(New Title) relative to compliance with certain political expenditures and contribution statutes.
Sponsored By: Kevin A. Avard (Republican)
Signed by Governor
Personalized for You
How does this bill affect your finances?
Personalize government policy and PRIA will tell you what this bill means for your household, plus every other piece of legislation we track. PRIA reads each provision against your financial profile to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.
Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 3 costs, 1 mixed.
Ballot committees face donor funding checks
Beginning January 1, 2027, covered-measure committee treasurers must file a statement under penalty of perjury when forming or registering. It must certify that foreign nationals did not directly or indirectly fund preliminary work done by or for the committee. This includes polling, ballot drafting, focus groups, calls, and travel. Before accepting or depositing a contribution, committees must obtain the donor's written statement that the donor is not a foreign national. Contributions missing that statement must be returned uncashed or refunded within 10 business days after discovery. After a court or Attorney General finds a prohibited contribution or false donor statement, a refund is due within 30 days of notice. If funds are unavailable, an equal amount must be paid to the Secretary of State; responsible directors or executive members can each owe the full amount. Regular reports must affirm compliance and count returned or refunded contributions. Committees must keep contribution and spending records for four years after the election and provide them upon lawful state request.
Foreign influence barred in ballot campaigns
Beginning January 1, 2027, foreign nationals, as defined by federal law, cannot direct or join another person's ballot-campaign decisions. The ban covers direct and indirect involvement, including decisions about donations and spending. They also cannot ask others to donate or spend money to influence covered measures. Covered measures are statewide constitutional amendments and questions on city, town, school district, village district, or county ballots. These new rules exclude candidates and committees mainly supporting or opposing candidates; existing registration, reporting, and disclaimer duties remain unchanged.
Independent ballot spending requires sworn statements
Beginning January 1, 2027, filers outside registered political committees face new checks on reportable independent spending for covered ballot measures. They must file a sworn statement with the Secretary of State within 48 hours after making the spending. It must state that the filer is not a foreign national and no foreign national directed or joined the spending decision. If a court or Attorney General finds a certification or foreign-funding violation, the reported cost must be paid to the Secretary of State within 30 days of notice. If funds are unavailable, responsible financial decision-makers can each be held liable for the full amount.
Public campaign filings and stronger penalties
Beginning January 1, 2027, the Secretary of State must post covered campaign certifications online to the extent legally allowed. The Secretary may audit compliance and refer apparent violations to the Attorney General, who enforces the law. Courts may order compliance and impose civil penalties up to twice the unlawful contribution or spending amount. The limit rises to three times that amount for knowing or willful violations. Knowingly filing false certifications, accepting contributions without required certifications, or failing to return required funds also triggers applicable penalties. Evidence of foreign funding or direction creates a presumption of a violation, but the affected person or committee can challenge it.
Sponsors & Cosponsors
Sponsor
Kevin A. Avard
Republican • Senate
Cosponsors
Diane E. Kelley
Republican • House
Diane Pauer
Republican • House
Jim A Kofalt
Republican • House
Regina Birdsell
Republican • Senate
Shane A Sirois
Republican • House
Sharon M. Carson
Republican • Senate
Roll Call Votes
No roll call votes available for this bill.
Actions Timeline
Signed by the Governor on 07/10/2026; Chapter 314; Effective 01/01/2027
7/15/2026SenateEnrolled (in recess of) 06/04/2026 HJ 15 P. 56
7/1/2026HouseEnrolled Adopted, VV, (In recess 06/04/2026); SJ 15
6/29/2026SenateConference Committee Report # 2026-2030c, Adopted, VV; 06/04/2026; SJ 14
6/4/2026SenateConference Committee Report 2026-2030c: Adopted, VV 06/04/2026 HJ 15 P. 3
6/4/2026HouseConference Committee Report # 2026-2030c Filed 05/28/2026; As Amended by the House HC 22
5/28/2026HouseConferee Change; Senator Birdsell Replaces Senator Rosenwald; SJ 14
5/22/2026SenateConferee Change: Rep. Lane Replaces Rep.Burnham 05/22/2026 HJ 14 P. 34
5/22/2026HouseConferee Change; Senator Rosenwald Replaces Senator Perkins Kwoka; SJ 14
5/21/2026SenateCommittee of Conference Meeting: 05/22/2026, 02:00 pm, Room 159, GP
5/21/2026SenateSpeaker Appoints: Reps. Berry, Qualey, Wood, Burnham 05/21/2026 HJ 14 P. 10
5/21/2026HouseHouse Accedes to Senate Request for CofC (Rep. Berry): MA VV 05/21/2026 HJ 14 P. 10
5/21/2026HouseSen. Gray Moved Nonconcur with the House Amendment; Requests C of C, MA, VV; (In Recess 05/14/2026); SJ 13
5/21/2026SenatePresident Appoints: Senators Gray, Lang, Perkins Kwoka; (In Recess 05/14/2026); SJ 13
5/21/2026SenateOught to Pass: MA VV 05/14/2026 HJ 13 P. 24
5/14/2026HouseCommittee Report: Ought to Pass 05/05/2026 (Vote 24-0; CC) HC 19 P. 14
5/6/2026HouseExecutive Session: 05/05/2026 10:30 am GP 230
4/28/2026HouseDivision I Work Session: 05/04/2026 10:00 am GP 230
4/28/2026HouseReferred to Finance 04/23/2026 HJ 11 P. 54
4/23/2026HouseOught to Pass with Amendment 2026-1406h: MA VV 04/23/2026 HJ 11 P. 54
4/23/2026HouseAmendment # 2026-1406h: AA VV 04/23/2026 HJ 11 P. 54
4/23/2026HouseCommittee Report: Ought to Pass with Amendment # 2026-1406h (NT) 04/09/2026 (Vote 18-0; RC)
4/15/2026HouseExecutive Session: 04/09/2026 01:30 pm GP 158
4/9/2026HouseSubcommittee Work Session: 04/09/2026 01:00 pm GP 158
4/8/2026HouseSubcommittee Work Session: 04/07/2026 10:00 am GP 158
4/1/2026House
Bill Text
Enrolled
6/29/2026
Introduced
11/24/2025
CHAPTERED FINAL VERSION
Version adopted by both bodies
Related Bills
HB2026, (New Title) relative to the state 10-year transportation improvement plan; relative to toll rate adjustments and periodic toll reviews for the New Hampshire turnpike system to support the 2027-2036 ten-year transportation plan; and relative to reconstruction of the Gregg Mill Road Bridge in the town of New Boston.
HB1102, (New Title) increasing the research and development tax credit cap and relative to state park fees for state residents.
HB610, (New Title) relative to the residential ratepayers advisory board.
HB1168, relative to employer documentation requirements.
HB1030, relative to licensed practical nurse scope of practice.
SB469, (New Title) allowing the director of the division of motor vehicles to adopt administrative rules regarding the use of electronic signatures and relative to signature requirements where ownership of a vehicle is transferred to an insurer after payment of damages.