KLS Keeping Law Simple Legislation in plain English

Straight-ahead summaries built from the official bill text. We keep the source links front and center and leave the decision up to you.

Back to New Hampshire

CACR30 • 2026

relating to the public utilities commissioners. Providing that the public utilities commissioners are elected.

relating to the public utilities commissioners. Providing that the public utilities commissioners are elected.

Elections
Passed Legislature

This bill passed both chambers and reached final enrollment, even if later executive action is not shown here.

Sponsor
Thomas Oppel (D)
Last action
2026-03-05
Official status
HOUSE
Effective date
Not listed

Plain English Breakdown

The bill did not pass, so it is unclear if there will be a public vote or what its future status might be.

Election of Public Utilities Commissioners

This bill proposes to change how public utilities commissioners are chosen, making them elected officials instead of appointed ones.

What This Bill Does

  • Proposes that the three public utilities commissioners be elected by voters in biennial general elections starting in 2028.
  • Sets a six-year term for each commissioner's position.

Who It Names or Affects

  • Voters in New Hampshire
  • Public utilities commissioners

Terms To Know

Constitutional Amendment
A change to a state or country's constitution that requires special procedures for approval.
Biennial General Election
An election held every two years, typically in even-numbered years.

Limits and Unknowns

  • The bill was marked as 'Inexpedient to Legislate' and did not pass.
  • It is unclear if the proposed amendment will be voted on by the public due to its status.

Bill History

  1. 2026-03-05 H

    Inexpedient to Legislate: MA VV 03/05/2026 HJ 6 P. 13

  2. 2026-02-26 H

    Committee Report: Inexpedient to Legislate 02/03/2026 (Vote 15-0; CC) HC 9 P. 12

  3. 2026-02-17 H

    Executive Session: 02/17/2026 01:40 pm GP 158

  4. 2026-02-12 H

    Public Hearing: 02/17/2026 10:00 am GP 158

  5. 2025-12-18 H

    Introduced 01/07/2026 and referred to Election Law HJ 1 P. 41

Official Summary Text

relating to the public utilities commissioners.
Providing that the public utilities commissioners are elected.

Current Bill Text

Read the full stored bill text 
CACR 30 - AS INTRODUCED

2026 SESSION
26-2674
08/09

CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT
CONCURRENT RESOLUTION
30

RELATING TO:
the public utilities commissioners.

PROVIDING THAT:
the public utilities commissioners are elected.

SPONSORS: Rep. Oppel, Graf. 9

COMMITTEE: Election Law

-----------------------------------------------------------------

ANALYSIS

This constitutional amendment concurrent resolution provides that the commissioners of the public utilities commission be elected.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Explanation: Matter added to current law appears in
bold italics.
Matter removed from current law appears [
in brackets and struckthrough.
]
Matter which is either (a) all new or (b) repealed and reenacted appears in regular type

26-2674
08/09
STATE OF NEW HAMPSHIRE

In the Year of Our Lord Two Thousand Twenty-Six

CONCURRENT RESOLUTION PROPOSING CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT

RELATING TO:
the public utilities commissioners.

PROVIDING THAT:
the public utilities commissioners are elected.

Be it Resolved by the House of Representatives, the Senate concurring, that the
Constitution of New Hampshire be amended as follows:

I. That the second part of the constitution be amended by inserting after article 34 the following new article:
[Art.] 34-a. [Election of Commissioners of the Public Utilities Commission.]
Three commissioners of the public utilities commission shall be elected by the qualified voters of the state at the biennial general election beginning in 2028. The term of office shall be six years. The commissioners shall be responsible for the enforcement and administration of the insurance laws of the state and shall perform such duties as may be prescribed by law.
II. That the above amendment proposed to the constitution be submitted to the qualified voters of the state at the state general election to be held in November, 2026.
III. That the selectmen of all towns, cities, wards and places in the state are directed to insert in their warrants for the said 2026 election an article to the following effect: To decide whether the amendments of the constitution proposed by the 2026 session of the general court shall be approved.
IV. That the wording of the question put to the qualified voters shall be:
“Are you in favor of amending the second part of the constitution by inserting after article 34 a new article to read as follows:
[Art.] 34-a. [Election of Commissioners of the Public Utilities Commission.]
Three commissioners of the public utilities commission shall be elected by the qualified voters of the state at the biennial general election beginning in 2028. The term of office shall be six years. The commissioners shall be responsible for the enforcement and administration of the insurance laws of the state and shall perform such duties as may be prescribed by law."
V. That the secretary of state shall print the question to be submitted on a separate ballot with other constitutional questions or on the official ballot. The ballot containing the question shall include 2 ovals next to the question allowing the voter to vote “Yes” or “No.” If no oval is marked, the ballot shall not be counted on the question. The outside of the ballot shall be the same as the regular official ballot except that the words “Questions Relating to Constitutional Amendments proposed by the 2026 General Court” shall be printed in bold type at the top of the ballot.
VI. That if the proposed amendment is approved by 2/3 of those voting on the amendment, it becomes effective when the governor proclaims its adoption.
VII. Voters' Guide.
AT THE PRESENT TIME, the commissioners of the public utilities commission are appointed for staggered 6 year terms by the governor and executive council.
IF THE AMENDMENT IS ADOPTED, the commissioners of the public utilities commission shall be elected for 6 year terms by qualified voters of the state at a general election.