New Hampshire State Senate – Concord, NH

New Hampshire State Senate

The New Hampshire State Senate acts as the upper chamber of the New Hampshire General Court, the state’s legislative body. Located within the historic New Hampshire State House at 107 North Main Street in Concord, New Hampshire, the Senate is comprised of 24 members, each representing a distinct district within the state. Together with the House of Representatives, the Senate is responsible for drafting, debating, and enacting the laws that govern New Hampshire.

Legislative Duties

• Lawmaking: Senators propose bills, review legislation passed by the House, and vote on final enactment.
• Committees: Much of the Senate’s work is conducted in standing committees (e.g., Finance, Judiciary, Education) which hold public hearings to gather testimony on proposed measures.
• Confirmations: The Senate has the unique responsibility of confirming certain gubernatorial appointments to state agencies and judicial positions.

The Senate Chamber

The Senate Chamber, located on the second floor of the State House, is the oldest legislative chamber in the nation still in continuous use by the body for which it was originally designed (since 1819). The chamber features a distinctive semi-circular arrangement and historic murals. When in session, the gallery is open to the public, allowing citizens to observe the democratic process firsthand.

Visiting and Accessibility

The State House complex is remarkably accessible to the public. Visitors can enter the building to contact their Senator, attend hearings, or take guided tours. While security protocols are less intrusive than in many other state capitols, visitors should be prepared to sign in for hearings. The State House Visitor Center, located on the first floor, provides information and souvenirs.