State House Watch: May 19, 2024

“Holy ones we are stoking the fire of hope
in an empire that feeds on our hopelessness
and believes all fire must be destructive
we believe in the rings of fire
that encircle every portal of transformation.”
- adrienne maree brown, prayer for palestine – hope in the face of hopelessness

May 19, 2024

Greetings, State House Watchers! 

We’re celebrating college and university graduates this week, with extra cheers for the Columbia university faculty and staff who organized a People’s Graduation for students in New York whose official ceremonies were cancelled due to the unrest on campuses as students called for divestment from companies profiting from Israel’s bombardment of Gaza. (AFSC has produced an excellent resource page for divestment campaigns; check it out.)

For graduates and others who might be looking for a job right now, we want to lift up that New Hampshire Peace Action is hiring an Executive Director; Black Lives Matter NH is hiring an Executive Director and a Youth Outreach Coordinator, and 350NH is hiring a Youth Campaign Director. AFSC-NH is hiring too! We’re looking for an Interfaith Organizer (one year fellowship, paid, full-time, with benefits), and for leadership team members for Change for Concord. Please share these exciting opportunities!

It was a difficult week at the State House. The NH Senate met in session for two days during which they approved multiple bills that would harm LBGTQ+ people, in particular transgender young adults. Senators passed HB 1205, requiring schools to designate athletics by sex and prohibiting biological males from participating in female athletics; HB 1312, which bans policies that would allow students' privacy for conversations regarding sexuality; and HB 619, to require a person to attain the age of majority for genital gender reassignment surgery, denying access to medical procedures for transgender teen girls. Read more here, and here. We recommend this op-ed from Angel Simone of the Trevor Project: “New Hampshire’s LGBTQ+ Youth need support, not political attack.” The bills now head to Governor Sununu’s desk; we need to urge him to veto these harmful measures. Call him today (603-271-2121)!

Senators also passed two bills that will make it harder for people to vote: HB 1370 and HB 1569-FN, both of which relate to eliminating voter identification exceptions. HB 1569 also removes the voter affidavits as proof of identification and repeals the procedures for affidavit ballots. Read more here. To quote our friends at the NH Campaign for Voting Rights, these bills “only serve to disenfranchise eligible voters, while deceptively claiming to solve a problem that is virtually nonexistent.” 

In mixed news, Senators unanimously approved CACR 13, a proposed amendment to the NH Constitution that would abolish slavery in New Hampshire. Sadly, senators voted along party lines to add an exception clause so that slavery is abolished except for those who are being punished for a crime. This is the same problematic exception that exists in the US Constitution and was the subject of Ava DuVernay’s powerful documentary, “Thirteenth.”  We hope that House members will hold firm with their version of CACR 13, which doesn’t have the exception. Read more here.

We’re glad to see that senators approved HB 1649, which will prohibit certain products containing  PFAs, also known as “forever chemicals,” from coming into the state. Read more here. The bill will get one more review, in Senate Finance, and return to the full Senate for a final vote.

We’re also pleased that senators passed HB 1633, which establishes procedures for the legalization, regulation, and taxation of cannabis, and the licensing and regulation of cannabis establishments. This is the first time that the NH Senate has approved such a measure, and they did so with bipartisan support. The matter is far from resolved, as lawmakers will need to reconcile differences between the House and Senate versions while trying to ensure that the final version is approved by the governor. Read more here.

Lastly, we’re relieved that the House Labor Committee has unanimously recommended defeat for SB 517, a bill which would have eroded worker rights for college and university students who are employed as resident advisors. We hope the full Senate confirms this recommendation when they take it up next week.

ACTION ALERTS

Protect LGBTQ+ Rights 
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 Senate was due to vote on this bill last week, but it has been special ordered to the beginning of the session on May 22. Please contact your own Senator and urge them to oppose this harmful bill.

It is time to put pressure on Governor Sununu to use his veto power and honor his stated commitment to end discrimination against LGBTQ+ people in NH. Please call him at 603-271-2121 and tell him to veto any anti-LGBTQ bills that arrive to his desk.

Support Community Health
Support SB 403, relative to the health care workforce. This positive bill would grow NH’s health care workforce by providing voluntary certification for Community Healthy Workers. The full House will vote on this bill on May 23. Please urge your Representatives to support this bill. Learn more and take action with our friends at New Futures. 

SB 499, relative to reduction of hunger for children, older adults, and people with disabilities. From our friends at New Futures: “As amended this bill aims to reduce hunger for NH’s children, older adults, and people with disabilities. Unfortunately, the House Finance Committee Majority has introduced an amendment that would gut the bill and remove every section that feeds NH kids.” The full House will vote on this bill on May 23. Please urge your Representatives to vote down the majority-approved amendment (#2024-1957h), and instead support the minority’s amendment (#2024-1917h).

Protect Public Education
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. The Senate Education committee recommends OTP-A. The full Senate will vote on this bill on May 22. Please contact your own Senator and urge them to defeat this bill. If passed, the Senate version will need to go back to House for a concurrence vote.

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. The full Senate will vote on this bill on May 22. Please contact your own Senator and urge them to defeat this bill. 

HB 1311, this bill requires school boards to adopt policies governing library media collections and the reconsideration of library materials. From our friends at Granite State Progress: “The Freedom to Read bill (HB 1311) passed the NH House with bipartisan support. Most of us recognize that the Freedom to Read is an important and critical part of our democracy. As passed by the House, the bill ensures every Granite State student, parent, and educator can refer to a policy that states the criteria for selection and reconsideration of materials in their school library; ensures that students of every gender, race, and ability are able to see themselves represented, and that content is not removed from a library simply because of the characters or author viewpoint or aspects of their identities like age, sex, gender identity, race, creed, color, marital status, familial status, physical or mental disability, national origin or sexual orientation; ensures that materials that are challenged are kept on the shelves while the challenge is taking place; and keeps best-practice policies for school library collections flexible for local districts. Unfortunately, the NH Senate amended the bill in damaging ways that jeopardize the ability for students to read and learn.” Please contact your own Senator and urge them to defeat the amendment and to pass the House version of HB 1311.

And join Granite State Progress for a “Read-in” on Wednesday, May 22nd, from 10-11 AM before the NH State Senate votes! RSVP on Facebook!

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. The House Transportation Committee recommends OTP. The full House will vote on this bill on May 23. Please contact your own Representatives and urge them to pass this helpful bill.

OPPOSE SB 358, relative to invalidating out-of-state driver licenses issued to undocumented immigrants. The House Transportation Committee recommends ITL. The full House will vote on this bill on May 23. Please contact your own Representatives and urge them to oppose this harmful bill.

OPPOSE HB 1118, relative to the issuance of driver licenses for noncitizens temporarily residing in New Hampshire. 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. Senate Judiciary has referred the bill for interim study. The full Senate will vote on this bill on May 23. Please contact your own Senator and urge them to oppose this harmful bill.

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 is now open. We urge you to share your comments.

Ceasefire and Divestment Now
As Israel expanded its airstrikes and sent tanks into Rafah last week, hundreds of thousands of Palestinians have fled the area, including AFSC staff. Israel has also prevented food, medicine, and other life-saving aid from entering Gaza. In this video, AFSC’s Kerri Kennedy shares a firsthand account from our staff on the ground. Amid the worsening situation, AFSC staff partners managed to deliver food parcels to displaced families in Al Amal camp, but more is desperately needed.

In New Hampshire, there is continued backlash against UNH administration and Governor Sununu for their reckless responses to student protests calling for ceasefire and divestment. Read more here. We appreciate this searing commentary from Jen Eris of Newmarket: Sununu called your kids antisemites.

Recommended Reading
Part 1: “Unbuild Walls”: Detention Watch’s Silky Shah on Debunking Immigration Myths & Embracing Abolition (Democracy Now, May 14, 2024)

Part 2: Silky Shah: Immigrant Justice Needs Abolition as Democrats Backslide on Biden’s Reform Vows (Democracy Now, May 14, 2024)

Annual Price of 2023 Child Care for Two Granite State Children Under Five Averaged Nearly $32,000 (NH Fiscal Policy Institute, May 15, 2024) – “For many Granite State families with two children under five, $31,868 in annual child  care expenditures will be their single highest annual expense, exceeding housing, food, and health care costs.”

Op-Ed: History, Politics, and Law Come Alive in Story of Elizabeth Gurley Flynn’s Historical Marker (Arnie Alpert, in the Concord Monitor, May 14, 2024)

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 did not meet in session last week. 

Last Week in the Senate
The Senate met in session on May 15 & 16. Here are the outcomes on the bills we are tracking.

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. OTP by VV.
HB 1596-FN, requiring a disclosure of deceptive artificial intelligence usage in political advertising. This bill requires the disclosure of media created using artificial intelligence and deepfakes used in political advertising. OTP-A by VV.

EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENTS an ADMINISTRATION
HB 1075, relative to abolishing daylight saving time. This bill provides that New Hampshire shall exempt itself from daylight saving time when authorized to do so by the United States Congress. Referred to interim study by VV.
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. OTP by VV. 
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. OTP by VV. 
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. OTP by VV.

HEALTH, HUMAN SERVICES and ELDERLY AFFAIRS
HB 1568-FN, relative to reimbursement for ambulance services under the state Medicaid plan. This bill directs the department of health and human services to submit an amendment to the state Medicaid plan regarding reimbursement for ambulance services. OTP-A by VV.

JUDICIARY
HB 1573-FN, making an appropriation to the department of health and human services to enhance oversight of children in residential placements. This bill requires court-ordered residential treatment programs for children to be licensed and certified by the department of health and human services. The bill directs the department to establish certification teams to make monitoring visits and ensure compliance with certification criteria. The bill makes an appropriation to the department of health and human services for this purpose and requires the department to submit a report regarding implementation. OTP-A by VV.

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 22 violations of the provisions in the bill. OTP by RC, 13Y-10N.
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. Referred to interim study by VV.
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. Special ordered to May 22 or 23. Committee recommends OTP-A by VV.
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. OTP by RC, 13Y-10N.
HB 1656-FN-L, relative to increasing the adequacy grant for pupils receiving special education services. Referred to interim study by VV.
HB 1665-FN, relative to student eligibility for the education freedom accounts program. This bill increases the annual household income limit to qualify for the education freedom account program.  Special ordered to May 22 or 23. 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. ITL by VV.
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. OTP-A by RC, 12Y-11N.
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. OTP by RC, 13Y-10N.
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. OTP by VV.
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. OTP-A by VV.
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. OTP by RC, 12Y-11N.

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. Referred to interim study by VV.
HB 1103-FN, relative to revising the penalties of the shoreland protection act. OTP-A by VV.
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. OTP-A by VV.
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. Referred to interim study by VV.
HB 1620-FN, relative to suspending the issuance of new landfill permits. This bill requires the suspension of approval of new landfill permits by the department of environmental services until 2028.  ITL by VV.
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. The bill also makes appropriations to the department of environmental services to fund an additional position and to fund the PFAS products control program. OTP-A by VV.

EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENTS and ADMINISTRATION
CACR 13,  relating to slavery and involuntary servitude. Providing that slavery and involuntary servitude shall be prohibited in the state of New Hampshire. 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.” OTP-A by RC, 24Y-0N.

FINANCE
HB 1466-FN, relative to providing disaster relief funding to municipalities after a natural disaster. Referred to interim study by VV.

HEALTH, HUMAN SERVICES and ELDERLY AFFAIRS
HB 1231, permitting qualifying patients and designated caregivers to cultivate cannabis for therapeutic use. Referred to interim study by VV.
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. Referred to interim study by RC, 17Y-7N.
HB 1349-FN, relative to generalized anxiety disorder as a qualifying condition for the therapeutic cannabis program. Special ordered to May 22 or 23. 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. Special ordered to May 22 or 23. Committee recommends OTP.

JUDICIARY
HB 318-FN-A, relative to bail commissioners, the standards applicable to and the administration of bail, and making an appropriation. This bill makes various amendments governing the standards applicable to and the administration of bail, as well as the penalties for violations of bail conditions; authorizes counties to establish criteria concerning a criminal defendant's ability to repay the costs of electronic monitoring; makes amendments to the amount of the bail commissioner's fee and the process to pay this fee, and makes other amendments to the duties and educational requirements for bail commissioners; establishes a judicial training coordinator and establishes training requirements for judges and certain judicial employees; and makes an appropriation to the judicial branch. OTP-A by RC, 22Y-1N.
HB 619-FN, to require a person to attain the age of majority for genital gender reassignment surgery. The bill prohibits gender reassignment surgery for minors under 18 years of age.  OTP by RC, 13Y-10N.
HB 1539-FN, relative to annulling, resentencing, or discontinuing prosecution of certain cannabis offenses. Referred to interim study by VV.
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. OTP-A by RC, 14Y-9N.
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. Laid on table.
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. Laid on table.

Next Week in the House
The House will meet next on Thursday, May 23 at 9 AM. You can watch it here. Here are the bills we’re tracking.

On the Consent Calendar

COMMERCE
SB 173-FN, relative to surprise medical bills. This bill enacts, at the state level, the same requirements and prohibitions as exist under the federal No Surprises Act (NSA) regarding payments to, and billing by, out-of-network providers of emergency medical services and out-of-network providers of any health care service rendered at an in-network facility. Committee recommends OTP.
SB 399-FN, relative to insurance coverage for blood testing associated with elevated lead levels. This bill provides that health insurance coverage for blood lead testing shall not be subject to a co-payment, deductible, or coinsurance. The bill also requires coverage for follow-up blood testing that is necessary to complete the preventive screening when the initial blood testing indicates an elevated blood lead level or is inconclusive. Committee recommends OTP.

CRIMINAL JUSTICE and PUBLIC SAFETY
SB 315-FN-L, relative to law enforcement agency reporting on information concerning bias crimes. This bill requires a law enforcement agency operating within New Hampshire to collect and report information concerning bias crimes as prescribed by the division of state police. Committee recommends OTP.
SB 321-FN, relative to the release of a defendant pending trial. This bill revises the standard for release of a defendant pending trial following multiple failures to appear. Committee recommends interim study.
SB 425, relative to bail commissioner fees. This bill increases the bail commissioner fee to $60. Committee recommends interim study.
SB 504-FN, relative to land in current use. This bill provides that the owner of land in current use and designated as open space may post that such land is restricted to use for public recreation only.  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. This bill has been amended to include language about magistrates and their role in bail hearings which was removed by the Senate from HB 318. Committee recommends OTP-A. 

ELECTION LAW
SB 534-FN, relative to campaign finance. This bill makes various changes to the laws that regulate the financing of political campaigns. Committee recommends OTP-A.

FINANCE 
SB 362-FN, relative to body-worn cameras. This bill directs the New Hampshire law enforcement accreditation commission to issue a report concerning the issues implicated by copying, distribution, or use of body worn camera images in certain proceedings. Committee recommends OTP.

LABOR, INDUSTRIAL and REHABILITATIVE SERVICES
SB 517, relative to the employment status of university students working in educational programs. This bill would remove certain labor rights from college and university resident assistants. Committee recommends ITL.

SPECIAL COMMITTEE on HOUSING
SB 408, establishing a committee to study the effects of the housing crisis on the disability community. The committee found that this bill is not necessary because the House and Senate have passed a very similar bill (HB 1168).  Committee recommends ITL.

On the Regular Calendar

CRIMINAL JUSTICE and PUBLIC SAFETY
SB 418-FN, relative to refusal of consent to testing to determine alcohol concentration and penalties for aggravated driving while intoxicated. This bill modifies periods of suspension under different circumstances stemming from a refusal of consent to testing to determine alcohol concentration. This bill further modifies the penalties for aggravated driving while intoxicated. Committee recommends OTP.

EDUCATION 
SB 340, relative to communication between parents and school districts regarding special education. This bill provides that the school district may provide information regarding a child's special education program by electronic mail unless the parent elects to receive such information by U.S. mail. Committee recommends OTP. 

ELECTION LAW 
CACR 22, relating to the New Hampshire presidential primary. This constitutional amendment concurrent resolution establishes the New Hampshire presidential primary as the first such electoral contest in the nation. Without recommendation.

FINANCE 
SB 217-FN-A, establishing a rural and underserved area educator incentive program for higher education and making an appropriation therefor. Committee recommends ITL.
SB 337-FN, relative to doula and lactation service provider certification. This bill directs the office of professional licensure and certification to establish a voluntary certification process for doula and lactation service providers. Committee recommends OTP.
SB 403-FN, relative to the healthcare workforce. This bill extends the deadlines of the legislative commission on the interdisciplinary primary care workforce issues; makes clarifying amendments to the home health care provider and nurse practice act statutes; establishes the position of and regulation of community health workers; and establishes various programs and provides appropriations therefor focused on community health and health care employment. Committee recommends OTP.
SB 404-FN, relative to expanding child care professionals' eligibility for the child care scholarship program. This bill establishes a child care assistance program for the child care workforce and makes an appropriation to the department of health and human services for this purpose. Committee recommends OTP-A.
SB 409-FN, relative to reimbursement for ambulance services under the state Medicaid plan. This bill directs the department of health and human services to submit an amendment to the state Medicaid plan regarding reimbursement for ambulance services. Committee recommends OTP-A.
SB 453-FN-A, making an appropriation to the statewide voter registration system. Committee recommends interim study. 
SB 476-FN, making a capital appropriation to the department of corrections toward the replacement of the New Hampshire state prison for men. This bill makes a bonded appropriation of funds for architectural, engineering, programming, and design and construction documents for the New Hampshire state prison for men. Committee recommends OTP.
SB 499-FN, relative to reduction of hunger for children, older adults, and people with disabilities. This bill directs the department of education to expand options for free and reduced priced meals to students and directs the department of health and human services to implement a summer EBT program to provide assistance to families with children eligible for free and reduced price meals over the summer. The bill also directs the department of health and human services to participate in the elderly simplified application project within the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program to provide food assistance to eligible older adults and people with disabilities. Committee recommends OTP-A. 
SB 567-FN,  directing the commissioner of the department of health and human services to compile a report on the availability of mifepristone and misoprostol. Committee recommends ITL. 
SB 591-FN-A, modifying definitions, claims procedures, and funding relating to the youth development center settlement fund and claims administration. Committee recommends OTP-A. 

HEALTH, HUMAN SERVICES and ELDERLY AFFAIRS
SB 402, relative to allowing pharmacists to administer influenza, COVID-19, and other FDA licensed vaccines without explicit approval from the general court. Committee recommends OTP-A. 
SB 411-FN, establishing a committee to study emergency mental health services for persons 21 years of age and younger in New Hampshire. Committee recommends OTP. 
SB 461, requiring health care providers to report certain information about abortions performed to their medical facility, and requiring those medical facilities to report the information to the department of health and human services. This bill requires health care providers to report certain information about abortions performed to their medical facility, and requiring those medical facilities to report the information to the department of health and human services for statistical purposes. Committee recommends ITL. 

LABOR, INDUSTRIAL and REHABILITATIVE SERVICES
SB 330-FN, relative to allowing the ability to work from home to count toward unemployment benefits eligibility. This bill repeals disqualification for unemployment benefits for those not available for work outside a home. Committee recommends OTP-A. 

SPECIAL COMMITTEE on HOUSING 
SB 527, relative to student housing. This bill includes student housing in municipal workforce housing regulations. Committee recommends OTP-A.

TRANSPORTATION  
SB 358-FN, relative to invalidating out-of-state driver's licenses issued to undocumented immigrants. Committee recommends ITL. 
SB 501, relative to driver licenses for noncitizens residing in New Hampshire. This bill authorizes the department of motor vehicles to issue driver's licenses to noncitizens lawfully present in the United States. Committee recommends OTP. 

Next Week in House Committees
There are no regular House committee hearings next week.

Next Week in the Senate
The Senate will meet in session on May 22 starting at 11 AM, and May 23 starting at 10 AM. You can watch the May 22 session here, and the May 23 session here. Here are the bills we’re tracking.

On the Consent Calendar

ELECTION LAW   
HB 115, relative to changing the date of the state primary election. This bill changes the date of the state primary election to the third Tuesday in August. Committee recommends OTP-A.
HB 1091, relative to the financing of political campaigns. This bill makes various changes to the laws that regulate the financing of political campaigns. Committee recommends OTP-A.

ENERGY and NATURAL RESOURCES
HB 1221, relative to including solid waste landfills in the definition of development of regional impact. This bill includes solid waste landfills in the definition of development of regional impact, for review by local land use boards. Committee recommends OTP-A.
HB 1490, relative to the solid waste management act. This bill makes various changes to the solid waste management act. Committee recommends OTP.
HB 1499, establishing a committee to study the civilian clean energy, community resilience, and conservation corps. Committee recommends OTP.

EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENTS and ADMINISTRATION
HB 1474, relative to the commission on Native American affairs. This bill amends the procedures and duties of the commission on Native American affairs. Committee recommends OTP-A.

JUDICIARY
HB 1169-FN, 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.

On the Regular Calendar

HEALTH, HUMAN SERVICES and ELDERLY AFFAIRS
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.

CAPITAL BUDGET 
HB 1043, relative to the capital appropriations for the legislative parking garage design and police standards and training council facility improvements. This bill allows the unspent capital appropriation for the design of the Legislative Parking Garage to transfer to the State House Capitol Complex and specifies police standards and training council facility improvements. Committee recommends OTP.

COMMERCE 
HB 1291, relative to accessory dwelling unit uses allowed by right. This bill increases the number of accessory dwelling units allowed by right from one to 2, adds definitions, and increases the maximum square footage.  It also gives municipalities the right to require that accessory units meet the definition for workforce housing. Committee recommends interim study.
HB 1400, relative to residential parking spaces. This bill provides that zoning and planning regulations shall not require more than one residential parking space per unit. Committee recommends OTP-A.

EDUCATION 
HB 1014, relative to instruction in government and civics, including information on election laws and voting. This bill includes instruction on information on the laws governing elections and voting in the required instruction in national and state history and government and civics. Committee recommends OTP.
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 1311, relative to school district collection development and reconsideration policies. This bill requires school boards to adopt policies governing library media collections and the reconsideration of library materials. Committee recommends OTP-A.
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 1119, relative to absentee ballots. This bill makes provisions for procuring an absentee ballot during a weather emergency. Committee recommends interim study.

ENERGY and NATURAL RESOURCES
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, Hudson and Litchfield. This bill extends for 5 years 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, Hudson, and Litchfield. Committee recommends OTP.

FINANCE 
HB 1678-FN, establishing a New Hampshire farm to school local food incentive pilot program. Committee recommends OTP.

HEALTH and HUMAN SERVICES
HB 1093, prohibiting mandatory mask policies in schools. This bill prohibits school boards and other public education agencies from adopting, enforcing, or implementing a policy that requires students or members of the public to wear a facial covering. Committee recommends OTP.
HB 1278-FN, relative to qualifying medical conditions for purposes of therapeutic cannabis. This bill adds debilitating or terminal medical conditions to the qualifying medical conditions for therapeutic cannabis if a health care provider certifies the potential benefit to the patient.  The bill also removes certain limitations on a qualifying visiting patient's access to cannabis. Committee recommends OTP.
HB 1349-FN, relative to generalized anxiety disorder as a qualifying condition for the therapeutic cannabis program. Committee recommends OTP.

JUDICIARY 
HB 396, permitting classification of individuals based on biological sex under certain limited circumstances. This bill permits classification of individuals based on biological sex in lavatory facilities and locker rooms, sporting competitions, and detention facilities. Committee recommends OTP.
HB 1118, relative to the issuance of drivers' licenses for aliens temporarily residing in New Hampshire. This bill further delineates requirements regarding issuance of nonresident alien driver licenses. Committee recommends interim study.
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.

TRANSPORTATION 
HB 2024, relative to the state 10-year transportation improvement plan. This bill adopts the 2025-2034 10-year transportation plan; adds and removes certain project to the plan; increases funding for certain projects in the plan; requires that all rail removed from a portion of the Conway Branch rail line be used to offset construction costs of the portion's rail bed; and reclassifies Continental Boulevard in the town of Merrimack as a class V highway. Committee recommends OTP-A.

Next Week in Senate Committees
There are no regular Senate committee hearings next week.

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 22 - Congressman Chris Pappas, Dover District Office, 660 Central Avenue, Dover. 
May 29 – Senator Jeanne Shaheen, Dover District Office, 340 Central Avenue, Suite 205. Dover.

Every Thursday 
Meeting for Worship with Attention to Peace in Palestine & Israel - 5:30 PM. Hosted by AFSC.

Solemn Vigils for Ceasefire Now – 12 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  

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 20
Peace & Justice Conversations: Freedom Flotilla to Gaza 2024 - 7 PM to 8 PM. Hosted by NH Peace Action. Join us for a conversation with activist Cathy Hoffman who was part of the non-violence training team for the 2024 Gaza Flotilla, the largest attempted flotilla since the Mavi Marmara in 2010 in which Israeli elite forces killed 10 participants. The 2024 Flotilla included more than 400 participants from Europe, the US, the Middle and Far East, and Australia bringing different traditions to bear to challenge the illegal blockade of Gaza. As a long-time nonviolence direct action participant and trainer, Cathy will share some of the inspirations and challenges in nonviolence from her work and this experience and her reflections on non-violence in an international context.

Tuesday, May 21
Write to Governor Sununu: Veto Anti-Trans Legislation! - 4 PM to 7 PM. 85 N. State St. Concord. Hosted by New Futures & NAMI NH. Several bills that would negatively impact the lives of transgender and nonbinary people in New Hampshire are on their way to the Governor’s desk. Join us in thanking Governor Sununu for his stated commitment to ending discrimination in NH and asking that he continue to support LGBTQ+ Granite Staters by vetoing any legislation that targets our trans and nonbinary community members!
 
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.

May Squad Orientation: Welcome To The Squad - 6 PM to 7 PM. Hosted by United We Dream. The Squad is a group of fierce Change Makers from across the country committed to winning dignity and permanent protections for our immigrant communities. We fight beyond a pathway to citizenship to ensure future generations thrive in this country. In this introductory gathering, you’ll learn who The Squad is, what teams are there to join, and how to get started

Tuesday, May 28
Unstacking the Deck – 6 PM to 7 PM. Nashua Public Library - 2 Court St. Nashua. Hosted by Open Democracy. Join us for this unique community event where we will explore empowering small donors to break the cycle of racial exclusion in our democracy and economy. Learn more about the cards we are being dealt by our current campaign finance system while playing our democracy card game, and then we will gather together for a community discussion about what actions we can take to unstack the deck to better support the disenfranchised and have our democracy more accurately reflect the will of the people again.

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 1
Ready, Set, Lead: A Run for Office Workshop - 10 AM to 5 PM. Hosted by 603 Forward. This interactive, all-day workshop will leave you with the tools to run a successful campaign and ground you in advanced campaign essentials: communicating your message, crafting your campaign plan, raising money, and contacting voters.We'll be joined by best-in-class partner organizations and experienced New Hampshire campaign operatives who will lend their expertise to ensure you have everything you need to get started on the right track to win.

Monday, June 3
Peace and Justice Conversations: Unarmed Civilian Protection - 7 PM to 8 PM. Hosted by NH Peace Action. Join us for a conversation with co-founder of Nonviolent Peaceforce (NP), Mel Duncan who has helped to demonstrate the effectiveness of unarmed, professional civilian peacekeeping. NP has worked for over 20 years with local, national and ​international organizations and has been highly regarded in its ability to reduce violence, defuse tension, and provide protection to individuals and small groups. Mel is now pulling together a proposal and raising funds to mobilize 100 well-trained veteran unarmed civilian protection workers to go to Gaza and the West Bank.  Join us to learn more about the concept and practice of unarmed civilian protection.

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.

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!