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HB 1805 · 2026 · House · Criminal Justice and Public Safety Committee

Police officer fitness and wellness standards

AI-generated

relative to physical fitness performance requirements for certified law enforcement officers.

Modifies physical fitness requirements for certified law enforcement officers and requires agencies to adopt an officer wellness program.AI-generated

Status

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

Analysis

This bill makes modifications to the physical fitness requirements for law enforcement officers and requires law enforcement agencies to adopt an officer wellness program to support law enforcement officers' wellness.

From the bill's official ANALYSIS section.

In the bill's words

Quoted verbatim from the bill as amended by the House. Passages chosen from the operative text.Computed by this site

“No such officer who lacks the educational and training qualifications required by this section may have the temporary or probationary employment extended beyond [2 years] 1 year; however, the council, upon a finding of good cause, may grant an extension not to exceed an additional 6 months.”
RSA 106-L:6
“Every elected police officer shall be required to satisfactorily complete a preparatory program of police training at a school approved by the council.”
RSA 106-L:6
“Any elected officer who has not complied with the educational and training requirements of this paragraph within 6 months after election shall be removed from office by the governing body of the governmental unit by which such officer was elected; provided, however, that the council may, for such reasons as it may specify in its rules, grant an extension of this time limit not to exceed an additional 6 months.”
RSA 106-L:6
“A governing body which has removed an elected police officer from office under the provisions of this paragraph shall appoint a police officer to fill the vacant office.”
RSA 106-L:6

Official record

Bill page — docket & status

gc.nh.gov · the authoritative source

Sponsors

Rep. Eleana ColbyDPrime
  • Rep. Hope DamonDDeputy Ranking Member· Education Funding

Also: Rep. Will DarbyD, Rep. Douglas TrottierR, Rep. Tracy BricchiD

Public testimony

8 signed in online · 5 wrote testimony

63% support38% oppose0% neutral

In their wordsVerbatim, exactly as submitted

“We know there is a shortage of qualified first responders. We need to support their efforts to stay on the job.”
— Loren Selig, DURHAMsupports
“I oppose this poorly thought out lowering of standards for our police. It is not like the fitness standards are unreasonable. Out of shape cops present a risk to themselves, their fellow officers, and the public they serve.…”
— Simon Berrio, Daltonopposes
“NO flabby portly incapable cops regardless if they have an eye on retirement. We need everyone of them to do the things we hired them to do throughout their service time. If requirements compliance time is extended, they will be in worse shape when time expires.”
— Daniel Richardson, Nashuaopposes
“We should be proud that New Hampshire leads the way in caring about the health of our police officers. This change is not needed.”
— Kathryn Mone, Durhamopposes

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 calendarCommittee report: Ought to Pass with Amendment # 2026-0658h13–0
    Overall
    100% yea
  • Mar 11, 2026HouseVoice voteAmendment 2026-0658hadopted
  • Mar 11, 2026HouseVoice voteOught to Pass with Amendment 2026-0658hadopted
    Resulting text: Bill as amended by the House
  • May 7, 2026SenateCommittee report: Inexpedient to Legislate4–1
    Overall
    80% yea
  • May 7, 2026SenateVoice voteInexpedient to Legislateadopted

Hearings and debates

  • Jan 21, 2026Public hearingHouse Criminal Justice and Public Safety36:07–41:205m 13slocated in the stream transcriptPublic Hearing
  • Mar 11, 2026Floor debateHouse floorWatchnot located in the transcript — opens the full streamOught to Pass with Amendment 2026-0658h — adopted, voice vote; Amendment # 2026-0658h — adopted, voice vote
  • Mar 25, 2026Public hearingSenate Executive Departments and Administration31:41–36:304m 49slocated in the stream transcriptHearing
  • May 7, 2026Floor debateSenate floorWatchnot located in the transcript — opens the full streamCommittee Report: Inexpedient to Legislate; Inexpedient 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 Criminal Justice and Public Safety HJ 1 P. 37
  2. Jan 21, 2026HousePublic Hearing: 01/21/2026 10:30 am GP 159
  3. Feb 13, 2026HouseExecutive Session: 02/13/2026 10:30 am GP 159
  4. Feb 13, 2026House: Ought to Pass with Amendment # 2026-0658h 02/13/2026 (Vote 13-0; CC) HC 10 P. 12
  5. Mar 11, 2026HouseAmendment # 2026-0658h: AA VV 03/11/2026 HJ 7 P. 16
  6. Mar 11, 2026HouseOught to Pass with Amendment 2026-0658h: MA VV 03/11/2026 HJ 7 P. 16
  7. Mar 12, 2026SenIntroduced 03/12/2026 and Referred to Executive Departments and Administration; SJ 7
  8. Mar 25, 2026SenHearing: 03/25/2026, Room 103, SH, 09:30 am; SC 11
  9. May 7, 2026Sen: Inexpedient to Legislate, 05/07/2026, Vote 4-1, CC; SC 17
  10. May 7, 2026SenInexpedient to Legislate, MA, VV === BILL KILLED ===; 05/07/2026; SJ 11

Coverage

No reporting linked yet.

Documents (PDF)

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