New Hampshire House adopts multiple bills including controversial HB 71 on public school shelters

The New Hampshire Legislature convened on June 26, 2025, for a House Session that addressed several key legislative items, culminating in the adoption of multiple committee reports and significant discussions on various bills.

The session began with a roll call vote on the adoption of the committee conference report for Senate Bill 14, which passed with 185 votes in favor and 182 against. Following this, House Bill 67 was proposed for special ordering to the end of the day's agenda, as it was tied to House Bill 613. The motion faced opposition, leading to a division vote, which resulted in 203 members voting against the special order.

Next, House Bill 464, which prohibits certain candidates from participating in ballot counting, was adopted without contention. The House then moved on to House Bill 776, which addresses aggravated driving while intoxicated and designates the Virginia Opossum as New Hampshire's state marsupial. This bill also passed smoothly.

The session continued with House Bill 71, which prohibits public schools from providing shelter for undocumented individuals. This bill sparked a heated debate, with representatives expressing concerns about its implications for vulnerable populations and potential financial repercussions for local taxpayers. Ultimately, the committee report was adopted with 204 votes against 163.

House Bill 118, which aimed to repeal certain committees and commissions, was met with mixed reactions. Some representatives argued that the process lacked transparency and that important committees were being eliminated without proper evaluation. Despite these concerns, the committee report was adopted with a vote of 89 in favor and 78 against.

The discussion then shifted to House Bill 143, which relates to no trespass orders on school property and child welfare. Representatives debated the effectiveness of the bill, particularly regarding its provisions for protecting children from harmful influences. The committee report was adopted with 166 votes in favor.

House Bill 273, concerning parental access to minor children's library records, also drew significant debate. Critics argued that the bill could lead to privacy violations, while supporters emphasized the importance of parental rights. The report was ultimately adopted with 201 votes against 165.

Finally, the session concluded with House Bill 282, which increases benefits for first responders injured in the line of duty. This bill passed with a strong majority, reflecting the legislature's commitment to supporting public safety personnel.

Overall, the session was marked by a series of contentious discussions and votes on bills that address critical issues ranging from public safety to parental rights, demonstrating the ongoing legislative efforts in New Hampshire.