Citizen in a RepublicNH Bill Briefing
← All bills

CACR 20 · 2026 · House · Judiciary Committee

Repeal of judicial power clause

AI-generated

relating to the power of the supreme and superior courts. Providing that such power is repealed.

Repeals the constitutional provision vesting judicial power in the supreme court, the superior court, and legislatively established lower courts, along with its corresponding reference.AI-generated

Status

Committee recommended Inexpedient to Legislate; died at adjournment · February 2, 2026
  1. ✓Introduced
  2. ✕House
  3. Senate
  4. On the ballot

Analysis

This constitutional amendment concurring resolution repeals article 72-a of the second part of the constitution vesting judicial power in the supreme court, the superior court, and lower courts as established by the legislature, and its corresponding reference.

From the bill's official ANALYSIS section.

In the bill's words

Quoted verbatim from the bill as introduced. Passages chosen from the operative text.Computed by this site

“To which courts and judicatories, are hereby given and granted, full power and authority, from time to time, to administer oaths or affirmations, for the better discovery of truth in any matter in controversy, or depending before them.”
From the bill
“To decide whether the amendments of the constitution proposed by the 2026 session of the general court shall be approved.”
From the bill
“The judicial power of the state shall be vested in the supreme court, a trial court of general jurisdiction known as the superior court, and such lower courts as the legislature may establish under Article 4th of Part 2.”
From the bill
“That the secretary of state shall print the question to be submitted on a separate ballot with other constitutional questions or on the official ballot.”
From the bill

Official record

Bill page — docket & status

gc.nh.gov · the authoritative source

Sponsors

Rep. John SellersRPrime
  • Rep. Claudine BurnhamRDeputy Majority Whip

Also: Rep. Sandra PanekR, Rep. Susan DeRoyR, Rep. Glenn BaileyR, Rep. Rich NalevankoR

Public testimony

95 signed in online · 12 wrote testimony

3% support97% oppose0% neutral

In their wordsVerbatim, exactly as submitted

“Constitutional cluster of Fraud [RSA 491-A:1 effective until July 12, 2024; see also RSA 491-A:1 set out below.] 491-A:1 Salaries Established.…”
— Randall Collier, surrysupports
“I am writing in opposition to the use if hounds against wildlife. This is cruel and inhumane. Can the hunters get any lazier? Guns and arrows against something that cannot defend itself!…”
— Diane Miller, Warwickopposes
“I oppose this proposed Constitutional amendment, because it appears to change the balance of power, and the checks and balances on the NH government. Neither of these changes do I support.”
— Patricia Goodlin, New Londonopposes
“Undermines judicial independence Repeals constitutional language that clearly vests judicial power in the courts, weakening the separation of powers.…”
— BONNIE BRUNO, HOLLISopposes

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

Read the testimony · as of Aug 12, 2026

Votes

yeanay
Starting text: Bill as introduced
  • Jan 28, 2026HouseCommittee report· regular calendar: Inexpedient to Legislate16–2
    Overall
    89% yea

Hearings and debates

  • Jan 28, 2026Public hearingHouse Judiciary6:15:16–6:17:041m 48slocated in the stream transcriptMajority Committee Report: Inexpedient to Legislate — roll call; ==RESCHEDULED== Public Hearing; Public Hearing

Timestamps locate where this bill is taken up in the chamber's YouTube stream.

Legislative history

  1. Jan 7, 2026HouseIntroduced 01/07/2026 and referred to Judiciary HJ 1 P. 40
  2. Jan 28, 2026House==RESCHEDULED== Public Hearing: 01/28/2026 02:30 pm GP 230
  3. Jan 28, 2026HousePublic Hearing: 01/28/2026 02:00 pm GP 230
  4. Jan 28, 2026HouseExecutive Session: 01/28/2026 02:00 pm GP 230
  5. Jan 28, 2026HouseMajority Committee Report: Inexpedient to Legislate 01/28/2026 (Vote 16-2; RC) HC 10 P. 97
  6. Feb 2, 2026HouseMinority Committee Report: Ought to Pass

Coverage

No reporting linked yet.

Documents (PDF)

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