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HB 226 · 2025 · House · Criminal Justice and Public Safety Committee

Legalizing drug checking equipment

AI-generated

relative to the use of drug checking equipment.

Amends and adds definitions to the Controlled Drug Act to exclude drug checking equipment from the definition of drug paraphernalia and authorizes its use.AI-generated

Status

Killed in the Senate — Inexpedient to Legislate · November 3, 2025
  1. ✓Introduced
  2. ✓House
  3. ✕Senate
  4. Governor
  5. Law

Analysis

This bill amends and adds definitions to the Controlled Drug Act to exclude drug checking equipment from being considered drug paraphernalia and authorizes the use of drug checking equipment.

From the bill's official ANALYSIS section.

Official record

Bill page — docket & status

gc.nh.gov · the authoritative source

Sponsors

Rep. Jodi NewellDPrime
  • Rep. David MeuseDDeputy Ranking Member· Criminal Justice and Public Safety
  • Rep. Ellen ReadDDeputy Ranking Member· Housing
  • Rep. Christine SeibertDRanking Member· State, Federal, and Veterans Affairs
  • Rep. Tom MannionRAssistant Majority Whip

Also: Rep. Mark ProulxR, Sen. David WattersD

Public testimony

109 signed in online · 19 wrote testimony

90% support10% oppose0% neutral

In their wordsVerbatim, exactly as submitted

“Due to an increased flow of fentanyl into New Hampshire, overdose deaths from opioids have reached levels not seen since 2015. Adopting evidence-based harm reduction strategies to save lives is the correct thing to do.…”
— Cora QUISUMBING-KING, Doversupports
“Due to the increase in access to these lethal drugs, like fentanyl, I feel that anything we can do on the ground level to fight the spike in opioid death is critical.…”
— Laurie But’s-Meyerrose, Keenesupports
“This bill provides the tools to address drug overdose deaths I support it %100 and urge the committee to do likewise.”
— Luke Gagne, Manchestersupports
“We have been through all this many times before. Besides, Gov Ayotte will veto.…”
— Daniel Richardson, Nashuaopposes
“I have worked and interacted with various people that that utilize illicit substances. I also work in the counseling profession and have supported individuals with diverse disabilities, struggles, and addictions.…”
— Jonathan Belmont, Bedfordopposes
“As a physician, I have also interacted with various people involved in the harm-reduction movement. I believe that while there may be intent to help individuals, a much greater concern is the promotion and condonation of illicit substance use under the guise reducing harm.…”
— Judson Belmont, Auburnopposes

Verbatim excerpts of submitted testimony, quoted from the testimony tool.

Read the testimony · as of Aug 12, 2026

Hearings

  • 2025-01-2310:00 amHouse Criminal Justice and Public SafetyLOB 202-204Public hearing
  • 2025-03-0510:00 amHouse Criminal Justice and Public SafetyLOB 202-204Public hearingrescheduled
  • 2025-04-151:00 pmSenate JudiciarySH 100Public hearing

Legislative history

  1. Jan 8, 2025HouseIntroduced 01/08/2025 and referred to Criminal Justice and Public Safety HJ 2 P. 11
  2. Jan 23, 2025HousePublic Hearing: 01/23/2025 02:30 pm LOB 202-204
  3. Mar 5, 2025HouseExecutive Session: 03/05/2025 10:00 am LOB 202-204
  4. Mar 5, 2025HouseMajority : Inexpedient to Legislate 03/05/2025 (Vote 9-7; RC) HC 17 P. 27
  5. Mar 18, 2025HouseMinority : Ought to Pass with Amendment # 2025-0624h
  6. Mar 26, 2025HouseInexpedient to Legislate: MF RC 140-196 03/26/2025 HJ 10 P. 48
  7. Mar 26, 2025HouseAmendment # 2025-0624h: AA VV 03/26/2025 HJ 10 P. 50
  8. Mar 26, 2025HouseOught to Pass with Amendment 2025-0624h: MA VV 03/26/2025 HJ 10 P. 50
  9. Mar 27, 2025SenIntroduced 03/27/2025 and Referred to Judiciary; SJ 10
  10. Apr 15, 2025SenHearing: 04/15/2025, Room 100, SH, 01:00 pm; SC 17
  11. May 1, 2025SenCommittee Report: Inexpedient to Legislate, 05/01/2025, Vote 3-2; SC 19
  12. May 1, 2025SenSen. Gannon Moved Laid on Table, RC 14Y-8N, MA; 05/01/2025; SJ 11
  13. May 1, 2025SenPending Motion Inexpedient to Legislate; 05/01/2025; SJ 11
  14. Oct 31, 2025SenInexpedient to Legislate, Senate Rule 3-23, 10/31/2025; SJ 1

Coverage

No reporting linked yet.

Documents (PDF)

Bill text & amendments link direct to gc.nh.gov; committee reports stream from the state record.