Accountability⚖️ Law👑 PowerFree SpeechGovernment TransparencyPress FreedomPublic Records RequestsRight to KnowSurveillance

Seven Laws Changed New Hampshire’s Right-to-Know Statute Since 2024. Here Is Every Word That Moved.

In New Hampshire, revisions to the Right-to-Know Law include two bills signed in 2026, introducing a web address option for records requests and changing “teacher” to “educator” in exemption language. Seven acts have modified the law since 2024, impacting fee structures and transparency, amidst ongoing challenges in enforcing these changes.

Read more
Accountability👑 Power🩺 HealthHomelessnessPublic Health & SafetyPublic Health Policy

New Hampshire’s SNAP Work Notice Misstates Rules It Was Written to Explain

The article critiques New Hampshire’s SNAP Work Notice, highlighting inaccuracies and omissions that mislead beneficiaries about work requirements. It outlines failures in communication regarding exemptions, deadlines, and penalties, ultimately urging the state to correct the misinformation to ensure transparency and compliance with federal regulations governing assistance programs.

Read more
Accountability⚖️ Law👑 PowerExplainerJobs in the LawPress FreedomPrivacySurveillanceWiretapping & Eavesdropping

One Word in New Hampshire's Private Investigator Law Decides Who Counts as Press. Nobody Has Defined It.

New Hampshire’s RSA 106-F law creates ambiguity regarding what qualifies as press, exempting “accredited” outlets from licensing as private investigators. However, the term “accredited” lacks definition, putting independent journalists at risk of licensing issues. This situation underscores the need for clarity in press accreditation to protect journalism effectively.

Read more
Accountability⚖️ Law👑 PowerExplainerFact Checks & Misinformation WatchGovernment TransparencyPublic Records RequestsRight to Know

The Attorney General’s Right-to-Know Manual Leaves Out the Part Where You Get the Records

The article critiques New Hampshire’s Right-to-Know Law memorandum, highlighting discrepancies between the guidance and statutory obligations. It identifies significant omissions that favor government agencies, such as a lack of clarity regarding public record access and recent legislative changes. The current memorandum lacks essential updates and guidance for citizens seeking transparency.

Read more
⚖️ LawConstitutional Law👑 Power

A New Constitution for New Hampshire. Another for the United States. Here Is How It Can Legally Be Done.

The article discusses proposed new constitutions for New Hampshire and the U.S. to address issues arising from outdated governance. The author highlights the need for legal revisions to protect citizen rights, adapt to modern technology, and ensure equitable governance. Both drafts aim to empower citizens without compromising their foundational rights.

Read more
⚖️ LawConstitutional Law👑 Power

New Hampshire Asks Every Ten Years Whether to Rewrite Its Constitution. The Country Never Has To.

New Hampshire’s constitution mandates a vote every ten years on whether to convene a convention for amendments, emphasizing civic engagement. This contrasts with the U.S. Constitution, which lacks a regular revision mechanism. The author proposes a new national constitution to encourage generational consent, reflecting Jefferson’s vision, while addressing concerns about stability.

Read more
⚖️ Law👑 PowerThe 48 Laws of Power Series

Make Other People Come to You

New Hampshire’s legislative process guarantees a public hearing for every bill, but accessibility issues arise due to scheduling during work hours and physical attendance requirements. Consequently, hearings are often dominated by paid lobbyists and professionals, limiting public participation. Recent changes to committee rules further complicate transparency and civic engagement.

Read more
👑 Power

Live Free or Die Is a Slogan. Here Is the Ledger.

The article critiques the slogan “Live Free or Die,” arguing that New Hampshire’s constitution emphasizes government serving the community, not private interests. It underscores systemic issues like low wages, high incarceration rates, and the burden of debt, demonstrating how these factors undermine true freedom and agency for citizens.

Read more
👑 PowerGovernment TransparencyPublic Hearings & Town HallsPublic Records Requests

The Federal Workshop on Negotiating With Requesters Did Not Invite Any Requesters

The Justice Department’s recent workshop intended to enhance negotiation techniques for Freedom of Information Act requests excluded public attendance, raising concerns about transparency. Historically, such sessions included requester input. The evolving focus on internal agency training without public engagement diminishes accountability, highlighting flaws within both federal and New Hampshire’s public records processes.

Read more
⚖️ Law👑 PowerThe 48 Laws of Power Series

Always Say Less Than Necessary

New Hampshire government frequently uses the phrases “no comment,” “personnel matter,” and “pending litigation” to avoid disclosing information. However, legal precedents show that the first two phrases lost their legal validity in 2020. This article explores the implications of these phrases on transparency and public record requests under the Right-to-Know Law.

Read more
⚖️ Law👑 PowerThe 48 Laws of Power Series

Conceal Your Intentions

The article discusses New Hampshire’s RSA 91-A:3 law, which allows public bodies to meet privately while requiring disclosure within a strict timeframe. Despite procedural safeguards against secrecy, many boards fail to comply, and the state’s ombudsman position remains vacant, reducing accountability. Citizens must actively monitor these meetings to ensure transparency.

Read more
⚖️ Law👑 PowerThe 48 Laws of Power Series

Never Trust a Friend

The article analyzes the dynamics of the New Hampshire Executive Council under Governor Kelly Ayotte, highlighting how her closest allies, rather than her opponents, caused significant political setbacks. It illustrates that betrayal stems from structural voting systems rather than personal envy, revealing the complexities of governance and political relationships in New Hampshire.

Read more
Accountability⚖️ LawCourts👑 Power

Two Tiers of Justice: Who New Hampshire Convicts, and Who Pays a Fine

New Hampshire recently reformed its justice system by allowing convicted prisoners to present new evidence of innocence beyond the previous three-year limit. This contrasts starkly with leniency shown to a Supreme Court justice facing serious charges, highlighting a two-tiered justice system favoring those in power. Indigent defense remains critically underfunded, exacerbating inequalities.

Read more
⚖️ LawCourtsPublic Records RequestsRight to Know

How to Annul a Criminal Record in New Hampshire, and Why the Police File Never Goes Away

This article outlines the annulment process for criminal records in New Hampshire, detailing costs, waiting periods, and implications. Annulment, costing around $350, allows individuals to legally deny previous convictions on applications, but arrest records remain permanently accessible. The piece critiques the misleading nature of the term “annulment” in this context.

Read more
Accountability🩺 HealthMental Health

New Hampshire's Involuntary Emergency Admission Law Guarantees Custody. It Does Not Guarantee Care.

New Hampshire’s Involuntary Emergency Admission (IEA) law allows the state to take custody of individuals in mental health crises but fails to ensure they receive care. The law lacks provisions for treatment without consent, leaving many with permanent records. Critics argue it functions more as a custody measure than genuine mental health support.

Read more
Civic Explainer👑 PowerPolice Accountability

How to Sue the Police in New Hampshire: A Citizen's Guide

This guide provides essential information on suing police in New Hampshire under federal law, addressing Section 1983, qualified immunity, and procedural considerations. Key points include identifying constitutional rights violations, the importance of preserving evidence, and filing timely claims. It emphasizes the need for clear legal strategy and consultation with an attorney.

Read more
⚖️ Law👑 PowerJobs in the LawState Politics

What the New Hampshire Attorney General Does — and Who Checks the Work

The New Hampshire Attorney General, as the state’s chief legal and law enforcement officer, oversees homicide prosecutions, police shooting investigations, consumer complaints, and the state’s transparency laws. Appointed rather than elected, the AG’s authority includes supervising criminal cases and advising state agencies, supported by a structured oversight system.

Read more