New Hampshire legislation · 2026 Regular Session
New Hampshire HB1615: permitting consenting adults to enter into contract-based marriage agreements as an alternative to the requirement of a marriage license.
Status: Failed, February 5, 2026
What the bill says
An act permitting consenting adults to enter into contract-based marriage agreements as an alternative to the requirement of a marriage license. Rep. Farrington, Straf. 8; Rep. Granger, Straf. 2; Rep. Drago, Rock. 4; Rep. Dupont, Hills. 20; Rep. Giasson, Hills. 29; Rep. Love, Rock. 13; Rep. Terry, Belk. 7; Rep. Bailey, Straf. 2; Rep. McFarlane, Graf. 18; Sen. Murphy, Dist 16 COMMITTEE: Judiciary ----------------------------------------------------------------- ANALYSIS This bill establishes the legal framework for contract marriage as a private civil alternative to licensed marriage. This bill.
From the introduced text, January 7, 2026:
AN ACT permitting consenting adults to enter into contract-based marriage agreements as an alternative to the requirement of a marriage license. Rep. Farrington, Straf. 8; Rep. Granger, Straf. 2; Rep. Drago, Rock. 4; Rep. Dupont, Hills. 20; Rep. Giasson, Hills. 29; Rep. Love, Rock. 13; Rep. Terry, Belk. 7; Rep. Bailey, Straf. 2; Rep. McFarlane, Graf. 18; Sen. Murphy, Dist 16 COMMITTEE: Judiciary ----------------------------------------------------------------- ANALYSIS This bill establishes the legal framework for contract marriage as a private civil alternative to licensed marriage. This bill further defines contract marriage as a voluntary agreement enforceable solely under civil contract law and provides procedures for optional filing, conversion, and revocation. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Explanation: Matter added to current law appears in bold italics. Matter removed from current law appears [in brackets and struckthrough.] Matter which is either (a) all new or (b) repealed and reenacted appears in regular type. 26-2634 08/09 …
Sponsors
- Sabourin dit Choinière, Matt (R, 30) · primary sponsor