New Hampshire 2026 Regular Session

New Hampshire Senate Bill SB470

Introduced
11/21/25  
Refer
11/21/25  
Report Pass
3/5/26  
Report Pass
3/12/26  
Engrossed
3/27/26  
Refer
3/27/26  

Caption

Relative to the expungement of certain disciplinary matters.

Impact

This bill introduces significant changes to state laws surrounding the professional licensing process. By allowing the expungement of minor disciplinary actions, the legislation seeks to aid in the rehabilitation of licensees who have taken steps to amend their past behaviors. Supporters argue that this will help professionals reintegrate into their fields without the burden of permanent records hindering their employment prospects. Overall, its implementation may lead to a more supportive environment for professionals seeking to move past minor infractions.

Summary

Senate Bill 470 (SB470) aims to modify the process by which certain disciplinary actions against professional licensees can be expunged from their records. It allows individuals who have faced disciplinary measures that do not involve serious misconduct, such as criminal acts or actions affecting patient or public safety, to petition for the expungement of their records after a specified period. Under the new provisions, applicants must wait at least seven years, demonstrate that they have completed all requirements related to the disciplinary action, and hold a current license in good standing to be eligible for expungement.

Contention

While SB470 has the potential to positively affect many individuals seeking redemption, it has faced scrutiny over concerns regarding the implications for public safety and accountability. Critics argue that easing restrictions on record expungement could allow individuals with a history of disciplinary issues to return to practice without adequate oversight. There are also concerns about the subjective nature of evaluating each case for expungement, which could result in inconsistencies in how disciplinary matters are handled across different professions.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

NH HB510

Relative to establishing certain due process rights for students, student organizations, and faculty members facing disciplinary actions by state institutions of higher learning.

NH SB289

Relative to use and preservation of body-worn camera recordings in certain matters.

NH HB57

Relative to the standards applicable to bail in criminal matters.

NH SB103

Relative to the number of polling stations that are available for certain towns.

NH HB544

Relative to an optional local public safety assessment on certain room occupancies.

NH SB119

Relative to Medicaid pharmaceutical services and relative to standing orders for Ivermectin.

NH SB14

Relative to the penalty for certain fentanyl-related offenses; relative to establishing a mandatory minimum sentence for the crime of distribution of a controlled drug with death resulting; and relative to amending the penalties for the possession and use of a quantity of psilocybin for persons 18 years of age or older.

NH SB252

Relative to criteria for providing certain medical care through telemedicine.

NH SB242

Relative to the cost of living adjustments for certain group II retirees in the New Hampshire retirement system.

NH SB264

Relative to the therapeutic cannabis program.

Similar Bills

CA AB2141

Pharmacies: license discipline: stipulated settlement and disciplinary order.

MI HB4926

Health: licensing; procedure for vacating disciplinary records of certain licensees or registrants; provide for. Amends secs. 16211, 16216 & 16238 of 1978 PA 368 (MCL 333.16211 et seq.) & adds sec. 16211a.

MD SB83

Health Occupations - Grounds for Discipline - Federal and Court Actions

MI HB5284

Occupations: individual licensing and registration; procedure for vacating disciplinary records of certain licensees or registrants; provide for. Amends secs. 729, 2009 & 2627 of 1980 PA 299 (MCL 339.729 et seq.) & adds sec. 2504b.

MI SB0684

Health: licensing; procedure for vacating disciplinary records of certain licensees or registrants; provide for. Amends secs. 16211, 16216, 16238 & 16315 of 1978 PA 368 (MCL 333.16211 et seq.) & adds sec. 16211a.

TX HB881

Relating to a progressive disciplinary matrix for police officer misconduct in certain municipalities.

NJ A1114

Establishes position of Ombudsman of Student Discipline to serve within Office of Secretary of Higher Education.

SC H3209

Designated discliplinary classrooms