Legislative Updates by Rep. Maureen Mooney for February, 2026

School funding is the second largest part of the state budget (the NH Department of Health and Human Services is the largest part). Here are some thoughts on the subject:

• The state budget for 2026-2027 is approx. $15.9 billion dollars over two years. This is the largest budget in the state’s history and approx. $700,000 more than last term’s budget. Note: Approx. $88 million was taken out of the “Rainy Day Fund” to balance this budget.

• In this state budget, school funding is approx. $3 billion dollars over two years in an approx. $15.9 billion dollar budget.

• More has been spent on special education funding in this state budget than ever before at approx. $240 million over two years.

• Merrimack per pupil funding remains above the state average. According to the state’s total per pupil amount in ’24-’25 (since ’25-’26 numbers are not ready) the state average is: $22,699. Merrimack per pupil is listed as $23,849. See all towns/cities NH DOE website here: https://www.education.nh.gov/sites/g/files/ehbemt326/files/inline-documents/sonh/cost-per-pupil-fy2025.pdf

• The next budget cycle begins in the summer of 2026 as state departments start to put together their ideal budgets for the Governor to consider in her budget this fall (which she will then present to the House Finance Committee by February 15, 2027).

Here are updates since last month on legislation of interest:

• HB 649 in HB 2-FN-A-Local - AN ACT relative to state fees, funds, revenues, and expenditures. BACKGROUND: As part of the adopted state budget - section 141:253 removes the requirements for physical safety inspections and on-board diagnostic tests for passenger vehicles. The original bill (HB649) that removed the safety inspections passed in the House with a vote of 212-143, and in the Senate on a voice vote. Ultimately, HB 649 became part of the state budget (HB2-FN-A-LOCAL, section 141:253 on page 72) which passed last June, with section 141:253 effective on January 1, 2026. UPDATED STATUS: On January 27, 2026, the Federal district court in New Hampshire put a HOLD on the new state law in the case of Gordon-Darby Holdings, Inc. v. Commissioners of NH Departments of Safety and Environmental Services. Read the Federal Court Order here. The NH Department of Justice has issued guidance during this Federal Court HOLD including extensions here. FURTHER UPDATE AS OF FEB. 13, 2026: The NH Attorney General issued a Press Release stating the suspension to the vehicle inspection program is back ON until further notice since the contract with Gordon-Darby NHOST, Inc. has been cancelled and the state has no vendor for inspections. Read full NH DOJ Press Release here: https://www.doj.nh.gov/news-and-media/vehicle-inspection-program-public-guidance

• HB 1452-FN AN ACT relative to parent-taught driver education as an alternative to traditional driver education programs. This bill would allow a waiver to the driver education course requirement for parent/guardian/other responsible adult to provide equivalent instruction and training. STATUS: This bill was voted in the House as Inexpedient to Legislate 178-155.

• HB 1176-FN AN ACT relative to the display of license plates on vehicles. This bill would allow passenger cars to have only the rear (not front) license plate displayed. STATUS: The bill was tabled in the House 321-27.

Around Town

It came to light on February 3, 2026 that the NH Department of Natural & Cultural Resources Division of Historical Resources received notice in January of a potential ICE processing center at a Merrimack location. At the Executive Council meeting on February 4, 2026, a discussion ensued with the department’s Commissioner regarding this notice. Here is the link to the discussion starting at approx. 55:00 (audio only): https://www.sos.nh.gov/administration/governor-executive-council/meetings As an update, the Commissioner of the NH Department of Natural & Cultural Resources resigned on February 9, 2026.

I’m looking forward to the 34th Annual Winter Carnival hosted by the Merrimack Parks and Recreation on February 21, 2026 from 12-3pm at Wasserman Park! More information here.

Commemorative NH cover plates for America’s 250th are now available for purchase through July 4, 2027. The cover plate may be displayed on the front of your vehicle from Jan. 1, 2026 until Jul. 4, 2027. You must keep your regular registration plate on the rear of your vehicle. Show your Spirit of '76! Link to order cover plates: https://services.dos.nh.gov/captcha/challenge

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.