Revision: May 14, 2026, 10:54 a.m.
Sen. Birdsell, Dist 19
May 12, 2026
2026-1928s
07/09
Floor Amendment to HB 1384
Amend the title of the bill by replacing it with the following:
AN ACT relative to prohibiting foreign adversary persons or foreign entities of concern from financing lawsuits, prohibiting foreign principals from registering as lobbyists, and requires certain disclosures for persons acting on behalf of foreign principals.
Amend the bill by replacing all after section 1 with the following:
2 Lobbyists; Registration. Amend RSA 15:1, I to read as follows:
I. Any person who is employed for a consideration by any other person, except the state of New Hampshire, in a representative capacity for the purposes specified in paragraph II of this section shall first register as a lobbyist with the secretary of state through the secretary of state's online lobbyist filing system. Each registration shall report the existence of a relationship between a single client and either a single lobbyist or a partnership, firm, or corporation with one or more partners, members, or employees of a firm acting as lobbyist. The registration shall state whether the client is a foreign principal as defined in RSA 477:22-b, and, if so, the name of the foreign country of concern as defined in RSA 477:22-b.
3 New Paragraphs; Lobbyists; Registration. Amend RSA 15:1 by inserting after paragraph VI the following new paragraphs:
VII. A foreign principal, as defined in RSA 477:22-b, may not register as a lobbyist in the state of New Hampshire.
VIII. Any person registered under this chapter who appears before a legislative committee or other public hearing on behalf of a foreign principal, as defined by RSA 477:22-b, shall:
(a) Identify themselves for the record; and
(b) Disclose that they are registered as a lobbyist on behalf of a foreign principal or foreign country of concern.
IX. The secretary of state shall provide an annual report to the president of the senate, the speaker of the house of representatives, and the governor listing anyone registered as a lobbyist in the state of New Hampshire for a foreign principal, as defined in RSA 477:22-b, and shall include the names of the relevant foreign countries of concern, as defined in RSA 477:22-b, represented.
4 Lobbyists; Statements. Amend RSA 15:6, V(d) to read as follows:
(d) For each lobbying client, the full name and business address of the client, the scope of the representation or lobbyist services being paid for, the gross amount of all fees received from that client, not reduced by any expenses, that are related, directly or indirectly, to lobbying, such as public advocacy, government relations, or public relations services including research, monitoring legislation, and related legal work, a statement of the aggregate total of fees received that are related, directly or indirectly, to lobbying services during the calendar year, and a statement of any fee payment due, but not yet paid. If the client is a foreign principal as defined in RSA 477:22-b, the statement shall clearly indicate this status and the name of the foreign country of concern as defined in RSA 477:22-b.
I. Section 2 of this act shall take effect at 12:01 a.m. on January 1, 2027.
II. The remainder of this act shall take effect January 1, 2027.
2026-1928s
AMENDED ANALYSIS
This bill prohibits foreign adversary persons or foreign entities of concern from financing lawsuits, prohibits foreign principals from registering as lobbyists, and requires certain disclosures for persons acting on behalf of foreign principals.