New Hampshire House Bill HB1031

New Hampshire 2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 11/7/25
• Refer: 11/7/25
• Report Pass: 1/28/26
• Engrossed: 2/9/26
• Refer: 2/9/26
• Report Pass: 3/25/26

Caption

Enabling candidates for state office to use campaign funds to pay for security measures.

Impact

If enacted, HB 1031 would amend existing statutes, specifically RSA 664, to include a new section that defines the parameters under which campaign funds can be spent on security measures. The bill clarifies what constitutes allowable expenses for security, including non-structural and structural security devices, as well as professional security personnel and services. The legislation emphasizes that any security expenditure must relate directly to ongoing dangers linked to the candidate’s public role, thereby reinforcing the notion that such expenses are legitimate and necessary for the fulfillment of a public office's duties.

Summary

House Bill 1031 is designed to enhance the safety of candidates for state office and state officeholders by permitting them to utilize campaign funds for various security measures. The bill explicitly outlines that campaign funds can be used for a range of security-related expenses meant to protect candidates and their families, as well as campaign employees. This initiative comes in response to ongoing threats faced by public officials and aims to provide a legal framework for funding security without categorizing such expenses as personal use.

Contention

One notable point of contention surrounding this bill is the potential for misuse of campaign funds under the guise of security needs. Critics of the bill could argue that allowing broad discretion in the interpretation of what qualifies as necessary security could lead to discrepancies and ethical concerns. Additionally, there may be discussions about the financial implications for campaign fundraising and how the ability to use campaign funds in this manner could influence the dynamics of political campaigning. The bill must balance the safety of public officials with transparency in the use of campaign contributions.