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HB 1611 · 2026 · House · Judiciary Committee

Rules for government taking of private property

AI-generated

relative to the taking of private property.

Modifies the state's authority to seize privately owned property during a declared emergency by limiting applicable circumstances, specifying procedural requirements, mandating documentation, and revising compensation provisions.AI-generated

Status

Killed in the House — Inexpedient to Legislate · March 11, 2026
  1. ✓Introduced
  2. ✕House
  3. Senate
  4. Governor
  5. Law

Analysis

This bill modifies the state's authority to seize privately owned property during a declared emergency by limiting applicable circumstances, specifying procedural requirements, mandating documentation, and revising compensation provisions.

From the bill's official ANALYSIS section.

Official record

Bill page — docket & status

gc.nh.gov · the authoritative source

Sponsors

Rep. John PotucekRPrimeVice Chair· Commerce and Consumer Affairs

Rep. Paul TerryR

Public testimony

97 signed in online · 22 wrote testimony

90% support10% oppose0% neutral

In their wordsVerbatim, exactly as submitted

“I support this bill to prevent future damage from RSA 4:46 emergency powers overshoot. Having seen the mess that Kelo v New London made of federal law, I prefer not to repeat this mistake in NH.…”
— tom luther, claremontsupports
“The bill makes it very expensive to seize private property and less likely for the government overreach of power to be utilized.”
— Valerie Murphy, Danvillesupports
“Please support this bill. I cannot even imagine anyone voting it down! They are not a home owner! Power over is fascism. Power with is way more powerful.”
— Selena Gallen, Keenesupports
“This impeachment effort is not based on wrongdoing. It is because some people disagree with what Councilor”
— Karen Burnett-Kurie, Wolfeboroopposes
“If my understanding is correct that this bill is IN FAVOR of expanding the pretext for which the state can seize private property, then I'm rather opposed to this.…”
— Joshua Custer, Milton Millsopposes
“If a person is not ready to bear a child, they should not be forced to do so. We are straying farther and farther from the protection of women in this country.…”
— sophie kratz, Gorhamopposes

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

Read the testimony · as of Aug 12, 2026

Hearings

  • 2026-02-279:00 amHouse JudiciaryGP 230Public hearing

Legislative history

  1. Jan 7, 2026HouseIntroduced 01/07/2026 and referred to Judiciary HJ 1 P. 28
  2. Feb 27, 2026HousePublic Hearing: 02/27/2026 09:00 am GP 230
  3. Feb 27, 2026HouseExecutive Session: 02/27/2026 09:00 am GP 230
  4. Feb 27, 2026House: Inexpedient to Legislate 02/27/2026 (Vote 15-0; CC) HC 10 P. 27
  5. Mar 11, 2026HouseInexpedient to Legislate: MA VV 03/11/2026 HJ 7 P. 55

Coverage

No reporting linked yet.

Documents (PDF)

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