Social Policy
New Hampshire Social Issues Guide 2026
New Hampshire social policy at a glance: abortion laws, gun regulations, LGBTQ+ protections, marijuana status, and how these issues shape the 2026 elections.
24-Week Limit
Abortion Status
Permissive
Gun Laws
Full Protections
LGBTQ+ Rights
$7.25 (federal — NH refuses state minimum)
Minimum Wage
Abortion Laws in New Hampshire
24-Week Limit
HB 1609 (2022) — 24-week limit
24-week limit with exceptions; live free or die libertarian streak
Gun Laws in New Hampshire
Permissive
No permit required; few restrictions; live-free state tradition
LGBTQ+ Rights in New Hampshire
Full Protections
Full anti-discrimination protections; trans rights protected since 2018
Other Key Issues
| Marijuana | Decriminalized; neighboring states all legal; legalization likely |
| Minimum Wage | $7.25 (federal — NH refuses state minimum) |
2026 Political Context
New Hampshire is the most competitive Senate race in 2026. Its "live free or die" libertarianism means social moderates exist even among Republicans, making it genuinely competitive.