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HB 1064 · 2026 · House · Judiciary Committee

Government liability for negligence claims

AI-generated

relative to liability of governmental units.

Modifies the standards and amounts for which governmental units may be held liable for negligence causing personal injury or property damage and requires indemnification of employees absent wanton or reckless conduct.AI-generated

Status

Referred to interim study (Senate) · May 7, 2026
  1. ✓Introduced
  2. ✓House
  3. ✕Senate
  4. Governor
  5. Law

Analysis

This bill: I. Modifies the standards and amounts for which a governmental unit may be held liable for negligence resulting in personal injury or property damage. II. Requires political subdivisions to indemnify employees absent wanton on reckless conduct for negligent conduct resulting in personal injury or property damage, if the action was within the scope of the employment.

From the bill's official ANALYSIS section.

Official record

Bill page — docket & status

gc.nh.gov · the authoritative source

Sponsors

Rep. Katelyn KuttabRPrimeClerk· Judiciary
  • Rep. Bob LynnRChair· Judiciary
  • Rep. Paul BerchDDeputy Ranking Member· Judiciary
  • Rep. Mike DragoRMajority Whip
  • Sen. Regina BirdsellRMajority Leader

Also: Rep. Alicia GreggD, Rep. Melissa LitchfieldR

Public testimony

17 signed in online · 4 wrote testimony

59% support41% oppose0% neutral

In their wordsVerbatim, exactly as submitted

“I strongly support this bill. The only people who should be making decisions regarding their children's' health / immunization are the parents or legal guardians. Thank you for supporting this bill.”
— Pamela Harders, Manchestersupports
“Local government and schools should be accountable for the injuries they cause to others. Having some liability helps promote responsible government. I support this bill shielding the employees and having the liability on the body, not the person.”
— Kevin Delorey, Nashuasupports
“I have concerns that HB1064 may reduce avenues for residents to seek accountability when harmed by government action. Any liability reform should preserve meaningful access to justice”
— Hannah Meiselman, Manchesteropposes
“Make the person liable. Shrink the government. Stop voting to make it bigger. This is just an altered qualified immunity. Which is wrong.”
— John Beto, Templeopposes

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

Read the testimony · as of Aug 12, 2026

Hearings

  • 2026-02-049:30 amHouse JudiciaryGP 230Public hearing
  • 2026-02-1310:00 amHouse JudiciaryGP 158Public hearing
  • 2026-04-021:00 pmSenate JudiciarySH 100Public hearing

Legislative history

  1. Jan 7, 2026HouseIntroduced 01/07/2026 and referred to Judiciary HJ 1 P. 4
  2. Feb 4, 2026HousePublic Hearing: 02/04/2026 01:00 pm GP 230
  3. Feb 13, 2026HouseExecutive Session: 02/13/2026 10:00 am GP 158
  4. Feb 13, 2026HouseCommittee Report: Ought to Pass 02/13/2026 (Vote 17-0; CC) HC 10 P. 26
  5. Mar 11, 2026HouseOught to Pass: MA VV 03/11/2026 HJ 7 P. 52
  6. Mar 12, 2026SenIntroduced 03/12/2026 and Referred to Judiciary; SJ 7
  7. Apr 2, 2026SenHearing: 04/02/2026, Room 100, SH, 01:00 pm; SC 12
  8. May 7, 2026Sen: Referred to Interim Study, 05/07/2026, Vote 3-2; SC 17
  9. May 7, 2026SenRefer to Interim Study, MF, VV; 05/07/2026; SJ 11
  10. May 7, 2026SenSen. Birdsell Moved Ought to Pass; 05/07/2026; SJ 11
  11. May 7, 2026SenOught to Pass: MA, VV; Refer to Finance Rule 4-5; 05/07/2026; SJ 11
  12. May 14, 2026Sen: Ought to Pass, 05/14/2026, Vote 5-3; SC 18A
  13. May 14, 2026SenSen. Gray Moved Laid on Table, MA, VV; 05/14/2026; SJ 12
  14. May 14, 2026SenPending Motion Ought to Pass; 05/14/2026; SJ 12

Coverage

No reporting linked yet.

Documents (PDF)

  • Introducedversion

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