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HB 1603 · 2026 · House · Resources, Recreation and Development Committee

Wildlife record verification rules

AI-generated

(New Title) requiring the executive director of the department of fish and game to adopt rules relative to procedures for verifying accuracy of records collected relative to threatened and endangered wildlife and ensuring landowner permission is granted for the gathering of such record.

Requires the executive director of the department of fish and game to adopt rules for verifying the accuracy of records on threatened and endangered wildlife and ensuring landowner permission is obtained when gathering such records.AI-generated

Status

Signed into law · July 10, 2026
  1. ✓Introduced
  2. ✓House
  3. ✓Senate
  4. ✓Governor
  5. ✓Law

Analysis

This bill requires state agencies to provide current and verifiable evidence of an endangered or threatened species presence before imposing any land use restriction related to that species' habitat.

From the bill's official ANALYSIS section.

Official record

Bill page — docket & status

gc.nh.gov · the authoritative source

Sponsors

Rep. Sayra DeVitoRPrimeClerk· Fish and Game and Marine Resources
  • Rep. Tom MannionRAssistant Majority Whip
  • Rep. Lisa MazurRVice Chair· Health, Human Services and Elderly Affairs
  • Rep. Juliet Harvey-BoliaRDeputy Majority Floor Leader
  • Sen. Keith MurphyRDeputy President Pro Tempore

Also: Rep. Calvin BeaulierR, Rep. Melissa LitchfieldR, Rep. Linda McGrathR, Rep. Matt Sabourin dit ChoinièreR, Rep. Susan DeRoyR, Rep. Mary MurphyR

Public testimony

192 signed in online · 43 wrote testimony

4% support96% oppose0% neutral

In their wordsVerbatim, exactly as submitted

“If the state of NH would pay its fair share, we taxpayers would save far more on property taxes. Stop the gop tax scam for once and for all. NH must fund public education.…”
— Kathy Archibald, Warrenopposes
“I have worked for The Nature Conservancy in NH, NH Audubon and Beaver Brook Association in Hollis,NH. I have been involved in environmental protection for wildlife habitat for the 21 years I have lived in NH.…”
— Gail Coffey, Wiltonopposes
“Please reject this bill. This provision is in direct conflict with RSA 212-A:9”
— JOHN MILLER, ORFORDopposes

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

Read the testimony · as of Aug 12, 2026

Hearings

  • 2026-01-219:30 amHouse Resources, Recreation and DevelopmentGP 228Public hearing
  • 2026-01-2810:00 amHouse Resources, Recreation and DevelopmentGP 228Public hearing
  • 2026-02-049:50 amHouse Resources, Recreation and DevelopmentGP 228Public hearingrescheduled
  • 2026-03-109:00 amSenate Energy and Natural ResourcesSH 103Public hearing
  • 2026-03-179:00 amSenate Energy and Natural ResourcesSH 103Public hearing

Legislative history

  1. Jan 7, 2026HouseIntroduced 01/07/2026 and referred to Resources, Recreation and Development HJ 1 P. 27
  2. Jan 21, 2026HousePublic Hearing: 01/21/2026 09:30 am GP 228
  3. Jan 28, 2026House==RECESSED== Executive Session: 01/28/2026 10:00 am GP 228
  4. Feb 4, 2026House==CONTINUED== Executive Session: 02/04/2026 09:50 am GP 228
  5. Feb 4, 2026HouseMajority : Ought to Pass with Amendment # 2026-0518h (NT) 02/04/2026 (Vote 8-7; RC) HC 7 P. 37
  6. Feb 9, 2026HouseMinority : Refer for Interim Study
  7. Feb 19, 2026HouseAmendment # 2026-0518h: AA VV 02/19/2026 HJ 5 P. 98
  8. Feb 19, 2026HouseOught to Pass with Amendment 2026-0518h: MA DV 192-152 02/19/2026 HJ 5 P. 99
  9. Feb 19, 2026HouseReferred to Finance 02/19/2026 HJ 5 P. 99
  10. Feb 19, 2026HouseReferral Waived by Committee Chair per House Rule 47(f) 02/19/2026 HJ 5 P. 112
  11. Feb 19, 2026SenIntroduced 02/19/2026 and Referred to Energy and Natural Resources; SJ 5
  12. Mar 10, 2026Sen==RECESSED== Hearing: 03/10/2026, Room 103, SH, 09:10 am; SC 9
  13. Mar 17, 2026Sen==RECONVENE== Hearing: 03/17/2026, Room 103, SH, 09:00 am; SC 10
  14. Apr 9, 2026Sen: Ought to Pass with Amendment # 2026-1305s, 04/09/2026; Vote 4-0; CC; SC 13
  15. Apr 9, 2026SenCommittee Amendment # 2026-1305s, AA, VV; 04/09/2026; SJ 8
  16. Apr 9, 2026SenOught to Pass with Amendment #2026-1305s, MA, VV; OT3rdg; 04/09/2026; SJ 8
  17. May 21, 2026HouseHouse Concurs with Senate Amendment 2026-1305s (Rep. Harb): MA VV 05/21/2026 HJ 14 P. 22
  18. Jun 4, 2026SenEnrolled Adopted, VV, (In recess 06/04/2026); SJ 14
  19. Jun 4, 2026HouseEnrolled (in recess of) 06/04/2026 HJ 15
  20. Jul 2, 2026HouseSigned by Governor Ayotte 07/02/2026; Chapter 236; eff. 8/31/2026

Coverage

No reporting linked yet.

Documents (PDF)

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