SB26
Sponsored By: Howard Pearl (Republican)
Became Law
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 0 costs, 3 mixed.
Clear rules for earnest money deposits
The law defines deposits as only earnest money for a purchase agreement. It applies to land and condominium sales. Money for upgrades, change orders, or buyer selections does not count as a deposit. This sets which funds get deposit protections and which do not.
Escrow rules for condo and land deposits
Deposits for land and condo sales must be kept in escrow until closing. A New Hampshire broker or attorney may use a regular escrow account, and creditors cannot attach these funds. For condos, a deposit may go to the construction financer, who must hold it in escrow or apply it to construction. Deposits under nonbinding reservations must be in escrow. The state consumer protection bureau may let part of a deposit be used before closing for upgrades, change orders, or similar items.
When these deposit rules take effect
The law takes effect 60 days after it is passed.
Sponsors & Cosponsors
Sponsor
Howard Pearl
Republican • Senate
Cosponsors
Alvin B See
Republican • House
Carol M McGuire
Republican • House
Daniel E. Innis
Republican • Senate
Keith R. Murphy
Republican • Senate
Kevin G. Verville
Republican • House
Michael I Moffett
Republican • House
Scott R Bryer
Republican • House
Tara Reardon
Democratic • Senate
Timothy Lang
Republican • Senate
Roll Call Votes
No roll call votes available for this bill.
Actions Timeline
Signed by the Governor on 08/01/2025; Chapter 291; Effective 08/01/2025
8/4/2025SenateEnrolled (in recess of) 06/26/2025 HJ 18 P. 64
7/16/2025HouseEnrolled Adopted, VV, (In recess 06/26/2025); SJ 18
7/16/2025SenateEnrolled Bill Amendment # 2025-2905e Adopted, VV, (In recess of 06/26/2025); SJ 18
7/8/2025SenateEnrolled Bill Amendment # 2025-2905e: AA VV (in recess of) 06/26/2025 HJ 18 P. 60
7/7/2025HouseSen. Innis Moved to Concur with the House Amendment, MA, VV; 06/12/2025; SJ 16
6/12/2025SenateOught to Pass with Amendment 2025-1976h: MA VV 06/05/2025 HJ 16 P. 2
6/5/2025HouseAmendment # 2025-1976h (NT): AA VV 06/05/2025 HJ 16 P. 2
6/5/2025HouseCommittee Report: Ought to Pass with Amendment # 2025-1976h (NT) 05/27/2025 (Vote 16-0; CC) HC 27 P. 6
5/28/2025HouseExecutive Session: 05/27/2025 01:15 pm LOB 302-304
5/21/2025HouseSubcommittee Work Session: 05/14/2025 10:30 am LOB 302-304
5/7/2025HouseSubcommittee Work Session: 05/06/2025 10:00 am LOB 302-304
4/30/2025HousePublic Hearing: 04/22/2025 01:30 pm LOB 302-304
4/16/2025HouseIntroduced (in recess of) 03/27/2025 and referred to Commerce and Consumer Affairs HJ 11 P. 109
3/28/2025HouseOught to Pass with Amendment #2025-0906s, MA, VV; OT3rdg; 03/20/2025; SJ 8
3/20/2025SenateCommittee Amendment # 2025-0906s, AA, VV; 03/20/2025; SJ 8
3/20/2025SenateCommittee Report: Ought to Pass with Amendment # 2025-0906s, 03/20/2025; Vote 6-0; CC; SC 13
3/12/2025SenateHearing: 01/14/2025, Room 100, SH, 10:15 am; SC 5
1/9/2025SenateIntroduced 01/08/2025 and Referred to Commerce; SJ 2
1/7/2025Senate
Bill Text
As Amended
7/8/2025
Enrolled
7/7/2025
Introduced
1/7/2025
CHAPTERED FINAL VERSION
Version adopted by both bodies
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