoed it on June 19, 2026. The legislature can override a veto with a two-thirds vote in both chambers. On August 19, 2026 the Senate voted 16–8 to override the governor's veto on a roll call, meeting the two thirds threshold. On August 19, 2026 the House voted 161–142 on overriding the governor's veto on a roll call, and the veto was sustained, failing to meet the two thirds threshold.

Sponsors

• Sen. Kevin Avard (R - SD12) (prime sponsor)
• Sen. Regina Birdsell (R - SD19)
• Sen. Timothy Lang (R - SD2)

Hearings and Sessions

• February 11, 2026, 1:00 PM: hearing, Senate Judiciary, SH 103
• February 12, 2026: hearing, Senate Judiciary
• March 5, 2026: floor debate, Senate
• March 25, 2026, 10:30 AM: public hearing, House Judiciary, GP 230
• April 8, 2026, 10:30 AM: executive session, House Judiciary, GP 230
• May 14, 2026: floor debate, House
• August 19, 2026: floor debate, Senate
• August 19, 2026: floor debate, House

Votes

• March 5, 2026, Senate: Ought to Pass — yeas 16, nays 8, passed
• May 14, 2026, House: Special Order to after ED&A — voice vote, passed
• May 14, 2026, House: Ought to Pass — yeas 179, nays 159, passed
• August 19, 2026, Senate: Veto Override — yeas 16, nays 8, passed
• August 19, 2026, House: Veto Override — yeas 161, nays 142, failed

The Docket

Laws It Would Change

• RSA 354-A:1
• RSA 354-A

Related Bills

• HB 1442-FN (2026): permitting classification of individuals based on biological sex under certain limited circumstances.
• SB 268 (2026): permitting classification of individuals based on biological sex under certain limited circumstances.
• SB 562-FN (2024): relative to state recognition of biological sex.
• HB 1442-FN (2026): permitting classification of individuals based on biological sex under certain limited circumstances.
• SB 268 (2026): permitting classification of individuals based on biological sex under certain limited circumstances.
• SB 38-FN (2025): relative to state recognition of biological sex.

From the General Court

• Bill text
• Bill status page
• Docket
• SJ 1
• SC 5
• SC 8
• SJ 5
• HJ 8, page 114
• HC 19, page 25
• HJ 13, pages 44 and 87
• SJ 14
• HJ 15, page 43
• SJ 15
• HJ 16, page 60
• This page’s data as JSON