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HB 349 · 2026 · House · Executive Departments and Administration Committee

Optometrists performing laser eye procedures

AI-generated

relative to the practice of optometry and authorization to perform ophthalmic laser procedures.

Authorizes optometrists who meet criteria established by the board of registration in optometry to perform certain ophthalmic laser procedures.AI-generated

Status

Vetoed; the override vote failed, so the veto stands · April 9, 2026
  1. ✓Introduced
  2. ✓House
  3. ✓Senate
  4. ✕Governor
  5. Law

Governor's veto message

“Access to quality and affordable healthcare is necessary and essential to our quality of life here in New Hampshire.”
— Gov. Kelly Ayotte · Mar 27, 2026 · excerpt
Governor's press releaseHouse Journal 10, p. 2

The House voted 145–206 on the override (Apr 9, 2026) — short of the two-thirds required, so the veto was sustained.

Analysis

This bill authorizes optometrists who meet criteria established by the board of registration in optometry to perform certain ophthalmic laser procedures.

From the bill's official ANALYSIS section.

Official record

Bill page — docket & status

gc.nh.gov · the authoritative source

Sponsors

Rep. Jim KofaltRPrime
  • Rep. Katy PeternelRVice Chair· Education Policy and Administration
  • Sen. David RochefortRChair· Health and Human Services
  • Sen. Howard PearlRChair· Executive Departments and Administration
  • Sen. Ruth WardRDeputy Majority Leader
  • Sen. Suzanne PrentissDAssistant Democratic Leader

Also: Rep. Alicia GreggD, Rep. Sheila SeidelR, Sen. Debra AltschillerD

Public testimony

No one submitted online testimony on this bill. See the record

Hearings

  • 2025-01-2310:00 amHouse Executive Departments and AdministrationLOB 306-308Public hearing
  • 2025-10-0110:00 amHouse Executive Departments and AdministrationGP 231Public hearing
  • 2026-02-049:00 amSenate Health and Human ServicesSH 100Public hearing

Legislative history

  1. Jan 8, 2025HouseIntroduced 01/08/2025 and referred to Executive Departments and Administration HJ 2 P. 16
  2. Jan 23, 2025HousePublic Hearing: 01/23/2025 02:00 pm LOB 306-308
  3. Feb 11, 2025HouseRetained in Committee
  4. Oct 1, 2025HouseFull Committee Work Session: 10/01/2025 10:00 am GP 231
  5. Oct 1, 2025HouseExecutive Session: 10/01/2025 10:00 am GP 231
  6. Oct 1, 2025HouseMajority : Ought to Pass with Amendment # 2025-2969h 10/01/2025 (Vote 12-3; RC) HC 51 P. 33
  7. Nov 5, 2025HouseMinority : Inexpedient to Legislate
  8. Jan 7, 2026HouseAmendment # 2025-2969h: AA VV 01/07/2026 HJ 1 P. 169
  9. Jan 7, 2026HouseFLAM # 2026-0032h (Rep. Layon): AA VV 01/07/2026 HJ 1 P. 169
  10. Jan 7, 2026HouseIndefinitely Postpone (Rep. M. Pearson): MF RC 133-205 01/07/2026 HJ 1 P. 170
  11. Jan 7, 2026HouseLay HB349 on Table (Rep. Schmidt): MF RC 94-242 01/07/2026 HJ 1 P. 172
  12. Jan 7, 2026HouseOught to Pass with Amendment 2025-2969h and 2026-0032h: MA RC 193-143 01/07/2026 HJ 1 P. 174
  13. Jan 7, 2026HouseReferred to Finance 01/07/2026 HJ 1 P. 175
  14. Jan 8, 2026HouseReferral Waived by Committee Chair per House Rule 47(f) 01/08/2026 HJ 2 P. 57
  15. Jan 7, 2026SenIntroduced 01/07/2026 and Referred to Health and Human Services; SJ 2
  16. Feb 4, 2026SenHearing: 02/04/2026, Room 100, SH, 09:45 am; SC 4
  17. Feb 19, 2026Sen: Ought to Pass, 02/19/2026; Vote 5-0; CC; SC 6
  18. Feb 19, 2026SenOught to Pass: MA, VV; OT3rdg; 02/19/2026; SJ 4
  19. Mar 12, 2026SenEnrolled Adopted, VV, (In recess 03/12/2026); SJ 7
  20. Mar 12, 2026HouseEnrolled (in recess of) 03/12/2026 HJ 8 P. 115
  21. Mar 27, 2026HouseVetoed by Governor Ayotte 03/27/2026 HJ 10 P. 2
  22. Apr 9, 2026HouseVeto Sustained 04/09/2026: RC 145-206 Lacking Necessary Two-Thirds Vote HJ 10 P. 4

Coverage

No reporting linked yet.

Documents (PDF)

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