In one paragraph
New Hampshire's SB 640 (2026), as amended by the Senate, would bar anyone from offering mental health or therapy services, including through AI, unless provided by a New Hampshire licensed mental health professional, reenact RSA 310:13 on unlicensed practice with a $10,000 civil penalty per violation, and create a review commission. It passed the Senate March 12, 2026; the House voted it Inexpedient to Legislate on May 14, 2026.
Plain-English summary, written with AI assistance. The official text controls.
What it means for business
None: the bill died and never became law. It would have barred AI-based mental health and therapy services unless provided by a New Hampshire licensed mental health professional.
Key provisions
- Would repeal and reenact RSA 310:13 (unlicensed practice) with a civil penalty of $10,000 per violation after notice and opportunity to be heard; each violation is a separate offense
- No individual or entity could provide, advertise or offer mental health services requiring licensure to the public through AI unless provided by a New Hampshire licensed mental health professional
- AI could not independently provide therapeutic communication directly to a client without a licensed professional's involvement; licensed professionals could use FDA-authorized or HIPAA-compliant AI tools within their scope of practice with due diligence
- Paragraph IV would bar offering therapy or psychotherapy services or therapeutic communication, including through Internet-based AI, unless provided by a New Hampshire licensed mental health professional; religious counseling and peer support are excluded
- Would establish a commission of 2 senators, 3 representatives and 4 professional-organization appointees to review implementation
- Passed the Senate with Amendment 2026-1051s March 12, 2026; House committee voted Inexpedient to Legislate 11-1 and the House adopted it by voice vote May 14, 2026
Latest legislative action
May 14, 2026. House: Inexpedient to Legislate, MA, VV 05/14/2026 (HJ 13, P. 24)
Sponsors (showing 5 of 13)
| Name | Role |
|---|---|
| Howard Pearl | Primary |
| Bill Gannon | Cosponsor |
| Cindy Rosenwald | Cosponsor |
| Daniel Innis | Cosponsor |
| David Watters | Cosponsor |
Topics and industries
Related topics
Affected industries
This page is general information, not legal advice. Summaries are AI-assisted and may contain errors; read the statute for the controlling text and talk to a lawyer about your situation. Full disclaimer · Report an error