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Bill

SB 71

relative to cooperation with federal immigration authorities.

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Daryl Abbas and 16 co-sponsors

SB 71 would regulate how New Hampshire law enforcement cooperates with federal immigration authorities, including information sharing and holds.

Inexpedient to Legislate: MA VV 01/07/2026 HJ 1 P. 48
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · SB 71

Summary of SB 71 (Session: 2026, New Hampshire)

Title

Relative to cooperation with federal immigration authorities.

Purpose and intent

SB 71 appears to address how state and local law enforcement collaborate with federal immigration authorities. The bill’s core aim is to regulate the degree and manner of cooperation with federal immigration enforcement, setting standards or constraints on information sharing, detainers, or joint activity. (Note: A precise statutory text would specify the exact requirements, but the docket indicates a focus on cooperation with federal immigration authorities.)

Key provisions and changes (as typically associated with such bills)

Based on the bill’s subject matter, expected areas of change may include:
- Limits or protections regarding cooperation with federal immigration enforcement (e.g., U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, or ICE).
- Rules governing federal detainers or requests for local authorities to hold individuals on immigration status grounds.
- Requirements for notification or appellate review before honoring federal requests.
- Clarifications about custodial searches, data sharing, and access to state or local records.
- Safeguards for civil rights, privacy, and due process in interactions involving immigration status.
- Training or guidance for local law enforcement on handling immigration-related inquiries.

Note: The exact language would specify the precise prohibitions, permissions, or duties. The bill’s history shows iterative amendments and committee action, indicating refinements to these cooperation standards.

Affected parties and scope

  • State and local law enforcement agencies (police departments, sheriff’s offices, and related public safety entities in New Hampshire).
  • Individuals encountered by law enforcement, particularly those whose immigration status might be relevant to enforcement actions.
  • State agencies that manage records or data sharing with federal partners (e.g., departments handling criminal history, identity data, or custody status).

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Introduced in January 2025 (referred to Judiciary) with public hearings in early 2025.
  • Underwent multiple committee actions, including:
    • Public hearings (January 2025; April 2025).
    • Committee reports and amendments (February–March 2025), including a notable amendment and “Ought to Pass with Amendment” votes.
    • Retained in committee and later executive sessions in 2025.
    • Fiscal or policy review steps typical of cross-branch consideration.
  • The 2026 action history shows an “Inexpedient to Legislate” outcome in January 2026 by a committee vote, implying the legislature may have decided not to advance the bill in its current form at that time (the heading “Inexpedient to Legislate” is a formal legislative disposition indicating that the bill would not proceed to a floor vote in that session without changes).

Potential impact and considerations

  • Potential to limit or clarify state and local cooperation with federal immigration enforcement, which can affect:
    • Detention and custody holds based on immigration status.
    • Information sharing and records access with federal authorities.
    • Training and policies for local law enforcement on immigration-related inquiries.
  • Civil rights and community trust considerations, as measures often balance public safety with protections for immigrants and individuals with uncertain status.
  • Budgetary or staffing implications if new procedures require training, data management changes, or administrative reviews.

Bottom line

SB 71 seeks to regulate how New Hampshire’s state and local law enforcement cooperate with federal immigration authorities. The legislative history indicates extensive committee review and amendments, culminating in a 2026 disposition that the bill is “Inexpedient to Legislate,” suggesting it did not move forward in the 2026 session without further revisions. Potential readers should consult the most current text for precise provisions, definitions, and operational requirements.

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

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