HB 1611 · 2026 · House · Judiciary Committee
Rules for government taking of private property
AI-generatedrelative to the taking of private property.
Modifies the state's authority to seize privately owned property during a declared emergency by limiting applicable circumstances, specifying procedural requirements, mandating documentation, and revising compensation provisions.AI-generated
Status
Killed in the House — Inexpedient to Legislate · March 11, 2026- ✓Introduced
- ✕House
- Senate
- Governor
- Law
Analysis
This bill modifies the state's authority to seize privately owned property during a declared emergency by limiting applicable circumstances, specifying procedural requirements, mandating documentation, and revising compensation provisions.
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
“This section shall not apply to personal property, real estate, or real estate improvements owned by or intended for use by individuals or families.”
“Takings under this section shall be strictly limited to the necessities of the situation and when there is a documented inability to obtain alternative resources.”
“The person proposing to take possession of any such property in the name of the state shall present to the owner or person in possession or control of the property a copy of the warrant under which the person purports to act certified by the commissioner of safety.”
“Upon taking possession or control of such property the person shall present a receipt specifically listing the property so taken and specifically referring to the warrant authorizing the taking.”
Official record
gc.nh.gov · the authoritative source
Sponsors
Rep. Paul TerryR
Public testimony
97 signed in online · 22 wrote testimony
90% support10% oppose0% neutral
In their wordsVerbatim, exactly as submitted
“I support this bill to prevent future damage from RSA 4:46 emergency powers overshoot. Having seen the mess that Kelo v New London made of federal law, I prefer not to repeat this mistake in NH.…”
“The bill makes it very expensive to seize private property and less likely for the government overreach of power to be utilized.”
“Please support this bill. I cannot even imagine anyone voting it down! They are not a home owner! Power over is fascism. Power with is way more powerful.”
“This impeachment effort is not based on wrongdoing. It is because some people disagree with what Councilor”
“If my understanding is correct that this bill is IN FAVOR of expanding the pretext for which the state can seize private property, then I'm rather opposed to this.…”
“If a person is not ready to bear a child, they should not be forced to do so. We are straying farther and farther from the protection of women in this country.…”
Verbatim excerpts of submitted testimony, quoted from the testimony tool.
Read the testimony · as of Aug 12, 2026
Votes
yeanay- Feb 27, 2026HouseCommittee report· consent calendar: Inexpedient to Legislate15–0Overall100% yea
- Mar 11, 2026HouseVoice voteInexpedient to Legislateadopted
Hearings and debates
- Feb 27, 2026Public hearingHouse Judiciary9:35–12:142m 39slocated in the stream transcriptCommittee Report: Inexpedient to Legislate; Public Hearing; Executive Session
- Mar 11, 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
- Jan 7, 2026HouseIntroduced 01/07/2026 and referred to Judiciary HJ 1 P. 28
- Feb 27, 2026HousePublic Hearing: 02/27/2026 09:00 am GP 230
- Feb 27, 2026HouseExecutive Session: 02/27/2026 09:00 am GP 230
- Feb 27, 2026House: Inexpedient to Legislate 02/27/2026 (Vote 15-0; CC) HC 10 P. 27
- Mar 11, 2026HouseInexpedient to Legislate: MA VV 03/11/2026 HJ 7 P. 55
Coverage
No reporting linked yet.
Documents (PDF)
Bill text & amendments link direct to gc.nh.gov; committee reports stream from the state record.