This bill establishes gold and silver as legal tender in New Hampshire, allowing these precious metals to be used for all public and private transactions, provided that both the buyer and seller agree on their fair market value. The new legal framework is introduced through the creation of Chapter 5-E, titled the New Hampshire Legal Tender Act, which includes provisions for the possession of gold and silver in coin or bar form. Additionally, the bill includes a severability clause, ensuring that if any part of the chapter is deemed invalid, the remaining provisions will still be enforceable. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2025.
The fiscal impact of this bill is indeterminable at both state and local levels, as it does not provide specific funding or authorize new positions. The Department of Revenue Administration anticipates increased expenses related to the handling of gold and silver, including security measures for transportation and storage. Furthermore, the bill could potentially exempt transactions involving gold and silver from taxation under the Business Profits Tax, leading to uncertain revenue reductions. The New Hampshire Municipal Association has also noted that the transition to using precious metals for transactions may require additional security measures and staffing, although costs are expected to be minimal if no extra staff is needed.