Here’s more doozies about what is headed for the upcoming 2026 New Hampshire Legislative Session:
The Republican majority sure do love themselves some “Off with their heads” capital punishment laws. The New Hampshire death penalty was abolished in 2019 for those convicted of capital murder, having been last used in 1939. However, it is still legal for crimes committed before May 30, 2019. Studies have shown that capital punishment is more costly to implement rather than a life imprisonment sentence, roughly $1.1 million versus $6-700,000 for life imprisonment.
Reps. Doug Trottier, Belmont and Seth King, Whitefield, would like to see it brought back for capital murder. Liberty Alliance members Rep. Mike Belcher, Wakefield wants to reinstate the death penalty for certain offenses against minors under 13 years of age, while Rep. Jonathan Morton, Manchester is a little vague with his “relative to the offense of capital murder”. Salem’s Rep. Joe Sweeney, taking a moment from targeting immigrants and Executive Council members, thinks himself the champion of minors with this proposed legislation, “making all offenses against minors involving sexual penetration or contact felony-level offenses punishable by death.”
Liberty Alliance member Rep. James Spillane, Deerfield, wants to “repeal the prohibition on the possession or sale of blackjacks, slung shots, and metallic knuckles except by or to minors.” The State Senate found this proposed legislation to be “Inexpedient to Legislate” in 2025, so the bill was essentially killed. But it seems to be slithering its way back to the House in 2026.
Liberty Alliance member Rep. Samuel Farrington, Rochester, takes issue with “restrictions on public colleges and universities regulating the possession or carrying of firearms and non-lethal weapons on campus.” That’s all it says, but could it be he wants those restrictions removed? One can only imagine why . . .
Rep. Belcher would like to “exempt certain firearms and firearm accessories manufactured and retained in NH from federal regulation.” Government. Always sticking its nose in . . .
One the one hand we see an overzealous abundance of loosening restrictions on all manner of weaponry. On the other hand the lust for punishment and death seems to supersede the compassion of possible rehabilitation.
Rep. Joe “if you are in NH illegally, you are NOT welcome in NH” Sweeney has set his sights on Executive Councilor Karen Liot Hill. He wants the House of Representatives to investigate whether grounds exist to impeach her.
Why, you wonder?
For the horrendous “crime” of reaching out to five individuals/organizations to assist a constituent who asked for her help concerning the latest voter suppression bill SB 287, that was recently signed into law. This bill makes it harder for those who vote absentee to continue to do so by now requiring an acceptable photo ID or appearing in person before a notary or clerk. Proof of her transparent “crime” can be viewed here.
A true public servant is motivated by altruism, has a great sense of duty to the public, and is committed to integrity and transparency. Their decisions and actions are guided by the welfare of their constituents and community, often at the expense of personal gain or comfort. Thank you, Councilor Hill for exemplifying the true meaning of the words “public servant.”