NH State House dome
“Civil disobedience is not our problem. Our problem is civil obedience. Our problem is that people all over the world have obeyed the dictates of leaders…and millions have been killed because of this obedience…Our problem is that people are obedient all over the world in the face of poverty and starvation and stupidity, and war, and cruelty. Our problem is that people are obedient while the jails are full of petty thieves… (and) the grand thieves are running the country. That’s our problem.” ― Howard Zinn, Voices of a People’s History
“Give people what they need: food, medicine, clean air, pure water, trees and grass, pleasant homes to live in, some hours of work, more hours of leisure. Don't ask who deserves it. Every human being deserves it.” ― Howard Zinn, Marx in Soho: A Play on History
June 3, 2024
Happy Pride month, State House Watchers! May our celebrations be spirited, creative, safe, and full of advocacy and demonstrations until Governor Sununu vetoes all four of the anti-LGBTQ+ bills that passed the state legislature this year.
We urge you to give the governor a phone call (603-271-2121) every single day until these harmful bills are defeated: HB 1205, which would exclude transgender girls from girls’ sports teams; HB 619, which denies access to medical procedures for transgender teen girls; HB 1312, which would require school staff to ‘out’ students to their parents or guardians; and HB 396, which would allow discrimination against transgender persons in lavatory facilities and locker rooms, sporting competitions, and detention facilities.
Pride started as protest, and it must continue as protest until the rights and well-being of LGBTQ+ people are secured and protected. We’re cheering on the LGBTQ+ community leaders and allies - including the 200 folks who filled the halls of the State House on Wednesday – who continue to speak up and show up for the dignity of all people. Read more here and here.
We cheered last week when we learned that US District Judge Paul Barbadoro had ruled New Hampshire’s “divisive concepts” law unconstitutional, making New Hampshire’s the first of these new laws to be struck down. You can read the judge’s decision here, and a summary from NHPR here. Sincere thanks to the tenacious plaintiffs and their dedicated attorneys for an important win for truth-telling, public education, and the important work of diversity, equity, inclusion and justice. Responsibility rests with our state lawmakers to discern next steps; we hope they will do so wisely and free of ideological extremism.
We appreciated Arnie Alpert’s dispatch from Eagle Pass, Texas which was published last week: In Texas border town, locals say military forces, not migrants, are invading. “How would you feel if all of a sudden, your community was locked up with soldiers and you couldn’t go into your favorite park? Because it has concertina wire around it or shipping containers or armed guards or you can’t access your own river and your green space?” asked [Jessie] Fuentes, a member of the Eagle Pass Border Coalition, a grassroots organization. “So yeah, the only invasion we got here is from the military and the Texas governor.”
Last week, Representatives and Senators decided the fate of bills that had passed both bodies but in different forms. We saw bills defeated, passed, and referred to Committees of Conference (CoCs). Scroll down to read all the outcomes, and to track the CoCs. Here’s a short list of outcomes:
CACR 13, a proposed amendment to the NH Constitution to abolish slavery in New Hampshire, was defeated by the House on Thursday because they objected to the Senate amendment that would have added an exception allowing slavery and involuntary servitude for those being punished for a crime. While we’re disappointed that a ‘clean’ version of CACR 13 won’t make it to the ballot this year, we’re pleased to see that the House shares our sense that the exception clause is unacceptable.
We were pleased to see that the Senate defeated SB 413, which had been a good PFAS bill but was amended in the House to erode tenant protections and to end ‘just cause’ eviction in NH.
In other good news, the Senate concurred with the House amendment to SB 403, which creates a new position of community health workers, so the bill heads to the governor’s desk for signature. And the House concurred with the Senate amendment to HB 596, which prohibits the use of racial profiling in law enforcement activities and sentencing.
In troubling news, House members decided to request a CoC for two bills that have been amended into anti-immigrant bills: HB 1127, relative to the revocation and suspension of drivers' licenses and to invalidating out-of-state driver's licenses issued to undocumented immigrants; and HB 1292, relative to coverage of children under the state retiree insurance plan and relative to federal immigration enforcement. We had advocated that the House simply “nonconcur” and defeat these harmful bills, but CoCs have been formed so we’ll need to make our voices heard over the next few days. (Scroll down for the Action Alert.)
We’re disappointed but not surprised that the Senate concurred with the House amendment to SB 508, a bill which began as a proposal to address mental health care and substance misuse services in county jails, but was amended by the House to adopt a problematic and overly broad definition of antisemitism which appears to include criticism of the policies of the Israeli government in the definition.
HB 1665, which would expand the eligibility for school vouchers to households earning up to 400% of the federal poverty line, is headed to a CoC. And so is HB 1633, a bill which would legalize and regulate cannabis but which was amended by the Senate in ways that cost the support of both progressive and libertarian lawmakers in the House. Read more here.
We see that the Senate did not accept the House amendment to SB 499, a bill that would appropriate funds for a summer EBT program through the NH Department of Health and Human Services. As dramatic increases in food insecurity are reported in New Hampshire, we hope that lawmakers act to ensure passage of this bill.
And lastly, HB 1370, a bill that would eliminate voter affidavits, will be negotiated in a CoC over the next couple of days. A similar bill, HB 1569, has already passed both bodies and is headed to the governor’s desk. Read more here. We urge the CoC and the governor to reject these bills which will diminish voting rights in NH.
ACTION ALERTS
Protect Immigrant Communities
A CoC has been created for HB 1127, which was amended by the Senate to add the language of SB 358, relative to invalidating out-of-state driver's licenses issued to undocumented immigrants. CoC members will meet on Tuesday, June 4 at 2 PM in LOB 203. Please urge the CoC members to oppose any bill language that would criminalize lawful non-citizen drivers in order to solve a problem that doesn’t exist in NH.
House members - Thomas Walsh, George Sykes, Daniel Veilleux, Ted Gorski
Senate members - Sharon Carson, Jeb Bradley, Shannon Chandley
A CoC has also been created for HB 1292, which was amended by the Senate to add the federal mandate language of SB 563, which will require local law enforcement to engage in federal immigration enforcement. CoC members will meet on Wednesday, June 5 at 11 AM in LOB 202-204. Please urge the CoC members to oppose any bill language that would take away local control and mandate local police to act as immigration enforcement agents.
House members - Terry Roy, Jennifer Rhodes, John Sytek, Daniel Fitzpatrick
Senate members - Jeb Bradley, Sharon Carson, Lou D'Allesandro
Support Nonviolent Protest for Peace
Jon us on Monday morning, June 10, at the Dover District Court, 25 St. Thomas Street, Dover to support the arraignment of the “Mother's Day 5” who were arrested at Congressman Pappas’ Dover district office following a peaceful protest to end the war in Gaza. The 5 include Amy Antonucci of NH Peace Action, Em Friedrichs of Durham, Janet Simmon of the New England Network for Justice in Palestine, Janet Zeller of the Peace with Justice Ministry Group of the NH Conference (UCC) and the Rev. Dave Grishaw-Jones of the Community Church of Durham (UCC). Read more here about why they decided to risk arrest.
We will gather for an interfaith vigil starting at 8 AM, and then host a press conference at 9 AM following the arraignment, offering another chance to communicate our wish for Congressman Pappas and our elected representatives to act for real and lasting peace in Palestine and Israel and an end to the US funded violence.
We’re Hiring!
For graduates and others who might be looking for a job right now, we want to lift up the following job opportunities: AFSC-NH is hiring for an Interfaith Organizer (one year fellowship, paid, full-time, with benefits), and for leadership team members for Change for Concord.
New Hampshire Peace Action is hiring an Executive Director; Black Lives Matter NH is hiring an Executive Director and a Youth Outreach Coordinator, and 350NH is hiring a Youth Campaign Director. Please consider applying yourself and sharing within your networks!
Immigration News
The Biden administration is set to announce next week additional border measures that would impede people’s ability to seek asylum. From CNN: “Over recent weeks, the administration has trotted out a series of policy changes to try to dissuade migrants from journeying to the US and convince skeptical voters they are working to tighten up immigration at the border.” President Biden, we urge you not to sacrifice due process and our nation’s expressed principles when there are better ways to maintain a safe and orderly border while respecting the rights of asylum seekers. We are better than this.
Please join us on Tuesday, June 4 at 1 PM for Reimagining Humanitarian Protection from the Border, a conversation with the authors of the HOPE Border Institute’s upcoming publication, “Reimagining the Migration Protection System: Critical Reflections from the Border.” This webinar will include our own Grace Kindeke whose article, “Guided by the River,” is included in the publication.
Last Week at the State House
HOUSE BILLS AMENDED BY THE SENATE
137 House bills were passed by the Senate in amended form. When House members met on Thursday, May 30, they voted on each one and decided whether to concur with the Senate amendment, nonconcur, or nonconcur and form a Committee of Conference (CoC) to try to reach agreement. You can watch the House session here. Here are the outcomes for the bills we’re tracking. (You can see the full list here.)
CACR 13, relating to slavery and involuntary servitude, providing that slavery and involuntary servitude shall be prohibited in the state of New Hampshire. This constitutional amendment concurrent resolution adds an article that prohibits slavery and involuntary servitude; it was amended by the Senate to add an exception for those who are being punished for a crime. House nonconcurred with the Senate version and the bill was defeated.
HB 1014, relative to instruction in government and civics, including information on election laws and voting and requiring certain educational institutions and local governments to use a holiday's statutorily designated title in official communications, publications, and documents. House concurred with the Senate amendment and the bill was passed.
HB 1028, establishing a commission to study the delivery of behavioral crisis services to individuals with mental illness with an impairment primarily caused by intellectual disability. House concurred with the Senate amendment and the bill was passed.
HB 1091, relative to the financing of political campaigns. House nonconcurred with the Senate amendment; a CoC has been created.
HB 1098, relative to ballots delivered to elder care facilities. This bill enables ballot clerks, assistant clerks, or clerks pro tem to deliver ballots to elder care facilities. House concurred with the Senate amendment and the bill was passed.
HB 1107, relative to public school curriculum frameworks. This bill defines "curriculum frameworks" and requires the department of education to institute procedures for maintaining them. House concurred with the Senate amendment and the bill was passed.
HB 1127, relative to the revocation and suspension of drivers' licenses and to invalidating out-of-state driver's licenses issued to undocumented immigrants. This bill allows individuals with suspended licenses to mow their lawns without penalty and eliminates the requirement that drivers with suspended licenses surrender their licenses to the department of motor vehicles. As amended, this bill also purports to invalidate out-of-state driver's licenses issued specifically to undocumented immigrants. House nonconcurred with the Senate amendment; a CoC has been created.
HB 1168, establishing a committee to study the impact of the housing crisis on people with disabilities. House concurred with the Senate amendment and the bill was passed.
HB 1197, relative to criminal background checks and relative to insurance coverage for intrauterine insemination. This bill amends various statutes to authorize additional personnel to take fingerprints of those undergoing non-criminal related background checks. This bill further establishes a multi-agency task force designed to review the need for Federal Bureau of Investigation Criminal History Record Information checks across employment and volunteer positions in the state, and requires reports related to their findings and recommendations. This bill also requires health insurance to cover certain fertility treatments. House nonconcurred with the Senate amendment; a CoC has been created.
HB 1220-FN, abolishing the collection of racial and educational data for use in a marital application worksheet and relative to the expectation of privacy. House concurred with the Senate amendment and the bill was passed.
HB 1221, relative to including solid waste landfills in the definition of development of regional impact. House concurred with the Senate amendment and the bill was passed.
HB 1259, relative to property and casualty insurance laws administered by the insurance department; and making an appropriation to the department of environmental services to fund regional drinking water infrastructure. This bill clarifies the distinction between personal and commercial lines in homeowners policies; permits the use of electronic communication for auditable basis policies; requires the insurer to state the specific reason for cancellation or refusal to renew a policy; and provides an exemption to the insurance claims adjusters statute for persons who solely handle automobile glass claims. The bill also makes an appropriation to the department of environmental services for the funding of regional drinking water infrastructure as part of Phase 2 of the Southern New Hampshire Regional Water Project to increase water supply to multiple towns impacted by PFAS contamination and growing water demands. House nonconcurred with the Senate amendment; a CoC has been created.
HB 1292, relative to coverage of children under the state retiree insurance plan and relative to federal immigration enforcement. This bill removes the requirement that young adult children covered under a retired state employee's insurance plan be full-time students. The bill also prohibits state and local government entities from adopting sanctuary policies to prohibit or impede the enforcement of federal immigration law. House nonconcurred with the Senate amendment; a CoC has been created.
HB 1305, relative to freedom of speech and association at public institutions of higher education. House concurred with the Senate amendment and the bill was passed.
HB 1313, relative to access to the voter checklist by candidates. House nonconcurred with the Senate amendment; a CoC has been created.
HB 1386, relative to prohibiting the disposal of lithium-ion batteries in solid waste landfill facilities, composting facilities, or incinerators. This bill prohibits the disposal of wet-cell and lithium-ion batteries and electronic devices in any solid waste landfill facility or incinerator in New Hampshire. The amendment also requires towns, solid waste districts and owners/operators of landfills and incinerators to make educational materials available on the prohibition. House nonconcurred with the Senate amendment; a CoC has been created.
HB 1388, relative to ethical standards for members of the general court. This bill defines "special interest" and "organization" for the purposes of determining the ethical duties of members of the general court and makes provisions for the recusal of members of the general court for conflicts of interest. House concurred with the Senate amendment and the bill was passed.
HB 1400, relative to residential parking spaces, landlord-tenant law, unauthorized occupant evictions, and zoning procedures concerning residential housing. This bill provides that zoning and planning regulations shall not require more than 2 residential parking space per unit; defines the terms “tenant,” “subtenant,” “implied tenant,” and “non-rental owner,” and specifies the rights and obligations of each party in cases of evictions of unauthorized occupants; provides remedies for violations of landlord-tenant law and unauthorized occupancy evictions; establishes a tax relief program for office conversion to residences; enables municipalities to allow its governing body to adopt certain zoning ordinance changes; and adds additional authority in zoning powers for parking requirements and lot size requirements related to sewer infrastructure. House nonconcurred with the Senate amendment; a CoC has been created.
HB 1456, relative to the appointment and removal of the members of the board of tax and land appeals and the housing appeals board. This bill requires that the members of the board of tax and land appeals and the housing appeals board be appointed by the governor and council, after a public hearing before the executive council. This bill also changes the length of member's terms and modifies the removal procedures of the members to follow those procedures under RSA 4:1. House concurred with the Senate amendment and the bill was passed.
HB 1465, relative to studies of nuclear energy technologies and renaming the office of offshore wind industry development. This bill requires the department of energy to coordinate the continuing studies by various state agencies on the uses and development of nuclear energy, including advanced nuclear reactors, and wind energy. This bill renames the office of offshore wind industry development to the office of offshore wind industry development and energy innovation. House concurred with the Senate amendment and the bill was passed.
HB 1474, relative to the commission on Native American affairs. This bill amends the procedures and duties of the commission on Native American affairs. House concurred with the Senate amendment and the bill was passed.
HB 1499, establishing a committee to study the civilian clean energy, community resilience, and conservation corps, and establishing a committee to study the child protection act. This bill establishes a study committee to study clean energy, community resilience and conservation corps. This bill also establishes a committee to study the child protection act. House concurred with the Senate amendment and the bill was passed.
HB 1521, relative to recovery houses. This bill makes changes to the definition of recovery house and specifies how a recovery house ought to be treated when interpreting zoning ordinances. House nonconcurred with the Senate amendment; a CoC has been created.
HB 1573, relative to out-of-home placements for children. This bill revises criteria for out-of-home placement of children under the child protection act and other juvenile statutes and establishes an order of preference based on placement with the child's siblings, when possible, and proximity to the child's community of origin. The bill also makes appropriations to the department of health and human services and the judicial branch to support implementation of the act. House nonconcurred with the Senate amendment; a CoC has been created.
HB 1585, relative to the position of certified assisted living medication aide and relative to the state loan repayment program for qualified nursing professionals, and making an appropriation therefor. This bill defines the position of certified assisted living medication aide (CALMA) under the nurse practice act, provides for certification as a CALMA through the office of professional licensure and certification, and authorizes a CALMA to administer medication to individuals in specified residential settings. The bill also makes an appropriation to the department of health and human services, state office of rural health, for the state loan repayment program to qualified nursing professionals, and directs the department of health and human services to provide a report to the legislature on a budget proposal for a student loan forgiveness program that would cover nurses who do not qualify for the state loan repayment program. House nonconcurred with the Senate amendment; a CoC has been created.
HB 1593, making an appropriation to the department of health and human services to support recreational activities for individuals with developmental disabilities and relative to the uncompensated care and Medicaid fund. House nonconcurred with the Senate amendment; a CoC has been created.
HB 1596-FN, requiring a disclosure of deceptive artificial intelligence usage in political advertising. This bill requires the disclosure of media created using artificial intelligence and deepfakes used in political advertising. House nonconcurred with the Senate amendment; a CoC has been created.
HB 1616, relative to parental consent for student participation in Medicaid to schools program and establishing a pilot recruitment and retention program within the department of health and human services. Requires schools to obtain parental consent for each service that is provided to a student under the Medicaid to schools program; and requires certain legislative policy committees to receive reports regarding the Medicaid to schools program. Establishes a pilot recruitment and retention program in the department of health and human services. House nonconcurred with the Senate amendment; a CoC has been created.
HB 1623, relative to involuntary retirement or decommissioning of electricity generators. This bill requires in-state electricity generators that receive certain notices of regulatory action to notify the attorney general, and requires the department of energy to investigate the need to defend the generator. House nonconcurred with the Senate amendment; a CoC has been created.
HB 1633, relative to the legalization and regulation of cannabis and making appropriations therefor. This bill establishes procedures for the legalization, regulation, and taxation of cannabis; the licensing and regulation of cannabis establishments; and makes appropriations therefor. House nonconcurred with the Senate amendment; a CoC has been created.
HB 1649, relative to prohibiting certain products with intentionally added PFAS and relative to civil actions for PFAS contamination, and relative to settlement of lawsuits against manufacturers of PFAS for impacts to public drinking water systems. This bill restricts the use of per and polyfluoroalkyl substances in certain consumer products sold in New Hampshire. The bill also makes appropriations to the department of environmental services to fund an additional position and to fund the PFAS products control program. The bill further provides that funds received by the state in settlement of PFAS litigation will be deposited in the drinking water and groundwater trust fund and used to provide grants and loans to public water systems whose water sources have been impacted by PFAS above applicable standards. House concurred with the Senate amendment and the bill was passed.
HB 1665, relative to student eligibility for education freedom accounts and the scholarship organization's costs of administering the program, extending phase-out grants for education freedom accounts, and revising the definitions of average daily membership in attendance and average daily membership in residence. House nonconcurred with the Senate amendment; a CoC has been created.
HB 1695, relative to the release of student personally identifiable information. This bill prohibits the transfer of student's personally identifiable information to third parties without written consent of the parents and student. House nonconcurred with the Senate amendment; a CoC has been created.
HB 2024, relative to the state 10-year transportation improvement plan; relative to adding a speed limit of 45 miles per hour on rural highways; relative to disability pensions for public safety employees who are victims of violence; and making a capital appropriation to the department of corrections toward the replacement of the New Hampshire state prison for men. House nonconcurred with the Senate amendment; a CoC has been created.
SENATE BILLS AMENDED BY THE HOUSE
92 Senate bills were passed by the House in amended form. When Senators met on Thursday, May 30, they voted on each one and decided whether to concur with the House amendment, nonconcur, or nonconcur and form a Committee of Conference (CoC) to try to reach agreement. You can watch the Senate session here. Here are the outcomes for the bills we’re tracking. (You can see the full list here.)
SB 134, relative to disability pensions for public safety employees who are victims of violence, and suspending the issuance of new landfill permits until 2028. Senate nonconcurred with the House amendment and the bill was defeated.
SB 236, establishing a committee to study nonprofit organizations contracting with the department of health and human services for children's services. Senate concurred with the House amendment and the bill was passed.
SB 249, establishing magistrates and relative to release of persons pending resolution of criminal charges. Senate nonconcurred and requested a CoC; the House refused to accede to the request for a CoC and the bill was defeated.
SB 383-FN, relative to local tax caps. This bill creates an additional adjustment to local tax caps based on inflation and population changes. The bill also establishes procedures for adoption of a budget cap by school districts. Senate concurred with the House amendment and the bill was passed.
SB 403, relative to the healthcare workforce. This bill extends the deadlines of the legislative commission on the interdisciplinary primary care workforce issues; makes clarifying amendments to the nurse practice act statute; establishes the position of and regulation of community health workers; and provides directives to the department of health and human services. Senate concurred with the House amendment and the bill was passed.
SB 406, making an appropriation to the department of health and human services to increase rates for shelter programs. Senate concurred with the House amendment and the bill was passed.
SB 413, relative to civil actions for PFAS contamination and relative to the termination of tenancy at the expiration of the tenancy or lease term. This bill creates a civil action for certain PFAS contamination. This bill also adds the expiration of the term of the lease or tenancy if over 6 months as grounds for an eviction. Senate nonconcurred with the House amendment and the bill was defeated.
SB 459-FN, establishing a committee to study the child protection act; establishing a right to submit evidence and testimony in family court proceedings; relative to wage garnishment with child support payments; and relative to parenting coordinators in high-conflict cases. Senate nonconcurred with the House amendment and the bill was defeated.
SB 476, making a capital appropriation to the department of corrections toward the replacement of the New Hampshire state prison for men, and authorizing the state to report mental health data for firearms background check purposes and providing for processes for confiscation of firearms following certain mental health-related court proceedings and for relief from mental health-related firearms disabilities. Senate nonconcurred with the House amendment and the bill was defeated.
SB 499, relative to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program and the Summer EBT program and making appropriations therefor and relative to providing disaster relief funding to municipalities after a natural disaster. Senate nonconcurred with the House amendment; a CoC was formed.
SB 503, relative to requiring a criminal background check when applying for a fish and game guide license and relative to zoning and planning regulations for municipal parking. Senate nonconcurred with the House amendment and the bill was defeated.
SB 504, relative to land in current use and relative to magistrates, bail commissioners, the standards applicable to and the administration of bail, and making appropriations. This bill provides that the owner of land in current use and designated as open space may post that such land is restricted to use for public recreation only; expands grounds for criminal trespass to include violation of open space land posted for recreational use only and when associated with a violation of the controlled drug act or human trafficking; establishes magistrates and provides them duties and requirements; makes various amendments governing the standards applicable to and the administration of bail; establishes an electronic monitoring program for certain criminal defendants and provides various appropriations to allow for the development and implementation of such a program; makes amendments to the amount of the bail commissioner's fee and makes other amendments to the duties and educational requirements for bail commissioners; establishes a judicial training coordinator and establishes training requirements for judges and certain judicial employees; and makes additional appropriations to the judicial branch. Senate nonconcurred with the House amendment; a CoC has been created.
SB 508-FN, relative to the duties of the superintendent of the county department of corrections concerning mental health and substance use disorder screening of inmates and coordination for services upon reentry into the community and relative to enforcement of New Hampshire anti-discrimination laws as they relate to Jewish people. This bill requires the superintendent of the county department of corrections to require his or her contracted behavioral health treatment providers to use validated screening tools for mental health and substance use disorder and to, where such providers exist, permit licensed community-based treatment providers and certified recovery support workers who meet the security criteria for access to the facility to have contact with people in custody for the purpose of coordinating services upon reentry into the community. This bill further defines antisemitism for the purpose of enforcing anti-discrimination laws on the basis of race, religion, or national origin. Senate concurred with the House amendment and the bill was passed.
SB 521-FN, relative to the educational credentials for master teacher. This bill changes the requirements for the granting of the educational credential of master teacher. Senate nonconcurred with the House amendment; a CoC has been created.
SB 534, relative to campaign finance. This bill makes various changes to the laws that regulate the financing of political campaigns. Senate nonconcurred with the House amendment; a CoC has been formed.
SB 591, modifying definitions, claims procedures, and funding relating to the youth development center settlement fund and claims administration. Senate concurred with the House amendment and the bill was passed.
SB 605, relative to ethical standards for members of the general court. Senate nonconcurred with the House amendment and requested a CoC; the House refused to accede to the request for a CoC and the bill was defeated.
Next Week in the House and Senate
62 Committees of Conference (CoCs) have been formed. These CoCs have until Thursday, June 6 to complete their work and to file a report. You can track all CoCs here. Their meetings are public; the meeting dates/times are posted, and the committee’s reports will be posted over the next few days as well. Here are the CoCs we’re tracking:
HB 318-FN-A, relative to bail commissioners, the standards applicable to and the administration of bail, and making an appropriation.
Meeting: 06/05/2024 10:00 AM, LOB 202-204
Members: Sens. Sharon Carson, Jeb Bradley, Donna Soucy; Reps. Terry Roy (chair), Linda Harriott-Gathright, Alissandra Murray, Jennifer Rhodes
HB 458, reestablishing the commission to study the assessing of power generation.
Meeting: 06/03/2024 9:00 AM; LOB 302-304
Members: Sens. Kevin Avard, Howard Pearl, David Watters; Reps. Michael Vose (chair), Douglas Thomas, Thomas Cormen, Kat McGhee
HB 463-FN, relative to the establishment of an election information portal and makes an appropriation therefor.
Meeting: 06/05/2024 10:00 AM, LOB 306-308
Members: Sens. James Gray, Keith Murphy, Rebecca Perkins Kwoka; Reps. Steven Smith (chair), James Qualey, Mark Paige, Connie Lane
HB 468-FN-A, establishing a commission to recodify the education laws and making an appropriation therefor.
Meeting: 06/03/2024 1:00 PM, LOB 210-211
Members: Sens. James Gray, Ruth Ward, Suzanne Prentiss; Reps. Kenneth Weyler (chair), Tracy Emerick, Kate Murray, Mary Heath
HB 1018-FN, relative to on-premise and off-premise liquor licenses and relative to land in current use.
Meeting: 06/04/2024 1:30 PM, LOB 302-304
Members: Sens. Bill Gannon, Jeb Bradley, Rebecca Whitley; Reps. John Hunt (chair), Keith Ammon, Anita Burroughs, Jane Beaulieu
HB 1069, relative to material subject to disclosure under the right-to-know law.
Meeting: 06/03/2024 1:30 PM, LOB 206-208
Members: Sens. Sharon Carson, Jeb Bradley, Shannon Chandley; Reps. Bob Lynn (chair), Scott Wallace, Marjorie Smith, Eric Turer
HB 1079, relative to critical incident stress management team members and establishing a rural and underserved area educator incentive program for higher education and making an appropriation therefor.
Meeting: 06/06/2024 11:00 AM, LOB 203
Members: Sens. Regina Birdsell, Howard Pearl, Suzanne Prentiss; Reps. Jaci Grote (chair), Mark Proulx, Matthew Simon, Sherry Gould
HB 1091, relative to the financing of political campaigns.
Meeting: 06/05/2024 10:15 AM, LOB 306-308
Members: Sens. James Gray, Daryl Abbas, Donna Soucy; Reps. Steven Smith (chair), James Qualey, Russell Muirhead, Connie Lane
HB 1127, relative to the revocation and suspension of drivers' licenses and to invalidating out-of-state driver's licenses issued to undocumented immigrants.
Meeting: 06/04/2024 2:00 PM, LOB 203
Members: Sens. Sharon Carson, Jeb Bradley, Shannon Chandley; Reps. Thomas Walsh (chair), George Sykes, Daniel Veilleux, Ted Gorski
HB 1197, relative to criminal background checks and relative to insurance coverage for intrauterine insemination.
Meeting: 06/05/2024 12:00 PM, LOB 202-204
Members: Sens. Regina Birdsell, Kevin Avard, Rebecca Perkins Kwoka; Reps. Terry Roy (chair), John Hunt, Anita Burroughs, Alissandra Murray
HB 1236-FN, establishing a pilot recruitment and retention program within the department of health and human services and relative to the income eligibility for "in and out medical assistance" under the state Medicaid plan.
Meeting: 06/04/2024 10:00 AM, LOB 302-304
Members: Sens. Jeb Bradley, Regina Birdsell, Suzanne Prentiss; Reps. John Hunt (chair), Keith Ammon, Anita Burroughs, Jane Beaulieu
HB 1259-FN, relative to property and casualty insurance laws administered by the insurance department; and making an appropriation to the department of environmental services to fund regional drinking water infrastructure.
Meeting: 06/04/2024 2:30 PM, LOB 302-304
Members: Sens. Bill Gannon, Daniel Innis, Donna Soucy; Reps. John Hunt (chair), Anita Burroughs, Keith Ammon, Carry Spier
HB 1265, relative to the penalty for failure to file school expenditure reports, relative to certain adequacy grants, and requiring mandatory reporting by school districts of school expenses. Meeting: 06/04/2024 1:00 PM, LOB 206-208
Sens. Timothy Lang, Keith Murphy, Suzanne Prentiss; Reps. Rick Ladd (chair), Glenn Cordelli, Margaret Drye, Patricia Cornell
HB 1278-FN, relative to qualifying medical conditions for purposes of therapeutic cannabis; and relative to the summer EBT program, the SNAP elderly simplified application and the school lunch program and making appropriations therefor.
Meeting: 06/04/2024 1:00 PM, LOB 205-207
Members: Sens. Jeb Bradley, Kevin Avard, Rebecca Whitley; Reps. Erica Layon (chair), Fred Doucette, Joe Schapiro, Susan Almy
HB 1292-FN, relative to coverage of children under the state retiree insurance plan and relative to federal immigration enforcement.
Meeting: 06/05/2024 11:00 AM, LOB 202-204
Members: Sens. Jeb Bradley, Sharon Carson, Lou D'Allesandro; Reps. Terry Roy (chair), Jennifer Rhodes, John Sytek, Daniel Fitzpatrick
HB 1298-FN, relative to the definition of part-time teachers.
Meeting: 06/05/2024 10:00 AM, LOB 206-208
Members: Sens. Ruth Ward, Timothy Lang, Suzanne Prentiss; Reps. Rick Ladd (chair), Glenn Cordelli, Muriel Hall, David Luneau
HB 1313-FN-L, relative to access to the voter checklist by candidates.
Meeting: 06/05/2024 10:30 AM, LOB 306-308
Members: Sens. James Gray, Keith Murphy, Donna Soucy; Reps. Steven Smith (chair), James Qualey, Connie Lane, Russell Muirhead
HB 1358, relative to tenant and contract manufacturers of beer, wine, and liquor; allowing pharmacists to administer influenza, COVID-19, and other FDA licensed vaccines without explicit approval from the general court; and, restricting the purchase of real property on or around military installations.
Meeting: 06/03/2024 3:00 PM, LOB 301-303
Members: Sens. Regina Birdsell, Jeb Bradley, Donna Soucy; Reps. John Hunt (chair), Keith Ammon, Anita Burroughs, Carry Spier
HB 1369, relative to the verification of voter rolls every 4 years.
Meeting: 06/05/2024 10:45 AM, LOB 306-308
Members: Sens. James Gray, Daryl Abbas, Rebecca Perkins Kwoka; Reps. Steven Smith (chair), James Qualey, Jason Osborne, Connie Lane
HB 1370-FN, relative to eliminating voter identification exceptions.
Meeting: 06/05/2024 11:00 AM, LOB 306-308
Members: Sens. James Gray, Daryl Abbas, Donna Soucy; Reps. Steven Smith (chair), James Qualey, Gerald Ward, Connie Lane
HB 1386-FN, relative to prohibiting the disposal of lithium-ion batteries in solid waste landfill facilities, composting facilities, or incinerators.
Meeting: 06/03/2024 9:30 AM, LOB 203
Members: Sens. Kevin Avard, Howard Pearl, David Watters; Reps. Judy Aron (chair), Karen Ebel, Peter Bixby, Jim Creighton
HB 1400, relative to residential parking spaces, landlord-tenant law, unauthorized occupant evictions, and zoning procedures concerning residential housing.
Meeting: 06/05/2024 2:30 PM, LOB 305
Members: Sens. Bill Gannon, Jeb Bradley, Rebecca Perkins Kwoka; Reps. Joe Alexander (chair), Rebecca McWilliams, Joe Sweeney, Dennis Mannion
HB 1521, relative to recovery houses.
Meeting: 06/03/2024 11:00 AM, LOB 306-308
Members: Sens. James Gray, Keith Murphy, Rebecca Perkins Kwoka; Reps. Carol McGuire (chair), Daniel Fitzpatrick, Tom Dolan, Jeffrey Goley
HB 1573-FN, relative to out-of-home placements for children.
Meeting: 06/03/2024 9:10 AM, SH 100
Members: Sens. Sharon Carson, Bill Gannon, Rebecca Whitley; Reps. Mark Pearson (chair), J.R. Hoell, Mary Jane Wallner, Patrick Long
HB 1596-FN, requiring a disclosure of deceptive artificial intelligence usage in political advertising.
Meeting: 06/05/2024 11:15 AM, LOB 306-308
Members: Sens. James Gray, Daryl Abbas, Rebecca Perkins Kwoka; Reps. Steven Smith (chair), James Qualey, Connie Lane, Angela Brennan
HB 1600-FN, relative to participation in net energy metering.
Meeting: 06/03/2024 10:30 AM, LOB 302-304
Members: Sens. Kevin Avard, Howard Pearl, David Watters; Reps. Michael Vose (chair), Douglas Thomas, Thomas Cormen, Kat McGhee
HB 1616-FN, relative to parental consent for student participation in Medicaid to schools program and establishing a pilot recruitment and retention program within the department of health and human services.
Meeting: 06/04/2024 2:00 PM, LOB 206-208
Members: Sens. Timothy Lang, Jeb Bradley, Donna Soucy; Reps. Rick Ladd (chair), Glenn Cordelli, Erica Layon, Peggy Balboni
HB 1633-FN-A, relative to the legalization and regulation of cannabis and making appropriations therefor.
Meeting: 06/04/2024 10:30 AM, LOB 302-304
Members: Sens. Jeb Bradley, Timothy Lang, Shannon Chandley; Reps. John Hunt (chair), Jason Osborne, Anita Burroughs, Jane Beaulieu
HB 1665-FN, relative to student eligibility for education freedom accounts and the scholarship organization's costs of administering the program, extending phase-out grants for education freedom accounts, and revising the definitions of average daily membership in attendance and average daily membership in residence.
Meeting: 06/04/2024 3:00 PM, LOB 206-208
Members: Sens. Timothy Lang, Jeb Bradley, Suzanne Prentiss; Reps. Rick Ladd (chair), Glenn Cordelli, Valerie McDonnell, Patricia Cornell
HB 2024-FN, relative to the state 10-year transportation improvement plan; relative to adding a speed limit of 45 miles per hour on rural highways; relative to disability pensions for public safety employees who are victims of violence; and making a capital appropriation to the department of corrections toward the replacement of the New Hampshire state prison for men.
Meeting: 06/04/2024 12:00 PM, LOB 201
Members: Sens. Denise Ricciardi, Jeb Bradley, David Watters; Reps. Mark McConkey (chair), David Milz, John Cloutier, Daniel Eaton
SB 266, relative to administration of school assessment and accountability programs by the department of education.
Meeting: 06/04/2024 11:00 AM, SH 100
Members: Sens. Ruth Ward (chair), Timothy Lang, Suzanne Prentiss; Reps. Rick Ladd, Glenn Cordelli, Kristin Noble, David Luneau
SB 340, relative to communication between parents and school districts regarding special education, special education reporting requirements, and the office of the advocate for special education.
Meeting: 06/04/2024 10:00 AM, SH 100
Members: Sens. Ruth Ward (chair), Timothy Lang, Suzanne Prentiss; Reps. Rick Ladd, Glenn Cordelli, Katy Peternel, David Luneau
SB 417-FN, relative to out-of-home placements for children.
Meeting: 06/03/2024 9:00 AM, SH 100
Members: Sens. Sharon Carson (chair), Bill Gannon, Rebecca Whitley; Reps. Mark Pearson, J.R. Hoell, Mary Jane Wallner, Patrick Long
SB 499-FN, relative to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program and the Summer EBT program and making appropriations therefor, and relative to providing disaster relief funding to municipalities after a natural disaster.
Meeting: 06/03/2024 1:30 PM, SH 100
Members: Sens. Regina Birdsell (chair), Jeb Bradley, Rebecca Whitley; Reps. Keith Erf, Jess Edwards, Mary Jane Wallner, Laura Telerski
SB 534-FN, relative to campaign finance.
Meeting: 06/04/2024 9:45 AM, SH 103
Members: Sens. James Gray (chair), Keith Murphy, Donna Soucy; Reps. Steven Smith, James Qualey, Connie Lane, Russell Muirhead
Upcoming Events & Actions
Every Wednesday
Solemn Vigils for Ceasefire now! Humanitarian access to Gaza! No tax dollars for war crimes! – Join us from 2 PM to 3 PM. Hosted by NH Peace Action, AFSC, & interfaith partners.
June 5 - Congressman Chris Pappas, Dover District Office, 660 Central Avenue, Dover.
June 12 – Senator Jeanne Shaheen, Dover District Office, 340 Central Avenue, Suite 205. Dover.
Every Thursday
Meeting for Worship with Attention to Peace in Palestine & Israel - 5:30 PM. Hosted by AFSC.
Solemn Vigils for Ceasefire Now – 12 PM. At the corner of N. Main and Centre Streets, Concord.
Every Friday
AFSC Action Hour for a Ceasefire – 12 PM. Hosted by AFSC. Join AFSC staff every Friday at 12 p.m. ET / 9 a.m. PT to hear updates from Gaza. Then, take action with us as we contact our elected officials and call for an immediate cease-fire and humanitarian access to Gaza. Our elected officials need to keep hearing from us.
Save the Dates
African & Black Diaspora Learning Series – Hosted by AFSC. Join us for an 8 session workshop series that will run from June 2024 through September 2024 and is designed to build community amongst Black and African community members locally and across the country, sharing our backgrounds, cultures and experiences in an open, inclusive and welcoming environment. Workshops will focus on key topics in diasporic history, systems of oppression, and movements for justice, incorporating cultural and trauma-informed wellness practices to develop participants' capacity for leadership in local and national work for immigrant and economic justice.
Love 2024 Conversations – Hosted by Granite State Organizing Project. The 2024 race for New Hampshire governor will have lasting impacts on the people of New Hampshire. In the lead up to the primary in September 2024, join us for conversations with all candidates for governor about our hopes for the future of the Granite State.
June 20 - Joyce Craig – 12 PM in Manchester
June 21 - Cinde Warmington – 4 PM in Goffstown
350NH Annual Youth Leadership Retreat - July 19 to July 21. World Fellowship Center, 368 Drake Hill Rd, Albany, NH. Hosted by 350NH. Over the course of a weekend, students will learn how we can work together to stop the climate crisis and build a better future. They will participate in training sessions about grassroots organizing, climate justice, and youth power in the climate movement. They will also participate in team-building activities and form lasting friendships. Deadline to signup is: June 19!
Juneteenth Events:
June 7, 13 & 19 - Juneteenth Celebration 2024 - Hosted by Black Heritage Trail NH. The celebration includes an artist reception, a panel discussion, a live concert, a children's drumming workshop, African drumming, and more.
June 15 - Juneteenth Kickback! - 2 PM. Hosted by BLM NH. This gathering offers a space for unity and joy, featuring traditional foods, music, and storytelling, as we celebrate the enduring resilience and rich culture of the Black community and continue to advocate for future progress.
June 19 – Juneteenth Celebrating Freedom – 1 PM. 30 Temple St STE 202, Nashua. Hosted by Kimberly Whittaker & Shewanda Williams. Join us to celebrate and showcase Black excellence at Nashua’s Juneteenth celebration. The event will include food, music, local vendors, artists selling and showcasing their work, and hair braiders.
June 19 – City of Keene 2024 Juneteenth Celebration – 6 PM to 8 PM. Central Square, Keene. Hosted by City of Keene. A celebration featuring live performances by Senie Hunt and the Gaslight Tinkers. Join us at this free, family-friendly community event at the heart of downtown Keene. All are welcome!
June 22 - Juneteenth New England - 12 PM to 7 PM. 266 N Main St. Concord. Hosted by Black Womxn in NH Social Club. A joyous and educational event focused on sharing African American traditions related to this holiday including food, drink, music, art, and stories. We are also committed to elevating and spotlighting local Black owned businesses and artists.
Monday, June 3
Peace and Justice Conversations: Unarmed Civilian Protection - 7 PM to 8 PM. Hosted by NH Peace Action. Join us for a conversation with co-founder of Nonviolent Peaceforce (NP), Mel Duncan who has helped to demonstrate the effectiveness of unarmed, professional civilian peacekeeping. NP has worked for over 20 years with local, national and international organizations and has been highly regarded in its ability to reduce violence, defuse tension, and provide protection to individuals and small groups. Mel is now pulling together a proposal and raising funds to mobilize 100 well-trained veteran unarmed civilian protection workers to go to Gaza and the West Bank. Join us to learn more about the concept and practice of unarmed civilian protection.
Manchester Housing Alliance General Meeting - 7 PM to 8 PM. On Zoom. Hosted by Manchester Housing Alliance. Join us for a monthly meeting to discuss local housing policies to make sure that Manchester is a place everybody can afford to live. Learn more about how to get involved at the local level to push Manchester elected officials to take action on the Housing crisis
Tuesday, June 4
Reimagining Humanitarian Protection from the Border - 1 PM. Hosted by Hope Border Institute. On the one-year anniversary of the end of Title 42 and the beginning of the Biden Asylum Ban, the concerning criminalization of aid in Texas, and the increased humanitarian needs at the U.S.-Mexico border, what protection is left to people on the move at our border? Join us in this conversation with the authors of HOPE's upcoming publication, ' Reimagining the Migration Protection System: Critical Reflections from the Border,' to reimagine humanitarian protection from the borderlands. This webinar will be bilingual in English and Spanish and will count on simultaneous interpretation.
Thursday, June 6
Utility Justice Volunteer Meeting - 6 PM to 7 PM. Hosted by 350 NH. Join our utility justice working group to push utility companies to be accountable to us - their ratepayers! Our utility companies’ interests are intertwined with the fossil fuel industry. Electricity prices in New Hampshire have fluctuated wildly because of our over-reliance on fracked gas, yet companies like Liberty and Eversource continue to pursue efforts to increase fracked gas imports. These companies also continue to make record profits at a time when a record number of households need help covering electricity bills. Help us launch the next chapter of our Utilities campaign to ensure clean, affordable energy for all!
Widening the Lens on Reproductive Rights - 6 PM to 8 PM. Hosted by #Fight4Her. Join us to hear from prominent Kenyan health expert and reproductive rights advocate Melvine Ouyo. Explore a global perspective on reproductive rights as well as women and LGBTQ+ empowerment.
Friday, June 7
One-Year Anniversary of Apartheid-Free Communities - 12 PM to 1 PM. Hosted by AFSC. It's been nearly a year since Apartheid-Free Communities publicly launched. As we watched the horrific violence unfold in Gaza, we spent the past year participating in the groundswell of international resistance to Israel's apartheid regime, settler colonialism and military occupation. Join us as we celebrate the first anniversary of our work. We will hear about what we have accomplished and how and re-commit ourselves to the work ahead of us. This webinar will be part of the AFSC Action Hour series. Please forward this invitation to your communities so they can join us as well. In community, we are growing an anti-apartheid movement which seeks to address the root causes of Israel's genocidal actions. Together, we move forward in this work, until the day that Palestine is freed!
#VoteTogetherNH Community Conversations: Immigrant Rights - 6 PM to 7 PM. Center for New Americans/YWCA, 72 Concord St, Manchester. Hosted by AFSC. Join us as we discuss issues that matter most to us and prepare to speak to our state and federal candidates over the coming weeks. During this event, we'll hear community members' stories, as well as some proposed solutions from policy advocates. We'll prepare together key messages to bring to candidates for elected office between now and the general election in November. All the events are free of charge. We can't wait to see you there!
Saturday, June 8
NeighborFest Block Party - 11 AM to 2 PM. Cedar St. Manchester. Hosted by NeighborWorks Southern New Hampshire. This event is designed to connect residents with valuable community resources and strengthen our neighborhood's connections. We are excited to offer a wide range of activities for the attendees, a comprehensive resource fair, a free lunch from Don Quixote, a petting zoo provided by McDonny's, yard games, family-friendly activities, and free giveaways!
End the War in D.R. Congo: Rally for Peace in Africa - 3 PM to 6 PM. NH State House, 107 N Main St, Concord. Hosted by Aspire International. Join us to call for an end to the ongoing war in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Activists and community leaders will hold a rally and call for our Congressional leaders to support protections for Congolese people, invest in peace in the DRC and across Africa and put a stop to the purchase of raw materials from high conflict areas. The Democratic Republic of Congo is home to 80 million people, the second largest rainforest in the world, abundant biodiversity, and has the agricultural capacity to feed every person currently living on the African continent. As we raise our voices to call for an end to the genocide in Gaza, Tigray and Sudan we must let our members of Congress know that 25 years of war and exploitation in Congo must end now.
Thursday, June 13
NH Coalition for a Just Peace in the Middle East Update & Listening Session - 7 PM to 8:30 PM. Hosted by NH Peace Action, 350 NH, AFSC NH, Community Church of Durham, Veterans for Peace, Palestine Education Network, NHCUCC. Join us to hear what coalition member groups have been doing recently for peace and justice for Palestinians and Israelis. We will also share info on future plans and how you can be a part of them. Bring your questions and ideas. There will be space for discussion. Our goal is to keep people connected so we can build our numbers and impact at this critical time.
Saturday, June 29
Frederick Douglass Statewide Reading - 12 PM to 2 PM. Hosted by Black Heritage Trail NH. Join us online and in person across NH to read Douglass’ historic protest speech “What to the slave is your Fourth of July” and to reflect on its meaning. While reading Frederick Douglass’ work is a powerful experience for many, it is only one piece of the long-overdue conversations that our communities need to have. We hope that these readings will be a starting point for these difficult dialogues and that they will provide an opportunity for us to engage in deeper conversations that will lead to actions to help build more inclusive and just communities today.
With best wishes,
Maggie Fogarty, Grace Kindeke and Kathleen Wooten
AFSC’s New Hampshire “State House Watch" newsletter is published to bring you information about matters being discussed in Concord including housing, the death penalty, immigration, education, civil liberties, and labor rights. We also follow the state budget and tax system, voting rights, corrections policy, and more. Subscribe today to receive State House Watch news every week!
The AFSC is a Quaker organization supported by people of many faiths who care about peace, social justice, humanitarian service, and nonviolent change. Maggie Fogarty and Grace Kindeke staff the New Hampshire Program which publishes this newsletter. Read our 2023 highlights here. Kathleen Wooten is AFSC’s State House Watch researcher and database manager.
Your donations make our work possible. Click the DONATE NOW button on our web page to send a secure donation to support the work of the AFSC’s New Hampshire Program. Thank you!