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New HampshireSB1892025-2026 Regular SessionSenate

SB189

Sponsored By: Suzanne M. Prentiss (Democratic)

Became Law

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

4 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 0 costs, 3 mixed.

Start date: 120 days after passage

The law takes effect 120 days after it is passed. Starting then, the new reporting, certificate, affidavit, and burial permit rules apply.

Burial permit and disposition steps

A burial permit for fetal remains is created electronically when the fetal death report is filed. It lists the disposition date and method, and the cemetery or crematory details. Cemetery or crematory staff must complete the disposition section. Cremation outside a hospital requires medical examiner authorization first. The permit must be filed with the town or city clerk within six calendar days of disposition. A parent must give written authorization for burial, cremation, or other disposition.

Required fetal death reports and details

The law requires a fetal death worksheet and report for every fetal death in New Hampshire. Hospitals that prepare birth records file the report electronically. Other facilities must complete a paper worksheet and send it to the state promptly for electronic filing. If the death happens outside a hospital, the attending physician, nurse practitioner, or physician assistant must send a paper worksheet to the state immediately. The report must list delivery details, the mother’s information, the father or other parent’s information if available, disposition method, medical causes, fetal weight and gestational age, and key pregnancy and health risk details.

Stillbirth certificates and paternity affidavit rules

The state issues a certificate of stillbirth. It lists the fetus’s name, parents’ full legal names, date and place of delivery, filing and issue dates, and the state seal and registrar’s signature. If the mother is unwed and the father’s name will be added, a paternity affidavit is required. The affidavit must include detailed identity information for the father, and similar details for the mother (and partner, if applicable). All required signatures must be notarized. Hospital staff must help parents complete the affidavit, and the state keeps it with the record.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Suzanne M. Prentiss

    Democratic • Senate

Cosponsors

  • David H. Watters

    Democratic • Senate

  • Donovan Fenton

    Democratic • Senate

  • Pat Long

    Democratic • Senate

Roll Call Votes

No roll call votes available for this bill.

Actions Timeline

  1. Signed by the Governor on 02/06/2026; Chapter 2; Effective 06/06/2026

    2/10/2026Senate

  2. Enrolled (in recess of) 01/08/2026 HJ 3

    1/27/2026House

  3. Enrolled Adopted, VV, (In recess 01/07/2026); SJ 2

    1/21/2026Senate

  4. Ought to Pass: MA VV 01/07/2026 HJ 1 P. 75

    1/7/2026House

  5. Executive Session: 09/10/2025 10:00 am GP 230

    11/4/2025House

  6. Committee Report: Ought to Pass 09/10/2025 (Vote 15-1; CC) HC 51 P. 14

    10/2/2025House

  7. Full Committee Work Session: 09/10/2025 10:00 am GP 230

    8/25/2025House

  8. Retained in Committee

    4/24/2025House

  9. Executive Session: 04/23/2025 10:00 am LOB 206-208

    4/16/2025House

  10. Public Hearing: 04/09/2025 01:30 pm LOB 206-208

    4/3/2025House

  11. Introduced (in recess of) 03/27/2025 and referred to Judiciary HJ 11 P. 112

    3/28/2025House

  12. Ought to Pass with Amendment #2025-1389s, MA, VV; OT3rdg; 03/27/2025; SJ 9

    3/27/2025Senate

  13. Sen. Rosenwald Floor Amendment # 2025-1389s, AA, VV; 03/27/2025; SJ 9

    3/27/2025Senate

  14. Committee Amendment # 2025-1128s, AF, VV; 03/27/2025; SJ 9

    3/27/2025Senate

  15. SB 189 was Removed from the Consent Calendar; 03/27/2025; SJ 9

    3/27/2025Senate

  16. Committee Report: Ought to Pass with Amendment # 2025-1128s, 03/27/2025; Vote 5-0; CC; SC 14

    3/19/2025Senate

  17. Hearing: 02/19/2025, Room 103, SH, 09:15 am; SC 10

    2/12/2025Senate

  18. Introduced 01/09/2025 and Referred to Executive Departments and Administration; SJ 3

    1/23/2025Senate

Bill Text

  • Enrolled

    1/21/2026

    HTML

  • Introduced

    1/23/2025

    PDF

  • CHAPTERED FINAL VERSION

    PDF

  • Version adopted by both bodies

    PDF

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