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HB 1685 · 2026 · House · Science, Technology and Energy Committee

Study committee on assistive technology

AI-generated

(Second New Title) establishing a committee to study aiding the growth of assistive technology businesses and adoption of assistive technologies in New Hampshire.

Establishes a committee to study aiding the growth of assistive technology businesses and the adoption of assistive technologies in New Hampshire.AI-generated

Status

Recommended for passage but never voted; died at adjournment · April 10, 2026
  1. ✓Introduced
  2. ✓House
  3. ✕Senate
  4. Governor
  5. Law

Analysis

This bill establishes a technology commission under the department of health and human services to study making New Hampshire a technology-first state.

From the bill's official ANALYSIS section.

Official record

Bill page — docket & status

gc.nh.gov · the authoritative source

Sponsors

Rep. Heath HowardDPrimeDeputy Ranking Member· Executive Departments and Administration

Public testimony

8 signed in online · 3 wrote testimony

75% support13% oppose13% neutral

In their wordsVerbatim, exactly as submitted

“My name is Sam Shepherd, and I’m the Founder of 3DA, a nonprofit advocating for individuals with developmental disabilities across the country; our two main priorities being legal rights and assistive technology.…”
— Sam Shepherd, Mesasupports
“This bill will help NH to acquire additional funding for technology and assistive technology to support independence for our aging population and those living with disabilities.…”
— Sara Valli, Charlestownsupports

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

Read the testimony · as of Aug 12, 2026

Hearings

  • 2026-02-091:00 pmHouse Science, Technology and EnergyGP 229Public hearing
  • 2026-02-1710:00 amHouse Science, Technology and EnergyGP 229Public hearing
  • 2026-03-189:00 amSenate Health and Human ServicesSH 100Public hearing

Legislative history

  1. Jan 7, 2026HouseIntroduced 01/07/2026 and referred to Science, Technology and Energy HJ 1 P. 31
  2. Feb 9, 2026HousePublic Hearing: 02/09/2026 01:00 pm GP 229
  3. Feb 17, 2026HouseExecutive Session: 02/17/2026 10:00 am GP 229
  4. Feb 17, 2026House: Ought to Pass with Amendment # 2026-0751h (NT) 02/17/2026 (Vote 18-0; CC) HC 9 P. 27
  5. Mar 5, 2026HouseAmendment # 2026-0751h: AA VV 03/05/2026 HJ 6 P. 35
  6. Mar 5, 2026HouseOught to Pass with Amendment 2026-0751h: MA VV 03/05/2026 HJ 6 P. 36
  7. Mar 5, 2026SenIntroduced 03/05/2026 and Referred to Health and Human Services; SJ 6
  8. Mar 18, 2026SenHearing: 03/18/2026, Room 100, SH, 10:15 am; SC 10
  9. Apr 16, 2026Sen: Ought to Pass with Amendment # 2026-1430s, 04/16/2026; Vote 4-0; CC; SC 14A
  10. Apr 16, 2026SenCommittee Amendment # 2026-1430s, AA, VV; 04/16/2026; SJ 9
  11. Apr 16, 2026SenOught to Pass with Amendment # 2026-1430s, MA, VV; OT3rdg; 04/16/2026; SJ 9
  12. Apr 23, 2026HouseHouse Non-Concurs with Senate Amendment 2026-1430s (Rep. Vose): MA VV 04/23/2026 HJ 11 P. 84
  13. Apr 23, 2026HouseSpeaker Appoints: Reps. D. Thomas, Caplan, Parshall, Vose 04/23/2026 HJ 11 P. 84
  14. May 14, 2026SenSen. Rochefort Refused to Accede to House Request for Committee of Conference, MA, VV; 05/14/2026; SJ 12

Coverage

No reporting linked yet.

Documents (PDF)

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