03/31/2026
Update: We are thrilled to share that on Thursday evening, the NH Senate Health and Human Services Committee voted 5-0 to find this bill inexpedient to legislate. It will now go to the full Senate on the consent calendar, a list of bills that the committee has recommended should not move forward, and that the full Senate typically approves without debate. This means the bill is very likely to be defeated when the full Senate votes. We are deeply grateful to everyone who signed in to oppose this bill and took the time to write to the Senate committee, and to those who testified at the hearing. Your voices made a difference! Thank you.
Action Needed: Oppose NH HB 1706 — NH Refugee Resettlement Repeal
A bill that would end New Hampshire's refugee resettlement program is now before the Senate Health and Human Services Committee, with a public hearing this Wednesday, April 1. We need your help to stop it.
This bill would hurt Overcomers and the other resettlement and refugee support agencies across NH. Most importantly, it would hurt families who were invited to the US to build a better life after years of displacement from their home countries.
These families are already navigating enormous challenges under current federal policies. This bill sends yet another painful message that they are not welcome here — and we can't let that happen.
What this bill does: ❌ Ends NH's refugee resettlement program entirely ❌ Closes the state office that coordinates services for refugee families ❌ Rejects $4.5 million in federal funding NH is already entitled to receive — at no cost to the state
Key facts: ✅ This program costs NH nothing — it is 100% federally funded ✅ Refugees undergo one of the most rigorous vetting processes of anyone entering the US ✅ Refugee families contribute to local economies, fill workforce gaps, and strengthen our communities ✅ The bill passed the House by only 6 votes (170–164) — the Senate can still stop it ✅ Even 8 House Republicans voted against it — opposition crosses party lines
3 Ways to Help — before Wednesday at 11:59 pm:
1️⃣ Sign in to oppose the bill Visit gc.nh.gov/remotecommittee/senate.aspx Select: April 1 | Senate Health and Human Services Committee | HB 1706
2️⃣ Email the Senate HHS Committee Urge them to vote Inexpedient to Legislate (ITL)
[email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected]
3️⃣ Share this post with friends, neighbors, faith communities, and anyone who cares. Every constituent contact matters.
📰 Read more: 🔗 nhpr.org/nh-news/2026-03-12/refugee-resettlement-program-nh-newhampshire-housing-immigration-undocumented 🔗 concordmonitor.com/2026/03/13/nh-house-narrowly-passes-repeal-of-refugee-resettlement-program/ 🔗 newhampshirebulletin.com/2026/03/18/more-words-of-hate-in-new-hampshire-and-the-policies-to-match/ 🔗 concordmonitor.com/2026/02/25/refugee-resettlement-debate-nh/
