Principled Bipartisanship: HB1633 - February 20, 2026 Windham Independent
Principled Bipartisanship - HB1633
Last November, I wrote a letter about the bipartisan effort to create the NH RSA Section 329:31-c. Time to follow up by talking about HB1633, a bill expanding the information provided to survivors of sexual assault regarding their existing rights.
HB1633 (Sponsored by (D) Ellen Read, (R) Erica Layon, (D) Jonah Wheeler and me) clarifies the definition of a sexual assault victim and expands the rights of sexual assault victims by making sure they cannot be denied a sexual assault evidence collection kit and they must get a summary of their rights. The goal is to make sure that sexual assault victims are not being denied their right to collect the evidence they need to prove their case.
A similar bill (HB378, 2024) was passed by the House last term on a voice vote, after a 20-0 vote in committee, but opposition from the NH Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Violence resulted in the bill failing in the Senate.
Please watch the House Health, Human Services and Elderly Affairs (03/01/23) bill hearing video on YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/live/jzlMt8tcfUE, starting at 1:42:43). The troubling part starts around 2:07, but at 2:09:30, you can see the Coalition representatives state that a victim that was drugged but was able to escape their attacker would not be allowed to give blood or urine samples to prove that they were being drugged. The testimony of law enforcement at 2:32:03 is also worth watching, if only to notice how they are using the same exact talking points as the Coalition, indicating a joint effort to oppose a bill protecting sexual assault victims.
If you watch this year’s public hearing (Criminal Justice committee hearing, January 16, 2026) starting at 2:23:15pm (time stamp in bottom right corner), you will notice that while formally, the Coalition did not oppose the bill this year, everything they said was in opposition to the bill.
The committee sent the bill to the House floor with a 12-0 recommendation, placing it on the consent calendar. If (as expected) HB1633 passes, it will be sent to the Finance Committee to look at the $1 million fiscal note attached.
If the bill passes the House again, then we start the process again in the Senate.
Rep. Read and Rep. Wheeler disagree with Rep. Layon and me on most policies, but we are working together on issues we can agree on. I have always looked for opportunities to find principled, bipartisan solutions, and will continue to represent you the same way - for example, all bills I introduced in 2026 have sponsors from both sides of the aisle.
Please reach out to me at 603 267 4142 (call or text), or by email at dpmwindham@gmail.com (a quick call or text after emailing me would greatly help) with any questions or concerns.
Daniel Popovici-Muller
Windham State Representative,
Vice Chairman, Finance II Committee
Education Funding Committee