Franconia Sanctuary Resolution Rendered Symbolic as NH Bans Sanctuary Cities Statewide Starting 2026

FRANCONIA — A resolution proposed in Franconia to declare the town a sanctuary community will now carry only symbolic weight, after New Hampshire Gov. Kelly Ayotte signed legislation Wednesday banning sanctuary cities statewide. House Bill 511 and Senate Bill 62, signed into law at the State House in Concord, prohibit any municipality from adopting policies limiting cooperation between local or state law enforcement and federal immigration authorities. The laws take effect Jan. 1, 2026. The new laws effectively nullify the long-term impact of the sanctuary resolution introduced in Franconia on Monday by Selectman Eric Meth.