This bill establishes a registry of registered agents for businesses in New Hampshire, allowing for greater transparency and accountability in business formations. It mandates that registered agents who are natural persons must be at least 18 years old and residents of New Hampshire, while registered business entities must be in good standing with the secretary of state. Additionally, the bill prohibits businesses from using commercial postal box providers or similar services as their registered office addresses. The bill also allows corporations to restate their articles of incorporation and includes provisions for the secretary of state to verify and prevent fraudulent business formations, as well as penalties for individuals who engage in fraudulent activities related to business formation.

Key legal language changes include the insertion of new sections that define the responsibilities of registered agents and the powers of the secretary of state to combat fraudulent submissions. Specifically, the bill adds provisions that allow individuals or businesses to report unauthorized use of their identity or business information in forming a business entity. It also introduces penalties for actions such as including a person's name or address in filings without their consent. The bill is set to take effect on January 1, 2026, and is a request from the secretary of state to enhance the integrity of business registrations in New Hampshire.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 292:7, 293-A:1
As Amended by the House: 292:7, 293-A:1
Version adopted by both bodies: 292:7, 293-A:1
CHAPTERED FINAL VERSION: 292:7, 293-A:1