SB 585-FN (2026): relative to audits for communications districts.

SB 585-FN (2026)

relative to audits for communications districts.

• Status: Signed into law
• Term: 2025-2026
• House committee: Municipal and County Government
• Senate committee: Election Law and Municipal Affairs
• Subject: Municipalities
• Chapter law: 271

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 27, 2026. The committee voted unanimously, 5–0, to recommend that the Senate pass it, and the report was placed on the consent calendar. On February 19, 2026 the Senate voted to pass it 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 Municipal and County Government committee. The committee held a public hearing on April 7, 2026, with 5 people signed in online: 4 in support and 1 in opposition. The committee met in executive session on May 5, 2026 to vote on its recommendation. The committee voted unanimously, 20–0, to recommend that the House pass it with changes (amendment 2026-1769h), and the report was placed on the consent calendar. The committee's amendment (2026-1769h) 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. James Gray. 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 271 of the session laws. It took effect on August 31, 2026.

Sponsors

• Sen. Mark McConkey (R - SD3) (prime sponsor)
• Sen. Regina Birdsell (R - SD19)
• Sen. Sharon Carson (R - SD14)
• Sen. Daniel Innis (R - SD7)
• Rep. John MacDonald (R - Carr 6)
• Sen. Tim McGough (R - SD11)
• Sen. Keith Murphy (R - SD16)
• Sen. Howard Pearl (R - SD17)

Hearings and Sessions

• January 27, 2026, 10:00 AM: hearing, Senate Election Law and Municipal Affairs, SH 122-123
• February 19, 2026: consent calendar, Senate
• April 7, 2026, 11:50 AM: public hearing, House Municipal and County Government, GP 154
• May 5, 2026, 10:30 AM: executive session, House Municipal and County Government, GP 154
• May 14, 2026: consent calendar, House
• May 21, 2026: floor debate, Senate

Votes

• February 19, 2026, Senate: Ought to Pass — voice vote, passed
• May 14, 2026, House: Ought to Pass with Amendment 2026-1769h — voice vote, passed
• May 21, 2026, Senate: Concur with the House Amendment — voice vote, passed

The Docket

Laws It Would Change

• RSA 53-G:10

From the General Court

• Bill text
• Bill status page
• Docket
• SJ 1
• SC 3
• SC 6
• SJ 4
• HJ 5, page 127
• HC 19, page 15
• HJ 13, page 26
• SJ 13
• SJ 14
• HJ 15, page 45