Bill
HB 102
HB 102 would create state oversight, reporting, and rights protections for federal law enforcement actions in New Hampshire.
HB 102 (New Hampshire, 2026) — Relative to Oversight of Federal Law Enforcement Actions
Purpose and intent
- The bill aims to establish state-level oversight and standards regarding actions taken by federal law enforcement agencies operating within New Hampshire.
- It seeks to define the scope of NH government involvement in monitoring, reporting, and potentially constraining federal enforcement activities within the state to ensure compliance with state law and residents’ rights.
Key provisions and changes (as described in the bill’s status)
- Oversight framework: Creates or codifies mechanisms for state officials (likely the attorney general, a designated oversight board, or a specific criminal justice agency) to monitor federal law enforcement actions occurring in New Hampshire.
- Reporting requirements: Establishes mandatory reporting to the Legislature or a designated committee on significant federal enforcement actions, investigations, or arrests that occur in-state.
- Compliance and coordination: Requires cooperation between state agencies and federal partners, with defined channels for complaints, concerns, or disputes over federal enforcement actions that may implicate state law, civil liberties, or public safety.
- Rights protections: Potentially includes provisions to safeguard residents’ constitutional rights during any contact or action by federal authorities, and to notify individuals or communities when federal actions may affect them.
- Limitations or constraints: May specify when federal actions require state consent, notification, or other procedural steps, particularly for actions conducted on state property, inside state facilities, or involving state resources.
- Enforcement mechanisms: Provisions outlining remedies, penalties, or corrective actions if federal actions are deemed noncompliant with applicable state requirements, or if the state fails to meet oversight duties.
Who would be affected
- State government: Attorney General’s office, potentially a designated oversight entity or interagency council, and standing committees related to criminal justice and public safety.
- Federal law enforcement operations: Agencies operating in New Hampshire (e.g., U.S. Marshals, FBI, DEA, ATF, etc.) to some degree, particularly those actions occurring within state borders or affecting NH residents.
- NH residents and organizations: Individuals and civil society groups concerned with civil liberties, policing, and federal-state intergovernmental relations; affected by reporting, notification, and any protections enacted.
Key procedural and timeline aspects
- Introduction and referral: Introduced and referred to the Criminal Justice and Public Safety committee (late 2024/early 2025 timeline in the record).
- Public engagement: A public hearing was scheduled for February 5, 2025; stakeholders likely testified on the bill’s provisions.
- Committee action: The committee held executive sessions and work sessions across 2025, with discussions culminating in a Committee Report.
- Final disposition: The committee reported the bill as “Inexpedient to Legislate” (i.e., it was deemed not to be enacted) with a 16-0 vote in October 2025, leading to further consideration or formal disposition in early 2026. The final action history shows “Inexpedient to Legislate” as of January 7, 2026, indicating the bill did not advance to passage.
Notes for readers
- The bill’s trajectory indicates strong committee opposition or deeming the measure unnecessary or untenable within the legislative framework at the time.
- If similar concerns reappear, future iterations could adjust the scope, remedies, or oversight mechanisms; readers should monitor subsequent sessions for updates or revised proposals.
Overall assessment
- HB 102 proposes a structured state-level role in overseeing federal law enforcement activity in New Hampshire, with reporting, coordination, and rights-protection components. The bill did not advance in the 2025-2026 cycle, but the subject may resurface in similar form in future sessions.
Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.
Sign in to ask a question.
