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Bill

HB 686

prohibiting certain public entities from conducting or sponsoring political surveys, polls, or questionnaires in their official capacities.

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Aidan Ankarberg and 4 co-sponsors

New Hampshire would bar public entities from conducting or sponsoring political surveys, polls, or questionnaires in their official capacities.

Refer to Interim Study, MA, VV; 04/16/2026; SJ 9
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Bill Summary · HB 686

Summary of HB 686 (New Hampshire, 2026)

Overview

  • Bill title: Prohibiting certain public entities from conducting or sponsoring political surveys, polls, or questionnaires in their official capacities.
  • Jurisdiction: New Hampshire
  • Session: 2026
  • Primary focus: Restricts public entities from using official channels to conduct or sponsor political surveys, polls, or questionnaires.

Purpose and Intent

  • To limit the involvement of public entities in political polling and surveys conducted in their official capacity.
  • Aims to reduce the potential for public resources to be used to influence political opinions or campaigns.
  • Seeks to establish clearer boundaries between government functions and political activity, potentially protecting the perceived objectivity of public agencies.

Key Provisions and Changes (as indicated by bill history and amendments)

  • The bill has undergone multiple readings, amendments, and committee reviews, indicating a refinement of scope and specifics.
  • Primary restrictions (implied):
    • Public entities (likely state or local government offices, departments, or agencies) may be prohibited from conducting political surveys, polls, or questionnaires using official resources or official capacity.
    • Prohibition could cover surveys intended to influence public policy, election-related decisions, or political outcomes.
  • Enforcement and penalties: The bill history does not specify exact penalties in the provided summary. Typical provisions would address enforcement mechanisms and potential penalties for violations, but the precise language would be in the final text.
  • Definitions: The bill would define what constitutes “political surveys, polls, or questionnaires” and which entities qualify as “public entities” under the act.

Who/What Would Be Affected

  • Public entities in New Hampshire that administer, fund, or conduct surveys, polls, or questionnaires in their official programs or capacities.
  • Potentially includes state agencies, departments, or local government bodies that engage in data collection tied to political issues, campaigns, or public policy debates.
  • Individuals or organizations conducting political surveys on behalf of public entities could also be affected if acting under official authority or using public resources.

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

  • Introduced and referred to committees: The bill was introduced in March 2026 and referred to Election Law and Municipal Affairs.
  • Committee actions: Underwent several rounds of committee amendments and reports, with votes on “Ought to Pass with Amendment” and related reports.
  • Public hearings and executive sessions: Multiple hearings and executive sessions occurred from 2025 into 2026, indicating ongoing deliberation and possible adjustments.
  • Referral to Interim Study: In April 2026, the bill was referred to an Interim Study, suggesting a temporary pause for broader examination and potential further recommendations before a final vote.
  • Votes: Notable committee votes include a 9-8 decision on an amendment and a 5-0 vote to move to Interim Study, indicating there was some contention regarding scope and details.

Practical Implications

  • If enacted, public entities would need to discontinue or modify any official efforts to collect public opinion through political surveys, polls, or questionnaires.
  • Agencies may need to reassess grant-funded or contracted surveys to ensure neutrality and separation from political activities.
  • Potential impact on transparency initiatives if public surveys are otherwise used for policy feedback or program evaluation—policy would determine permissible alternatives (e.g., non-political needs assessments, neutral data collection).

Notes for Readers

  • The final text will specify the exact scope (which entities are covered, what constitutes a “political” survey, and any permissible exceptions).
  • Enforcement provisions, penalties, and transition timelines will be clarified in the enacted version or accompanying regulations.
  • Given the Interim Study referral, substantial changes could occur before final passage.

If you’d like, I can tailor this summary to a specific audience (e.g., policymakers, journalists, or public administrators) or compare it to similar existing statutes in New Hampshire or neighboring states.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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