HB473
Sponsored By: Jodi L Nelson (Republican)
Signed by Governor
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Medical cannabis use is exempt
Beginning January 1, 2026, medical cannabis used under New Hampshire’s RSA 126-X is outside this chapter. People authorized under RSA 126-X are not subject to these criminal rules for that use.
Tougher rules on drugs near kids
Beginning January 1, 2026, the law bans making, storing, or dumping controlled substances, their chemicals, waste, or gear in places with or near kids or vulnerable adults. This includes their homes, places they might be, drug-free school zones, hotel rooms, and apartment buildings. It is also illegal to let a child or vulnerable adult inhale, touch, or ingest a controlled substance (unless prescribed), any chemical used to make it, or related gear, or to cause or allow them to buy or get these items. If a child is found where these activities happen, police take protective custody, report to the Department of Health and Human Services, and the child may be screened for exposure. If police do not take custody but suspect exposure, they must still report for investigation. Valid prescriptions are excluded.
Drug crimes law now covers all substances
Beginning January 1, 2026, the state renames this chapter to cover controlled drugs, not just methamphetamine. Key terms change so chemicals, tools, and waste used to make any controlled substance are covered. These updates guide police, prosecutors, and courts statewide.
Sponsors & Cosponsors
Sponsor
Jodi L Nelson
Republican • House
Cosponsors
Alicia C Gregg
Democratic • House
Bill Boyd
Republican • House
Charles E McMahon
Republican • House
Charles H Foote
Republican • House
Debra L DeSimone
Republican • House
Jay D Markell
Republican • House
John Sellers
Republican • House
Kimberly A Rice
Affiliation unavailable
Pat Long
Democratic • Senate
Peter Petrigno
Democratic • House
Regina Birdsell
Republican • Senate
Victoria Sullivan
Republican • Senate
Roll Call Votes
No roll call votes available for this bill.
Actions Timeline
Signed by Governor Ayotte 07/15/2025; Chapter 189; eff.01/01/2026 HJ 18
7/22/2025HouseEnrolled (in recess of) 06/26/2025 HJ 18 P. 58
6/30/2025HouseEnrolled Adopted, VV, (In recess 06/26/2025); SJ 18
6/30/2025SenateEnrolled Bill Amendment # 2025-2731e: AA VV (in recess of) 06/12/2025 HJ 17 P. 25
6/19/2025HouseEnrolled Bill Amendment # 2025-2731e Adopted, VV, (In recess of 06/12/2025); SJ 17
6/16/2025SenateOught to Pass: MA, VV; OT3rdg; 05/08/2025; SJ 12
5/8/2025SenateCommittee Report: Ought to Pass, 05/08/2025; Vote 3-0; CC; SC 20
4/28/2025SenateHearing: 04/24/2025, Room 103, SH, 10:00 am; SC 17
4/10/2025SenateIntroduced 03/27/2025 and Referred to Children and Family Law; SJ 10
3/27/2025SenateOught to Pass with Amendment 2025-0430h: MA VV 03/26/2025 HJ 10 P. 12
3/26/2025HouseAmendment # 2025-0430h: AA VV 03/26/2025 HJ 10 P. 12
3/26/2025HouseCommittee Report: Ought to Pass with Amendment # 2025-0430h 03/07/2025 (Vote 16-0; CC) HC 17 P. 9
3/19/2025HouseExecutive Session: 03/07/2025 10:00 am LOB 202-204
2/20/2025HousePublic Hearing: 02/12/2025 03:00 pm LOB 202-204
2/7/2025House==CANCELLED== Public Hearing: 02/06/2025 03:00 pm LOB 202-204
1/29/2025HouseIntroduced (in recess of) 01/09/2025 and referred to Criminal Justice and Public Safety HJ 3 P. 12
1/13/2025House
Bill Text
As Amended
6/16/2025
Enrolled
6/16/2025
Introduced
1/13/2025
CHAPTERED FINAL VERSION
Version adopted by both bodies
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