New Hampshire has laws that recognize Decentralized Autonomous Organizations (DAOs). These laws
provide a framework for the establishment, registration, and operation of DAOs within the state, ensuring legal
recognition and outlining the rights and duties of their developers, participants, and administrators.
The general court of New Hampshire finds that recognizing DAOs will benefit the state’s economy and
facilitate business and investment. The statutory recognition aims to provide certainty under state law
for DAOs, particularly regarding the rights and duties of their developers, participants, and
administrators 301-B:2. Purpose of this Act. [Effective July 1, 2025].
A New Hampshire DAO may be registered under the relevant chapter for carrying out any lawful
activity within or outside the state 301-B:4. Organization; Purposes. [Effective July 1, 2025].
The policy of the act is to maximize the principle of freedom of contract and enforce transactions
executed via smart contracts that establish and maintain DAOs, adhering to the principle of ‘intent of
code is law’ 301-B:3. Policy of This Act. [Effective July 1, 2025].
DAOs in New Hampshire may use the name of another entity if certain conditions are met, such as
merging with the entity or acquiring its assets. The secretary of state can authorize the use of names
that are not distinguishable from existing ones under specific conditions 301-B:13. Name
Requirements. [Effective July 1, 2025].
To be listed on the New Hampshire DAO registry, a DAO must meet several requirements, including
being deployed on a permissionless blockchain, providing a public address for monitoring activities,
and having open-source software code. The DAO must also have a decentralized network and
governance system at all times 301-B:15. Registry Listing Requirements. [Effective July 1, 2025].
The definitions related to DAOs include terms like “New Hampshire DAO”, “New Hampshire DAO
registry”, “off-chain”, “on-chain”, “blockchain protocol”, “blockchain system”, “bylaws”, “contentious
fork”, and “decentralized governance system” 301-B:5. Definitions. [Effective July 1, 2025].
The term “Local Development Organization” refers to any entity promoting business development in
the state, which may include DAOs if they meet the criteria Bfa 101.01 Terms Used Throughout Title..
Definitions related to community mental health programs and services do not directly pertain to DAOs
but provide context for the regulatory environment in New Hampshire He-M 401.02 Definitions..