House budget cuts Human Rights Commission funding to zero; commission warns of rising caseload

Katrina Taylor, identified as acting assistant director of the Human Rights Commission, and Kathleen Carr of the Department of Justice described the commission’s mission and warned that the House budget recommendation would eliminate the commission’s operating funds.

Taylor told the committee the commission enforces New Hampshire’s law against discrimination (RSA 354-A), investigates complaints in housing, employment and public accommodation, and since 2019 also conducts public education. Kathleen Carr said the commission is administratively attached to the Department of Justice for business-office support.

The commission provided statistics showing a roughly 60% increase in complaints filed over five years and said 2025 was on track to exceed 2024. Taylor noted several vacant investigative and administrative positions and said rising filings mean more complaints remain unassigned without staff increases.

Taylor said the House’s recommended budget ‘‘is 0’’ for the commission, reflecting an abolished or zeroed-out operating budget in the House phase. The commission said it had accepted the governor’s budget recommendation and that the House action would dramatically constrain its ability to investigate complaints, perform outreach and meet contractual responsibilities tied to federal work-sharing with the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission.

Commission representatives asked the committee to restore funding and warned of impacts to enforcement and community education if the House reduction were retained. Committee members did not vote at the hearing and asked the commission to provide further information as needed.