New Hampshire HB 1187: relative to the time in which candidates for state representative may file their candidacy for a special election.

Bill Text

HB 1187-FN - AS AMENDED BY THE SENATE

05/07/2026 1596s

2026 SESSION

 26-2556

 08/07

HOUSE BILL 1187-FN

AN ACT relative to the time in which candidates for state representative may file their candidacy for a special election. 

SPONSORS: Rep. Berry, Hills. 44; Rep. Qualey, Ches. 18

COMMITTEE: Election Law

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ANALYSIS

 This bill allows candidates for state representative in a special election to file for 3 days with their town or city clerk.

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Explanation: Matter added to current law appears in bold italics.

 Matter removed from current law appears [in brackets and struckthrough.]

 Matter which is either (a) all new or (b) repealed and reenacted appears in regular type.

05/07/2026 1596s 26-2556

 08/07

STATE OF NEW HAMPSHIRE

In the Year of Our Lord Two Thousand Twenty-Six

AN ACT relative to the time in which candidates for state representative may file their candidacy for a special election. 

Be it Enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives in General Court convened:

 1 Nomination of Candidates to the General Court; House of Representatives; Special Election. RSA 655:81, III is repealed and reenacted to read as follows:

 III. Under RSA 655:15, state representative candidates may file with the secretary of state, except that a state representative candidate may file with his or her appropriate town or city clerk under RSA 655:15, in which case the town or city clerk shall forward each declaration of candidate to the secretary of state on the same day on which the declaration is filed. During the week of filing, if the town or city clerk's office shall not be open for at least 3 days and for at least 2 hours on those days, the clerk shall post contact information for the clerk, deputy clerk, or another election official who the clerk has authorized to accept the declaration of candidacy. The dates and times town and city clerks' offices are open for filing during the filing period and any additional contact information shall be listed on the secretary of state's website; and

 2 Effective Date. This act shall take effect 60 days after its passage.

 LBA

 26-2556

 5/8/26

HB 1187-FN- FISCAL NOTE

AS AMENDED BY THE SENATE (AMENDMENT #2026-1596s)

AN ACT relative to the time in which candidates for state representative may file their candidacy for a special election. 

FISCAL IMPACT:

 The Legislative Budget Assistant has determined that this legislation has a total fiscal impact of less than $10,000 in each of the fiscal years 2026 through 2029.

AGENCIES CONTACTED:

 Department of State and New Hampshire Municipal Association