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HB 191

providing criminal penalties for the transporting of an unemancipated minor in order to obtain a surgical procedure or a termination of the minor's pregnancy without parental permission.

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Kevin Avard and 2 co-sponsors

The bill criminalizes transporting an unemancipated minor to obtain a surgical procedure or abortion without parental consent.

Sen. Gannon Refused to Accede to House Request for Committee of Conference, MA, VV; 05/07/2026; SJ 11
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 191

Summary of NH Bill HB 191 (2026 Session)

Note: The bill title indicates the core aim is to criminalize transporting an unemancipated minor to obtain a surgical procedure or a pregnancy termination without parental permission.

1) Purpose and Intent

  • The measure creates criminal penalties for transporting an unemancipated minor in order to obtain:
    • a surgical procedure, or
    • a termination of the minor’s pregnancy
  • The key condition is transporting the minor without the necessary parental consent.
  • The overarching goal appears to deter and penalize adults who arrange or facilitate unconsented medical procedures for minors.

2) Key Provisions and Changes

  • Prohibited Conduct:
    • It is unlawful to transport an unemancipated minor for the purpose of obtaining a surgical procedure or abortion/termination without parental permission.
  • Penalties:
    • The bill establishes specific criminal penalties for those who commit the offense. (Exact penalties, e.g., subclass of felony/misdemeanor, sentencing ranges, or fines, would be specified in the statute text; the summary here reflects that penalties are a core feature.)
  • Scope and Definitions:
    • “Unemancipated minor” is typically defined to be someone under the age of 18 unless otherwise emancipated by court order or statute.
    • The term “transporting” would include physically moving or arranging transportation for the minor to a medical facility.
    • The bill likely clarifies that the offense can be committed by a person who knowingly and intentionally facilitates or participates in the transport.
  • Parental Consent Safe Harbors or Defenses:
    • There may be specified defenses or exceptions (e.g., emergency situations, or where parental consent is obtained but later contested)—these would be detailed in the bill text.

3) Who or What Would Be Affected

  • Primary Respondents:
    • Adults or other individuals who transport or arrange transportation for unemancipated minors to obtain a surgical procedure or abortion without parental consent.
  • Secondary/Indirect Effects:
    • Medical providers could be impacted insofar as they may be drawn into legal questions about consent and patient eligibility, though the conduct targeted by the bill is the transportation, not the medical procedure itself.
    • Families and guardians of unemancipated minors could be affected through heightened enforcement and potential criminal liability for noncompliant conduct.

4) Procedural and Timeline Aspects

  • History of Action:
    • Introduced: January 7–8, 2025.
    • Referred to Judiciary (initial): March 26, 2025.
    • Public hearings, committee hearings, and amendments occurred through 2025.
    • Committee reports included “Ought to Pass with Amendment” motions with votes (e.g., 3-2) and subsequent amendments proposed (e.g., Amendment #2025-3084s).
    • Early 2026 activity shows an amended version was advanced with “Ought to Pass with Amendment” indications (January 7, 2026, SJ 1).
  • Legislative progress:
    • The bill progressed through standard committee processes, including executive sessions, public hearings, and votes indicating support contingent on amendments.
    • Final disposition (as of the provided history) suggests the bill was moving toward passage with amendments, subject to legislative debates and final floor votes.

Notes

  • The summary reflects the bill’s focus on criminalizing the act of transporting an unemancipated minor to obtain a surgical procedure or abortion without parental permission. It does not specify the exact penalty levels, degree of offense, or all possible defenses, which would be defined in the statutory text.
  • For precise language, penalty figures, and any associated regulatory or enforcement provisions, refer to the enrolled bill text and the final committee amendments ( Amendment #2025-3084s) and the sponsor’s memo.

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

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