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In a landmark decision on December 17, 2025, the New Hampshire state legislature passed a series of proposals aimed at overhauling the state's trusts and estates laws. The changes come after years of debate and discussions amongst legislators, estate planning professionals, and advocacy groups concerned about the outdated nature of the current laws.One of the most significant changes introduced is the proposed increase in the state's estate tax exemption. Currently set at $5.6 million, lawmakers have proposed raising the exemption to $7 million over the next five years. This would bring New Hampshire in line with neighboring states and make it more competitive in attracting high-net-worth individuals looking to establish trusts and estates in the state.Another key aspect of the new legislation is the introduction of a "portability" provision, allowing surviving spouses to transfer any unused portion of their deceased spouse's estate tax exemption. This provision aims to simplify estate planning and minimize tax burdens for married couples, ensuring that assets can be passed down to future generations more efficiently.Additionally, the new laws include provisions for digital assets and social media accounts, recognizing the growing importance of digital estate planning in today's digital age. Executors and trustees will now have clear guidelines on how to manage and distribute digital assets, ensuring that cherished memories and valuable assets stored online are properly accounted for in estate plans.The changes have been met with a mix of support and criticism from various stakeholders. Advocates for estate planning reform applaud the state legislature for taking steps to modernize New Hampshire's trusts and estates laws, bringing them in line with current trends and best practices in the industry.However, some critics argue that the proposed changes do not go far enough in addressing issues of wealth inequality and tax avoidance. They advocate for more progressive estate tax policies and stricter regulations on trusts to ensure that wealthy individuals pay their fair share in taxes and contribute to the state's social programs.Overall, the passage of these proposals represents a significant milestone in the evolution of New Hampshire's trusts and estates laws. With these changes, the state is poised to attract more affluent individuals and families seeking to establish trusts and estates, while also providing clearer guidelines for estate planning in the digital age. The new laws are expected to take effect on January 1, 2026, ushering in a new era of estate planning in the Granite State.