New Hampshire

Right-to-Know Law

Formally: New Hampshire Right-to-Know Law

N.H. Rev. Stat. Ann. §§ 91-A:1 to 91-A:10

Read the statute →

Sunshine Score: 37/100 (weak)
37/100

Sunshine Score

37/100
Weak
Methodology v0.1
Advance Notice 1 day
Public Comment Not required
Closed Sessions 5 permitted categories
Minutes Required, online posting required
Recording Not required
Remote Participation Allowed
Enforcement Voidable, legislature exempt

Agenda & Notice Requirements

Regular Meetings
1 day
Special Meetings
1 day
Emergency Meetings
0 hours

Online posting: Not required

Post notice at least 24 hours before meeting (excluding Sundays and legal holidays) in two appropriate public places; may use website as one of the two; agenda not required by statute

Agenda changes at meeting: Allowed — majority vote

Public Participation

Public Comment
Not required
Written Comment
Not allowed

New Hampshire Right-to-Know Law (RSA 91-A) does not require a public comment period at open meetings. Bodies permit comment at their discretion. Any person in attendance may be asked to identify themselves, but identification cannot be required as a condition of attending.

Virtual Meetings

Member Remote Participation
Allowed
Counts Toward Quorum
Yes
Public Remote Comment
Not allowed

Allowed under RSA 91-A:2; a member may participate remotely if a physical quorum remains present at the meeting location and the member states why in-person attendance is not reasonably practicable. Remote members count toward quorum. For state boards, at least one-third of membership must attend in person.

Closed Sessions

Closed (executive) sessions: Allowed under specific circumstances

Permitted Categories

Meeting Minutes

Minutes Required
Yes
Publication Deadline
7 days

Online posting: Required

Content requirements: date, time, place, members present, all votes and actions taken (RSA 91-A:2)

Recording & Broadcast

Recording Required
No
Broadcast Required
No

Enforcement

Violation Effect
Voidable
Standing to Sue
Any person
Enforcement Body
Superior Court

Scope

This law applies to:

  • City
  • County
  • School District
  • Special District

Legislature: Exempt (follows own rules)

Accessibility & Language Access

ADA accessibility: ADA Title II applies to all public meetings. The state statute does not add requirements beyond federal law; reasonable accommodations must be provided on request.

Language access: No statutory language-access mandate beyond federal Civil Rights Act Title VI obligations for recipients of federal funds.

Sources & References

← Back to Open Meetings & Public Notice Laws

The specific rules for New Hampshire may differ from this general description. Consult the full statute for details.