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HB 1419 · 2026 · House · Judiciary Committee

Study committee on specialized business court

AI-generated

(New Title) establishing a committee to study whether a court with specialized jurisdiction over corporate, commercial, and equitable matters should be established.

Establishes a committee to study whether to create a court with specialized jurisdiction over corporate, commercial, and equitable matters.AI-generated

Status

Recommended for passage but never voted; died at adjournment · May 7, 2026
  1. ✓Introduced
  2. ✓House
  3. ✕Senate
  4. Governor
  5. Law

Analysis

This bill establishes a commission to study whether a court with specialized jurisdiction over corporate, commercial, and equitable matters should be established.

From the bill's official ANALYSIS section.

Official record

Bill page — docket & status

gc.nh.gov · the authoritative source

Sponsors

Rep. Donald McFarlaneRPrime
  • Rep. Dan McGuireRVice Chair· Finance
  • Rep. Jason OsborneRMajority Leader
  • Rep. Joe SweeneyRDeputy Majority Leader
  • Rep. Jordan UleryRVice Chair· Ways and Means
  • Rep. Robert WherryRChair· Special Committee on COVID Response Efficacy

Also: Rep. Mary MurphyR, Rep. Daniel Popovici-MullerR, Rep. Jim KofaltR

Public testimony

20 signed in online · 8 wrote testimony

25% support75% oppose0% neutral

In their wordsVerbatim, exactly as submitted

“This is an opportunity for NH law and revenue. It clearly works for Delaware, and corporations should have another option to utilize a Court of Chancery.”
— CORY STONE, Doversupports
“Thank you for the opportunity to submit this testimony in support of HB1419, I offer this statement as both a New Hampshire native and the former CEO of As Seen On TV, where I worked extensively with entrepreneurs, manufacturers, distributors, and investors across the country.…”
— Ron Rule, Langdonsupports
“My name is Carol Pratt, and I live in Dover. I am a retired corporate lawyer, having worked for 40 years in Boston representing start-ups, venture capital financed companies, and corporations on the verge of initial public offerings.…”
— Carol Pratt, Doversupports
“I oppose this bill as drafted. While a based on a sound idea, I object to this bill for three reasons: 1. The large size of the 24-member commission and probable high expenses. 2. The long timeline. Can’t you get something done in less than four years?…”
— Russell Hodgkins, Amherstopposes
“I dont see why there would be a need for a separate court outside the existing judiciary, unless it is intended to create an avenue for companies to buy favorable litigation outcomes from their pet judges.”
— Kelly Butler, Gilsumopposes
“There should never be any written material censored or banned. This sets a dangerous precedent. Parents must convey to their children what is acceptable reading material based on one's age.…”
— Tami Lanzillo Zeimetz, Gilfordopposes

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

Read the testimony · as of Aug 12, 2026

Hearings

  • 2026-02-2010:00 amHouse JudiciaryGP 231Public hearing
  • 2026-04-281:00 pmSenate JudiciarySH 100Public hearing

Legislative history

  1. Jan 7, 2026HouseIntroduced 01/07/2026 and referred to Judiciary HJ 1 P. 19
  2. Feb 20, 2026HousePublic Hearing: 02/20/2026 01:30 pm GP 231
  3. Feb 20, 2026HouseExecutive Session: 02/20/2026 01:30 pm GP 231
  4. Feb 27, 2026HouseMajority : Ought to Pass with Amendment # 2026-0897h 02/27/2026 (Vote 9-8; RC) HC 10 P. 58
  5. Mar 4, 2026HouseMinority : Inexpedient to Legislate
  6. Mar 12, 2026HouseAmendment # 2026-0897h: AA DV 187-151 03/12/2026 HJ 8 P. 9
  7. Mar 12, 2026HouseOught to Pass with Amendment 2026-0897h: MA DV 189-149 03/12/2026 HJ 8 P. 10
  8. Mar 12, 2026SenIntroduced 03/12/2026 and Referred to Judiciary; SJ 7
  9. Apr 28, 2026SenHearing: 04/28/2026, Room 100, SH, 01:10 pm; SC 17
  10. May 7, 2026Sen: Ought to Pass with Amendment # 2026-1767s, 05/07/2026, Vote 3-2; SC 17
  11. May 7, 2026SenCommittee Amendment # 2026-1767s, AA, VV; 05/07/2026; SJ 11
  12. May 7, 2026SenOught to Pass with Amendment # 2026-1767s, MA, VV; OT3rdg; 05/07/2026; SJ 11
  13. May 21, 2026HouseHouse Non-Concurs with Senate Amendment 2026-1767s (Rep. Lynn): MA VV 05/21/2026 HJ 14 P. 18

Coverage

No reporting linked yet.

Documents (PDF)

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