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HB 148 · 2025 · House · Judiciary Committee

Sex-based rules for bathrooms and sports

AI-generated

permitting classification of individuals based on biological sex under certain circumstances.

Amends the state's Law Against Discrimination to allow classification of individuals based on biological sex in lavatory facilities and locker rooms, athletic competitions, and prisons or detention facilities without it constituting unlawful discrimination.AI-generated

Status

Vetoed; the override vote failed, so the veto stands · December 17, 2025
  1. ✓Introduced
  2. ✓House
  3. ✓Senate
  4. ✕Governor
  5. Law

Governor's veto message

“House Bill 148 is overly broad and impractical to enforce, potentially creating an exclusionary environment for some of our citizens.”
— Gov. Kelly Ayotte · Jul 15, 2025 · excerpt
Governor's press releaseHouse Journal 19, p. 6

The House voted 188–165 on the override (Dec 17, 2025) — short of the two-thirds required, so the veto was sustained.

Analysis

This bill permits classification of individuals based on biological sex in lavatory facilities and locker rooms, sporting competitions, and detention facilities.

From the bill's official ANALYSIS section.

Official record

Bill page — docket & status

gc.nh.gov · the authoritative source

Sponsors

Rep. Jim KofaltRPrime
  • Rep. Joe AlexanderRChair· Housing
  • Rep. Jason OsborneRMajority Leader
  • Rep. Joe SweeneyRDeputy Majority Leader
  • Rep. Katy PeternelRVice Chair· Education Policy and Administration
  • Rep. Shane SiroisRClerk· Legislative Administration
  • Rep. Sherman PackardRSpeaker of the House
  • Rep. JD BernardyRClerk· Science, Technology and Energy
  • Sen. Daniel InnisRChair, Majority Policy Conference
  • Sen. Keith MurphyRDeputy President Pro Tempore
  • Sen. Kevin AvardRDeputy Majority Whip
  • Sen. Victoria SullivanRVice Chair· Education

Also: Rep. Sheila SeidelR, Sen. Tim McGoughR

Public testimony

3,117 signed in online · 947 wrote testimony

7% support93% oppose0% neutral

ForProtects women's and girls' privacy and safety

AgainstBill codifies discrimination against transgender people

AI-generatedLeading arguments, summarized by the testimony tool.

Read the arguments

In their wordsVerbatim, exactly as submitted

“We strongly support the letter and spirit of this proposed Bill.”
— Peter and Robin Brigham, Goshen · Ourselvessupports
“I am in complete support of this bill! Sylvia Springer Goffstown, NH”
— Sylvia Springer, Goffstownsupports
“I heard State House testimony from a man calling himself "Jennifer" who stated he completely undresses in the women's locker room at the YMCA and no one has had an issue with it. I have a big issue with it and cancelled our Y membership. Our girls should have safe spaces.…”
— Wendy Sandford, Goffstownsupports
“It is astounding that New Hampshire families are being subjected to such an ill-conceived waste of legislation. The purpose of this bill is simple to understand: fearmongering Republicans in this state lead with hate first.…”
— Sean Stanley, Manchester · Humanityopposes
“I strongly oppose this bill as it doesn't take into consideration privacy rights and physical safety of this vulnerable population.”
— Lisa Gagalis, North Hamptonopposes
“This is an individuals personal business and not to be regulated by state or federal government. This goes against the individual freedoms that New Hampshire citizens profess.…”
— Charlene Steele, Madburyopposes
“I urge the house Judiciary to ensure that New Hampshire does not discriminate against its own citizens, but also understand the need in certain circumstances to provide legal safety in uncertain classification-required scenarios.”
— Naomi Connelly, Doverneutral

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

Read the testimony · as of Aug 12, 2026

Hearings

  • 2025-02-199:00 amHouse JudiciaryLOB 206-208Public hearing
  • 2025-03-0310:00 amHouse JudiciaryLOB 206-208Public hearingrescheduled
  • 2025-05-061:00 pmSenate JudiciarySH 100Public hearing

Legislative history

  1. Jan 8, 2025HouseIntroduced 01/08/2025 and referred to Judiciary HJ 2 P. 7
  2. Feb 19, 2025House==CANCELLED== Public Hearing: 02/19/2025 03:15 pm LOB 206-208
  3. Feb 19, 2025HousePublic Hearing: 02/19/2025 09:00 am LOB 206-208
  4. Mar 3, 2025HouseExecutive Session: 03/03/2025 10:00 am LOB 206-208
  5. Mar 3, 2025HouseMajority : Ought to Pass 03/03/2025 (Vote 10-8; RC)
  6. Mar 7, 2025HouseMinority : Inexpedient to Legislate
  7. Mar 20, 2025HouseOught to Pass: MA RC 201-166 03/20/2025 HJ 9 P. 59
  8. Mar 20, 2025SenIntroduced 03/20/2025 and Referred to Judiciary; SJ 9
  9. May 6, 2025SenHearing: 05/06/2025, Room 100, SH, 01:50 pm; SC 20
  10. May 22, 2025Sen: Ought to Pass, 05/22/2025, Vote 3-1; SC 22
  11. May 22, 2025SenOught to Pass: RC 16Y-8N, MA; OT3rdg; 05/22/2025; SJ 14
  12. Jun 26, 2025HouseEnrolled (in recess of) 06/26/2025 HJ 18 P. 59
  13. Jun 26, 2025SenEnrolled Adopted, VV, (In recess 06/26/2025); SJ 18
  14. Jul 15, 2025HouseVetoed by Governor Ayotte 07/15/2025 HJ 19 P. 6
  15. Dec 17, 2025HouseVeto Sustained 12/17/2025: RC 188-165 Lacking Necessary Two-Thirds Vote HJ 19

Coverage

No reporting linked yet.

Documents (PDF)

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