Legislative Updates by Rep. Maureen Mooney for April, 2026

Congratulations to the winners and all candidates who ran in the local town/school elections on April 14^th. Here are unofficial results for offices and warrant articles:https://patch.com/new-hampshire/merrimack/merrimack-nh-2026-town-school-election-results.

Last Monday (the second Monday in April) was Gen. John Stark Day per RSA 4:13-l. If you are interested in the history and background on how this day was moved from its original fourth Monday in April to the second Monday in April, I recorded a brief video here:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rkdw__dzfRc&t=30s. For the occasion last Monday, I had a great time among students and staff at Founders Academy Public Charter School at their annual assembly, along with Governor Kelly Ayotte, Mayor Jay Ruais, and NH DOE Commissioner Caitlin Davis. See the Governor’s press release here:https://www.governor.nh.gov/news/governor-ayotte-commemorates-john-stark-day-founders-academy AND WMUR story here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pepNHAQWbhc.

Some upcoming dates of interest include:

May 14, 2026 – Last day for House to act on Senate bills.

June 3 – 12, 2026 – Filing period for federal, state and county candidates.

September 1 – 11, 2026 – House filing period for incumbents for 2027 bills.

September 8, 2026 – Primary Election Day

November 3, 2026 – General Election Day

November 4 - 18, 2026 – House filing period for all members for 2027 bills.

Recently, the House met and took up these bills/veto messages of interest:

-HB 349-FN AN ACT relative to the practice of optometry and authorization to perform ophthalmic laser procedures. This bill would allow optometrists to perform certain laser eye surgeries. After passing the House (193-143) and Senate (voice vote), the Governor VETOED the bill on March 27, 2026. Veto was SUSTAINED with a vote of 145-206 failing to reach the constitutionally required 2/3 vote in each body.

-HB 451-FN AN ACT establishing the paint product stewardship program. This bill implements a paint stewardship program funded with fees paid by paint manufacturers. The program requires a new position within the Department of Environmental Services. After passing the House (voice vote) and Senate (13-11), the Governor VETOED the bill on March 16, 2026. Veto was SUSTAINED with a vote of 186-169 failing to reach the constitutionally required 2/3 vote in each body.

-SB 620-FN AN ACT relative to refusal of consent to testing to determine alcohol concentration and penalties for aggravated driving while intoxicated. This bill would increase the administrative license suspension for a first-time refusal of a chemical test to 9 months (from 180 days which is among the lowest in the nation). The bill was voted Ought to Pass with Amendment (House 259-94). It returns to the Senate for concurrence on the House amendment.

-SB 649-FN AN ACT increasing fines for using a hand-held mobile electronic device while driving a motor vehicle. This bill would increase the penalties for using a hand-held mobile electronic device while operating a motor vehicle as follows: “(a) For a first offense, a fine of $250. If the violation is a contributing cause of a motor vehicle crash, the fine shall be $500. (b) For a second offense within 24 months of the first offense, a fine of $500. If the violation is a contributing cause of a motor vehicle crash, the fine shall be $750. (c) For a third or subsequent offense within 24 months of the first offense, a fine of $750 and license suspension of up to 30 days. If the violation is a contributing cause of a motor vehicle crash, the fine shall be $1,000 and the suspension shall be 60 days.” The bill was voted Ought to Pass in the House (232-123) and now headed to the Governor’s desk.

Around Town

Starting Thursday, April 23, 2026, the Merrimack Transfer Station will be open Thursday nights until 7pm during the summer months.

The 2026 Household Hazardous Waste schedule is now available here: https://nashuarpc.org/energy___environment/household_hazardous_waste_collections/index.php

The annual Merrimack Rotary Electronics Recycling Fundraiser will take place on Saturday, June 6, 2026 from 8am-12noon at the Merrimack Town Hall. Details and fee schedule to be posted at this site: www.merrimackrotary.com.

See you around town!

Rep. Maureen Mooney is in her sixth term as a NH State Representative serving Merrimack. Her website is: www.votemooney.com and Facebook page is: https://www.facebook.com/maureenmooneynh.