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Bill

HB 640

relative to the transparency of federal agency operations within New Hampshire.

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Keith Ammon and 4 co-sponsors

HB 640 seeks to disclose and publicly report federal agency activities in New Hampshire to boost state oversight and transparency.

Inexpedient to Legislate: MA VV 01/07/2026 HJ 1 P. 72
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 640

Summary of HB 640 (Session 2026, New Hampshire)

Title

Relative to the transparency of federal agency operations within New Hampshire.

Purpose and Intent

HB 640 seeks to increase transparency around how federal agencies operate within the state of New Hampshire. While the exact text is not provided, the bill’s title and the committee activity suggest its aim is to improve access to information, oversight, and public understanding of federal activities and enforcement actions conducted within the state boundaries.

Key Provisions (as anticipated from the title and common structure of related bills)

  • Disclosure Requirements: Likely requires state agencies or designated officials to disclose certain information about federal agency operations conducted within New Hampshire. This could include:
    • Requests or orders issued by federal agencies (e.g., searches, surveillance, regulatory actions).
    • Funding sources or federal grants affecting state programs.
    • Usage of state facilities or personnel by federal agencies.
  • Public Reporting and Access: Provisions to publish reports or maintain a public registry detailing federal presence and activities in the state, making information accessible to residents.
  • Coordination with State Agencies: Mechanisms for the state to coordinate, monitor, and respond to federal actions within NH boundaries, potentially involving law enforcement, attorney general, or executive council.
  • Protection of Information: Safeguards for sensitive information, balancing transparency with national security and privacy concerns.
  • Penalties or Remedies: Possible enforcement mechanisms if federal activities are conducted without proper transparency or compliance with the bill’s requirements.

Note: The above provisions are inferred from the bill’s title and typical elements of transparency-focused legislative measures. The exact text would specify the precise disclosures, formats, timelines, and responsible agencies.

Affected Parties

  • Primary: New Hampshire residents seeking greater transparency about federal activity within the state; state agencies responsible for compliance and reporting.
  • State Entities: Likely agencies such as the Office of the Attorney General, Department of Administrative Services, or other agencies designated by the bill to collect, compile, and publish information.
  • Federal Agencies/Actions: Any federal actions or operations occurring in New Hampshire that would fall under the disclosure/oversight obligations of the bill.

Procedural and Timeline Details (Based on Action History)

  • The bill has undergone extensive committee review and discussions over multiple sessions.
  • Introduced and Referred: January 2025, to Criminal Justice and Public Safety (HJ 3, P. 20).
  • Public Hearing: January 31, 2025.
  • Committee Deliberations:
    • February 2025: Majority and Minority committee reports issued (status: Ought to Pass 9-7; RC; and Inexpedient to Legislate).
    • March 2025: Executive sessions and work sessions; initial positive disposition in March (Ought to Pass at one point).
    • April 2025: Retained in Committee after executive session.
  • Late 2025–January 2026:
    • Continued executive sessions and executive committee activities.
    • November 5, 2025: Committee Report: Inexpedient to Legislate (vote 10-0; reflective of committee stance at that time).
    • January 7, 2026: Inexpedient to Legislate reported in the House Journal (HJ 1, P. 72).
  • Current Status: The bill has been deemed “Inexpedient to Legislate” (ITL) by the committee and, at this time, appears unlikely to advance favorably in the legislative process. ITL typically means the bill is not recommended for passage and may be laid aside.

Potential Impact if Enacted (Hypothetical)

  • Improved transparency regarding federal operations within NH, enhancing public oversight and awareness.
  • Greater interagency coordination at the state level to monitor federal activities.
  • Possible administrative burden on state agencies to gather and publish information.
  • If challenged (or in different circumstances), balance with federal prerogatives and security/privacy concerns.

Bottom Line

HB 640 aims to promote transparency of federal agency operations within New Hampshire. Despite initial consideration and discussion, the bill has repeatedly been reported as Inexpedient to Legislate by committees in 2025 and 2026, signaling low prospects for enactment in its current form. Readers should monitor any subsequent amendments or new proposals that may reintroduce the transparency objectives with adjustments to scope or mechanisms.

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

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