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Bill

SB 189

relative to fetal death records.

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Donovan Fenton and 3 co-sponsors

New Hampshire now standardizes and tightens fetal death registration, access, retention, and reporting to improve data quality while protecting privacy.

Signed by the Governor on 02/06/2026; Chapter 2; Effective 06/06/2026
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Bill Summary · SB 189

Bill Summary – SB 189 (New Hampshire, 2026 Session)

Title

Relative to fetal death records

Purpose and intent

SB 189 governs the collection, reporting, and management of fetal death records in New Hampshire. The bill codifies procedures for registering fetal deaths, defines when and how records are created, and sets standards for access, retention, and use of information related to fetal deaths. The overarching aim is to ensure consistent documentation of fetal deaths across relevant state agencies and to provide clarity on the handling of such records.

Key provisions and changes (highlights)

  • Fetal death registration and records: Establishes or clarifies the requirement to register fetal deaths. Specifies the information to be collected and the manner in which records are to be created and maintained.
  • Access and use of records: Sets rules governing who may access fetal death records and under what circumstances. May include privacy protections and restrictions consistent with state law.
  • Retention and destruction: Defines retention periods for fetal death records and criteria for their destruction or archival conservation.
  • Data reporting requirements: May require submission of standardized data to a state repository or department (e.g., vital records office) and alignment with other vital statistics reporting.
  • Coordination with agencies: Addresses responsibilities of relevant offices (e.g., registrar of vital records, health departments) in implementing the provisions.
  • Effective date and transition: Likely includes an effective date for new requirements (the enrolled version indicates implementation following signing and a stated effective date).

Note: The available action history indicates the bill progressed through standard legislative stages in the NH Senate and House, with amendments being debated and incorporated at various stages. The bill was signed by the Governor and became Chapter 2, effective June 6, 2026.

Who is affected

  • Vital records offices and registrars responsible for fetal death documentation
  • Healthcare providers and facilities involved in reporting fetal deaths
  • Public health agencies that rely on fetal death data for statistics, policy, and program planning
  • Researchers or entities with access to fetal death records, subject to privacy and data-use rules
  • Families and individuals impacted by fetal deaths, through the privacy protections and restricted access provisions

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Introduction and referral: SB 189 was introduced in March 2025 and referred to Judiciary, later moving through executive departments and administration processes.
  • Committee action: The bill underwent hearings and committee work sessions (public hearing held February 2025; committee reported out with amendments in March 2025; continued activity into 2025).
  • Floor action and amendments: Multiple amendments were considered (including Senate floor amendments) and a committee report recommended passage with amendments.
  • Enrollment and adoption: The bill was enrolled and passed through legislative chambers in early 2026.
  • Governor’s action: Signed by the Governor on February 6, 2026, becoming Chapter 2 of the Acts.
  • Effective date: The act becomes effective June 6, 2026, as indicated by the signed statute.

Practical implications

  • Standardization of fetal death records across New Hampshire
  • Clarified privacy protections and access controls for sensitive information
  • Improved data quality for vital statistics, public health monitoring, and policy decisions
  • Clear timelines for agencies to implement the new registration, retention, and reporting requirements

If you’d like, I can pull specific statutory language or provide a side-by-side comparison with prior law to illustrate exact changes.

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

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