(Second New Title) establishing a committee to study the implementation of a residential builder registration system.
Sponsored By: Ruth Ward (Republican)
Signed by Governor
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
5 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 5 costs, 0 mixed.
Bond, insurance, and classes to register
Starting January 1, 2028, to register you must give business and owner info and a SSN or ITIN. You must show current liability and workers’ comp insurance, complete an approved 8-hour class, pay the fee, and file a surety bond of at least $50,000. You must also disclose any bankruptcy in the last 7 years and any out-of-state licenses. Registrations last two years. To renew, complete 8 hours of continuing education (at least 2 hours on building code updates), keep insurance in force, and pay the renewal fee.
Fines and felony penalties for violations
Breaking the rules can be costly. The board can fine up to $5,000 per violation and up to $500 per day for ongoing violations, order restitution, require extra training, or suspend or revoke a registration. Willful violations, including falsifying documents, are a class B felony that can mean up to 5 years in prison. The board may also seek court orders to stop illegal practice.
Registration for home builders over $5,000
Beginning January 1, 2028, builders and general contractors who do $5,000 or more a year on homes they do not own must register with the state. Towns and cities must verify a valid registration number online before issuing a permit for covered residential work. This rule does not apply to people already licensed under other state laws.
New state board runs builder registry
Beginning January 1, 2028, a Board of Builder Registration in the Department of Labor runs the system and sets rules and fees. The board can issue, deny, suspend, or revoke registrations after notice and hearing. The board may contract a New Hampshire nonprofit to run an online portal, verify insurance and education, keep a public registry without personal IDs, and handle complaints and investigations. Fees, fines, and settlements go into a dedicated fund that pays the program operator under the contract. The contract must include clear performance standards and annual independent audits.
Show registration number on ads and trucks
Beginning January 1, 2028, you must show your state registration number on company vehicles, ads, websites, business cards, contracts, and estimates. The board will set display and font rules. Not following these rules can lead to enforcement.
Sponsors & Cosponsors
Sponsor
Ruth Ward
Republican • Senate
Cosponsors
Daniel E. Innis
Republican • Senate
David H. Watters
Democratic • Senate
Debra Altschiller
Democratic • Senate
Howard Pearl
r • Senate
Roll Call Votes
No roll call votes available for this bill.
Actions Timeline
Signed by the Governor on 07/02/2026; Chapter 258; Effective 07/02/2026
7/9/2026SenateEnrolled (in recess of) 06/04/2026 HJ 15 P. 45
6/17/2026HouseEnrolled Adopted, VV, (In recess 06/04/2026); SJ 14
6/17/2026SenateSen. Innis Moved to Concur with the House Amendment, MA, VV; 05/14/2026; SJ 12
5/14/2026SenateOught to Pass with Amendment 2026-1589h: MA VV 05/07/2026 HJ 12 P. 14
5/7/2026HouseAmendment # 2026-1589h: AA VV 05/07/2026 HJ 12 P. 14
5/7/2026HouseCommittee Report: Ought to Pass with Amendment # 2026-1589h (NT) 04/21/2026 (Vote 14-0; CC) HC 18 P. 9
4/28/2026HouseExecutive Session: 04/21/2026 10:30 am GP 231
4/16/2026HousePublic Hearing: 04/21/2026 10:00 am GP 231
4/1/2026HouseIntroduced (in recess of) 03/12/2026 and referred to Housing HJ 8 P. 114
3/16/2026HouseOught to Pass with Amendment #2026-0831s, MA, VV; OT3rdg; 03/05/2026; SJ 5
3/5/2026SenateCommittee Amendment # 2026-0831s, AA, VV; 03/05/2026; SJ 5
2/24/2026SenateCommittee Report: Ought to Pass with Amendment # 2026-0831s, 03/05/2026; Vote 5-0; CC; SC 8
2/19/2026SenateHearing: 01/20/2026, Room 100, SH, 10:30 am; SC 1
1/8/2026SenateIntroduced 01/07/2026 and Referred to Commerce; SJ 1
11/24/2025Senate
Bill Text
Enrolled
6/17/2026
Introduced
11/24/2025
CHAPTERED FINAL VERSION
Version adopted by both bodies
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