State House Watch: March 4, 2024

“Hope is a discipline.” ― Mariame Kaba

March 4, 2024

Greetings, State House Watchers,

We begin by acknowledging with sadness the passing, on February 23, of Brother Paul Crawford OFM, a Franciscan brother who worked for social justice in New Hampshire for 30+ years in a variety of outreach and advocacy ministries and as a past president of the Granite State Organizing Project. Read more here. We will remember his compassion, his humor, and his warm spirit.

Welcome to Women’s History Month, an occasion to acknowledge the contributions by women to the arts, culture, society, history, the economy, social justice, politics and more. This coming Friday, March 8, is International Women’s Day, which was first observed in the US in 1909, led by the Socialist Party of America to commemorate the labor strikes by women garment workers in New York.

This week is also the anniversary of ‘Bloody Sunday,’ when hundreds of peaceful demonstrators for voting rights and racial justice were met with brutality on the Edmund Pettus Bridge in Selma, Alabama on March 7, 1965. Read more here, and here.

The work for gender equality, economic justice, voting rights, and an end to racism and militarism is ongoing and urgent. Notice how many of these issues will be voted on in our own state legislature later this week!

Last week was a vacation week for most New Hampshire schools and also for the NH House and Senate, so there isn’t much to report on. But this coming week promises votes on many important bills related to public education, LBGTQ+ rights, affordable housing, immigrant justice, gun violence prevention, and more. Scroll down for our list of ‘what to watch’ on the House and Senate calendars when each body meets on Thursday, March 7.

March is a busy month at the legislature, due to deadlines in the House and Senate to finalize action on all bills that originated in each body. Most bills have had their public hearings by now, and committees are scheduling work sessions and executive sessions to finalize their recommendations. The Speaker of the House has asked members to hold all Thursdays in March as voting days. The Senate has already begun to hold public hearings on bills that were passed by the House.

ACTION ALERTS

Protect Public Education
SUPPORT SB 525, requiring voucher recipients to meet the financial eligibility requirements every year to remain eligible. It was voted ITL by the Senate Education Committee (3-1). The full Senate will take up this bill during their session on March 7. Please contact your Senator and urge them to support this common sense bill.

Support LGBTQ+ Rights and Well-Being
OPPOSE SB 341, another ‘parental bill of rights’ that would increase surveillance of LGBTQ+ students in public schools and expose them to harm in unsupportive homes. It was voted OTP-A by the Senate Education Committee. The full Senate will take up this bill during their session on March 7. Please contact your Senator and urge them to defeat this dangerous bill.

OPPOSE HB 1660 , relative to coverage of certain procedures for minor children under the state’s Medicaid program. This bill provides that the state Medicaid plan shall not include gender reassignment treatment for minors. It was voted “without recommendation” by the House Health, Human Services and Elderly Affairs Committee. The full House will take up this bill during their session on March 7. Please contact your own Representatives and urge them to defeat this dangerous bill.

Support Common Sense Gun Laws
SUPPORT HB 1037, relative to repealing limited liability for manufacturers, distributors, dealers, or importers of firearms or ammunition. The bill came out of committee without recommendation and will be voted on in the full House on Thursday, March 7. Please contact your own Representatives and urge them to support this bill.

Support Immigrant Communities
OPPOSE SB 563, this year's version of the so-called "anti-sanctuary cities" bill which was voted OTP (3-2) in the Senate Judiciary Committee. The bill will be voted on in the full Senate on Thursday, March 7. Please contact your own Senator and urge them to defeat this anti-immigrant bill.

OPPOSE HB 1347, relative to administration of the New Hampshire refugee resettlement program. This xenophobic bill would require HHS to remove funds from the state’s refugee resettlement program. The bill has an executive session in House Health, Human Services and Elderly Affairs Committee, Room 201, LOB on Wednesday, March 6 at 10 AM. Please contact the committee and urge them to oppose this bill.

OPPOSE HB 1118, relative to the issuance of drivers' licenses for non-citizens temporarily residing in New Hampshire. This bill was amended to drastically limit access to driver licenses for refugees and asylum applicants living in New Hampshire, so that they would only be granted driver licenses once they have adjusted their status to legal permanent resident. The bill also requires that the license be marked to indicate that the holder is an immigrant. The bill was voted OTP-A (10-9) in the House Transportation Committee and will be voted on in the full House on Thursday, March 7. Please contact your own Representatives and urge them to oppose this bill.

SUPPORT HB 1054, relative to the Northern Border Alliance Program fund. This bill lapses the northern border alliance fund and ends its continuous appropriation to the department of safety. The bill was voted WITHOUT RECOMMENDATION (10-10) in the House Ways & Means Committee and will be voted on in the full House on Thursday, March 7. Please contact your own Representatives and urge them to support this bill.

OPPOSE SB 504, relative to land in current use. This bill would allow landowners to post signs for no trespassing except for recreation which would allow local police to arrest suspected migrants. The bill was voted OTP-A (3-2) in the Senate Judiciary Committee and will be voted on in the full Senate on Thursday, March 7. Please contact your own Senator and urge them to defeat this bill.

Support Affordable Housing
OPPOSE HB 1115, relative to the termination of tenancy at the expiration of the tenancy or lease term. This bill will end the requirement that there be a just cause for eviction, including at the end of the lease period. The House Judiciary Committee will consider this bill in Executive Session on Wednesday, March 6 at 10 AM. Please contact the committee and urge them to defeat this anti-tenant bill.

SUPPORT HB 1168, relative to establishing a committee to study the impact of the housing crisis on people with disabilities. The bill has an executive session in the House Special Committee on Housing, Room 302-304, LOB on Friday, March 8 at 1 PM. Please contact the committee to urge them to support this bill. 

SUPPORT HB 1291; relative to accessory dwelling unit uses allowed by right. The bill has an executive session in the House Special Committee on Housing, Room 302-304, LOB on Friday, March 8 at 1 PM. Please contact the committee to urge them to support this bill.

Immigration News

Congress has passed a short-term spending bill and succeeded in preventing a partial government shutdown 36 hours before funding was set to expire. Lawmakers will take up a package of spending bills that will include the Department of Homeland Security on March 22. Read more from NPR.

Listen to this interview from NPR with Jason Houser, former ICE chief of staff about the events and pressures influencing the Biden administration's immigration policy: “I think the biggest challenge is…there is crises - political, humanitarian and economic - across the Western Hemisphere. And…there's not just the asylum-seekers and the migrants that we've seen coming to the United States, but there's millions more across the hemisphere. And enforcement or detention here without addressing the entire continuum itself is just going to continue to kind of fail if we continue to look through it through that lens.”

As always, AFSC is committed to directing taxpayer dollars to strengthening and supporting communities. Not to harmful detention and deportation policies that do nothing to keep us safe or respond to the needs of communities for an orderly and humane immigration process. Learn more and sign the petition to #DefundHate here to tell our Members of Congress to “stop putting lives in jeopardy by wasting billions of tax dollars on ICE and CBP, and to instead fund programs that provide opportunity and increase all our collective wellbeing.”

Join AFSC for our monthly “Protecting Immigrant Rights in an Election Year” webinar series to learn more about how our immigration system works and what we can do to protect and advance the rights of migrants. Our next webinar is on March 26 at 7 PM - Stopping Border Militarization. Join us to hear from our New Hampshire and US Mexico Border Programs about AFSC's longstanding work to stop the militarization of borders. We will offer information about conditions under militarized approaches, the dramatic differences between the Mexico and Canadian borderlands, and our vision to ensure that migrants and immigrants are treated with dignity and respect. Upcoming topics:

April 23 – Detention & Deportation
May 28 – Employment & Worker Rights
June 25 – Hard Conversations

Last Week at the State House
The House and Senate were on vacation last week so there were no voting days and very few committee hearings.

Key:
LOB – Legislative Office Building (33 N. State St. Concord)
SH – State House (107 N. Main St. Concord)
OTP – “Ought to Pass,” the recommendation for approving a bill or an amendment
OTP/A – Ought to Pass with Amendment
ITL – “Inexpedient to Legislate,” the recommendation for defeating a bill or an amendment.
ITL” can also be used as a verb.
“Without Recommendation” - This indicates that the committee vote was a tie for both ITL and OTP.  During the House session, these bills will be considered first as Ought to Pass.
Re-refer – When a Senate committee wishes to hold onto a bill for further consideration. The recommendation to re-refer must be approved in the full Senate. The committee will have until the end of the calendar year to meet about the bill and make a recommendation for further action.
VV – Voice vote. Votes are not counted.
RC – Roll call vote. Each legislator’s vote is recorded and attributed to them.
DV – Division vote. Votes are counted but not attributed to individual legislators.

This Week in the House
The House will be in session on Thursday, March 7 starting at 9 AM. Here are the bills we’re tracking which are up for consideration and votes.

On the Consent Calendar

CHILD AND FAMILY
CACR 25, relative to the rights of children and parents. This constitutional amendment concurrent resolution amends the constitution to recognize the rights of children and parents to provide for the protection of their minor children.  Committee recommends ITL by a vote of 16-0.

CRIMINAL JUSTICE AND PUBLIC SAFETY
HB 1039, relative to alternative sentencing for primary caregivers. This bill requires courts before sentencing a nonviolent offender to determine if the offender is a primary caregiver to a dependent and allows for an individually assessed sentence if so. Committee recommends re-refer for interim study by a vote of 20-0.
HB 1197, relative to criminal background checks. 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. Committee recommends OTP-A by a vote of 20-0.
HB 1214, relative to establishing a committee to study best practices for the development of a restorative justice model for misdemeanor-level behavior and hate crimes committed by juveniles under the age of eighteen. Committee recommends OTP by a vote of 18-2.

EDUCATION
HB 1109, requiring student identification cards for students in grades 6-12 to include the helpline for the National Alliance for Eating Disorders. Committee recommends OTP by a vote of 19-1.
HB 1185, establishing standards for sexual education instruction. Committee recommends re-refer for interim study by a vote of 20-0.
HB 1235, relative to high school students serving as school board members. This bill allows student government to establish up to 3 student school board member positions. Committee recommends OTP-A by a vote of 20-0.
HB 1356, relative to the use of children's names and pronouns by public school employees. This bill prohibits public school employees and contractors from using students' preferred names and pronouns, absent permission from the parents or guardians. Committee recommends ITL by a vote of 20-0.
HB 1473, prohibiting the teaching of curriculum for social emotional learning in public schools. Committee recommends ITL by a vote of 19-1.
HB 1496, adding a provision stating that the state, acting as the temporary guardian for children in public schools, has a duty to protect those children. Committee recommends ITL by a vote of 20-0.
HB 1643, requiring school boards to ensure that schools in its district make lesson plans and instructional materials publicly accessible on their website. Committee recommends ITL by a vote of 18-2.
HB 1692, revising the requirements for public high school graduation by adding a requirement to earn a minimum competency score on the statewide assessment administered in high school. Committee recommends ITL by a vote of 20-0.

ENVIRONMENT AND AGRICULTURE
HB 1132, relative to permits for the siting of new landfills. This bill requires persons siting new solid waste landfills to identify brownfields within the state that may serve as the site of a new solid waste landfill as part of the public benefit requirement analysis. Committee recommends ITL by a vote of 18-0.
HB 1170, requiring the department of environmental services to conduct public benefit and community impact assessments when the department considers any permit or project to ensure that human values, safety, and concerns receive proper consideration during planning and project development. Committee recommends re-refer for interim study by a vote of 18-0.
HB 1620, requiring the suspension of approval of new landfill permits by the department of environmental services until 2031. Committee recommends OTP by a vote of 18-0.
HB 1687, providing that state construction contracts include a requirement that hazardous waste be separated from construction and demolition debris at the construction site, prior to transport to a recycling facility. Committee recommends OTP-A by a vote of 18-0.

HEALTH, HUMAN SERVICES, AND ELDERLY AFFAIRS
HB 1171, extending the final reporting date and the prospective repeal date of the commission to study environmentally-triggered chronic illness for an additional 5-year period. Committee recommends OTP-A by a vote of 19-0.
HB 1318, relative to the duties of the opioid abatement advisory commission. This bill defines integrated pain management and adds duties to the New Hampshire opioid abatement advisory commission involving support for pain management services. Committee recommends OTP-A by a vote of 19-0

JUDICIARY
HB 1020, relative to establishing a commission to study the legal implications of insanity and restoration of competency. This bill establishes a commission to study the legal implications of insanity and restoration of competency, provides duties and requirements for the commission, and provides for the commission's repeal. Committee recommends OTP-A by a vote of 20-0.
HB 1104, relative to the review of decisions in cases involving judicial misconduct. This bill establishes procedures and standards for the review of decisions made by judges found to have committed judicial misconduct by the judicial conduct committee. Committee recommends OTP-A by a vote of 19-0.
HB 1169, creating a private cause of action for discrimination based on hairstyles relative to a person's ethnicity.  This bill also exempts such causes of action from the jurisdiction of the human rights commission. Committee recommends OTP by a vote of 17-2.
HB 1475, relative to prohibiting the use of federal, state, or local funds for lobbying activities. This bill regulates the use of public funds for lobbying activities and establishes certain additional enforcement mechanisms. Committee recommends ITL by a vote of 20-0.
HB 1603, relative to unlawful discriminatory practices. This bill prohibits cities, towns, and unincorporated places from discriminating based on race or sex. Committee recommends ITL by a vote of 20-0.
HB 1672, relative to tenants in section 8 public housing. This bill provides that in Section 8 rental assistance or other public housing, a housing authority shall allow a family member as a tenant who has satisfactorily completed a substance use disorder treatment or rehabilitation program. Committee recommends ITL by a vote of 14-1.

LABOR
HB 1023, relative to requiring employers to provide notice of resources available to support veterans with post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). This bill requires employers to provide their employees with notice of resources available to support veterans with post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Committee recommends re-refer for interim study by a vote of 19-0

LEGISLATIVE ADMINISTRATION
HB 1343, prohibiting the use by the governor of emergency orders concerning elections procedures without the written consent of the majority and minority leaders of the house of representatives and senate. Committee recommends ITL by a vote of 15-0

RESOURCES, RECREATION AND DEVELOPMENT
HB 1268, relative to prohibiting the issuance of large groundwater withdrawal permits for the commercial sale of bottled or bulk water. This bill prohibits the issuance of large groundwater withdrawal permits for the commercial sale of bottled or bulk water. Committee recommends ITL by a vote of 20-0.
HB 1314, relative to the comprehensive state development plan. This bill adds provisions to the comprehensive state development plan concerning protection of natural resources and identifying environmental threats. Committee recommends OTP by a vote of 19-1.
HB 1415, relative to PFAS facility liability. This bill provides for perfluoroalkyls (PFAS) facility liability for contaminations of groundwater quality standards according to federal regulations. Committee recommends OTP by a vote of 20-0.

SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY AND ENERGY
HB 1600, relative to participation in net energy metering. This bill modifies requirements for participation of municipal hosts aggregating retail electric customers, and of generation assets, in net metering. Committee recommends OTP-A by a vote of 18-0.

TRANSPORTATION
HB 1247, relative to requiring the display of certain information concerning Selective Service registration at driver licensing and school military recruiting locations. This bill requires a form to be available at locations of state driver's licensing and at schools hosting military recruiters concerning registration with the Selective Service System. Committee recommends ITL by a vote of 19-0.

On the Regular Calendar

CHILD AND FAMILY
CACR 17, determining that parents shall have a fundamental right to direct the upbringing, education, and care of their minor children. This constitutional amendment concurrent resolution adds an amendment to the constitution stating that parents have a fundamental right to direct the upbringing of their minor children. Committee recommends ITL by a vote of 10-6.
HB 1308, relative to parent access to children's library records. This bill provides a parent or legal guardian with access to their minor child's library records. Committee recommends ITL by a vote of 13-2.

CRIMINAL JUSTICE AND PUBLIC SAFETY
HB 1527-FN, relative to criminal trespass. Committee recommends ITL by a vote of 10-8.

EDUCATION
HB 1437, relative to the membership of the state board of education. This bill changes the composition of the state board of education. Without Recommendation by a vote of 10-10.

ENVIRONMENT
CACR 14 - This constitutional amendment concurrent resolution would require the state to maintain a clean and healthful environment and protect New Hampshire's natural resources. Committee recommends ITL by a vote of 13-7.

HEALTH, HUMAN SERVICES, AND ELDERLY AFFAIRS
HB 1194, removing the word infectious from the definition of noncommunicable disease. Committee recommends OTP-A by a vote of 11-8.
HB 1213, providing that certain immunizations are required for public school children.  This bill also removes the requirement for private schools and child care agencies. Committee recommends OTP-A by a vote of 10-9.
HB 1660, providing that the state Medicaid plan shall not include gender reassignment treatment for minors. Without Recommendation by a vote of 10-10.

JUDICIARY
CACR 12, regarding the definition of the word "cherish." This constitutional amendment concurrent resolution reinserts the word "cherish". Committee recommends ITL by a vote of 16-4.
HB1037, repeals the statute that provides limited liability to manufacturers, distributors, dealers, or importers of firearms or ammunition. Without Recommendation by a vote of 10-10.
HB 1089, removing the statute of limitations for civil actions for damages resulting from a PFAS exposure. Committee recommends re-refer for interim study by a vote of 14-6.
HB 1220, abolishing the collection of racial and ancestral data for use in a marital application worksheet. Committee recommends OTP-A by a vote of 17-2.

LEGISLATIVE ADMINISTRATION
HB 1629, requiring the attorney general to notify the general court when the attorney general discovers a legislator residing in a different district than they represent. Without Recommendation by a vote of 10-10.
HR 29, declaring support for a New Hampshire economic justice bill of rights. Committee recommends ITL by a vote of  9-6.

MUNICIPAL AND COUNTY GOVERNMENT
HB 1086, relative to public notice of zoning board of adjustment hearings, This bill establishes an affirmative defense to the crime of resisting arrest that the arrest was unlawful or constitutional. Committee recommends ITL by a vote of 13-6.
HB 1125, relative to requiring public notice and comment at all county commissioner and delegation meetings. Committee recommends OTP by a vote of 16-3.

SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY AND ENERGY
HB 1036, modifying the assessment of system benefit changes cost effectiveness.Without Recommendation by a vote of 10-10.
HB 1623, revising the state energy policy to promote affordable, reliable, dispatchable and secure energy resources for the health, safety and welfare of its citizens. Without Recommendation by a vote of 10-10.

TRANSPORTATION
HB 1118, allowing the director of motor vehicles to require nonresident aliens to submit various certifications for drivers license issuance. Committee recommends OTP-A by a vote of  10-9.

WAYS AND MEANS
CACR 15 - This constitutional amendment concurrent resolution provides that a 2/3 vote of the house of representatives and the senate shall be required to pass a new tax or license fee or to increase any tax or license fee that has been levied, or to authorize the issuance of state bonds. Without Recommendation by a vote of 10-10.
HB 1054, lapsing the northern border alliance fund and ending its continuous appropriation to the department of safety. Without Recommendation by a vote of 10-10.
HB 1536, increasing the amount of the section 179 expense deduction permitted against the business profits tax. Committee recommends OTP by a vote of 16-4.

This Week in House Committees
You can watch the House hearings here You can sign in for House bills here. And you can contact House committees here.

Monday, March 4

EDUCATION, Room 205-207, LOB
9:00 AM HB 1608-FN, relative to providing an induction program for new teachers.
9:45 AM HB 1605-FN, relative to alternative education programs for granting credit leading to graduation.
10:30 AM HB 1592-FN-L, relative to the use of education freedom account funds in religious schools.
11:00 AM HB 1084, relative to qualifications for the commissioner of education.
12:30 PM HB 1610-FN, relative to standardized assessment data for participants in education freedom accounts.

Tuesday, March 5

EDUCATION, Room 205-207, LOB
9:00 AM HB 1015-FN, relative to requirements for literacy skill development in elementary grades.
10:00 AM HB 1654-FN, relative to review of education freedom account service providers.
11:00 AM HB 1650-FN, relative to the approval of alternative programs for granting credit leading to graduation.
1:00 PM HB 1093, prohibiting mandatory mask policies in schools.
1:45 PM HR 30, urging a robust climate education in schools including current environmental and economic information.
2:30 PM Executive session on HB 1458-FN, relative to authorizing parents to remove children from the English Language Learner Program; HB 1611, establishing a child care workforce fund.

Wednesday, March 6

EDUCATION, Room 205-207, LOB
9:30 AM Executive session on HB 1084, relative to qualifications for the commissioner of education; HB 1093, prohibiting mandatory mask policies in schools; HB 1205, relative to women’s school sports; HB 1298-FN, relative to the definition of part-time teachers; HB 1592-FN-L, relative to the use of education freedom account funds in religious schools; HB 1605-FN, relative to alternative education programs for granting credit leading to graduation; HB 1608-FN, relative to providing an induction program for new teachers; HB 1610-FN, relative to standardized assessment data for participants in education freedom accounts; HB 1616, relative to parental consent for student participation in Medicaid to schools program; HB 1625-FN, relative to school health services; HB 1646, relative to chartered public schools; HB 1650-FN, relative to the approval of alternative programs for granting credit leading to graduation; HB 1654-FN, relative to review of education freedom account service providers; HB 1682-FN, relative to the civics test graduation requirement; HB 1691, relative to the definition of an adequate public education; HR 30, urging a robust climate education in schools including current environmental and economic information

HEALTH, HUMAN SERVICES AND ELDERLY AFFAIRS, Room 201, LOB
10:00 AM Executive session on HB 1010, relative to expanding maternity options and midwifery access; HB 1028, relative to the definition of mental illness for purposes of the New Hampshire mental health services system; HB 1280, relative to informed consent and patient rights; HB 1347, relative to administration of the New Hampshire refugee resettlement program; HB 1663-FN, relative to the confidentiality of medical records and patient information

JUDICIARY, Room 206-208, LOB
10 AM Executive session on HB 1115, relative to the termination of tenancy at the expiration of the tenancy or lease term; HB 1353, relative to authorizing the commissioner of the department of education to issue subpoenas; HB 1368, prohibiting termination of a tenancy based on a tenant’s failure to pay rent that was increased by certain price fixing programs; HB 1497-FN, restricting trial courts in criminal matters from imposing certain sentences following a plea bargain; HB 1602-FN, relative to the authority of the housing appeals board; HB 1640-FN, relative to qualified immunity standards; 1HB 664-FN, relative to legal remedies for individuals who receive medical detransitioning.

LABOR, INDUSTRIAL AND REHABILITATIVE SERVICES, Room 305, LOB
1 PM Executive session on HB 1051, relative to prohibiting certain deductions from wages of restaurant employees; HB 1110, relative to requiring certain employers to use the federal E-Verify system of the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services; HB 1519, relative to a minor’s available work hours; HB 1648, relative to electronic payments to employees debit cards.

MUNICIPAL AND COUNTY GOVERNMENT, Room 307, LOB
10 AM HB 1101, establishing a committee to study a potential state program to make loans to low-to-moderate income households for the purpose of buying a home or for the purpose of consolidating student loans.

WAYS AND MEANS, Room 202-204, LOB
1:30 PM Executive session on HB 1517, to annually reduce the state education property tax by the amount of revenue paid to the state through games of chance in excess of the estimated amount paid in the 2023 fiscal year.

Friday, March 8

SPECIAL COMMITTEE ON CHILDCARE, Room 104, LOB
11 AM Executive session on HB 1056, relative to administration of the child care scholarship program

SPECIAL COMMITTEE ON HOUSING, Room 302-304, LOB
9 AM HB 1291, relative to accessory dwelling unit uses allowed by right.
1 PM Executive session on HB 1065, relative to fire sprinkler requirements in residential buildings; HB 1168, establishing a committee to study the impact of the housing crisis on people with disabilities; HB 1215, relative to subdivision regulations on the completion of improvements and the regulation of building permits; HB 1291, relative to accessory dwelling unit uses allowed by right; HB 1361, relative to municipal land use regulation for manufactured housing and subdivisions; HB 1399, allowing municipalities to permit 2 residential units in certain single-family residential zones; HB 1400, relative to the required maximum number of residential parking spaces.
 
This Week in the Senate
The Senate will be in session on Thursday, March 7 starting at 10 AM. Watch it here. Here are some bills we’re tracking which are scheduled for consideration and votes.

On the Consent Calendar

HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES  
SB 401, removing the prospective repeal of the New Hampshire granite advantage health care program and trust fund. Committee recommends re-refer for interim study by a vote of 5-0.
SB 408, establishing a committee to study the effects of the housing crisis on the disability community. Committee recommends OTP-A by a vote of  5-0.
SB 456, establishing a nurse retention school loan debt relief program in the department of health and human services.  The bill also establishes a dedicated fund and makes an appropriation to the fund for this purpose. Committee recommends OTP-A by a vote of  5-0.
SB 496, directing the department of health and human services to establish a climate and health protection program in response to health threats associated with a changing environment. Committee recommends OTP-A by a vote of  5-0.

JUDICIARY
SB 356, providing for the automatic return of seized property following certain dispositions of criminal cases, subject to certain exceptions. Committee recommends re-refer for interim study by a vote of 5-0.
SB 362, clarifying the circumstances in which body-worn cameras may be copied, distributed, or used in certain criminal, juvenile, or administrative proceedings. Committee recommends OTP-A by a vote of  5-0.
SB 420, requiring an additional report from the legislative study committee concerning the long-term impact of the New Hampshire adult parole system. Committee recommends OTP-A by a vote of  5-0.
SB 425, increasing the bail commissioner fee to $60. Committee recommends OTP by a vote of  5-0.
SB 359, changing the minimum age for marriage from 16 to 18 years of age. Committee recommends OTP-A by a vote of  5-0.
SB 464, relative to prohibiting the nonconsensual dissemination of synthetic sexual images. Committee recommends OTP by a vote of  5-0.
SB 591, modifying definitions, claims procedures, and funding relating to the youth development center settlement fund and claims administration. Committee recommends OTP by a vote of  5-0.

On the Regular Calendar

EDUCATION
SB 341, requiring all school employees to respond honestly and completely to written requests by parents regarding information relating to their children. Committee recommends OTP-A by a vote of  3-1.
SB 525, changing income eligibility and reporting requirements for the education freedom account program and modifies the program's administration and oversight. Committee recommends ITL by a vote of 3-1.

FINANCE
SB 219, requiring school districts to post mandatory reports of school expenses, including average cost per pupil, average teacher salaries, and top administrator salaries.  It also creates a civil remedy for the enforcement of this requirement. Committee recommends OTP-A by a vote of  4-2.
SB 453, making an appropriation to the department of state for the statewide voter registration system. Committee recommends OTP-A by a vote of  7-0.

HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES 
SB 559, revising the definition of vaccine for purposes of the New Hampshire vaccine association. Committee recommends OTP by a vote of  4-1.

JUDICIARY
SB 316, establishing a crime and mandatory minimum penalty for transporting into New Hampshire with the intent to distribute fentanyl class drugs. Committee recommends OTP by a vote of  3-2.
SB 414, setting a mandatory minimum sentence for the crime of distribution of a controlled drug with death resulting. Committee recommends OTP by a vote of  3-2.
SB 415, adding mandatory minimum sentences for certain fentanyl-related offenses. Committee recommends OTP by a vote of  3-2.
SB 504, providing 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.  The bill also 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. Committee recommends OTP-A by a vote of  3-2.
SB 563, prohibiting state and local government entities from adopting sanctuary policies to prohibit or impede the enforcement of federal immigration law. Committee recommends OTP by a vote of  3-2.
SB 314, amending the process for the examination of competency of pre-trial defendants. The bill is a request of the department of corrections. Committee recommends OTP-A by a vote of  5-0.
SB 321, revising the standard for release of a defendant pending trial following multiple failures to appear. Committee recommends OTP-A by a vote of  3-2.
SB 418, setting maximum THC concentration levels for various driving offenses. Committee recommends OTP-A by a vote of  3-2.
SB 508, requiring 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 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. Committee recommends OTP by a vote of  5-0.
SB 533, enabling public bodies to allow one or more members of the body to participate in a meeting by electronic means. Committee recommends ITL by a vote of 3-2.
SB 565, clarifying in the context of education discrimination that "race" includes traits historically associated with race, including hair texture and certain hairstyles.  This bill further exempts from the jurisdiction of the human rights commission and creates a private right of action for individuals, other than department of corrections employees, who face discrimination in employment based on the wearing of certain hairstyles. Committee recommends OTP-A by a vote of  5-0.
SB 570, amending the penalty for obtaining, purchasing, transporting, possessing, or having under a person's control a controlled drug to a class A misdemeanor, and amends the penalty for a subsequent offense to a class B felony. Committee recommends ITL by a vote of 3-2.

TRANSPORTATION
SB 512, adding a traffic-calming scheme on a portion of Route 101 to the New Hampshire 10-Year Transportation Improvement Plan. Committee recommends referral for interim study by a vote of 4-0.

This Week in Senate Committees
You can watch the Senate hearings here. You can sign in for Senate bills here. And you can contact Senate committees.

Tuesday, March 5

EDUCATION, Room 101, LOB
9:00 AM HB 155, relative to the higher education commission

ELECTION LAW AND MUNICIPAL AFFAIRS, Room 103, LOB
9:30 AM HB 115, relative to changing the date of the state primary election.

ENERGY AND NATURAL RESOURCES, Room 103, SH
9:30 AM SB 386 relative to establishing a committee to study power generation, transmission, distribution, and storage.
9:45 AM SB 543, establishing the state environmental adaptation, resilience, and innovation council.

Upcoming Events & Actions

Every Wednesday
Solemn Vigils for Ceasefire. Join us from 2 PM to 3 PM. Hosted by NH Peace Action, AFSC & interfaith partners. March 6: Senator Jeanne Shaheen’s Dover District office

Every Thursday
Meeting for Worship with Attention to Peace in Palestine & Israel - 5:30 PM. Hosted by AFSC.
Solemn Vigils for Ceasefire Now – 12 noon at City Hall Plaza, in front of the State House, Concord

Every Friday
AFSC Action Hour for a Ceasefire – 12 noon. 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.

March to April 
Elinor Williams Hooker Tea Talks 2024: A New Deal for a Great Society - Hosted by the Black Heritage Trail NH in Portsmouth, Keene, Nashua. Registration is open for the 2024 annual Elinor William Hooker Tea Talks. This year's program will explore how two federal programs geared toward building a more just society -- Franklin D. Roosevelt's "New Deal" and Lyndon B. Johnson's "Great Society" -- played out in New Hampshire. We will ask what impact these programs had on our state and what happens now when changing demographics meet programs designed during the New Deal and Great Society. February talks will be held in Portsmouth, the March talk in Keene, and the April talk in Nashua. 

Mar 10 - Equity and Adequacy: Public Education in NH 
Apr 21 - Envisioning the Future

Surveillance, Criminalization, and Punishment (Spring 2024 Speaker Series) - 4:30 PM. Hosted by Harvard Kennedy School. Will modern surveillance, AI, predictive policing, facial recognition, and more shrink the criminal legal system’s footprint or expand criminalization into new domains? On balance, will new technology improve our flawed systems or entrench existing and new harms? We’ll be joined by academics, practitioners, and impacted community members to unpack cutting-edge technological advancements in criminalization and punishment—exploring improvements to the administration of justice and the reproduction of hierarchies of control and domination.

March 6 - New Technology and Big Data: Equitable and Objective Advancements, or Net Widening and False Promises of Reform?
March 13 - Police Social Media Monitoring: The New Undercover Assignment
April 10 - Digitally Mapping Social Networks: RICO, Electronic Monitoring, and Surveillance of Gangs and Protest Movements
April 17 - New Terrain for Surveillance in Prisons: Wearable Monitoring, Tablets, and Technological Limits on Human Contact
May 8 - Toward Data Justice: Countermobilization and Community Control

Monday, March 4
Manchester Housing Alliance Meeting - 7 PM to 8 PM. Hosted by Rights & Democracy. Once Monthly, we meet to discuss local housing policies to make sure that Manchester is a place everybody can afford to live. Join to find out how to get involved at the local level to push Manchester elected officials to take action on the Housing crisis.

Why Palestine Matters For Unions & Why Unions Matter for Palestine - 7 PM to 9 PM. Co-hosted by AFSC. Members of labor unions across the world continue to organize for Palestine and demand a ceasefire in response to Israel's relentless violence against Palestinians in Gaza and the West Bank. Locally, this solidarity includes unions such as SEIU PA and AFSCME DC 47. Join union members across Philadelphia to learn the history of Palestine, important context for this genocide, and the necessity of unions to join the call for a ceasefire. 

Tuesday, March 5
Immigrant Solidarity Network Prayer Vigil – 9 AM. Hosted by Granite State Organizing Project. 275 Chestnut Street - Norris Cotton Federal Building, Manchester. After the vigil, we will be meeting at Blessed Sacrament Church for the ISN meeting. The primary focus of the meeting is to discuss the recent developments in Congress and new anti-immigrant bills at the State House that directly impact our immigrant community.

Climate & Militarism – 6:30 PM to 8 PM Hosted by 350 NH. We're calling this a training series but really what we want is to bring all of our community members together so we can make a greater impact on the climate justice issues we face. The climate crisis has impacted war and conflict across the globe - from access to oil to drought conditions. Attend this session to talk about the impacts of militarism on our climate.

Wednesday, March 6
NH Listens Local Lunch Box: Spectrum of Engagement - 12 PM to 12:45 PM. Hosted by NH Listens. Join NH Listens for a 45-minute informative and interactive session aimed at sharing bite-sized tips and resources from our toolbox for community engagement and facilitation. This session, Spectrum of Engagement, will present a frame for public participation and the different ways communities can participate in decision-making.

The Grimke Women Speak Out (March Voices for Truth Discussion) – 7 PM. Hosted by Harriet Beecher Stowe House. In the first full week of Women's History Month, listen to the voices for truth of Grimke women from two centuries: Angelina Grimke Weld, her sister, Sarah Moore Grimke, and their lesser known but also important great niece Angelina Weld Grimke.

Thursday, March 7
Hate Speech: From Skokie to Stormfront - 4:30 PM to 6 PM. Hosted by Loeb School. In-person at the NH Institute of Politics at Saint Anselm College, Manchester. This presentation will focus on the First Amendment and its protection of the speech we hate. Learn from First Amendment expert and media attorney, Gregory V. Sullivan, Esq., and bring your questions about recent examples of hate speech in New Hampshire and beyond which test our beliefs about free speech and what it means to be a part of American democracy.

NH Peace Action Acts: No Wider War! - 7 PM. Hosted by NH Peace Action. Instead of acting to force a ceasefire for Israel and Palestine, United States military have engaged in dozens of strikes against so-called “Iranian-backed” groups in Iraq and Syria and Yemen. Hawkish voices in DC are eager to push us back into war in the Middle East, some have even demanded the president directly attack Iran. Let's contact our representatives to urge them to support diplomacy and de-escalation instead.

Friday, March 8 

DOJ Community Safety Update for Jewish Community Stakeholders - 11 AM. Hosted by the Department of Justice.   Over the last several months, members of the Jewish community have faced a surge in violence and violent threats targeting individuals and community spaces. Speakers will provide an overview of what the Civil Rights Division, FBI, and CRS have been doing to bolster community safety. Specifically, the webinar will present the current threat environment, direct stakeholders to critical safety resources, and allow stakeholders an opportunity to ask questions.

DOJ Community Safety Update for Muslim, Arab, and Palestinian Community Stakeholders – 11:30 AM. Hosted by the Department of Justice.   Over the last several months, Muslim, Arab, and Palestinian communities have faced a surge in violence and violent threats targeting individuals and community spaces. Speakers will provide an overview of what the Civil Rights Division, FBI, and CRS have been doing to bolster community safety. Specifically, the webinar will present the current threat environment, direct stakeholders to critical safety resources, and allow stakeholders an opportunity to ask questions.

Parent/Caregiver Support Group – 7 PM to 8:30 PM. Hosted by Seacoast Outright. Part of supporting LGBTQ+ youth is making sure their own familial networks have the support and information they need! The Parent Support Group is an opportunity for caregivers of LGBTQ+ youth to connect in an empathetic and casual setting. Email Christine at christine.s@seacoastoutright.org to sign up and for more information about these hybrid meetings.

Sunday, March 10
An Evening with NH Secretary of State Scanlan - 7 PM to 8:30 PM. Hosted by Hillsborough County Democratic Committee. Join us for a discussion with Secretary Scanlan about campaign finance, election law and processes ahead of the 2024 elections. If you would like to submit a question ahead of time, please email it to hcdccomunications@gmail.com.

Monday, March 14

What's Apartheid Got to Do with it? Understanding the Violent Structures Behind Israel's War on Gaza - 1 PM to 2 PM. Hosted by AFSC. At a time when the whole world is witnessing the violence unfolding in Gaza, it is crucial that we discuss the root causes of what is happening. Building on extensive research from several international human rights organizations that have clearly identified Israeli apartheid, this webinar will explain the role of apartheid in shaping this moment as well as provide ways we can work to end it. Join our webinar as we invite guest speakers Ahmed Abofoul and Diana Buttu in a collective effort to understand the structural violence inherent in Israel's apartheid regime.

NH Healthcare Survey- Kick-Off Event - 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM. Hosted by Rights & Democracy. Join us and other healthcare advocates across the state for an exciting Kick-Off Event for the New Hampshire Healthcare Survey. We'll have a short presentation about the status of healthcare in NH and why we are facilitating this survey and we'll also walk you through the survey folks can fill out the survey, share it with friends, and join us for outreach phone calls and sharing the survey link with friends and families.

“How We Win the Civil War" A Conversation with Author Steve Phillips & SURJ - 8 PM to 9 PM. Hosted by SURJ. Join us for a conversation about how white nationalist forces have gained power to get us to where we are today, and what effective organizing strategies look like to fight back.

Tuesday, March 19
Introduction to Deep Canvassing: The Proven Method to Change Hearts & Minds - 6 PM. Hosted by People’s Action. Are you an organizer, community leader, or activist looking to engage with your community around deeply polarizing issues? Are you an individual hoping to understand how to have compassionate, non-judgmental conversations across lines of difference? Join The Deep Canvass Institute to learn more about deep canvassing; what it is, how it’s used and why it works.

State House 101 - 7 PM. Hosted by 603 Forward. Have you ever considered running for stat office? We'll take you through what to expect as a potential State Representative and why this role is so important. We'll also feature a panel of young elected leaders to talk about their experience serving as a State Representative.

Wednesday, March 20
Remaking the Economy: A Policy Viison from the Movement for Black Lives  - 2 PM to 3:30 PM. Hosted by NPQ & M4BL. What are the economic policies the nation needs to build thriving communities in which Black Americans can thrive? As Amara Enyia wrote in the introduction to a recent NPQ series on The Vision for Black Lives: An Economic Policy Agenda, “the Black radical tradition has long been clear on the importance of economic justice."This webinar conversation builds on the articles in that series, taking a deep look at what the elements of that agenda look like, from a range of contributors.

Saturday, March 23
Finding Your Story in the Climate Movement – 10 AM to 12 PM. Hosted by 350 NH. In person, Concord, we will send you the address when you RSVP. We're calling this a training series but really what we want is to bring all of our community members together so we can make a greater impact on the climate justice issues we face. Join us for a community gathering to talk about how to find your place in the climate movement and how to tell your story to make change! Join us for a morning of conversation, learning, and community.

Tuesday, March 26
Stopping Border Militarization - 7 PM. Hosted by AFSC. Join AFSC to hear from our New Hampshire and US Mexico Border Programs about AFSC's longstanding work to stop the militarization of borders. We will offer information about conditions under militarized approaches, the dramatic differences between the Mexico and Canadian borderlands, and our vision to ensure that migrants and immigrants are treated with dignity and respect.

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!