The Manchester Free Press

Sunday • April 12 • 2026

Vol.XVIII • No.XV

Manchester, N.H.

SMITH: Flip Another Senate Seat And Ignore McGough

Granite Grok - Sun, 2026-04-05 14:00 +0000

I’ve heard Chris Ager say many times, ad nauseam, that ANY seat can be won.  The reason I used the words “ad nauseam” is that I’ve heard it the most times inside the Nashua Marriott ballroom, usually at the NRCC podium during a routine “better luck next time” consolation speech in November.  In even-numbered years, ... Read more

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Categories: Blogs, New Hampshire

Bill Hearings for Week of April 06, 2026

N.H. Liberty Alliance - Sun, 2026-04-05 13:00 +0000
  • These are the most liberty-critical hearings for the week
  • Click on the bill number to read the bill.
  • Click on the committee name to email the committee your thoughts.

Of the 57 hearings in the House, we are recommending support of 13 and opposition of 6 with 6 being of interest.
Of the 53 hearings in the Senate, we are recommending support of 7 and opposition of 5 with 3 being of interest.

Position Bill Title Committee Day Time Room State Analysis
Support SB540 relative to portable solar generation devices. Science, Technology and Energy Mon 4/6 1:00 PM GP Room 229 This bill: I. Defines “portable solar generation device” and exempts them from interconnection requirements and net metering. II. Requires compliance with state building code and manufacturer instructions, directs the building code review board to update codes for portable solar devices, and limits electric distribution utility liability. III. Authorizes the department of energy to adopt rules relative to interconnection requirements for portable solar generation devices and directs the department to maintain relevant information regarding the devices on the department’s website.
Oppose HB1630 prohibiting the sale of nitrous oxide and certain inhalants for recreational purposes. Commerce Tue 4/7 9:55 AM SH Room 100 This bill prohibits licensees from using their premises for illegal purposes, requires compliance with laws on inhaling toxic vapors, and bans selling nitrous oxide devices, with violations subject to enforcement by the liquor commission and repeat offenses leading to license revocation.
Support HB1245 relative to voluntary portable benefits plans for independent contractors. Commerce Tue 4/7 10:10 AM SH Room 100 This bill establishes a voluntary framework allowing independent contractors to participate in portable benefit plans through authorized providers.
Oppose SB648 (New Title) requiring age verification by commercial entities to allow access to pornographic material. Commerce and Consumer Affairs Tue 4/7 11:00 AM GP Room 159 This bill requires a person that owns, operates, or controls a website or application for commercial purposes and publishes or distributes a substantial portion of material that is pornographic to implement age verification procedures. This bill also authorizes the attorney general to enforce such requirements against commercial entities for violations of such requirements.
Oppose SB482 establishing consumer protections for digital access transaction kiosks. Commerce and Consumer Affairs Tue 4/7 1:15 PM GP Room 159 This bill establishes protections for digital asset transaction kiosks.
Support SB496 relative to supervision and registration requirements for associates of broker-dealers. Commerce and Consumer Affairs Tue 4/7 1:45 PM GP Room 159 This bill exempts certain private residences designated by broker-dealers as a supervisory location from being classified as a branch office.
Support SB586 requiring school districts to publish a school administrative unit audit report after the end of the fiscal year. Education Funding Tue 4/7 1:00 PM GP Room 232 This bill requires school districts to publish a school administrative unit audit report after the end of the fiscal year.
Of Interest HB1759 relative to the disqualification of a member of a local land use board. Election Law and Municipal Affairs Tue 4/7 10:15 AM SH Room 122-123 This bill makes a land use board’s vote on whether a member should be disqualified binding rather than advisory, requiring recusal if a majority finds disqualification is warranted.
Oppose HB1431 restricting the use of neonicotinoid pesticides. Energy and Natural Resources Tue 4/7 9:10 AM SH Room 103 This bill restricts the use of neonicotinoid pesticides and requires the pesticide control board to develop rules about the proper application of neonicotinoid pesticides.
Oppose HB1013 (New Title) relative to games wherein the object is to capture a pig. Energy and Natural Resources Tue 4/7 9:20 AM SH Room 103 This bill requires the commissioner of the department of agriculture, markets, and food to develop best practices and recommendations for games in which the object is to capture a pig and to develop rules for enforcement of such practices.
Support SB415 relative to a certain exemption in interest in condominium units. Housing Tue 4/7 10:00 AM GP Room 231 This bill expands the scope of the exemption from the condominium act governing offers or disposition of interests in a condominium unit. Currently, the exemption applies to condominiums with 10 or fewer units.
Support SB564 prohibiting certain municipal development restrictions. Housing Tue 4/7 11:00 AM GP Room 231 This bill prohibits municipalities from placing limits on maximum road length and imposing a numerical cap on the number of housing lots on a dead-end road or street. The bill also permits municipalities to place utilities within open space or perimeter buffer areas of subdivisions.
Of Interest HB1003 prohibiting the Grafton county attorney from engaging in the private practice of law. Judiciary Tue 4/7 1:20 PM SH Room 100 This bill prohibits the Grafton county attorney from engaging in the private practice of law with the exception of providing legal services to family members where no conflict of interest exists.
Support HB1130 relative to judicial performance evaluations. Judiciary Tue 4/7 1:40 PM SH Room 100 This bill revises the process for the evaluation of judicial officers.
Oppose SB439 relative to municipal data center zoning. Municipal and County Government Tue 4/7 10:00 AM GP Room 154 This bill authorizes municipalities to regulate data centers in commercial and industrial zones.
Of Interest SB435 relative to the zoning board of adjustment variance criteria. Municipal and County Government Tue 4/7 10:25 AM GP Room 154 This bill clarifies the zoning board’s authority regarding unreasonable restrictions in variance requests.
Support SB508 relative to the zoning board of adjustments appeal period. Municipal and County Government Tue 4/7 10:45 AM GP Room 154 This bill requires that all grounds for appeal must be stated in the initial notice to the zoning board of adjustments and outlines revision of plans.
Support SB643 (New Title) requiring municipalities to hold a public hearing and conduct a roll call vote when seeking to override a tax or spending cap. Municipal and County Government Tue 4/7 11:00 AM GP Room 154 This bill requires municipalities to hold a public hearing and conduct a roll call vote when seeking to override a tax or spending cap.
Of Interest SB590 relative to electric aggregation plans. Science, Technology and Energy Tue 4/7 10:00 AM GP Room 229 This bill authorizes municipalities to use revolving funds to support energy services under approved electric aggregation plans.
Support SB447 enabling electric utilities to own, operate, and offer advanced nuclear resources, and relative to purchased power agreements for electric distribution utilities and limitations on community customer generators. Science, Technology and Energy Tue 4/7 1:15 PM GP Room 229 This bill: I. Defines “advanced nuclear resource” (ANR) and includes ANR options alongside renewable energy sources for utility services. II. Sets limitations and guidelines for investments in distributed electric generation. III. Clarifies the coordinator’s duties in nuclear development and regulatory activities. IV. Allows the department of energy or the electric distribution utilities, or both, to issue requests for proposals (RFPs) for multi-year agreements for energy, in conjunction with or independent of any attendant environmental attributes from electric energy sources, and coordinate with one or more New England states in issuing this RFP. V. Modifies the scope and capacity limits of community solar projects, including expanding the annual cap for low-moderate income community solar projects from 6 MW to 18 MW. VI. Allows group net metering members to sign agreements with multiple group hosts, as long as their combined allocated load does not exceed their total load. VII. Expands the definitio
Of Interest HB1537 relative to the use of high resolution cameras to identify school bus stop light violators. Transportation Tue 4/7 1:00 PM SH Room 122-123 This bill allows video recording devices to be affixed to school bus stop bars.
Support HB1758 relative to school bus drivers’ certificates. Transportation Tue 4/7 1:10 PM SH Room 122-123 This bill provides an alternative path to obtaining a school bus driver’s certificate through being currently certified as a school bus driver in the state of Vermont.
Oppose SB444 prohibiting the use of animal testing when other comparable methods are available. Commerce and Consumer Affairs Wed 4/8 1:15 PM GP Room 229 This bill prohibits the use of animals in certain cosmetic product testing.
Support SB487 allowing credit union members to pay members of the board of directors for their services as a board member. Commerce and Consumer Affairs Wed 4/8 1:45 PM GP Room 229 This bill allows credit union members to pay members of the board of directors for their services as a board member.
Support SB607 relative to short-term, limited duration health insurance policies Commerce and Consumer Affairs Wed 4/8 2:30 PM GP Room 229 This bill allows insurers to offer short-term, limited duration health insurance policies of less than 12 months and not more than 36 months. This bill also requires insurers to provide written notice to consumers that such plans are not required to comply with the ACA, may exclude pre-existing conditions, and may include terms that differ from comprehensive health plans.
Oppose SB557 (Second New Title) making synthetic and semisynthetic kratom illegal to prepare, distribute, manufacture, sell, possess, or advertise, with exceptions made for scientific research. Criminal Justice and Public Safety Wed 4/8 11:00 AM GP Room 159 This bill makes synthetic and semisynthetic kratom illegal to prepare, distribute, manufacture, sell, possess, or advertise, with exceptions made for scientific research.
Of Interest SB667 relative to the assault of emergency room personnel. Criminal Justice and Public Safety Wed 4/8 12:00 PM GP Room 159 This bill establishes felony-level offenses for the assault of emergency room personnel.
Support SB430 (New Title) relative to mandatory disclosure by school district employees to parents and legal guardians. Education Policy and Administration Wed 4/8 10:20 AM GP Room 232 This bill requires all school employees to respond honestly and completely to written requests by parents and legal guardians regarding information relating to their children.
Of Interest SB431 relative to violations of the prohibition on teaching discrimination. Education Policy and Administration Wed 4/8 11:00 AM GP Room 232 This bill adds mental state, or mens rea, as an element to the prohibition on teaching discrimination.
Support SB434 relative to regulation of public school materials. Education Policy and Administration Wed 4/8 11:30 AM GP Room 232 This bill requires local school districts to adopt and publicly post policies describing materials authorized for use by students in the district and outlining procedures to address complaints alleging that material is harmful or age-inappropriate for use in the district’s schools.
Support HB1797 relative to eligibility for public assistance, including the New Hampshire employment program, family assistance program, and SNAP. Health and Human Services Wed 4/8 9:15 AM SH Room 100 This bill: I. Strengthens work requirements for SNAP eligibility. II. Directs the department of health and human services to enter into data-sharing agreements with other state agencies to verify SNAP benefit eligibility. III. Directs the department to verify eligibility of enrollees that make exclusively out-of-state purchases. IV. Prohibits the department from using their discretion to set more lenient standards for SNAP eligibility or exemptions than those outlined in federal law.
Oppose HB241 (New Title) relative to health insurance coverage of pain management services for the management of chronic pain. Health and Human Services Wed 4/8 9:30 AM SH Room 100 This bill requires health carriers to develop, in accordance with guidelines established by the insurance department, a program to provide access to a broad spectrum of covered pain management services for the management of chronic pain.
Support HB1809 (New Title) establishing a medical psilocybin advisory board to assess the advantages and disadvantages of the use of psilocybin for therapeutic purposes. Health and Human Services Wed 4/8 9:45 AM SH Room 100 This bill establishes a medical psilocybin advisory board to assess the advantages and disadvantages of the use of psilocybin for therapeutic purposes.
Oppose SB520 relative to breast surgeries for minors. Health, Human Services and Elderly Affairs Wed 4/8 10:00 AM GP Room 158 This bill permits a physician to perform breast surgery on a minor in certain instances if the procedure is at the election of the minor in consultation with her primary care physician.
Support SB453 authorizing advanced practice registered nurses and physician associates to make certain certifications. Health, Human Services and Elderly Affairs Wed 4/8 10:30 AM GP Room 158 This bill adds advanced practice registered nurses and physician associates as medical professionals who can: I. Document a lasting medical necessity, which allows for a vehicle equipment waiver for persons with disabilities to be granted for 4 years instead of 2 years; and II. Exempt a child from certain required immunizations if they find that the immunization may be detrimental to the child’s health.
Of Interest SB501 relative to authorization of seclusion or restraint during a personal safety emergency by a physician, physician associate, or advanced practice registered nurse. Health, Human Services and Elderly Affairs Wed 4/8 11:00 AM GP Room 158 This bill authorizes a physician, physician associate, or advanced practice registered nurse (APRN) to order seclusion or restraint during a personal safety emergency at New Hampshire hospital and other designated receiving facilities. The bill is a request of the department of health and human services.
Of Interest SB459 (New Title) exempting classification of individuals based on biological sex from the definition of an unlawful discriminatory practice in certain limited circumstances. Judiciary Wed 4/8 10:00 AM GP Room 230 This bill provides a definition for biological sex and exempts classification by biological sex in athletic competitions and in facilities where persons may be committed involuntarily from the definition of an unlawful discriminatory practice.
Support HB1249 authorizing pharmacists to provide certain medical devices associated with prescribed medication. Health and Human Services Thu 4/9 1:00 PM SH Room 122-123 This bill amends the definition of the practice of pharmacy under RSA 318 and authorizes pharmacists to prescribe certain prescription devices necessary for the appropriate delivery or administration of a prescribed drug.
Support HB1279 relative to the use of physical force in defense of a person. Judiciary Thu 4/9 1:00 PM SH Room 100 This bill modifies the standard for when force can be used against someone likely to use unlawful force in the commission of a felony.
Oppose HB1091 relative to the penalty for violations of municipal ordinances related to sleeping or camping outside. Judiciary Thu 4/9 1:50 PM SH Room 100 This bill requires municipalities to provide for a nonmonetary penalty that may be elected in lieu of a financial penalty for any ordinance or bylaw prohibiting sleeping or camping outdoors.

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MACDONALD: Death and Taxes

Granite Grok - Sun, 2026-04-05 11:00 +0000

You can’t escape death, but avoiding taxes is something human beings do instinctively, especially those who insist that paying them is some sort of patriotic duty. Personally, I go to great lengths to ensure that I have reported all my income. Not doing this makes you a natural target for certain political factions who are ... Read more

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Categories: Blogs, New Hampshire

MACDONALD: Public Education Funding Deck Chairs

Granite Grok - Sun, 2026-04-05 02:00 +0000

If you’ve not been following the situation in the Kensingston/East Kingston School District, you can get caught up here, but it involves schools, so the problem is one with which you are likely familiar. It is something and a microcosm of the problem with public education. Spending and cost per student are climbing to or ... Read more

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Categories: Blogs, New Hampshire

NE TAKE: Where Is The Iran Situation Going?

Granite Grok - Sun, 2026-04-05 00:00 +0000

How does it compare to Libya, Iraq, and Afghanistan? This week, on NE TAKE, A. J. is joined by Middle East expert Jason Pack, of the Disorder Podcast and NATO Foundation, to break down the geopolitical state of the Iran military conflict and how it compares to Iraq, Afghanistan, and Libya. Does Trump have this ... Read more

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Categories: Blogs, New Hampshire

MACDONALD: Birthright Citizenship

Granite Grok - Sat, 2026-04-04 21:00 +0000

President Trump stopped by the US Supreme Court to listen to oral arguments on the birthright citizenship case. The only President ever, I think, to do that. Power tie, listening. He is later reported to have said, “We are the only Country in the World STUPID enough to allow ‘Birthright’ Citizenship!” I’m thinking, maybe the ... Read more

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Categories: Blogs, New Hampshire

CARDELLO: Was Anyone Listening to President Trump?

Granite Grok - Sat, 2026-04-04 18:00 +0000

The President addressed the American people on Wednesday night, but listening to the supposed experts on CNN and MSNBC afterward showed they missed it. Nicolle Wallace was brought in for the recap because of her political expertise. Please, she spent her segment basically laughing at the President and his address. Kaitlin Collins on CNN was ... Read more

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Categories: Blogs, New Hampshire

BANFIELD: More Parents Suing Over Student Data Sharing

Granite Grok - Sat, 2026-04-04 16:00 +0000

With the help of Andy and Julie Liddell at the EdTech Law Center, some parents around the country have begun filing lawsuits against Curriculum Associates, the company that produces the i-Ready learning platform used in many schools. According to the complaints filed in these lawsuits, parents allege that the company’s business model allows for the ... Read more

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Categories: Blogs, New Hampshire

UNDERWOOD: Look Deeper

Granite Grok - Sat, 2026-04-04 14:00 +0000

People often say that ‘politics is the art of the possible’.  But I think that this is too often used as an excuse to tinker with an issue rather than really addressing it. The reason we’re not still part of Great Britain — and the reason we have a country that is (on paper, at ... Read more

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Categories: Blogs, New Hampshire

MACDONALD: The Kings and Queens In Congress

Granite Grok - Sat, 2026-04-04 11:00 +0000

There is no shortage of content on these hallowed pages related to the so-called No Kings protests. Morning Updates, podcasts, and print-media commentary aplenty. Aside from the lost proglodyte or some left-wing troll looking for validation for their notion that we are all bigots and racists, not many a lefty is likely to see it. ... Read more

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Categories: Blogs, New Hampshire

IMANI: The Legislative Vanguard – The Sharia-Free America Caucus

Granite Grok - Sat, 2026-04-04 02:00 +0000

In late 2025, Representative Keith Self (TX-03) and Representative Chip Roy (TX-21) made a historic move by officially launching the Sharia-Free America Caucus. The mission of this group is to educate lawmakers and the public on what they describe as the existential threat posed by Sharia law to the U.S. Constitution and Western values. Self has ... Read more

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Categories: Blogs, New Hampshire

Granite Discourse: Linda McGrath

Granite Grok - Sat, 2026-04-04 00:00 +0000

On this installment of Granite Discourse, Linda McGrath is a NH state rep for Rockingham District 40. She is also the Seacoast manager for Turning Point Action Chase the Vote. We talked about her transformation from her career as a pharmacist during COVID, which led to her running for state rep and to her work ... Read more

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Categories: Blogs, New Hampshire

MACDONALD-Breaking: Gov. Ayotte signs HB323- Student ID No Longer Valid to Vote in New Hampshire

Granite Grok - Fri, 2026-04-03 21:00 +0000

We’ve been working on this for so very long that I’m not sure how to feel about it. Excited, relieved, ecstatic, ready for what comes next. HB323 takes effect in 60 days, long before the midterms, and tightens the rules on which photo IDs can be used to vote. [Related: End Out-Of-State Students’ Extra Constitutional ... Read more

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Categories: Blogs, New Hampshire

KLAR: Vermont Goes to War against Landowners

Granite Grok - Fri, 2026-04-03 18:00 +0000

Growing awareness about a progressive Vermont land-use measure has sparked widespread populist backlash. Act 181 was passed in 2024 by the Green Mountain State’s progressive supermajority, overcoming Governor Phil Scott’s veto. Falsely framed as a pro-housing bill, the stealth measure seeks to preserve natural resources at the expense of traditional development rights, draining wealth from property ... Read more

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Categories: Blogs, New Hampshire

Friday Meme Thing

Granite Grok - Fri, 2026-04-03 16:00 +0000

We’re back with another weekend-jump-starting dose of memes to launch you from your early lunch directly into your weekend, or something close to that. Very early lunch if you happen to be on the West Coast, and good for you guys. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ... Read more

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Categories: Blogs, New Hampshire

CARDELLO: Bernie Sanders Doesn’t Understand Democracy

Granite Grok - Fri, 2026-04-03 14:00 +0000

Bernie Sanders was in New York this week to support Mayor Mamdani’s effort to raise taxes on the wealthy to close the budget gap caused by bad Democratic management of the world’s greatest city. Bernie attacked the rich who are leaving New York to avoid the high cost of residence in NYC as enemies of ... Read more

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Categories: Blogs, New Hampshire

Morning Update: Blue States Stink

Granite Grok - Fri, 2026-04-03 11:00 +0000

Today, on the Morning Update, another nail in the Dems’ so-called affordability narrative coffin. The culprit. Democrats, blue states, and how they can’t help being the crooks that they are. Watch on the ‘Grok Rumble Channel if the embedded video does not load. Ep. 142 links Authors’ and Speakers’ opinions are their own and may ... Read more

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Categories: Blogs, New Hampshire

Skills You Develop Through ITIL® 5 Strategy Training

Granite Grok - Fri, 2026-04-03 10:27 +0000

Ever noticed how some IT professionals move into strategic roles while others remain focused on everyday tasks? The difference often lies in how they think and approach their work. With ITIL® 5 Strategy Training, professionals begin to understand how IT decisions connect with wider business goals. At the same time, ITIL® Training lays the foundation ... Read more

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Categories: Blogs, New Hampshire

ROPER: Democrats Are NOT for Affordability – Are Republicans?

Granite Grok - Fri, 2026-04-03 09:00 +0000

Vermont is suffering from an early childcare availability crisis and an affordability crisis. We are suffering under crippling state taxes, particularly, but not limited to, property taxes. If you want to solve these issues, a hard NO vote on S.206 – An act relating to licensure of early childhood educators by the Office of Professional ... Read more

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Categories: Blogs, New Hampshire

OPINION: Artificial Intelligence Hammers in the Final Nail in Karl Marx’s Coffin

Granite Grok - Fri, 2026-04-03 02:00 +0000

Karl Marx believed machines would eventually turn workers into something disposable. In The Communist Manifesto, Marx and Engels wrote that industrial labor had already reduced the worker to “a mere appendage of the machine.” In Capital, Marx argued that machinery would create a permanent “industrial reserve army” of unemployed workers. As automation increased, workers would lose bargaining ... Read more

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Categories: Blogs, New Hampshire

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