SB 589-FN (2026): relative to port electrification, microgrid development, and cybersecurity standards for energy and water systems.

SB 589-FN (2026)

relative to port electrification, microgrid development, and cybersecurity standards for energy and water systems.

• Status: Signed into law
• Term: 2025-2026
• House committee: Science, Technology and Energy
• Senate committee: Energy and Natural Resources
• Subject: Transportation and Highways
• Chapter law: 197

The Story

It was introduced on January 7, 2026 and referred to the Senate Energy and Natural Resources committee. The committee held a public hearing on January 15, 2026. The committee voted unanimously, 5–0, to recommend that the Senate pass it with changes (amendment 2026-0512s), and the report was placed on the consent calendar. The committee's amendment (2026-0512s) was adopted on a voice vote on February 19, 2026, changing the text of the bill. On February 19, 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 Science, Technology and Energy committee. The committee held a public hearing on April 6, 2026, with 13 people signed in online: 13 in support. The committee met in executive session on April 7, 2026 and April 13, 2026. The committee voted unanimously, 18–0, to recommend that the House pass it with changes (amendment 2026-1412h), and the report was placed on the regular calendar. The committee's amendment (2026-1412h) was adopted on a voice vote on April 23, 2026, changing the text of the bill. On April 23, 2026 the House voted to pass it with changes on a voice vote. On May 7, 2026 the Senate voted to agree to the other chamber's changes on a voice vote, on a motion by Sen. Howard Pearl. An enrolled bill amendment (2026-2028e) was adopted on a voice vote on May 21, 2026. These correct technical errors found after passage. The bill was enrolled on June 4, 2026 — the final check of the text before it goes to the governor — and an enrolled bill amendment (2026-2028e) was adopted on a voice vote to correct technical errors found after passage. The governor signed it on June 19, 2026, making it Chapter 197 of the session laws.

Sponsors

• Sen. David Watters (D - SD4) (prime sponsor)
• Sen. Debra Altschiller (D - SD24)
• Sen. Kevin Avard (R - SD12)
• Rep. John Cloutier (D - Sull 6)
• Rep. Kat McGhee (D - Hills 35)
• Sen. Howard Pearl (R - SD17)
• Sen. Rebecca Perkins Kwoka (D - SD21)
• Sen. Cindy Rosenwald (D - SD13)

Hearings and Sessions

• January 15, 2026, 1:20 PM: hearing, Senate Energy and Natural Resources, SH 103
• February 19, 2026: consent calendar, Senate
• April 6, 2026, 2:00 PM: public hearing, House Science, Technology and Energy, GP 229
• April 7, 2026, 2:00 PM: executive session, House Science, Technology and Energy, GP 229
• April 13, 2026, 9:00 AM: executive session, House Science, Technology and Energy, GP 229
• April 23, 2026: floor debate, House
• May 7, 2026: floor debate, Senate

Votes

• February 19, 2026, Senate: Ought to Pass with Amendment #2026-0512s — voice vote, passed
• April 23, 2026, House: Ought to Pass with Amendment 2026-1412h — voice vote, passed
• May 7, 2026, Senate: Concur with the House Amendment — voice vote, passed

The Docket

Laws It Would Change

• RSA 162-R:1
• RSA 162-R
• RSA 485
• RSA 485-A
• RSA 162-R:7

From the General Court

• Bill text
• Bill status page
• Docket
• SJ 1
• SC 1
• SC 6
• SJ 4
• HJ 5, page 127
• HJ 11, page 73
• SJ 11
• HJ 14, page 37
• SJ 14
• HJ 15, page 43
• House Calendar 16, 2026, committee report