Contested hearing on bill to strip tax‑exempt status from nonprofits that 'settle' undocumented migrants

House Bill 635 — as introduced by Representative Travis Corcoran — would change the state’s criteria for nonprofit status by disqualifying organizations that, by statute, "settle or resettle" undocumented migrants in New Hampshire. The bill prompted lengthy, often heated testimony and a request by committee members for follow‑up legal review.

Sponsor remarks. Representative Corcoran framed the bill as an administrative change restricting state tax privileges to organizations he said pursue prosocial activities that the state wishes to encourage. He told the committee he was concerned about a network of large nonprofits that receive significant public funds and, in his view, provide services that encourage illegal immigration. Corcoran argued nonprofit status is a policy tool and the state may choose not to extend that advantage to organizations that habitually settle undocumented individuals.

Opposition and concerns. Testimony opposing the bill came from a mix…