Legislative Update - 4/27/26
Updates on Rep. Corcoran, open enrollment, and recent House votes
Hearing on Rep. Travis Corcoran
This morning, I tuned in to the House Legislative Administration Committee hearing reviewing the conduct of Rep. Travis Corcoran, who represents the town of Weare.
Rep. Corcoran has a documented history of using antisemitic and racist language, both on social media and in communications with constituents. The focus of today’s hearing, however, was a tweet he made referring to a fellow State Representative—who is Jewish—in which he invoked the phrase “final solution.” He also contacted the Department of Homeland Security to request the deportation of another State Representative, a naturalized U.S. citizen.
The committee heard approximately two and a half hours of testimony, all in opposition to his conduct. While most people won’t have time to watch the full hearing, I strongly recommend House Minority Leader Alexis Simpson’s testimony. It is just three minutes long and clearly outlines the concerns raised.
Notably, other than Rep Corcoran himself, no one spoke in his defense.
The testimony from fellow legislators, faith leaders, and community members was powerful and, at times, difficult to hear.
The committee is expected to vote next week on a recommendation to the full House. While there was no option to submit testimony through the online portal, committee members can still be contacted directly. Their information is available here.
Open Enrollment
The Ought to Pass motion on SB101 was defeated in the House last week. This bill faced significant opposition, with more than 10 hours of testimony presented in committee and extensive input submitted through the online portal. In addition, over 100 communities across New Hampshire passed local ballot initiatives aimed at limiting the impact of open enrollment on their school districts.
While this is encouraging, it is not the end of the issue. Another bill, HB751, is still moving through the legislative process and has been referred to a Committee of Conference, which has not yet met.
Other Notable Votes from Last Week
SB482 PASSED – Establishes fraud protections for cryptocurrency ATM machines. I voted in favor.
SB586 PASSED – Requires school districts to publish administrative audit reports. While financial oversight is important, this bill allows the Department of Education to withhold state funding for non-compliance without clearly defining what constitutes non-compliance. I voted against.
SB429 PASSED – Requires trauma kits in public schools. I voted in favor.
SB543 FAILED – Would have created a revolving fund to support nursing homes while patients await Medicaid eligibility determinations. I voted in favor.
SB545 FAILED – Would have made a federally funded Medicare Part D low-income subsidy more accessible to eligible residents. This program comes at no cost to the state but still failed. I voted in favor.
SB564 PASSED – Limits local authority over road length and housing density on dead-end roads to encourage development. I believe these decisions should remain local and voted against.
SB627 PASSED – Increases toll rates for out-of-state E-ZPass users, projected to raise approximately $60 million annually. I voted in favor.
SB540 PASSED – Establishes a framework for small residential solar generation (up to 1200 watts). I voted in favor.
Looking Ahead
It’s a relatively quiet week, with a few notable exceptions. Several bills—including those related to bathrooms and campus carry—remain unresolved. While there are no immediate action items, I encourage you to continue contacting the Governor and urging her to veto these bills if they reach her desk.
HB1416, which would shield anti-abortion centers from state and local regulation, will be heard in the Senate Judiciary Committee tomorrow at 1:40 PM. You can sign in to oppose here.
Bill Tracker
The rest of the bills I’m tracking can all be found here.
This past week was a reminder that both conduct and policy matter. Whether it’s holding elected officials accountable or weighing in on legislation, your voice plays a critical role in both. Please continue to stay engaged.
This newsletter is so helpful to me. And I'm with you on every vote that didn't go our way.