New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session

New Hampshire House Bill HB406

Introduced
1/10/25  
Refer
1/10/25  
Report Pass
3/19/25  
Engrossed
3/27/25  
Refer
3/27/25  
Report Pass
4/30/25  
Enrolled
7/2/25  
Chaptered
7/22/25  

Caption

Relative to the formation of fraudulent businesses.

Impact

One of the critical components of HB406 is the empowerment of the Secretary of State to verify and prevent fraudulent business formations. This proactive approach is essential in protecting the legitimate business landscape of New Hampshire, aiming to reduce instances of identity theft and unauthorized registrations. By establishing clear penalties for individuals who fraudulently form businesses, the legislation aims to deter such fraudulent activities and promote transparency in business registration processes.

Summary

House Bill 406 (HB406) is a legislative proposal aimed at enhancing the integrity of business formations within New Hampshire. The bill establishes a registry for registered agents required for various business entities, including corporations and limited liability companies. This registry is designed to help ensure that only competent and compliant agents are appointed to represent these businesses. Additionally, the bill allows corporations to restate their articles of incorporation, giving them the ability to update and amend their founding documents as necessary, provided they follow the prescribed processes.

Contention

While the bill is mainly focused on preventing fraud, there may be natural concerns regarding privacy and the administrative burden it could impose on legitimate businesses. Some stakeholders might argue that the requirements for registered agents and additional scrutiny could complicate the business formation process, potentially discouraging new enterprise endeavors. Nevertheless, proponents emphasize that the benefits of preventing fraud and ensuring accountability far outweigh the administrative challenges presented by enhanced regulations.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

NH SB197

Relative to the operation and regulation of certain business entities within the state.

NH HB645

Relative to the establishment of decentralized autonomous organizations as legal entities within the state.

NH HB1091

Relative to the financing of political campaigns.

NH HB1243

Revising the laws relative to retail installment sales of motor vehicles, and relative to the sale of a vehicle to a Massachusetts resident.

NH HB1633

Relative to the legalization and regulation of cannabis and making appropriations therefor.

NH HB639

Relative to the legalization and regulation of cannabis and making appropriations therefor.

NH HB1095

Relative to the administration of occupational boards by the office of professional licensure and certification.

NH HB1693

Relative to the use of psychedelics for therapeutic purposes.

NH HB1241

Relative to the regulation of money transmitters and relative to license applications and renewals for certain consumer credit entities.

NH HB324

Relative to campaign contributions and expenditures and making an appropriation therefor.

Similar Bills

NH HB645

Relative to the establishment of decentralized autonomous organizations as legal entities within the state.

NH HB1170

Limiting the authority of New Hampshire delegates to policymaking conventions.

NH HB269

Relative to limiting the authority of New Hampshire delegates to policymaking conventions.

NH CACR19

Relating to redistricting. Providing that an independent redistricting commission shall be established to draw boundaries for state and federal offices.

NH HB574

Requiring background checks of the private companies and their contractors who program and maintain New Hampshire voting machines.

NH HB1323

Relative to the furnishing of copies of the state constitution by the secretary of state to the public.

NH SB317

Relative to establishing a New Hampshire-Ireland trade council.

NH HB392

Relative to constitutional convention procedures for delegates.