What to Expect: Hearings and Sessions at the State House
As a New Hampshire resident, public hearings are your opportunity to participate directly in the legislative process and make your voice heard on issues that matter to you. Committees are tasked with studying bills in-depth and reporting back to the full legislative body with a recommendation. During a public hearing, you can provide testimony directly to the committee members who will ultimately decide whether to recommend the bill move forward. Senate hearings are held at the New Hampshire State House.
House and Senate sessions also take place at the State House and are open to the public. The Legislature typically meets for session days from January through June, with both the House and Senate generally meeting on Thursdays (though schedules can vary). Sessions are when the full House or Senate debates and votes on bills that have gone through the committee process. Before the chambers vote on bills is your opportunity to advocate and tell your own legislators your position on a bill—and urge them to support or oppose it.
Learn more about the legislative process on our About the NH Legislature page.
JUMP TO: Address and Parking | Finding Committee Rooms | Finding House and Senate Chambers | Watch Hearings/Sessions Remotely | Request Assistance
State House Address and Parking
The New Hampshire State House is located at 107 North Main Street in Concord. Click here for directions. There are several hearing rooms located on the first floor of the historic building. You can find House and Senate calendars and meeting schedules on the General Court website.
Metered street parking and public parking garages are available in downtown Concord. On-street meter parking is $1/hour and you can pay at the pay station kiosks (coins and credit cards accepted – display your receipt on your vehicle) or on the PayByPhone app. Parking in Concord's three municipally-owned public garages is $0.50/hour. Vehicles with appropriate accessibility signage are exempt from paying parking meters, but still must follow the time limits. Learn more about downtown parking on the City of Concord's website.
If the cost of travel, child care, or meals is a barrier for you, New Futures may be able to offer reimbursement. Please let us know if you need assistance.
Click here to download the map and parking information.
Finding State House Committee Rooms
When you enter through the front doors into the Hall of Flags, committee rooms are down the hallways to the right and left.
View the video below for a visual guide!
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Finding House and Senate Chambers
The House of Representatives gathers in Representatives Hall on the second floor of the State House to debate and vote on bills. The Senate gathers in the Senate Chamber. Visitors are welcome to observe sessions from the public galleries, which are accessible via the main staircase or elevator from the Hall of Flags.
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View of Representatives Hall from the public gallery. |
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View of the Senate Chamber from the public gallery. |
Watch Hearings or Sessions Remotely
All public hearings and House and Senate sessions are live streamed on YouTube, with separate channels for the House and the Senate. If you miss the live stream, you can go back and watch the recording anytime, you’ll just need to know the hearing date and the committee.
Need Help Getting Started?
If you'd like to attend a public hearing but don't know where to start, New Futures' community engagement team is here to help! We can meet you at the State House and help you find the committee room.
Let us know you're interested in attending a hearing.
