establishing an exception to the prohibition against interception and disclosure of telecommunication or oral communications.
Summary
HB 1100 creates a new exception to New Hampshire’s wiretapping/interception law, RSA 570-A:2, by allowing a person to record a telephone or other telecommunication once the other party has informed them that the communication may be recorded. In practical terms, the bill authorizes recording after notice is given by the other participant, rather than requiring a separate consent framework beyond that warning.
The bill is narrow in scope and does not broadly rewrite the state’s interception statute; it adds one new exception to the existing list of prohibited-conduct exceptions. It takes effect January 1, 2027. The fiscal note indicates no direct revenue impact, but possible indeterminable costs to the judicial and correctional systems if the change affects criminal enforcement, prosecution, or related proceedings.
Impact
HB 1100 would amend RSA 570-A:2, II by adding a new subparagraph permitting recording of a telecommunication after the other party has informed the recorder that the communication may be recorded. This changes state law governing interception and disclosure of communications by carving out a specific lawful-recording scenario. The bill could affect individuals, businesses, call centers, customer service operations, and any party engaged in phone or electronic communications where notice of recording is provided. The fiscal note suggests no appropriation or revenue change, but potential indirect costs to courts, prosecutors, and corrections are possible if enforcement or litigation patterns change.
Sentiment
Based on the available materials, the bill appears to be a targeted, technical change with no recorded committee testimony or votes showing organized opposition or support. Its framing suggests a practical, permissive approach to recording communications after notice, which may be viewed favorably by parties that rely on recorded calls for compliance, training, or documentation. Because there is no transcript or vote history provided, the overall sentiment cannot be measured precisely, but the available context suggests a relatively low-conflict bill.
Contention
The main point of contention, if any, is likely to be privacy versus operational convenience: whether allowing recording after a notice that a call may be recorded provides sufficient protection for the non-recording party. Another possible issue is how the new exception interacts with existing consent and interception rules under RSA 570-A, especially in situations where notice is given by one participant but not clearly acknowledged by the other. No specific objections, amendments, or opposing arguments are included in the provided committee materials.
Establishing a recruitment incentive program within the community college system for public safety communicators and dispatchers and making an appropriation therefor.
Establishing an elderly, disabled, blind, and deaf property tax exemption reimbursement fund, authorizing video lottery terminals, renaming the lottery commission, and creating a voluntary statewide self-exclusion database.