Bill
HB 477
Creates a commission to study and propose improvements to safety and security procedures at the NH State House, including funding and implementation plans.
HB 477 (New Hampshire, 2026) — Summary
Overview
- Title: Establishing a commission to study safety and security procedures in the New Hampshire state house.
- Purpose: Create a formal body to review and recommend improvements to safety and security procedures within the New Hampshire State House, including how to protect legislators, staff, visitors, and facilities.
Key Provisions
- Establishment of Commission: Creates a standing or ad hoc commission (as described in bill text) tasked with studying current safety and security measures in the State House.
- Scope of Study: The commission examines existing procedures, equipment, staffing, access control, emergency response protocols, visitor management, incident reporting, training, and interagency coordination.
- Recommendations: The commission is directed to develop proposed changes or enhancements, including policy recommendations, budget implications, and prioritization of actions.
- Reporting Requirements: The commission must report findings and recommendations to the Legislature by a specified deadline, and may provide interim updates as required.
- Membership and Administration: Details on membership composition (likely including legislators, security professionals, staff, and possibly non-government experts), appointment processes, terms, leadership, and administrative support.
- Funding: Provisions for funding the commission’s operations, workloads, and any external consultants or studies, if applicable.
- Sunset or Continuation: The bill may specify whether the commission is temporary (sunsets after reporting) or continues with ongoing duties, and under what conditions.
Who Would Be Affected
- State House operations: Legislative staff, security personnel, facilities management, and all individuals who access the State House (members of the Legislature, staff, visitors).
- State Government: Potential impact on agencies involved in security (e.g., capitol security, law enforcement partners), budget offices, and committees overseeing security and facilities.
- General Public: Visitors and constituents who participate in or attend legislative sessions and events.
Procedural and Timeline Aspects
- Introduction and Referral: Referred to Legislative Administration (as part of the legislative process).
- Committee Action: The committee has considered and reported on this bill, with a track record indicating debate and multiple work sessions.
- Legislative History Indicators:
- 2025-03-12 to 2025-03-19: Retained in committee with executive sessions.
- 2025-10-08: Committee reported the bill with a disposition of "Inexpedient to Legislate" (i.e., not advancing favorably at that stage) by a vote of 11-0 in committee.
- 2026-01-07: Final action noted as "Inexpedient to Legislate" on the House floor.
- Next Steps: If the bill is deemed expedient or if a new version is introduced, it may proceed differently in the House or Senate. As currently summarized actions show an “Inexpedient to Legislate” disposition, the bill did not advance to the floor for passage in its current form, though amendments or a reintroduction could alter its status.
Notes
- The provided action history shows multiple committee sessions and an explicit committee vote labeling the bill “Inexpedient to Legislate,” suggesting the bill did not move forward in its current form. If renewed, potential changes could include adjustments to scope, funding, or governance of the proposed commission.
- For precise text, membership details, deadlines, and funding amounts, consulting the bill’s official text as enacted or reported by the NH General Court would be necessary.
Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.
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