SB459: Exempting classification of individuals based on biological sex from the definition of an unlawful discriminatory practice in certain limited circumstances.
Engrossed
Senate
Keyword matches: ["gender_sex"]
Summary
This bill sought to amend New Hampshire's anti-discrimination laws by creating exemptions for classifications based on "biological sex" in certain limited circumstances. If passed, it would have allowed discrimination against transgender individuals, enabling their exclusion from spaces, services, or opportunities aligning with their gender identity, thereby eroding existing LGBTQ+ protections and potentially impacting workers' rights.
Sponsors
William Gannon
R - SD-023
Primary
Victoria Sullivan
R - SD-018
Co-sponsor
Howard Pearl
R - SD-017
Co-sponsor
Daryl Abbas
R - SD-022
Co-sponsor
Tim McGough
R - SD-011
Co-sponsor
Keith Murphy
R - SD-016
Co-sponsor
Daniel Innis
R - SD-007
Co-sponsor
JD Bernardy
R - HD-36-ROC
Co-sponsor
Melissa Litchfield
R - HD-32-ROC
Co-sponsor
Mark Pearson
R - HD-34-ROC
Co-sponsor
Lilli Walsh
R - HD-15-ROC
Co-sponsor
History
- 2025-11-21 Introduced 01/07/2026 and Referred to Judiciary; Senate Journal 1
- 2026-02-05 Hearing: 02/11/2026, Room 103, State House, 01:20 pm; Senate Calendar 5
- 2026-03-18 Committee Report: Ought to Pass with Amendment # 2026-1217s, 03/26/2026, Vote 3-1; Senate Calendar 11
- 2026-03-26 Special Order to the end of the Calendar, Without Objection, Motion Adopted; 03/26/2026; Senate Journal 7
- 2026-03-26 Committee Amendment # 2026-1217s, Amendment Failed, Voice Vote; 03/26/2026; Senate Journal 7
- 2026-03-26 Sen. Lang Moved Reconsideration on the Previous Vote, Regular Calendar 15Y-9N, Motion Adopted; 03/26/2026; Senate Journal 7
- 2026-03-26 Committee Amendment # 2026-1217s, Amendment Adopted, Voice Vote; 03/26/2026; Senate Journal 7
- 2026-03-26 Ought to Pass with Amendment #2026-1217s, Regular Calendar 15Y-9N, Motion Adopted; OT3rdg; 03/26/2026; Senate Journal 7
- 2026-03-27 Introduced (in recess of) 03/26/2026 and referred to Judiciary House Journal 9
- 2026-04-01 Public Hearing: 04/08/2026 10:00 am GP 230
- 2026-04-08 Executive Session: 04/08/2026 10:30 am GP 230
- 2026-04-15 Committee Report: Inexpedient to Legislate 04/08/2026 (Vote 18-0; Consent Calendar)
- 2026-04-23 Inexpedient to Legislate: Motion Adopted Voice Vote 04/23/2026 House Journal 11
Committee Referrals
2025-11-21
Judiciary
Senate
2026-03-27
Judiciary
House
Calendar Events
Past Events (3)
2026-02-11
Hearing - Room 103, State House
2026-04-08
Hearing - GP 230
2026-04-08
Hearing - GP 230
Votes
Reconsideration
2026-03-26
Passed
Yea: 15
Nay: 9
NV: 0
Absent: 0
Individual Votes (24)
| Democrats | Vote | Republicans | Vote |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cindy Rosenwald | Nay | Daniel Innis | Yea |
| David Watters | Nay | Daryl Abbas | Yea |
| Debra Altschiller | Nay | David Rochefort | Yea |
| Donovan Fenton | Nay | Denise Ricciardi | Yea |
| Patrick Long | Nay | Howard Pearl | Yea |
| Rebecca Perkins Kwoka | Nay | James Gray | Yea |
| Suzanne Prentiss | Nay | Keith Murphy | Yea |
| Tara Reardon | Nay | Kevin Avard | Nay |
| Mark McConkey | Yea | ||
| Regina Birdsell | Yea | ||
| Ruth Ward | Yea | ||
| Sharon Carson | Yea | ||
| Tim McGough | Yea | ||
| Timothy Lang | Yea | ||
| Victoria Sullivan | Yea | ||
| William Gannon | Yea |
Ought to Pass w/Amendment
2026-03-26
Passed
Yea: 15
Nay: 9
NV: 0
Absent: 0
Individual Votes (24)
| Democrats | Vote | Republicans | Vote |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cindy Rosenwald | Nay | Daniel Innis | Yea |
| David Watters | Nay | Daryl Abbas | Yea |
| Debra Altschiller | Nay | David Rochefort | Yea |
| Donovan Fenton | Nay | Denise Ricciardi | Yea |
| Patrick Long | Nay | Howard Pearl | Yea |
| Rebecca Perkins Kwoka | Nay | James Gray | Yea |
| Suzanne Prentiss | Nay | Keith Murphy | Yea |
| Tara Reardon | Nay | Kevin Avard | Nay |
| Mark McConkey | Yea | ||
| Regina Birdsell | Yea | ||
| Ruth Ward | Yea | ||
| Sharon Carson | Yea | ||
| Tim McGough | Yea | ||
| Timothy Lang | Yea | ||
| Victoria Sullivan | Yea | ||
| William Gannon | Yea |