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NH SB488
Bill
Status
2/26/2026
Primary Sponsor
Sharon Carson
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AI Summary
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Authorizes the governor to declare a state of emergency if the legislature fails to pass a budget or continuing resolution, or if the governor vetoes such budget, by July 1st of a new fiscal year
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Emergency declarations expire after 60 days but may be renewed up to 3 times (for additional 60-day periods each) with majority approval from both legislative chambers
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Mandates automatic funding at prior fiscal year levels during the emergency for essential government functions including the legislative, judicial, and executive branches
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Guarantees continued funding for public safety agencies (corrections, state police, fish and game law enforcement), transportation infrastructure maintenance, and the retirement system
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Ensures health and human services operations continue, including healthcare facilities, the child advocate office, vital records, elections administration, and professional healthcare licensing
Legislative Description
Enabling the governor to declare a state of emergency due to the failure of the legislature to pass a budget or continuing resolution to fund the New Hampshire state government by July 1 of the first year of a biennium.
Last Action
Introduced (in recess of) 02/19/2026 and referred to Executive Departments and Administration House Journal 5
2/26/2026