Relating to the commissioner of the department of insurance.Providing that the commissioner of the department of insurance be elected.
Summary
CACR 17 is a proposed constitutional amendment that would change the New Hampshire Insurance Commissioner from an appointed executive-branch office to an elected statewide office. Under the amendment, the commissioner of the department of insurance would be chosen by the qualified voters of the state at the biennial general election beginning in 2028 and would serve a two-year term. The amendment also states that the commissioner would continue to be responsible for enforcing and administering the state’s insurance laws and for carrying out duties prescribed by law.
The resolution does not itself change the substantive insurance code, but it would alter the state constitution to create an elected insurance commissioner position. If approved by voters in November 2026 and then adopted by the required two-thirds vote on the amendment question, it would take effect upon the governor’s proclamation. The measure also directs election officials on ballot wording and placement, and it includes a voter’s guide explanation noting that the office is currently appointed by the governor and would become elected if the amendment passes.
Impact
If adopted, CACR 17 would amend the New Hampshire Constitution to require election of the insurance commissioner, shifting the office from gubernatorial appointment to statewide election beginning in 2028. This would affect the structure of state executive administration and the selection process for the official responsible for enforcing and administering insurance laws, but it would not directly rewrite insurance statutes themselves.
Sentiment
No committee transcript or vote record was provided, so there is no documented floor or committee sentiment to assess. Based on the text alone, the resolution appears to be a structural government reform proposal rather than a policy change, with the main issue being whether the insurance commissioner should be accountable to voters instead of appointed by the governor.
Contention
The central point of contention is likely the method of selecting the insurance commissioner: supporters may favor direct voter accountability and independence from the governor, while opponents may prefer appointment as a way to preserve executive control and administrative continuity. Because the bill is a constitutional amendment, another likely concern is whether the office should be elevated to an elected statewide position at all, given the administrative and political implications for insurance regulation.
Directing the commissioner of the department of education to compile a report on the effects of the dissolution of the United States Department of Education on New Hampshire and its residents.
Directing the commissioner of the department of business and economic affairs to assemble a report on the effects of tariffs on Canada and New Hampshire residents.
Relating to the presumption of innocence. Providing that in all cases and suits of the state against one of the people, the defendant shall be innocent unless proven guilty.
A bill for an act concerning persons appointed to a convention called by the United States Congress to propose amendments to the Constitution of the United States, making appropriations, and providing penalties.(See HF 654.)
A bill for an act concerning persons appointed to a convention called by the United States Congress to propose amendments to the Constitution of the United States, making appropriations, and providing penalties.
A bill for an act concerning persons appointed to a convention called by the United States Congress to propose amendments to the Constitution of the United States, making appropriations, and providing penalties.(Formerly HF 438.)