Citizen in a RepublicNH Bill Briefing
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HB 1154 · 2026 · House · Commerce and Consumer Affairs Committee

Ban on unsolicited text ads

AI-generated

restricting the texting of unsolicited advertisements, including political campaigns.

Restricts the use of texting for unsolicited advertisements, including political campaigns, and creates criminal and civil penalties for violations.AI-generated

Status

Referred to interim study (House) · February 19, 2026
  1. ✓Introduced
  2. ✕House
  3. Senate
  4. Governor
  5. Law

Analysis

This bill restricts the use of texting for unsolicited advertisements and creates criminal and civil penalties for violations.

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

“"Unsolicited advertisement" means any material advertising the commercial availability or quality of any property, goods, services, or political candidate’s message that is transmitted to any person without that person’s prior express invitation or permission, in writing or otherwise.”
Section 1
“"Benefit conferred" means where one party receives a tangible or intangible benefit, advantage, or gain because of the actions or services provided by another party.”
Section 1
“In regard to unsolicited political campaign text messages, this shall include, but not be limited to the celebrity endorser, the candidate, the political campaign or political action committee; the advertising or public relations agency, and/or the platform company used to facilitate contributions to the political campaigns and political committees.”
Section 1
“Any such unsolicited advertisement shall contain a notice allowing the recipient to opt out of any future advertisements.”
Section 1

Official record

Bill page — docket & status

gc.nh.gov · the authoritative source

Sponsors

Rep. Wendy ThomasDPrime
  • Rep. Bill BoydRClerk· Public Works and Highways

Also: Rep. Rosemarie RungD

Public testimony

8 signed in online · 2 wrote testimony

63% support38% oppose0% neutral

In their wordsVerbatim, exactly as submitted

“Testimony on HB 1154: Restricting Unsolicited Advertisement Texting I stand in opposition to HB 1154 due to its overreaching measures that could stifle civic engagement, particularly for marginalized communities.…”
— georgina Lambert, Belmontopposes

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 4, 2026HouseCommittee report· consent calendar: Refer for Interim Study16–0
    Overall
    100% yea
  • Feb 19, 2026HouseVoice voteRefer for Interim Studyadopted

Hearings and debates

  • Jan 15, 2026Public hearingHouse Commerce and Consumer AffairsWatchnot located in the transcript — opens the full streamPublic Hearing
  • Jan 22, 2026Public hearingHouse Commerce and Consumer AffairsWatchnot located in the transcript — opens the full streamSubcommittee Work Session
  • Feb 4, 2026Public hearingHouse Commerce and Consumer Affairs4:02:10–4:08:216m 11slocated in the stream transcriptCommittee Report: Refer for Interim Study; Executive Session
  • Feb 19, 2026Floor debateHouse floorWatchnot located in the transcript — opens the full streamRefer for Interim Study — 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 Commerce and Consumer Affairs HJ 1 P. 8
  2. Jan 15, 2026HousePublic Hearing: 01/15/2026 02:00 pm GP 229
  3. Jan 22, 2026HouseSubcommittee Work Session: 01/22/2026 01:15 pm GP 229
  4. Feb 4, 2026HouseExecutive Session: 02/04/2026 01:00 pm GP 229
  5. Feb 4, 2026House: Refer for Interim Study 02/04/2026 (Vote 16-0; CC) HC 7 P. 4
  6. Feb 19, 2026HouseRefer for Interim Study: MA VV 02/19/2026 HJ 5 P. 3

Coverage

No reporting linked yet.

Documents (PDF)

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