HB 1605 · 2026 · House · Executive Departments and Administration Committee
New state intelligence office
AI-generatedestablishing a state office for intelligence and counterintelligence within the executive branch.
Establishes a state intelligence and counterintelligence office within the department of safety.AI-generated
Status
Killed in the House — Inexpedient to Legislate · February 12, 2026- ✓Introduced
- ✕House
- Senate
- Governor
- Law
Analysis
This bill establishes the state intelligence and counter-intelligence office within the department of safety.
From the bill's official ANALYSIS section.
In the bill's words
Quoted verbatim from the bill as introduced. Passages chosen from the operative text.Computed by this site
“There is established within the department of safety the state intelligence and counter-intelligence office, consisting of 3 to 5 analysts, 2 to 5 investigators, and necessary support staff.”
“The office shall identify, investigate, analyze, and counter threats from foreign intelligence operations conducted by hostile foreign nations, including but not limited to, China and Russia, or their proxies, as well as cartels, and terrorist organizations, particularly targeting elite-capture operations, targeting or staging for attacks on critical infrastructure, and societal disruption.”
“The office shall have authority to subpoena records, coordinate with federal agencies as prudent and authorized by the governor, and recommend prosecutions to the attorney general, county attorney, or federal authorities as appropriate.”
“Analysts and investigators shall have military or equivalent training in intelligence and counter-intelligence skills.”
Official record
gc.nh.gov · the authoritative source
Sponsors
Rep. Matt Sabourin dit ChoinièreR, Rep. Paul TerryR
Public testimony
73 signed in online · 10 wrote testimony
4% support96% oppose0% neutral
In their wordsVerbatim, exactly as submitted
“No NH state, county or municipal dollars should be used to fund ICE detention centers in our state. They receive excessive federal tax dollars as it is, and their violent acts against humanity are unconscionable and unacceptable. Please support HB 1605.”
“Too expensive for the state for a need that's not really been made evident and necessary.”
“I oppose this bill, because I think Intelligence and Counterintelligence should should be managed by the federal government, Those issues require a level of training, education and oversight which is beyond state government.…”
“This act proposes to spend money (that the state doesn't have) to purportedly fight terrorism. But instead it would would likely result only in intrusive surveillance of NH residents. Please do not approve this bill.”
Verbatim excerpts of submitted testimony, quoted from the testimony tool.
Read the testimony · as of Aug 12, 2026
Votes
yeanay- Jan 28, 2026HouseCommittee report· consent calendar: Inexpedient to Legislate13–0Overall100% yea
- Feb 12, 2026HouseVoice voteInexpedient to Legislateadopted
Hearings and debates
- Jan 15, 2026Public hearingHouse Executive Departments and AdministrationWatchnot located in the transcript — opens the full streamPublic Hearing; Executive Session
- Feb 12, 2026Floor debateHouse floorWatchnot located in the transcript — opens the full streamInexpedient to Legislate — adopted, voice vote
Timestamps locate where this bill is taken up in the chamber's YouTube stream.
Legislative history
- Jan 7, 2026HouseIntroduced 01/07/2026 and referred to Executive Departments and Administration HJ 1 P. 27
- Jan 15, 2026HousePublic Hearing: 01/15/2026 02:00 pm GP 231
- Jan 15, 2026HouseExecutive Session: 01/15/2026 02:00 pm GP 231
- Jan 28, 2026House: Inexpedient to Legislate 01/28/2026 (Vote 13-0; CC) HC 6 P. 6
- Feb 12, 2026HouseInexpedient to Legislate: MA VV 02/12/2026 HJ 4 P. 5
Coverage
No reporting linked yet.
Documents (PDF)
Bill text & amendments link direct to gc.nh.gov; committee reports stream from the state record.