Citizen in a RepublicNH Bill Briefing
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CACR 27 · 2026 · House · Judiciary Committee

Sole authority to establish courts

AI-generated

relating to the authority to establish courts Provided that the sole authority lies within the general court.

Removes the exception to the general court's power to establish courts.AI-generated

Status

Killed in the House — Inexpedient to Legislate · March 5, 2026
  1. ✓Introduced
  2. ✕House
  3. Senate
  4. On the ballot

Analysis

This constitutional amendment concurrent resolution removes the exception to the general court's power to establish courts.

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
“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." V.”
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

gc.nh.gov · the authoritative source

Sponsors

Rep. Robert WherryRPrimeChair· Special Committee on COVID Response Efficacy

Public testimony

44 signed in online · 13 wrote testimony

23% support77% oppose0% neutral

In their wordsVerbatim, exactly as submitted

“I strongly support this bill. The only people who should be making decisions regarding their children's' health / immunization are the parents or legal guardians. Thank you for supporting this bill.”
— Pamela Harders, Manchestersupports
“Ultimately, a Supreme Court opinion should be just that, an opinion. Their power is to issue opinions, not enforce them. Enforcement is up to the legislature and the people.…”
— Patrick Binder, Manchestersupports
“The Fish & Game department needs to be able to draw from a broad spectrum of science-based methods for managing and controlling wildlife in New Hampshire, not just relying on public hunting and fishing to do the job.”
— Bonnie Hill, South Suttonopposes
“What is the purpose of this bill? Why do we want to shift the balance of power in our state government? Does this bill serve the people or those in power?”
— Abby evankow, Gorhamopposes
“Learn more about the Free State/Liberty Alliance agenda to dismantle government in NH: https://granitestatematters.org/”
— 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
  • Feb 13, 2026HouseCommittee report· consent calendar: Inexpedient to Legislate17–0
    Overall
    100% yea
  • Mar 5, 2026HouseVoice voteInexpedient to Legislateadopted

Hearings and debates

  • Feb 4, 2026Public hearingHouse Judiciary1:50:07–1:51:0457slocated in the stream transcriptPublic Hearing
  • Feb 13, 2026Public hearingHouse Judiciary5:43–11:295m 46slocated in the stream transcriptCommittee Report: Inexpedient to Legislate; Executive Session
  • Mar 5, 2026Floor debateHouse floorWatchnot located in the transcript — opens the full streamInexpedient to Legislate — adopted, voice vote

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. 41
  2. Feb 4, 2026HousePublic Hearing: 02/04/2026 10:30 am GP 230
  3. Feb 13, 2026HouseExecutive Session: 02/13/2026 10:00 am GP 158
  4. Feb 13, 2026HouseCommittee Report: Inexpedient to Legislate 02/13/2026 (Vote 17-0; CC) HC 9 P. 17
  5. Mar 5, 2026HouseInexpedient to Legislate: MA VV 03/05/2026 HJ 6 P. 20

Coverage

No reporting linked yet.

Documents (PDF)

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