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HB 1289 · 2026 · House · Criminal Justice and Public Safety Committee

Criminalizing drone-based video voyeurism

AI-generated

criminalizing the use of small unmanned aircraft systems for the purpose of video voyeurism and the invasion of the right to privacy.

Adds video voyeurism and invasion-of-privacy offenses to the list of prohibited uses under the law governing small unmanned aircraft systems.AI-generated

Status

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

Analysis

This bill adds additional prohibited uses to the offense of unlawful operation or use of small unmanned aircraft system.

From the bill's official ANALYSIS section.

Official record

Bill page — docket & status

gc.nh.gov · the authoritative source

Sponsors

Rep. Clayton WoodRPrime
  • Rep. Terry RoyRChair· Criminal Justice and Public Safety
  • Rep. JD BernardyRClerk· Science, Technology and Energy
  • Rep. Lisa PostRClerk· Commerce and Consumer Affairs
  • Sen. Regina BirdsellRMajority Leader

Also: Rep. Jeffrey TenczarR, Rep. Sandra PanekR

Public testimony

9 signed in online · 5 wrote testimony

67% support22% oppose11% neutral

In their wordsVerbatim, exactly as submitted

“I strongly support HB 1289. The proliferation of drones has created serious privacy risks, and individuals should not be subjected to invasive surveillance in their homes, yards, or private activities without consent.…”
— Margaret Cowan, Wilmotsupports
“As a member of the NH Bar, I oppose HB1289 because it will disrupt hundreds of years of common law, the plain view doctrine, and our state’s caselaw.”
— Mary Hakken-Phillips, Hanoveropposes
“Vote no on HB1289 as it has vague wording, create a risk of over criminalization especially for hobbyists.”
— Kathleen Malsbenden, Newmarketopposes
“Testimony on HB 1289: Criminalizing Use of Drones for Video Voyeurism & Privacy Invasion I commend the intent behind HB 1289, which seeks to address the pressing issue of privacy invasion through the misuse of drones.…”
— georgina Lambert, Belmontneutral

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

Read the testimony · as of Aug 12, 2026

Hearings

  • 2026-01-1510:00 amHouse Criminal Justice and Public SafetyGP 159Public hearing

Legislative history

  1. Jan 7, 2026HouseIntroduced 01/07/2026 and referred to Criminal Justice and Public Safety HJ 1 P. 14
  2. Jan 15, 2026HousePublic Hearing: 01/15/2026 01:00 pm GP 159
  3. Jan 23, 2026HouseExecutive Session: 01/23/2026 12:00 pm GP 159
  4. Jan 23, 2026House: Inexpedient to Legislate 01/23/2026 (Vote 11-0; CC) HC 5 P. 3
  5. Feb 5, 2026HouseInexpedient to Legislate: MA VV 02/05/2026 HJ 3 P. 7

Coverage

No reporting linked yet.

Documents (PDF)

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