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HB 1185 · 2026 · House · Children and Family Law Committee

Redefining child endangerment penalties

AI-generated

relative to the offense of endangering the welfare of a child or incompetent.

Repeals and reenacts the crime of endangering the welfare of a child or incompetent, redefining the offense and setting revised penalties ranging from a misdemeanor to a class A felony depending on the resulting harm and intent.AI-generated

Status

Killed in the House — Inexpedient to Legislate · March 9, 2026
  1. ✓Introduced
  2. ✕House
  3. Senate
  4. Governor
  5. Law

Analysis

This bill redefines the crime of endangering of the welfare of a child or incompetent, and adds revised penalties for the violation thereof.

From the bill's official ANALYSIS section.

Official record

Bill page — docket & status

gc.nh.gov · the authoritative source

Sponsors

Rep. Jay MarkellRPrime
  • Rep. Debra DeSimoneRChair· Children and Family Law
  • Rep. Jodi NelsonRClerk· Children and Family Law
  • Rep. Kimberly RiceRVice Chair· Children and Family Law

Also: Sen. Pat LongD

Public testimony

88 signed in online · 85 wrote testimony

1% support99% oppose0% neutral

ForPotential positive impact on the disability community

AgainstBill infringes on parental rights, invites overreach

AI-generatedLeading arguments, summarized by the testimony tool.

Read the arguments

In their wordsVerbatim, exactly as submitted

“The Members of the NH Council on Developmental Disabilities (NHCDD) believes this bill could have a positive impact on the NH disability community.”
— Chase Eagleson, Concord · Members of the NH Council on Developmental Disabilitiessupports
“First off this is yet again another unfunded mandate. The premise that only a nurse can teach health and sexuality is absurd.…”
— Karen Burnett-Kurie, Wolfeboroopposes
“I am writing to express my opposition to HB 1185, relative to the offense of endangering the welfare of a child or incompetent.…”
— David Wheeler, Milfordopposes

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

Read the testimony · as of Aug 12, 2026

Hearings

  • 2026-01-2010:00 amHouse Children and Family LawGP 230Public hearing
  • 2026-01-2710:00 amHouse Children and Family LawGP 230Public hearing

Legislative history

  1. Jan 7, 2026HouseIntroduced 01/07/2026 and referred to Children and Family Law HJ 1 P. 9
  2. Jan 20, 2026HousePublic Hearing: 01/20/2026 10:00 am GP 230
  3. Jan 27, 2026HouseExecutive Session: 01/27/2026 10:00 am GP 230
  4. Jan 27, 2026HouseCommittee Report: Inexpedient to Legislate 01/27/2026 (Vote 16-0; CC) HC 7 P. 3
  5. Feb 19, 2026HouseInexpedient to Legislate: MA VV 02/19/2026 HJ 5 P. 3

Coverage

No reporting linked yet.

Documents (PDF)

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