Arise, all women who have hearts, whether your baptism be that of water or of tears! Say firmly: “We will not have great questions decided by irrelevant agencies, our husbands shall not come to us, reeking with carnage, for caresses and applause. Our sons shall not be taken from us to unlearn all that we have been able to teach them of charity, mercy, and patience. We women of one country will be too tender of those of another country to allow our sons to be trained to injure theirs.” From the bosom of the devastated earth a voice goes up with our own. It says, “Disarm, disarm! The sword is not the balance of justice.” Blood does not wipe out dishonor nor violence indicate possession. – Julia Ward Howe, original Mother’s Day proclamation in 1870
May 12, 2024
Greetings, State House Watchers!
We celebrate Mother’s Day today with sincere gratitude – for the mothers in our own homes, in our communities, and throughout the world. We hold in the Light all mothers in Palestine and Israel, migrant mothers at our borders, incarcerated mothers, and those who struggle everywhere for justice, peace, dignity, and the fullness of life.
We want to thank the five community members who engaged in an act of nonviolent civil disobedience on Friday, May 10, following a Mother’s Day Vigil for Peace at the Dover district office of Congressman Chris Pappas. Vigilers called upon Congressman Pappas to work for an immediate and permanent ceasefire, an end to US military aid to Israel, a restoration of humanitarian assistance, and to stop accepting funds from AIPAC. Advocates for peace had been appealing to Pappas continuously since October 2023 and were weary of his lack of response and his refusal to acknowledge the catastrophic impact of the Israeli government’s military campaign. The “Mother’s Day Five” entered his office, requested an opportunity to share their concerns with him directly (which did not happen), and refused to leave until he called for an end to the violence. When the office closed at 5 PM, the Congressman’s staff called the Dover Police and the five were arrested without incident, with a date for arraignment in Dover District Court on Monday, June 10. Read more at WMUR and at InDepthNH, and watch for coverage soon from NH Public Radio.
We're a little bit late, but we want to recognize Teacher Appreciation Week as well! It’s not too late to thank the dedicated teachers in your local school district; let them know you appreciate their commitment to the well-being of our children and our community. We recommend this piece by Deb Howes and Megan Tuttle, New Hampshire educators deserve to feel our support and respect: “During this Teacher Appreciation Week – and every week – educators need to know we support them and value them. And our leaders need to hear our demand that they improve our teachers’ working conditions and our students’ learning conditions. For all they do for students, families, and our communities, New Hampshire educators deserve to feel our fierce support, respect, and admiration throughout the year so they can give their best to their students. Thank goodness they have devoted their lives to this ever important profession and are helping to look after the children of the Granite State.”
Last week, the ACLU and the ACLU of NH filed an amicus brief to the NH Supreme Court, expressing concern that the NH Attorney General’s case against the White supremacist group NSC-131 would undermine free speech protections. Read more here: “While the ACLU and ACLU-NH find NSC-131’s mission, goals, and tactics to be abhorrent and diametrically opposed to our mission and values, we are gravely concerned that an unfavorable court decision in this case will chip away at the free speech rights of all of us,” said Devon Chaffee, executive director of the ACLU of New Hampshire. “If our state government is able to use the law to suppress viewpoints it does not like just because someone was charged with trespassing, it will enable other citizens and state officials to file similar lawsuits to target groups they don’t like, including those who have already been historically marginalized.”
There were several disappointing outcomes at the State House last week.
Frustrated that the NH Senate had effectively defeated HB 1115, a bill that would have ended ‘just cause’ eviction in NH, Rep. Bob Lynn offered a floor amendment to an unrelated bill (SB 413, relative to civil actions for PFAS contamination) to add the expiration of the term of the lease or tenancy if over 6 months as grounds for an eviction. The amendment passed by a single vote, with Speaker Packard breaking the tie. We urge the Senate to refuse to accept this amended version of the PFAS bill.
Various Senate committees recommended OTP on multiple anti-LGBTQ+ bills last week, including HB 1205, requiring schools to designate athletics by sex and prohibiting biological males from participating in female athletics; and HB 1312, which bans policies that would allow students' privacy for conversations regarding sexuality. These harmful bills will be voted on in the full Senate on May 15 and 16.
We’re dismayed that the House passed SB 508, a bill related to mental health and substance misuse services in county jails which was amended to include a problematic definition of antisemitism that was enacted at the federal level during the Trump administration. We recommend this reflection from Andru Volinsky: It’s Hard to Trust the Nation’s Adoption of Anti-Semitism as its Cause Celebre (InDepthNH, May 8, 2024).
On the plus side, there appears to be a real possibility that the state legislature will pass a cannabis legalization bill this year. Read more here. The full Senate will vote on HB 1633 on Thursday, and if it passes, it will be referred to the Senate Finance Committee.
ACTION ALERTS
Abolish Slavery in NH, without exceptions
SUPPORT CACR 13, relating to slavery and involuntary servitude. The bill was amended in committee to add an exception to slavery abolition, drawing from the 13th amendment of the US Constitution: “except as a punishment for crime whereof the party shall have been duly convicted, shall exist within the United States, or any place subject to their jurisdiction.” The full Senate will vote on this bill on May 16. Please contact your own Senator and urge them to reject the amended language and to support the original version of the bill which passed the House with an enormous majority.
Protect Voting Rights
OPPOSE HB 1569-FN, relative to eliminating voter identification exceptions. This bill removes voter affidavits as proof of identification and repeals the procedures for affidavit ballots. The Senate Election Law & Municipal Affairs committee recommends OTP (3-2). The full Senate will vote on this bill on May 16. Please contact your own Senator and urge them to oppose this bill.
Protect LGBTQ+ Rights
OPPOSE HB 1205, relative to women's school sports. This bill requires schools to designate athletics by sex and prohibits biological males from participating in female athletics, banning transgender girls playing girls' sports in 6th-12th grade. It also creates various causes of action based on violations of the provisions in the bill. The Senate Education committee recommends OTP (3-1). The full Senate will vote on this bill on May 16. Please contact your own Senator and urge them to defeat this harmful bill.
OPPOSE HB 1660, relative to coverage of certain procedures for minor children under the state’s Medicaid program. This harmful bill bans Medicaid from covering gender-affirming procedures for transgender teens. Senate Health & Human Services committee recommends OTP (3-2). The full Senate will vote on this bill on May 16. Please contact your own Senator and urge them to oppose this harmful bill.
OPPOSE HB 619, to require a person to attain the age of majority for genital gender reassignment surgery. This bill denies access to medical procedures for transgender teen girls, (including banning referrals out of state) that should be decided by the teen, their parents/guardians, and medical professionals. The Senate Judiciary committee recommends OTP (3-2). The full Senate will vote on this bill on May 16. Please contact your own Senator and urge them to defeat this bill.
OPPOSE HB 1312, requiring parental notification of student health or well-being and certain curricula by school districts. This harmful bill mandates a 2-week notice on any curriculum related to sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, or gender expression, and bans policies that would allow students' privacy for conversations regarding sexuality, etc. The Senate Education committee recommends OTP (3-1). The full Senate will vote on this bill on May 16. Please contact your own Senator and urge them to defeat this bill.
Join advocates for a visibility action to hold signs and talk to State Senators from 1-2 PM on Wednesday, May 15 and 9-10 AM on Thursday, May 16. Advocates are worried that these harmful bills have a high likelihood of passing the Senate, so it is time to put pressure on Governor Sununu to veto. You can call him today at 603-271-2121 and tell him to veto any anti-LGBTQ bills. As he said when he signed the 2018 nondiscrimination bill, it's simply "the right thing to do!"
Support Immigrant Communities
SUPPORT SB 501, relative to driver licenses for noncitizens residing in New Hampshire. This bill authorizes the department of motor vehicles to issue driver licenses to certain groups of noncitizens lawfully present in the United States. This positive bill has an exec session in House Transportation on Tuesday, May 14 at 10 AM in Room 203, LOB. Please contact the committee to urge them to recommend OTP.
OPPOSE SB 358, relative to invalidating out-of-state driver licenses issued to undocumented immigrants. This harmful bill has an exec session in House Transportation on Tuesday, May 14 at 10 AM in Room 203, LOB. Please contact the committee to urge them to recommend ITL.
OPPOSE HB 1118, relative to the issuance of driver licenses for aliens temporarily residing in New Hampshire. In addition to an offensive title, this bill will harm immigrant communities by denying driver license access to groups of noncitizens who are currently eligible. The bill would also add a citizenship marker to driver licenses, which can promote discriminatory treatment. The bill is waiting to be exec’d in Senate Judiciary. Please contact the committee to urge them to recommend ITL.
Protect Public Education
OPPOSE non-germane amendment to SB 340, relative to communication between parents and school districts regarding special education. As originally introduced, and passed by the Senate, this simple bill to provide email notifications to parents has been amended to prohibit the state board from adopting “a rule that exceeds state or federal minimum requirements unless the rule is specifically authorized by statute.” This could potentially invalidate certain protections for children with disabilities. This amendment has a hearing in House Education on Tuesday, May 14 at 9:30 AM in LOB, 205-207. Please contact the committee, and sign in to oppose and share testimony.
OPPOSE HB 1665-FN, relative to student eligibility for the education freedom accounts program. This bill was amended to expand income eligibility for the voucher programs to 400% of the federal poverty line. If passed, the Senate version will need to go back to House for a concurrence vote. The Senate Education committee recommends OTP-A (3-1). The full Senate will vote on this bill on May 16. Please contact your own Senator and urge them to defeat this bill.
OPPOSE HB 1298, relative to the definition of part-time teachers. This harmful bill was amended by the Senate to allow uncertified people to work as teachers in schools with none of the requirements or standards that certified educators adhere to. The Senate Education committee recommends OTP-A (3-1). The full Senate will vote on this bill on May 16. Please contact your own Senator and urge them to defeat this bill.
Immigration News
We learned last week that the Department of Homeland Security has announced that the Biden administration is preparing to allow border officers to deny asylum seekers an opportunity to have their case evaluated by a judge, so as to rapidly remove those deemed to have a criminal record or who are likely to be found ‘not be qualified to receive asylum protections anyway.’ Read more here, and here. We join other immigrant rights advocates in our concern about these changes and will advocate that these life-and-death decisions not be made without the benefit of a judge and the opportunity for the asylum seeker to present their strongest possible case. The 30-day public comment period for the proposed rule will open on Monday. We urge you to share your comments.
We are celebrating some good news for DACA recipients. Last week, the Department of Health and Human Services published a final rule updating the definition of "lawfully present" in regards to who is eligible to enroll in a Qualified Health Plan. This new rule change makes DACA recipients eligible for health insurance under the Affordable Care Act, allowing them to sign up for health insurance coverage through healthcare.gov or their state health insurance this November to begin health coverage in December. All people deserve access to healthcare, no matter their immigration status.
A reminder to our readers that despite this win, the DACA program is still not accepting new applications, only limited renewals. Read more about the current state of DACA from the National Immigration Law Center here.
Ceasefire - and Divestment - Now
As famine-afflicted Gazans attempt to evacuate Rafah, and despite warnings from many countries – including the United States – and the United Nations, the Israeli government has intensified its military assault on the region currently inhabited by 1.3 million refugees. Read more here. From AFSC’s recent statement: “The world must stand firmly against the continued Israeli invasion of Rafah and exert pressure on Israel to stop it. The unfolding implications of this invasion are disastrous for the population of Gaza. Rahaf Hamdan, a child from Gaza told the AFSC, ‘My only wish is for the war to end, and that the other countries can contribute to stopping the war.’” Take action today to urge our Members of Congress to act for peace in the region and to halt the flow of weapons from the US to the Israeli government.
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We are encouraged by the news that Union Theological Seminary trustees have agreed to student and staff demands that the institution divest its resources from companies which profit from the Israeli military’s assault on the Palestinian people. Read more here. Leadership at Trinity College Dublin has made a similar commitment. And others, including at Brown University, have agreed to greater transparency about the institution’s holdings and to consider proposals to divest. We hope that the University of New Hampshire (UNH) takes note of this thoughtful and meaningful response to students’ calls for justice, peace, and accountability.
Speaking of UNH, we appreciate that retired UNH Professor Joshua Meyrowitz shared with the Boston Globe his observations from the student-led protest on May 1: UNH protest was peaceful until police got involved, professor emeritus says – “I’m a veteran of the antiwar protests in the 1960s. You’d think officials would’ve learned lessons from that.... I was kind of shocked to see the first act of violence. The first act of violence was by the normally controlled in his behavior UNH Chief of Police Paul Dean, where he charged at a student [who was] holding what looked like a rolled up piece of fabric. Somebody said it was maybe some kind of small tent. [Dean] charged at the students, he shoved them, and wrestled out of the kid’s hand the cloth fabric. It looked to me like the police chief assaulted the students, physically assaulted them. They did not say anything. They did not do anything. They were just standing there.” The situation requires a full and transparent investigation, and a commitment from state and university officials to refrain from escalating conflicts when students are protesting injustice committed by our government.
Recommended Reading
‘Where Is the Palestinian Gandhi?‘ (New York Times, May 1, 2024) - Issa Amro, who has been arrested and beaten for simple acts of defiance, is trying to pursue nonviolent resistance in the West Bank at a time when violence has become inescapable.
State Revenues Add to Surplus, But Suggest Potential Trouble Ahead: Seven Takeaways from April Revenue Figures (NH Fiscal Policy Institute, May 6, 2024) – “[NHFPI’s] latest blog shares seven important take aways from April’s reported State revenue figures as well as what they might suggest about the future. Among these insights, the current surplus and revenue growth in the State Budget has been generated in large part by interest on temporary cash holdings as well as the Interest and Dividends Tax, which will soon be repealed.”
Last Week at the State House
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.
Last Week in the House
The House met in session on May 9. You can watch it here. Here are the outcomes for bills we are tracking.
On the Consent Calendar
CRIMINAL JUSTICE AND PUBLIC SAFETY
SB 426-FN, relative to the possession of controlled drugs in motor vehicles. This bill amends the requirements for transporting certain cannabis products in vehicles. OTP by DV, 194-160.
SB 508-FN, (New Title) 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 was amended to include a definition of antisemitism from the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA), including the examples of antisemitism set forth therein, and incorporated by reference in Presidential Executive Order Number 13899, 84 F.R. 68779, December 11, 2019. OTP-A by DV, 210-143.
EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENTS AND ADMINISTRATION
SB 481, relative to establishing Juneteenth, June 19, as an annual holiday. This bill establishes Juneteenth as an annual holiday. ITL by DV, 194-154.
LEGISLATIVE ADMINISTRATION
SB 605, relative to ethical standards for members of the general court. This bill defines "organization" for the purpose of determining the ethical duties of members of the general court. OTP-A by VV.
MUNICIPAL AND COUNTY GOVERNMENT
SB 531, relative to background checks of municipal health officers. This bill provides that municipalities shall be responsible for reviewing criminal background checks of nominated health officers, with oversight of appointments by the department of health and human services. The bill is a request of the department of health and human services. OTP by VV.
On the Regular Calendar
CHILD AND FAMILY
SB 459-FN, relative to the presumption of harm under the child protection act. This bill revises certain definitions under the child protection act, including the definitions of abused child, neglected child, and imminent harm. The bill also revises circumstances creating a rebuttable presumption of harm and removes the prospective repeal of the section. Finally, the bill expands the child abuse reporting requirement to include health care providers who treat a child under 13 years of age for a sexually transmitted disease. OTP-A by RC, 270-94.
ELECTION LAW
SB 537-FN, allowing the processing of absentee ballots. This bill allows for the preprocessing of absentee ballots. Indefinitely postponed by DV, 187-179.
JUDICIARY
SB 185-FN, relative to protective services for vulnerable adults and the definition of abandonment. This bill adds the definition of abandonment to the protective services to adults subdivision of RSA 161-F on elderly and adult services. ITL by DV, 188-171.
SB 413-FN, relative to civil actions for PFAS contamination. This bill creates a civil action for certain PFAS contamination. OTP-A by DV, 188-178.
SB 507-FN, extending the time to petition for a new trial in certain cases. This bill extends the time to petition a court for a new trial in certain cases. OTP by DV, 190-170.
MUNICIPAL AND COUNTY GOVERNMENT
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. OTP-A by RC, 184-177.
SB 532-FN, relative to requiring all municipalities and school governing bodies to post on their official town or school website within 30 days the amount of funds received by the state either by allocation or grant. OTP-A by VV.
RESOURCES, RECREATION AND DEVELOPMENT
SB 387-FN, relative to a state parks pass pilot program for recovery centers and community health centers. This bill requires the establishment of a 3-year pilot program for state parks passes for recovery centers and community health centers registered with the department of health and human services. Laid on the table.
Last Week in the Senate
The Senate did not meet in session last week.
Next Week in the House
The House will not meet in session on May 16. They will meet next on Thursday, May 23 at 9 AM.
Next 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.
Tuesday, May 14
LABOR, INDUSTRIAL AND REHABILITATIVE SERVICES, Room 307, LOB
9:00 AM Public hearing on proposed non-germane Amendment #2024-1865h to SB 330-FN, relative to allowing the ability to work from home to count toward unemployment benefits eligibility. The amendment allows the ability to work from home to count toward unemployment benefits eligibility and updated weekly unemployment benefit amount for total unemployment and maximum total amount of benefits payable with effective dates through January 1, 2027. Copies of the amendment are available on the General Court website.
TRANSPORTATION, Room 203, LOB
10:00 AM Continued executive session on SB 501, relative to driver licenses for noncitizens residing in New Hampshire; SB 358-FN, relative to invalidating out-of-state driver’s licenses issued to undocumented immigrants.
Wednesday, May 15
CRIMINAL JUSTICE AND PUBLIC SAFETY, Room 202-204, LOB
10:00 AM Continued executive session on SB 315-FN-L, relative to law enforcement agency reporting on information concerning bias crimes; SB 504-FN, relative to land in current use.
Next Week in the Senate
The Senate will meet in session on Wednesday, May 15 starting at 2 PM, and on Thursday, May 16 starting at 10 AM. You can watch the Wednesday session here, and the Thursday session here. Here are the bills we’re tracking which will be voted on.
On the Consent Calendar
ELECTION LAW AND MUNICIPAL AFFAIRS
HB 1125, relative to requiring public notice and comment at all county commissioner and delegation meetings. Committee recommends OTP.
HB 1596-FN, requiring a disclosure of deceptive artificial intelligence usage in political advertising. This bill requires the disclosure of deceptive synthetic media and deceptive and fraudulent deep fakes usage in political advertising. OTP-A, Vote 5-0.
EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENTS AND ADMINISTRATION
HB 1075, relative to abolishing daylight saving time. This bill provides that New Hampshire shall exempt itself from daylight saving time when Maine and Massachusetts also exempt themselves from daylight saving time. Committee recommends interim study.
HB 1451-FN, relative to mandatory overtime and the calculation of base rate of compensation. This bill provides that mandatory overtime shall be reported as part of the full base rate of compensation. Committee recommends OTP.
HB 1666-FN, relative to income reporting requirements for lobbyists. This bill requires lobbyists to identify clients and income received from lobbying activity. The bill also authorizes the secretary of state to enforce lobbyist statement requirements. Committee recommends OTP.
HB 1688-FN, relative to the use of artificial intelligence by state agencies. This bill prohibits state agencies from using artificial intelligence to manipulate, discriminate, or surveil members of the public. Committee recommends OTP.
HEALTH, HUMAN SERVICES AND ELDERLY AFFAIRS
HB 1568-FN, relative to Medicaid reimbursement for non-transport emergency medical services calls. Committee recommends OTP-A.
JUDICIARY
HB 1573-FN, relative to oversight of and criteria for residential placement of children. This bill revises criteria for the out-of-home placement of children and increases oversight and certification criteria for out-of-state residential treatment programs. The bill also expands the definition of abuse or neglect under RSA 169-C to include a child in certain residential placements. Committee recommends OTP-A.
On the Regular Calendar
EDUCATION
HB 1205, relative to women's school sports. This bill requires schools to designate athletics by sex and prohibits biological males from participating in female athletics. This bill further creates various causes of action based on violations of the provisions in the bill. Committee recommends OTP.
HB 1288-FN, relative to establishing certain due process rights for students, student organizations, and faculty members facing disciplinary actions by state institutions of higher learning. Committee recommends interim study.
HB 1298-FN, relative to the definition of part-time teachers. This bill defines "part-time teachers" and subjects them to the board of education's professional code of ethics and professional code of conduct. Committee recommends OTP-A.
HB 1312, requiring parental notification of student health or well-being and certain curricula by school districts. This bill expands notice requirements by school districts to parents for certain curriculum course material, and prohibits school districts from adopting policies that prohibit employees from notifying parents about students' well-being. Committee recommends OTP.
HB 1656-FN-L, relative to increasing the adequacy grant for pupils receiving special education services. Committee recommends interim study.
HB 1665-FN, relative to student eligibility for the education freedom accounts program. This bill changes the annual household income limit to qualify for the education freedom account program. Committee recommends OTP-A.
ELECTION LAW
HB 447-FN, relative to the purchase of election equipment. This bill allows grants to be given to cities and towns for the purchase of election equipment. Committee recommends ITL.
HB 463-FN, relative to the establishment of an election information portal. This bill authorizes the secretary of state to develop an election information portal. Committee recommends interim study.
HB 1105-FN-L, relative to application of a local tax cap. This bill provides clarification that all recommended appropriations in the warrant are included when determining the estimated amount of local taxes to be raised for the fiscal year under the local tax cap. Committee recommends OTP.
HB 1264-FN, relative to the definition of accessible voting systems. This bill directs cities and towns to enable access to voting for individuals with disabilities during elections. Committee recommends OTP.
HB 1313-FN-L, relative to access to the voter checklist by candidates. This bill enables municipalities to send a copy of the voter checklist electronically to candidates. Committee recommends OTP-A.
HB 1569-FN, relative to eliminating voter identification exceptions. This bill removes any exceptions for proving voter identification. This bill also removes the voter affidavits as proof of identification and repeals the procedures for affidavit ballots. Committee recommends OTP-A.
ENERGY AND NATURAL RESOURCES
HB 602-FN, relative to landfill siting. This bill establishes additional requirements for siting of landfills as permitted by the department of environmental services. Committee recommends interim study.
HB 1103-FN, relative to revising the penalties of the shoreland protection act. This bill revises the penalties of the shoreland protection act. Committee recommends OTP-A.
HB 1114, extending the commission to investigate and analyze the environmental and public health impacts relating to releases of perfluorinated chemicals in the air, soil, and groundwater in Merrimack, Bedford, Londonderry, and Litchfield. Committee recommends OTP.
HB 1145-FN, prohibiting the private ownership of landfills. This bill prohibits new solid waste landfill permits in the state for facilities owned by any person other than the state of New Hampshire or a political subdivision thereof. Committee recommends interim study.
HB 1620-FN, relative to suspending the issuance of new landfill permits until 2031. This bill requires the suspension of approval of new landfill permits by the department of environmental services until 2031. Committee recommends ITL.
HB 1649-FN, relative to prohibiting certain products with intentionally added PFAS. This bill restricts the use of per and polyfluoroalkyl substances in certain consumer products sold in New Hampshire. Committee recommends OTP-A.
EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENTS and ADMINISTRATION
CACR 13, slavery and involuntary servitude. This constitutional amendment concurrent resolution adds an article that prohibits slavery and involuntary servitude. The bill was amended in committee to add an exception to slavery abolition, drawing from the 13th amendment of the US Constitution: “except as a punishment for crime whereof the party shall have been duly convicted, shall exist within the United States, or any place subject to their jurisdiction.” Committee recommends OTP-A.
FINANCE
HB 1466-FN, relative to providing disaster relief funding to municipalities after a natural disaster. Committee recommends interim study.
HEALTH, HUMAN SERVICES and ELDERLY AFFAIRS
HB 1231, permitting qualifying patients and designated caregivers to cultivate cannabis for therapeutic use. Committee recommends interim study.
HB 1283-FN, relative to end of life options. This bill establishes a procedure for an individual with terminal illness to receive medical assistance in dying through the self administration of medication. The bill establishes criteria for the prescription of such medication and establishes reporting requirements and penalties for misuse or noncompliance. Committee recommends interim study.
HB 1349-FN, relative to generalized anxiety disorder as a qualifying condition for the therapeutic cannabis program. Committee recommends OTP.
HB 1660-FN, 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. Committee recommends OTP.
JUDICIARY
HB 318-FN-A, eliminating bail commissioners, and relative to the release of a defendant pending trial and establishing new circuit court judge positions. This bill eliminates bail commissioners; provides that judges shall set bail; amends the procedure for the release of a defendant pending trial; and requires the judicial branch to include in its budget funding for 3 new full-time circuit court judges. Committee recommends OTP-A.
HB 619-FN, prohibiting gender transition procedures for minors, relative to sex and gender in public schools, and relative to the definition of conversion therapy. This bill prohibits gender transition care for minors under 18 years of age, prohibits teaching about gender identity in public schools and changes the definition of conversion therapy. Committee recommends OTP.
HB 1539-FN, relative to annulling, resentencing, or discontinuing prosecution of certain cannabis offenses. Committee recommends interim study.
HB 1633-FN-A, 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. Committee recommends OTP-A.
HB 1711-FN, 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. Committee recommends ITL.
HB 1713-FN, relative to a defendant's presence during certain criminal proceedings. This bill requires that a defendant who is charged with or awaiting sentence for an offense punishable by life imprisonment or imprisonment of a maximum term of 15 years or more be present at every trial stage and at sentencing, subject to excusal for cause. The bill further permits a court to order the use of reasonable force in carrying out a transport order issued pursuant to this section of an incarcerated defendant who refuses to comply with that order. The bill further makes it a class A felony to knowingly violate this provision. Committee recommends OTP.
Next 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 here.
Tuesday, May 14
COMMERCE, Room 100, SH
9:30 AM HB 1291, relative to accessory dwelling unit uses allowed by right.
FINANCE, Room 103, SH
1:30 PM Hearing on proposed non-germane Amendment #2024-1873s, establishing a New Hampshire farm to school local food incentive pilot program and establishing and appropriating funds to the New Hampshire Canadian Trade Council Fund, to HB 1678-FN, establishing a New Hampshire farm to school local food incentive pilot program.
1:35 PM Hearing on proposed non-germane Amendment #2024-1885s, 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, to HB 1593-FN, making an appropriation to the department of health and human services to support recreational activities for individuals with developmental disabilities.
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.
May 15 - Senator Jeanne Shaheen, Dover District Office, 40 Central Avenue, Suite 205, Dover.
May 22 - Congressman Chris Pappas, Dover District Office, 660 Central Avenue, 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 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.
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.
#VoteTogetherNH Community Conversations - Join us on Fridays, 5 PM to 7 PM as we discuss issues that matter most to us and prepare to speak to our state and federal candidates over the coming weeks. At each of our events, we'll hear community members' stories about the issue, 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. Here's the schedule for the events that we have planned. All the events are free of charge. We can't wait to see you there!
May 24 - LGBTQ+ Rights - Concord Community Center, 14 Canterbury Rd, Concord, NH 03301
June 7 - Immigrant rights - Center for New Americans/YWCA, 72 Concord St, Manchester, NH 03101
Solid Foundations: Gubernatorial Candidate Forums on the Wellbeing of Kids in the Granite State - 10 AM to 11 AM – NH Institute of Politics, St. Anselm College, Manchester. Hosted by Save the Children Action Network. During this pivotal moment to invest in educating the public about the importance of issues facing New Hampshire families, particularly around early childhood education and child hunger.
May 13 – Kelly Ayotte
May 14 – Joyce Craig
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.
May 29 - Chuck Morse – 7 PM in Concord
June 20 - Joyce Craig – 12 PM in Manchester
June 21 - Cinde Warmington – 4 PM in Goffstown
Monday, May 13
Strengthening the Foundations of a Thriving Economy: Income and Poverty - 11 AM to 12 PM. Hosted by NH Fiscal Policy Institute. Despite New Hampshire having the lowest poverty rate among the 50 U.S. states as measured by the Official Poverty Measure, high housing costs and other living expenses indicate more hardships and financial insecurity for Granite Staters near the federal poverty threshold. NHFPI will share the latest information on income, poverty, and cost of living across New Hampshire, highlighting key challenges to household budgets and the effects of taxes on household finances.
Utility Justice: Volunteer Interest Meeting – 6 PM to 7 PM. Hosted by 350NH. 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! Come to our first volunteer interest meeting to learn more!
Tuesday, May 14
Public School Strong Training! - 6:30 PM to 8 PM. Hosted by HEAL Together. Join public school parents, family members and supporters from across the country to learn: - How to show your support for well-resourced and inclusive public schools - What to look for when you observe your school district's school board meeting - How to form a Public School Strong team in your school district - Ways to join a national movement to protect and transform public schools that serve all children.
Challenging Injustice and Building Peace: A Conversation with AFSC - 7 PM. Hosted by AFSC. Join staff leaders from AFSC to learn about our work for just and sustainable peace, just economies, and just responses to forced displacement and migration. Please register by Friday, May 10.
Wednesday, May 15 Tell the NH Senate: Vote Down All Anti-LGBTQ Bills! - 1 PM to 2 PM. State House, 107 N Main St. Concord. Hosted by 603 Equality. Join advocates to hold signs and talk to State Senators to vote down all anti-LGBTQ+ bills, all of which unfortunately received “Ought to Pass” recommendations from committees.
Thursday, May 16
Tell the NH Senate: Vote Down All Anti-LGBTQ Bills! - 9 AM to 10 AM. State House, 107 N Main St. Concord. Hosted by 603 Equality. Join advocates to hold signs and talk to State Senators to vote down all anti-LGBTQ+ bills, all of which unfortunately received “Ought to Pass” recommendations from committees.
NH Next: A Summit for Young Changemakers - 11:30 AM to 4 PM. The Factory On Willow 252 Willow St, Manchester. Hosted by Stay Work Play NH. Join other young changemakers, and those who aspire to create change. During this half-day summit, which includes lunch, you will hear from, and engage with, compelling young Granite Staters who have made an impact in New Hampshire in the arts, social justice, business, politics, and more.
How Organizers Build Power & Move Members to Action Workshop - 6 PM. Hosted by Open Democracy. Organizers across the state are building power and generating hundreds of local actions. Explore the topic of who has power. Discover what moves you and others to action. How do we invite more people into the democracy movement. We’ll discuss some strategies for organizing, building relationships and moving others to action.
Community Power and Choosing Alternate Power Companies - 6:30 PM - 7:30 PM. Hosted by UU Action. Learn about Community Power in NH and about choosing alternate power companies. Ask questions!
Run for Office 101: State Representative - 7 PM. Hosted by 603 Forward. Are you considering a run for State Representative? We’re here to help! Join us to learn what it means to be a State Representative and learn some campaign best practices.
Wednesday, May 22
Shades of Progress: A Business Alliance for People of Color Conference - 8 AM to 2 PM. Grappone Conference Center, 70 Constitution Avenue, Concord. Hosted by Business Alliance for People of Color. Join our inaugural, groundbreaking conference dedicated to empowering the Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) community and Main Street business community in New Hampshire. This event is not just limited to BIPOC professionals; it welcomes leaders and organizations from all backgrounds to come together in a spirit of collaboration, support, and empowerment.
Modern Tools of Advocacy and Activism - 6 PM to 7 PM. Hosted by Open Democracy. Do you want to be more involved in online advocacy and activism? Join us to learn the basics of digital advocacy across the popular social media platforms of today. Explore the ins and outs of how to best utilize social media to increase the visibility of your posts, and which platform is best to reach different demographics.
Tuesday, May 28
Migration Justice Webinar Series: Employment and Worker Rights - 7 PM. Hosted by AFSC. Please join AFSC staff from Oregon and from the Central Valley in California to learn about issues faced by immigrant workers in various sectors. We will offer an analysis of the current conditions and some ideas and opportunities for advocacy to ensure that all workers are able to access labor protections. This webinar will be bilingual in English and Spanish.
Mark your calendar for the next virtual event for AFSC’s “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.
June 25 – Hard Conversations
Thursday, May 30
Art Book Reception - 5 PM to 7 PM. Millyard Museum 250 Bedford St, Manchester. Hosted by Youth Success Project. The Art Book is comprised of art from young people with lived experience of homelessness and is designed to provide a platform for youth and young adults to share their experiences with the larger New Hampshire community. Join us in showcasing our Art Book and celebrating the young artists who made it possible!
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 Quijote, a petting zoo provided by McDonny's, yard games, family-friendly activities, and free giveaways!
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 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.
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.
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