NH Reduces Lookback Period for MLO Felony Convictions

New Hampshire has enacted HB1207, which aligns state law with the Secure and Fair Enforcement for Mortgage Licensing (SAFE) Act by reducing the period of time a felony conviction, guilty plea, or no contest plea (absent a pardon or expungement) bars MLO licensure.  With this amendment, an MLO applicant with a prior felony conviction, guilty plea, or no contest plea for a non-disqualifying crime could be eligible to obtain an MLO license if the conviction or plea occurred more than 7 years prior to the application date.  Existing law has made an MLO ineligible for licensure based on convictions or pleas (for non-disqualifying crimes) occurring as far back as 10 years prior to the application date.

Additionally, HB1207 amends laws pertaining to the withdrawal or abandonment of applications by allowing the Department of Banking (DOB) to withdraw any application for failure to timely respond in writing to a request for information made via the NMLS.  The DOB will no longer have to send a certified letter for this purpose.

These changes become effective on October 1, 2026.  Other provisions of HB1207 have other effective dates.