Expanding the definition of veteran

Analysis

This bill: I. Changes the definition of veteran and expands eligibility for state benefits and programs that depend on veteran status, ensuring that individuals discharged under honorable conditions, including those with a general discharge under honorable conditions, are not excluded from eligibility. II. Establishes a lifetime combination hunting and fishing license for state resident veterans, with a one-time fee adjusted according to the veteran's service-connected disability rating.

From the bill's official ANALYSIS section.

Sponsors

• Sen. Kevin AvardRDeputy Majority Whip
• Sen. Mark McConkeyRChair· Capital Budget
• Sen. Ruth WardRDeputy Majority Leader
• Sen. Keith MurphyRDeputy President Pro Tempore
• Sen. Howard PearlR▸Chair· Executive Departments and Administration
• Sen. David RochefortRChair· Health and Human Services
• Sen. Bill GannonR▸Vice Chair· Executive Departments and Administration
• Sen. Sharon CarsonRPresident of the Senate
• Sen. Rebecca Perkins KwokaDMinority Leader
• Sen. Daryl AbbasRPresident Pro Tempore
• Rep. Juliet Harvey-BoliaRDeputy Majority Floor Leader

Also: Sen. Pat LongD, Sen. Tim McGoughR, Rep. Alvin SeeR, Rep. John SellersR, Rep. James ThibaultR

Public testimony

Hearings

• 2026-01-089:00 amSenate Executive Departments and AdministrationSH 103Public hearing
• 2026-04-1010:45 amHouse State-Federal Relations and Veterans AffairsGP 228Public hearing
• 2026-04-101:00 pmHouse State-Federal Relations and Veterans AffairsGP 228Public hearing

Legislative history

1. Jan 7, 2026SenIntroduced 01/07/2026 and Referred to Executive Departments and Administration; SJ 1
2. Jan 8, 2026SenHearing: 01/08/2026, Room 103, SH, 09:30 am; SC 46
3. Jan 29, 2026SenCommittee Report: Ought to Pass with Amendment # 2026-0061s, 01/29/2026; Vote 5-0; CC; SC 3
4. Jan 29, 2026SenCommittee Amendment # 2026-0061s, AA, VV; 01/29/2026; SJ 2
5. Jan 29, 2026SenOught to Pass with Amendment #2026-0061s, MA, VV; Refer to Finance Rule 4-5; 01/29/2026; SJ 2
6. Mar 26, 2026SenCommittee Report: Ought to Pass with Amendment # 2026-1209s, 03/26/2026; Vote 7-0; CC; SC 11
7. Mar 26, 2026SenCommittee Amendment # 2026-1209s, AA, VV; 03/26/2026; SJ 7
8. Mar 26, 2026SenOught to Pass with Amendment #2026-1209s, MA, VV; OT3rdg; 03/26/2026; SJ 7
9. Mar 26, 2026HouseIntroduced (in recess of) 03/26/2026 and referred to State-Federal Relations and Veterans Affairs HJ 9 P. 54
10. Apr 10, 2026HousePublic Hearing: 04/10/2026 10:45 am GP 228
11. Apr 10, 2026HouseExecutive Session: 04/10/2026 01:00 pm GP 228
12. Apr 10, 2026HouseCommittee Report: Ought to Pass with Amendment # 2026-1444h 04/10/2026 (Vote 13-0; RC)
13. Apr 23, 2026HouseAmendment # 2026-1444h: AA VV 04/23/2026 HJ 11 P. 75
14. Apr 23, 2026HouseOught to Pass with Amendment 2026-1444h: MA VV 04/23/2026 HJ 11 P. 75
15. May 7, 2026SenSen. Pearl Moved to Concur with the House Amendment, MA, VV; 05/07/2026; SJ 11
16. May 21, 2026HouseEnrolled Bill Amendment # 2026-2018e: AA VV (in recess of) 05/21/2026 HJ 14 P. 36
17. Jun 4, 2026SenEnrolled Bill Amendment # 2026-2018e Adopted, VV, (In recess of 06/04/2026); SJ 14
18. Jun 4, 2026HouseEnrolled (in recess of) 06/04/2026 HJ 15
19. Jun 4, 2026SenEnrolled Adopted, VV, (In recess 06/04/2026); SJ 14
20. Jul 2, 2026SenSigned by the Governor on 07/02/2026; Chapter 252; Effective 08/31/2026

Coverage

No reporting linked yet.

Documents (PDF)

• Introducedversion
• As Amended by the Senateversion
• As Amended by the Senate (2nd committee)version
• As Amended by the Houseversion
• Adopted by both chambersversion
• Chaptered (final law)version
• Amendment 2026-0061samendment
• Amendment 2026-1209samendment
• Amendment 2026-1444hamendment
• Amendment 2026-2018EBAamendment
• Senate Committee Report · 2026-01-09report
• Senate Hearing Report · 2026-01-12report
• Senate Committee Report · 2026-03-19report
• House Committee Report · 2026-04-13report

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