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HB 1464 · 2026 · House · Criminal Justice and Public Safety Committee

Ban on political affiliation discrimination

AI-generated

relative to discrimination, harassment, and violence based on political affiliation or opinion.

Defines political affiliation or opinion, prohibits discrimination or harassment based on it, prohibits politically motivated interference with a person's economic interests, and establishes penalties for violations.AI-generated

Status

Killed in the House — Inexpedient to Legislate · March 11, 2026
  1. ✓Introduced
  2. ✕House
  3. Senate
  4. Governor
  5. Law

Analysis

This bill: I. Defines "political affiliation or opinion." II. Prohibits discrimination or harassment of individuals based on political affiliation or opinion. III. Prohibits politically motivated interference with a person's economic interests. IV. Provides 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

“"Political affiliation or opinion" means a person's actual or perceived membership in, support for, opposition to, or expression of a political party, candidate, ideology, viewpoint, or activity protected under the First Amendment to the United States Constitution or part I, article 22 of the New Hampshire constitution.”
RSA 21:56
“This section shall not apply to conduct protected by the First Amendment to the United States Constitution or part I, article 22 of the New Hampshire constitution, such as peaceful protests or petitions.”
RSA 631:4-c

Official record

Bill page — docket & status

gc.nh.gov · the authoritative source

Sponsors

Rep. Terry RoyRPrimeChair· Criminal Justice and Public Safety
  • Rep. Claudine BurnhamRDeputy Majority Whip
  • Rep. Jennifer RhodesRVice Chair· Criminal Justice and Public Safety

Public testimony

18 signed in online · 9 wrote testimony

39% support61% oppose0% neutral

In their wordsVerbatim, exactly as submitted

“I strongly support HB 1464. Targeting someone because of their political affiliation or opinion is no different from targeting them for race, religion, or other protected characteristics.…”
— Margaret Cowan, Wilmotsupports
“NO ICE IN NEW HAMPSHIRE! We do not need a human warehouse in our state and we sure should not be funding it!”
— Anthony Pelletier, Merrimacksupports
“Please vote OTP on HB1464, relative to discrimination, harassment, and violence based on political affiliation or opinion. As street activists, my husband and I have been assaulted many times merely for standing with signs and having discussions with passersby.…”
— Beth Scaer, NASHUAsupports
“While I support the spirit of this bill, I am concerned that the current verbiage could be construed to protect people who have opinions against human rights or that acts of violence are appropriate.…”
— Stephanie Vazzano, Concordopposes
“This bill unnecessarily creates a new protected class based on political opinion, opening the door to abuse, frivolous claims, and chilled speech.…”
— Kathleen Malsbenden, Newmarketopposes
“This proposed bill does nothing to address the strife and division we currently see in our nation. This does nothing help anyone mend or come together. This bill will lead to further distress and disagreement amongst our citizens in the state.”
— Kathleen Neilan, Lebanonopposes

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 23, 2026HouseCommittee report· regular calendarCommittee report: Ought to Pass7–5
    Overall
    58% yea
  • Mar 11, 2026HouseRoll callOught to PassFailed136–199How they voted
    Overall
    41% yea
    Party-line vote
    Republicans
    129–5670% yea
    Democrats
    7–1435% yea
  • Mar 11, 2026HouseDivisionInexpedient to LegislateAdopted242–97
    Overall
    71% yea

Hearings and debates

  • Jan 15, 2026Public hearingHouse Criminal Justice and Public Safety4:48:46–4:49:551m 9slocated in the stream transcriptPublic Hearing
  • Mar 11, 2026Floor debateHouse floor2:12:41–2:19:386m 57slocated in the stream transcriptOught to Pass — failed, roll call 136-199; Inexpedient to Legislate — adopted, division 242-97

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 Criminal Justice and Public Safety HJ 1 P. 21
  2. Jan 15, 2026HousePublic Hearing: 01/15/2026 01:30 pm GP 159
  3. Jan 23, 2026HouseExecutive Session: 01/23/2026 12:00 pm GP 159
  4. Jan 23, 2026HouseMajority : Ought to Pass 01/23/2026 (Vote 7-5; RC) HC 10 P. 33
  5. Mar 2, 2026HouseMinority : Inexpedient to Legislate
  6. Mar 11, 2026HouseOught to Pass: MF RC 136-199 03/11/2026 HJ 7 P. 79
  7. Mar 11, 2026HouseInexpedient to Legislate: MA DV 242-97 03/11/2026 HJ 7 P. 82

Coverage

No reporting linked yet.

Documents (PDF)

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