Citizen in a RepublicNH Bill Briefing
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HB 1283 · 2026 · House · Judiciary Committee

Restrictions on face recognition technology

AI-generated

relative to the use of face recognition technology.

Prohibits the use of face recognition technology, subject to certain exceptions.AI-generated

Status

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

Analysis

This bill prohibits the use of face recognition technology subject to certain exceptions.

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

“"Face recognition technology" means an automated or semi-automated process that assists in identifying an individual or capturing information about an individual, based on the physical characteristics of an individual's face.”
RSA 644-B:1
“The state shall only use a face recognition technology if it has a warrant supported by probable cause and signed by a neutral and detached magistrate or a well-established warrant exception applies.”
RSA 644-B:2
“Any data or information collected or derived from any of the State’s own use of face recognition technology in violation of this chapter shall be inadmissible in any trial, hearing, or other proceeding in or before any court or regulatory agency in the state of New Hampshire.”
RSA 644-B:3
“Any person who violates the prohibition in RSA 644-B:2 shall be guilty of a class A misdemeanor.”
RSA 644-B:4

Official record

Bill page — docket & status

gc.nh.gov · the authoritative source

Sponsors

Rep. Buzz ScherrDPrime
  • Rep. Dan McGuireRVice Chair· Finance

Public testimony

90 signed in online · 5 wrote testimony

97% support3% oppose0% neutral

In their wordsVerbatim, exactly as submitted

“Libraries should be controlled by the people and not by the government--to preserve critical thinking and avoid authoritarianism.”
— Marie Nardino, Andoversupports
“I support HB1283 because regulating face recognition technology is essential to protecting privacy and civil liberties. Without clear limits, these tools risk misuse, bias, and unwarranted surveillance.…”
— Hannah Meiselman, Manchestersupports
“NH’s Multi-Tiered System of Supports for Behavioral Health and Wellness (MTSS-B) is a framework that helps provide behavioral health support to our students.…”
— Regan Lamphier, Nashuasupports

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 Legislate18–0
    Overall
    100% yea
  • Mar 5, 2026HouseVoice voteInexpedient to Legislateadopted

Hearings and debates

  • Feb 11, 2026Public hearingHouse Judiciary1:41:48–1:43:031m 15slocated in the stream transcriptPublic Hearing
  • Feb 13, 2026Public hearingHouse Judiciary33:14–35:061m 52slocated 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. 13
  2. Feb 11, 2026HousePublic Hearing: 02/11/2026 11:30 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 18-0; CC) HC 9 P. 18
  5. Mar 5, 2026HouseInexpedient to Legislate: MA VV 03/05/2026 HJ 6 P. 24

Coverage

No reporting linked yet.

Documents (PDF)

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