State House Watch: May 27, 2024

"It is not enough to say, 'We must not wage war.' It is necessary to love peace and sacrifice for it. We must concentrate not merely on the negative expulsion of war, but the positive affirmation of peace." – Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. (February 25, 1967)

Greetings, State House Watchers! 

This Memorial Day, we remember all who have died in war—and call for a world without violence and conflict. We also recognize those who have courageously objected to war. Read more about how individuals and communities resisted the war in Vietnam, with photos from AFSC’s archives. 

Friends, the final phase of the 2024 legislative session is upon us. As of last week’s deadline, the House and Senate have completed their regular work on all bills. Some bills are already headed to the governor’s desk for signature, and others will face more votes. Read on for details about what’s next.

But first, here are some developments from last week, which is mostly a list of terrible decisions by the Senate majority.

We were pleased that the House approved SB 501, a bill that authorizes the department of motor vehicles to issue driver's licenses to noncitizens lawfully present in the United States. The House also voted to defeat an anti-immigrant bill, SB 358, relative to invalidating out-of-state driver licenses issued to undocumented immigrants. Within hours, however, the Senate majority had added the language of SB 358 to another bill, so the harmful provisions are now included as an amendment to HB 1127. 

Similarly, the Senate majority revived SB 563, the bill that would mandate that local and state law enforcement engage in federal immigration enforcement. The bill had been tabled in the House a few weeks ago, but the Senate majority added the language to HB 1292 so that the House will have to consider it again. We are urging House members to defeat both HB 1127 and HB 1292 because both bills have been poisoned.

We want to thank Senators Whitley and Chandley for speaking clearly and with urgency in opposition to these actions on the Senate floor. Their insistence that immigrants are valued members of our communities and deserving of fair treatment is a much-needed counterpoint to the false, dehumanizing, and dangerous narratives about immigrants nationally, in New Hampshire electoral politics, and in the proceedings of the NH state legislature.

Continuing along party lines, Senators approved a bill that will erode the nondiscrimination protections for transgender people which were passed into law in 2018. HB 396 permits the classification of individuals based on biological sex in lavatory facilities and locker rooms, sporting competitions, and detention facilities. Read more here.

There was disappointing news for public education last week as well, as the Senate passed HB 1665-FN, which will expand eligibility to 400% of the federal poverty line for the education freedom accounts program. Senators also approved HB 1298, relative to the definition of part-time teachers. Before passing the bill, the Senate majority amended it to say that “A part-time teacher is not required to hold a state board of education credential provided that they work less than 30 hours per week.” Read more here.

Senators also passed HB 1311, which requires school boards to adopt policies governing library media collections and the reconsideration of library materials. What had passed the House, with bipartisan support, was a commonsense approach to managing collections at school libraries and ensuring a diverse collection of materials. Unfortunately, the bill was ruined in the Senate by an amendment from Senator Lang which could fuel further efforts in school districts to ban books that tell true history or acknowledge diverse identities.

We’re also frustrated that Senators voted to indefinitely postpone HB 1291, which would have expanded the right to build accessory dwelling units thereby increasing the housing supply. Read more here.

In good news, the House passed SB 403, relative to the health care workforce. This positive bill would grow NH’s health care workforce by providing voluntary certification for Community Health Workers. Differences with the Senate version will need to be agreed to by the Senate or reconciled in a CoC.

And more good news! The House passed SB 499, relative to reduction of hunger for children, older adults, and people with disabilities, and appropriating $1.1 million for a summer food assistance program. If the bill is signed into law, it will leverage millions more in federal food aid for the state. Read more here. 

Concur, Nonconcur, or Request a Committee of Conference
When each body meets in session on Thursday, May 30, lawmakers will consider the fate of bills that have passed both the House and Senate but with differences due to amendments. Members of the body where the bill originated will have to decide one of three things: To 'concur' with the other body's version of their bill, which means the amended version of the bill goes to the governor's desk; to 'nonconcur,' which means the bill dies; or to 'nonconcur and request a committee of conference (CoC),' which means there will be an attempt to reconcile the two versions. If the other body agrees to a CoC, then members are selected and the CoC will meet at least once to try to reach agreement. If the CoC reaches agreement on a final version, this final version of the bill will return to one or both bodies for an up or down vote and the bill will either pass or be defeated. If the CoC can't reach agreement, the bill is defeated. 

Scroll down for the list of bills we’re tracking which will be acted upon when the House and Senate meet on May 30.

ACTION ALERTS

Abolish Slavery in NH 
Last week Senators unanimously approved CACR 13, a proposed amendment to the NH Constitution that would abolish slavery in New Hampshire, but they 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. The House version of the bill does not include this exception. Please add your name (individuals and organizations) to this sign on letter to all House and Senate members, urging them to agree to a Committee of Conference to restore the bill to the House version. Signatures are due by the end of the day on Tuesday, May 28.

Also, please urge your own Representatives to nonconcur with the Senate version of the bill and request a Committee of Conference. And please urge your Senator to accept the House’s request for a Committee of Conference. 

Support Immigrant Communities 
When the House convenes on Thursday, May 30, we urge them to defeat two bills that have been amended to become harmful anti-immigrant bills:

Nonconcur on HB 1127, relative to the revocation and suspension of drivers' licenses and to invalidating out-of-state driver's licenses issued to undocumented immigrants. The Senate amended the bill by adding the language of SB 358, relative to invalidating out-of-state driver's licenses issued to undocumented immigrants. Please urge your Representatives to nonconcur with the Senate version of the bill. 

Nonconcur on HB 1292, relative to coverage of children under the state retiree insurance plan and relative to federal immigration enforcement. The Senate amended the bill by adding the federal mandate language of SB 563, which will require local law enforcement to engage in federal immigration enforcement. Please urge your Representatives to nonconcur with the Senate version of the bill. 

Note that we are not requesting a CoC for either bill, just 'nonconcur.' Your message can simply say "Please vote to 'nonconcur' with the Senate versions of HB 1127 and HB 1292 because these have been turned into anti-immigrant bills and they should be defeated.

Protect LGBTQ+ Rights 
Now is the 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. Join advocates on Wednesday, May 29, 11 AM to 1 PM in front of the State House for the Live Free Rally to demand a veto commitment from Governor Sununu and to show that the Granite State won’t accept attacks on trans kids. 

Also, please call the governor (603-271-2121) and urge him to veto the following anti-LGBTQ+ bills:
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.
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.
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. 
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.

Protect Tenant Rights
Please urge your Senator to nonconcur with the House version of SB 413, a bill which pertains to protections from PFAS chemicals but which was amended by the House to include the language of HB 1115 which would end ‘just cause’ evictions in New Hampshire and erode important tenant protections.

Support Nonviolent Protest for Peace
Jon us on Monday morning, June 10, at the Dover District Court, 25 St. Thomas Street, Dover to support the arraignment of the “Mother's Day 5” who were arrested at Congressman Pappas’ Dover district office following a peaceful protest to end the war in Gaza. The 5 include Amy Antonucci of NH Peace Action, Em Friedrichs of Durham, Janet Simmon of the New England Network for Justice in Palestine, Janet Zeller of the Peace with Justice Ministry Group of the NH Conference (UCC) and the Rev. Dave Grishaw-Jones of the Community Church of Durham (UCC). Read more here about why they decided to risk arrest. 

We will gather for an interfaith vigil starting at 8 AM, and then host a press conference at 9 AM following the arraignment, offering another chance to communicate our wish for Congressman Pappas and our elected representatives to act for real and lasting peace in Palestine and Israel and an end to the US funded violence.

We’re Hiring!
For graduates and others who might be looking for a job right now, we want to lift up the following job opportunities: AFSC-NH is hiring for an Interfaith Organizer (one year fellowship, paid, full-time, with benefits), and for leadership team members for Change for Concord. 

New Hampshire Peace Action is hiring an Executive Director; Black Lives Matter NH is hiring an Executive Director and a Youth Outreach Coordinator, and 350NH is hiring a Youth Campaign Director. Please consider applying yourself and sharing within your networks!

Immigration Updates
Last week the Senate failed to advance a standalone, restrictive border security bill. We are relieved that the bill was defeated, and we’re disappointed that both Senator Hassan and Senate Shaheen voted in support. We recommend this analysis from the National Immigrant Justice Center, and this summary from NH Bulletin: “The sweeping border security bill would have raised the bar for migrants claiming asylum, clarified the White House’s parole authority, ended the practice of allowing migrants to live in U.S. communities as they await their asylum hearings, and given Biden the executive authority to close the southern border when asylum claims reached high levels, among other things.” 

Despite the limited number of unauthorized border crossings into New Hampshire, Governor Sununu signed a three-year agreement with Quebec to increase law enforcement cooperation along New Hampshire’s shared border with Canada. Read more here: “The agreement, signed in English and French, means the Granite State and Quebec will combine efforts to protect shared borderland; encourage exchanges between police services; and conduct joint exercises and training.” 

The defeat by the NH Senate of two bills (HB 1528 and HB 1054) that would have increased accountability for the northern border enforcement program underscores the state’s willingness to continue to waste taxpayer dollars on a problem that doesn’t exist rather than invest in solutions to the real problems NH communities face.

More immigration news:
A New Challenge for Asylum Seekers: Lawyer Shortages (New York Times, May 19, 2024)
UN urges US to stop forced returns to Haiti after latest deportation flight (Al Jazeera, May 17, 2024)

Ceasefire and Divestment Now
On Friday, the International Court of Justice (ICJ) ordered Israel to halt its military offensive against Rafah. The ruling comes after more than 35,000 Palestinians have been killed by the Israeli military and 1.1 million face catastrophic levels of hunger. This is a historic decision that should serve as a call to action for all those who have stayed silent in the face of these atrocities. Read more here from AFSC: The ICJ ordered Israel to stop its assault on Rafah. The U.S. needs to act.  

Thank you to Rabbi Jon Spira-Savett of Temple Beth Abraham in Nashua for sharing information about Standing Together, “a grassroots movement mobilizing Jewish and Palestinian citizens of Israel in pursuit of peace, equality, and social and climate justice.” From their website: “While the minority who benefit from the status quo of occupation and economic inequality seek to keep us divided, we know that we — the majority — have far more in common than that which sets us apart. When we stand together, we are strong enough to fundamentally alter the existing socio-political reality. The future that we want — peace and independence for Israelis and Palestinians, full equality for all citizens, and true social, economic, and environmental justice — is possible. Because where there is struggle, there is hope.”

Recommended Reading
Housing in New Hampshire Continues to Become Less Affordable for Buyers and Renters – NH Fiscal Policy Institute, May 17, 2024

Black undocumented immigrants are erased from immigration narratives and the larger American story - More than 619,000 Black undocumented people reside in the U.S., and they are denied a sense of belonging across every space they occupy - By Dr. Felecia S. Russell, Prism, April 15, 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 met in session on May 23. You can watch the session here. Here are the outcomes for 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. OTP by VV.
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. OTP by VV.

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. OTP by VV.
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. Referred to interim study by VV.
SB 425, relative to bail commissioner fees. This bill increases the bail commissioner fee to $60. Referred to interim study by VV.
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. OTP-A by VV.

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

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. OTP by VV.

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. ITL by VV.

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). ITL by VV.

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. ITL by VV.

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. OTP-A by DV, 186-176.

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. OTP by RC, 195-165. Lacking the necessary three-fifths vote, the motion fails. 

FINANCE
SB 217-FN-A, establishing a rural and underserved area educator incentive program for higher education and making an appropriation therefor. ITL by RC, 184-174.
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. OTP-A by VV.
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. OTP by RC, 241-122.
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. OTP-A by VV.
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. OTP-A by VV.
SB 453-FN-A, making an appropriation to the statewide voter registration system. Referred to interim study by VV.
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. OTP by RC, 212-155.
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. OTP-A by DV, 235-136.
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. Laid on table.
SB 591-FN-A, modifying definitions, claims procedures, and funding relating to the youth development center settlement fund and claims administration. OTP-A by VV.

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. OTP-A by DV, 231-135.
SB 411-FN, establishing a committee to study emergency mental health services for persons 21 years of age and younger in New Hampshire. OTP by VV.
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 requires those medical facilities to report the information to the department of health and human services for statistical purposes. ITL by DV, 201-164.

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. OTP by VV.

SPECIAL COMMITTEE on HOUSING
SB 527, relative to student housing. This bill includes student housing in municipal workforce housing regulations. OTP by DV, 199-154.

TRANSPORTATION  
SB 358-FN, relative to invalidating out-of-state driver's licenses issued to undocumented immigrants. ITL by RC, 176-174.
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. OTP by RC, 181-169.

Last Week in the Senate
The Senate met in session on May 22 and 23. You can watch the May 22 session here, and the May 23 session here. Here are the outcomes on the bills we are 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 June. OTP-A by VV.
HB 1091, relative to the financing of political campaigns. This bill makes various changes to the laws that regulate the financing of political campaigns. OTP-A by VV.

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

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. OTP-A by VV.

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. OTP by VV.

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. Laid on table.

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. OTP by VV.

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. Indefinitely postponed by VV.
HB 1400, relative to residential parking spaces. This bill provides that zoning and planning regulations shall not require more than 2 residential parking space per unit; defines the terms “tenant,” “subtenant,” “implied tenant,” and “non-rental owner,” and specifies the rights and obligations of each party in cases of evictions of unauthorized occupants; provides remedies for violations of landlord-tenant law and unauthorized occupancy evictions; establishes a tax relief program for office conversion to residences; enables municipalities to allow its governing body to adopt certain zoning ordinance changes; and adds additional authority in zoning powers for parking requirements and lot size requirements related to sewer infrastructure. OTP-A by VV.

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. OTP-A 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. OTP-A by VV.
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. OTP-A by VV.
HB 1665-FN, relative to student eligibility for education freedom accounts and the scholarship organization's costs of administering the program, extending phase-out grants for education freedom accounts, and revising the definitions of average daily membership in attendance and average daily membership in residence. This bill raises the annual household income threshold for eligible students and reduces the amount that the scholarship organization may retain to cover administrative costs; extends the phase-out grants provided under the education freedom account (EFA) program and directs the department of education to submit an annual report regarding EFA funding and costs; revises the definitions of average daily membership in attendance (ADMA) and average daily membership in residence (ADMR) for school funding from the education trust fund for the purpose of home educated pupils and pupils participating in the EFA program. OTP-A by RC, 14Y-10N.

ELECTION LAW
HB 1119, relative to absentee ballots. This bill makes provisions for procuring an absentee ballot during a weather emergency. Referred to 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. OTP by VV.

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

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. OTP by VV.
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. This bill further directs the department of health and human services to participate in the federal summer EBT program and the SNAP elderly simplified application program and makes appropriations to the department for this purpose. The bill also provides reimbursement through the department of education to schools providing free and reduced priced lunch meals to students. OTP-A by VV.
HB 1349-FN, relative to generalized anxiety disorder as a qualifying condition for the therapeutic cannabis program. OTP by VV.

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. OTP by RC, 14Y-10N.
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. Referred to 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. OTP by VV.

TRANSPORTATION
HB 2024, relative to the state 10-year transportation improvement plan; relative to adding a speed limit of 45 miles per hour on rural highways; relative to disability pensions for public safety employees who are victims of violence; and making a capital appropriation to the department of corrections toward the replacement of the New Hampshire state prison for men. This bill adopts the 2025-2034 10-year transportation plan; adds certain projects to the 2025-2034 10-year transportation improvement plan; removes certain projects from the 2025-2034 10-year transportation improvement plan; increases funding for certain projects in the 2025-2034 10-year transportation; 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; adds a speed limit of 45 miles per hour on rural highways; establishes a retirement system benefit for group II members who retire due to a violent act injury; makes a capital appropriation to the department of corrections toward the replacement of the New Hampshire state prison for men. OTP-A.

Next Week in the House and Senate

On Thursday, May 30, the House and Senate will each meet in session to decide how to proceed with bills that have passed both chambers but with differences. Each body will start with the bills that originated in their chamber. They will decide whether to ‘concur’ with the amended version, in which case the bill goes to the governor’s desk; ‘nonconcur,’ in which case the bill is defeated; or ‘nonconcur and request a committee of conference (CoC),’ in which case the other body will decide whether or not they agree to form a CoC. If both bodies agree to a CoC, a committee is formed; it will meet at least once to try to reach agreement on the final version of the bill. If the CoC is able to reach agreement, their version will go to the House and Senate for an up or down vote. 

Here are the bills that we’re tracking that will be considered on Thursday. You can click on the link for each bill to see how it has been amended.

HOUSE BILLS AMENDED BY THE SENATE 

CACR 13, relating to slavery and involuntary servitude, providing that slavery and involuntary servitude shall be prohibited in the state of New Hampshire. This constitutional amendment concurrent resolution adds an article that prohibits slavery and involuntary servitude; it was amended by the Senate to add an exception for those who are being punished for a crime. 
HB 1014, relative to instruction in government and civics, including information on election laws and voting and requiring certain educational institutions and local governments to use a holiday's statutorily designated title in official communications, publications, and documents. HB 1028, establishing a commission to study the delivery of behavioral crisis services to individuals with mental illness with an impairment primarily caused by intellectual disability. 
HB 1091, relative to the financing of political campaigns.
HB 1098, relative to ballots delivered to elder care facilities. This bill enables ballot clerks, assistant clerks, or clerks pro tem to deliver ballots to elder care facilities. 
HB 1107, relative to public school curriculum frameworks. This bill defines "curriculum frameworks" and requires the department of education to institute procedures for maintaining them. 
HB 1122-FN, relative to lights on motor vehicles. This bill regulates the use of front lights and headlamps on certain motor vehicles and lighted signs on vehicles of service providers. 
HB 1127, relative to the revocation and suspension of drivers' licenses and to invalidating out-of-state driver's licenses issued to undocumented immigrants. This bill allows individuals with suspended licenses to mow their lawns without penalty and eliminates the requirement that drivers with suspended licenses surrender their licenses to the department of motor vehicles.  As amended, this bill also invalidates out-of-state driver's licenses issued specifically to undocumented immigrants.
HB 1168, establishing a committee to study the impact of the housing crisis on people with disabilities. 
HB 1197, relative to criminal background checks and relative to insurance coverage for intrauterine insemination. This bill amends various statutes to authorize additional personnel to take fingerprints of those undergoing non-criminal related background checks. This bill further establishes a multi-agency task force designed to review the need for Federal Bureau of Investigation Criminal History Record Information checks across employment and volunteer positions in the state, and requires reports related to their findings and recommendations. This bill also requires health insurance to cover certain fertility treatments. 
HB 1220-FN, abolishing the collection of racial and educational data for use in a marital application worksheet and relative to the expectation of privacy. 
HB 1221, relative to including solid waste landfills in the definition of development of regional impact. 
HB 1259, relative to property and casualty insurance laws administered by the insurance department; and making an appropriation to the department of environmental services to fund regional drinking water infrastructure. This bill clarifies the distinction between personal and commercial lines in homeowners policies; permits the use of electronic communication for auditable basis policies; requires the insurer to state the specific reason for cancellation or refusal to renew a policy; and provides an exemption to the insurance claims adjusters statute for persons who solely handle automobile glass claims. The bill also makes an appropriation to the department of environmental services for the funding of regional drinking water infrastructure as part of Phase 2 of the Southern New Hampshire Regional Water Project to increase water supply to multiple towns impacted by PFAS contamination and growing water demands. 
HB 1292, relative to coverage of children under the state retiree insurance plan and relative to federal immigration enforcement. This bill removes the requirement that young adult children covered under a retired state employee's insurance plan be full-time students. The bill also prohibits state and local government entities from adopting sanctuary policies to prohibit or impede the enforcement of federal immigration law. 
HB 1305,  relative to freedom of speech and association at public institutions of higher education. 
HB 1313, relative to access to the voter checklist by candidates. 
HB 1385, relative to establishing the veteran licensing acceleration program and making an appropriation therefor. 
HB 1386, relative to prohibiting the disposal of lithium-ion batteries in solid waste landfill facilities, composting facilities, or incinerators. This bill prohibits the disposal of wet-cell and lithium-ion batteries and electronic devices in any solid waste landfill facility or incinerator in New Hampshire.  The amendment also requires towns, solid waste districts and owners/operators of landfills and incinerators to make educational materials available on the prohibition.
HB 1388, relative to ethical standards for members of the general court. This bill defines "special interest" and "organization" for the purposes of determining the ethical duties of members of the general court and makes provisions for the recusal of members of the general court for conflicts of interest. 
HB 1400, relative to residential parking spaces, landlord-tenant law, unauthorized occupant evictions, and zoning procedures concerning residential housing. This bill provides that zoning and planning regulations shall not require more than 2 residential parking space per unit; defines the terms “tenant,” “subtenant,” “implied tenant,” and “non-rental owner,” and specifies the rights and obligations of each party in cases of evictions of unauthorized occupants; provides remedies for violations of landlord-tenant law and unauthorized occupancy evictions; establishes a tax relief program for office conversion to residences; enables municipalities to allow its governing body to adopt certain zoning ordinance changes; and adds additional authority in zoning powers for parking requirements and lot size requirements related to sewer infrastructure. 
HB 1456, relative to the appointment and removal of the members of the board of tax and land appeals and the housing appeals board. This bill requires that the members of the board of tax and land appeals and the housing appeals board be appointed by the governor and council, after a public hearing before the executive council.  This bill also changes the length of member's terms and modifies the removal procedures of the members to follow those procedures under RSA 4:1. 
HB 1465,  relative to studies of nuclear energy technologies and renaming the office of offshore wind industry development. This bill requires the department of energy to coordinate the continuing studies by various state agencies on the uses and development of nuclear energy, including advanced nuclear reactors, and wind energy. This bill renames the office of offshore wind industry development to the office of offshore wind industry development and energy innovation. 
HB 1474, relative to the commission on Native American affairs. This bill amends the procedures and duties of the commission on Native American affairs.
HB 1499, establishing a committee to study the civilian clean energy, community resilience, and conservation corps, and establishing a committee to study the child protection act. This bill establishes a study committee to study clean energy, community resilience and conservation corps. This bill also establishes a committee to study the child protection act. 
HB 1521,relative to recovery houses. This bill makes changes to the definition of recovery house and specifies how a recovery house ought to be treated when interpreting zoning ordinances.  
HB 1573, relative to out-of-home placements for children. This bill revises criteria for out-of-home placement of children under the child protection act and other juvenile statutes and establishes an order of preference based on placement with the child's siblings, when possible, and proximity to the child's community of origin.  The bill also makes appropriations to the department of health and human services and the judicial branch to support implementation of the act.
HB 1585, relative to the position of certified assisted living medication aide and relative to the state loan repayment program for qualified nursing professionals, and making an appropriation therefor.  This bill defines the position of certified assisted living medication aide (CALMA) under the nurse practice act, provides for certification as a CALMA through the office of professional licensure and certification, and authorizes a CALMA to administer medication to individuals in specified residential settings. The bill also makes an appropriation to the department of health and human services, state office of rural health, for the state loan repayment program to qualified nursing professionals, and directs the department of health and human services to provide a report to the legislature on a budget proposal for a student loan forgiveness program that would cover nurses who do not qualify for the state loan repayment program.  
HB 1593, making an appropriation to the department of health and human services to support recreational activities for individuals with developmental disabilities and relative to the uncompensated care and Medicaid fund. 
HB 1596, 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. 
HB 1616, relative to parental consent for student participation in Medicaid to schools program and establishing a pilot recruitment and retention program within the department of health and human services. Requires schools to obtain parental consent for each service that is provided to a student under the Medicaid to schools program; and requires certain legislative policy committees to receive reports regarding the Medicaid to schools program. Establishes a pilot recruitment and retention program in the department of health and human services.
HB 1623, relative to involuntary retirement or decommissioning of electricity generators. This bill requires in-state electricity generators that receive certain notices of regulatory action to notify the attorney general, and requires the department of energy to investigate the need to defend the generator. 
HB 1633,  relative to the legalization and regulation of cannabis and making appropriations therefor. This bill establishes procedures for the legalization, regulation, and taxation of cannabis; the licensing and regulation of cannabis establishments; and makes appropriations therefor. 
HB 1649, relative to prohibiting certain products with intentionally added PFAS and relative to civil actions for PFAS contamination, and relative to settlement of lawsuits against manufacturers of PFAS for impacts to public drinking water systems. This bill restricts the use of per and polyfluoroalkyl substances in certain consumer products sold in New Hampshire.  The bill also makes appropriations to the department of environmental services to fund an additional position and to fund the PFAS products control program.  The bill further provides that funds received by the state in settlement of PFAS litigation will be deposited in the drinking water and groundwater trust fund and used to provide grants and loans to public water systems whose water sources have been impacted by PFAS above applicable standards. 
HB 1665, relative to student eligibility for education freedom accounts and the scholarship organization's costs of administering the program, extending phase-out grants for education freedom accounts, and revising the definitions of average daily membership in attendance and average daily membership in residence. 
HB 1695, relative to the release of student personally identifiable information. This bill prohibits the transfer of student's personally identifiable information to third parties without written consent of the parents and student. 
HB 2024, relative to the state 10-year transportation improvement plan; relative to adding a speed limit of 45 miles per hour on rural highways; relative to disability pensions for public safety employees who are victims of violence; and making a capital appropriation to the department of corrections toward the replacement of the New Hampshire state prison for men.

SENATE BILLS AMENDED BY THE HOUSE
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.
SB 403, relative to the healthcare workforce. This bill extends the deadlines of the legislative commission on the interdisciplinary primary care workforce issues; makes clarifying amendments to the nurse practice act statute; establishes the position of and regulation of community health workers; and provides directives to the department of health and human services.
SB 413, relative to civil actions for PFAS contamination and relative to the termination of tenancy at the expiration of the tenancy or lease term. This bill creates a civil action for certain PFAS contamination. This bill also adds the expiration of the term of the lease or tenancy if over 6 months as grounds for an eviction.
SB 459-FN, establishing a committee to study the child protection act; establishing a right to submit evidence and testimony in family court proceedings; relative to wage garnishment with child support payments; and relative to parenting coordinators in high-conflict cases. 
SB 476, making a capital appropriation to the department of corrections toward the replacement of the New Hampshire state prison for men and authorizing the state to report mental health data for firearms background check purposes and providing for processes for confiscation of firearms following certain mental health-related court proceedings and for relief from mental health-related firearms disabilities.
SB 504, relative to land in current use and relative to magistrates, bail commissioners, the standards applicable to and the administration of bail, and making appropriations. This bill provides that the owner of land in current use and designated as open space may post that such land is restricted to use for public recreation only; expands grounds for criminal trespass to include violation of open space land posted for recreational use only and when associated with a violation of the controlled drug act or human trafficking; establishes magistrates and provides them duties and requirements; makes various amendments governing the standards applicable to and the administration of bail; establishes an electronic monitoring program for certain criminal defendants and provides various appropriations to allow for the development and implementation of such a program; makes amendments to the amount of the bail commissioner's fee and makes other amendments to the duties and educational requirements for bail commissioners; establishes a judicial training coordinator and establishes training requirements for judges and certain judicial employees; and makes additional appropriations to the judicial branch.
SB 508-FN, relative to the duties of the superintendent of the county department of corrections concerning mental health and substance use disorder screening of inmates and coordination for services upon reentry into the community and relative to enforcement of New Hampshire anti-discrimination laws as they relate to Jewish people. This bill requires the superintendent of the county department of corrections to require his or her contracted behavioral health treatment providers to use validated screening tools for mental health and substance use disorder and to, where such providers exist, permit licensed community-based treatment providers and certified recovery support workers who meet the security criteria for access to the facility to have contact with people in custody for the purpose of coordinating services upon reentry into the community. This bill further defines antisemitism for the purpose of enforcing anti-discrimination laws on the basis of race, religion, or national origin. 
SB 521-FN, relative to the educational credentials for master teacher. This bill changes the requirements for the granting of the educational credential of master teacher.

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 29 – Senator Jeanne Shaheen, Dover District Office, 340 Central Avenue, Suite 205. Dover.
June 5 - 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.

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

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

Wednesday, May 29
Live Free Rally – 11 AM to 1 PM. NH State House, Concord. Hosted by NH Trans Action. Rally with us to demand a veto commitment from Governor Sununu. Join us to show that the Granite State won’t take attacks on trans kids sitting down!

Women Run: Increasing Women in Local Office - 5:30 PM. Hosted by NH Women’s Foundation. Join our Women Run! training to gain the knowledge and confidence to make a difference to your community. Learn about the types of local elected positions and what they do. Learn about appointed positions on committees and boards. Practice encouraging other women to run for office. Hear from women who are serving their communities about their experiences and advice. Gain a community of support who want to see more women in office.

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.

Sunday, June 2
Rainbow Recess - 11 AM to 2 PM. State House, Concord. Hosted by ACLU NH, Seacoast Outright, Reproductive Equity Now & New Futures. Join friends and families for a day of fun in celebration of the LGBTQ+ community. There will be games, activities, crafts, community resources, and ways to take action!

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

Manchester Housing Alliance General Meeting - 7 PM to 8 PM. On Zoom. Hosted by Manchester Housing Alliance. Join us for a monthly meeting to discuss local housing policies to make sure that Manchester is a place everybody can afford to live. Learn more about how to get involved at the local level to push Manchester elected officials to take action on the Housing crisis

Thursday, June 6
Widening the Lens on Reproductive Rights - 6 PM to 8 PM. Hosted by #Fight4Her. Join us to hear from prominent Kenyan health expert and reproductive rights advocate Melvine Ouyo. Explore a global perspective on reproductive rights as well as women and LGBTQ+ empowerment

Friday, June 7 
#VoteTogetherNH Community Conversations: Immigrant Rights - 6 PM to 7 PM. Center for New Americans/YWCA, 72 Concord St, Manchester. Hosted by AFSC. Join us as we discuss issues that matter most to us and prepare to speak to our state and federal candidates over the coming weeks. During this event, we'll hear community members' stories, as well as some proposed solutions from policy advocates. We'll prepare together key messages to bring to candidates for elected office between now and the general election in November. All the events are free of charge. We can't wait to see you there!

Saturday, June 8 
NeighborFest Block Party - 11 AM to 2 PM. Cedar St. Manchester. Hosted by NeighborWorks Southern New Hampshire. This event is designed to connect residents with valuable community resources and strengthen our neighborhood's connections.  We are excited to offer a wide range of activities for the attendees, a comprehensive resource fair, a free lunch from Don Quixote, a petting zoo provided by McDonny's, yard games, family-friendly activities, and free giveaways!

Juneteenth Events:
June 7, 13 & 19 - Juneteenth Celebration 2024 - Hosted by Black Heritage Trail NH. The celebration includes an artist reception, a panel discussion, a live concert, a children's drumming workshop, African drumming, and more.

June 15 - Juneteenth Kickback! - 2 PM. Hosted by BLM NH. This gathering offers a space for unity and joy, featuring traditional foods, music, and storytelling, as we celebrate the enduring resilience and rich culture of the Black community and continue to advocate for future progress.

June 19 – Juneteenth Celebrating Freedom – 1 PM. 30 Temple St STE 202, Nashua. Hosted by Kimberly Whittaker & Shewanda Williams. Join us to celebrate and showcase Black excellence at Nashua’s Juneteenth celebration. The event will include food, music, local vendors, artists selling and showcasing their work, and hair braiders.

June 19 – City of Keene 2024 Juneteenth Celebration – 6 PM to 8 PM. Central Square, Keene. Hosted by City of Keene. A celebration featuring live performances by Senie Hunt and the Gaslight Tinkers. Join us at this free, family-friendly community event at the heart of downtown Keene. All are welcome!

June 22 - Juneteenth New England - 12 PM to 7 PM. 266 N Main St. Concord. Hosted by Black Womxn in NH Social Club. A joyous and educational event focused on sharing African American traditions related to this holiday including food, drink, music, art, and stories. We are also committed to elevating and spotlighting local Black owned businesses and artists.

Saturday, June 29
Frederick Douglass Statewide Reading - 12 PM to 2 PM. Hosted by Black Heritage Trail NH. Join us online and in person across NH to read Douglass’ historic protest speech “What to the slave is your Fourth of July” and to reflect on its meaning. While reading Frederick Douglass’ work is a powerful experience for many, it is only one piece of the long-overdue conversations that our communities need to have. We hope that these readings will be a starting point for these difficult dialogues and that they will provide an opportunity for us to engage in deeper conversations that will lead to actions to help build more inclusive and just communities today.

With best wishes,
Maggie Fogarty, Grace Kindeke and Kathleen Wooten 

AFSC’s New Hampshire “State House Watch" newsletter is published to bring you information about matters being discussed in Concord including housing, the death penalty, immigration, education, civil liberties, and labor rights. We also follow the state budget and tax system, voting rights, corrections policy, and more. Subscribe today to receive State House Watch news every week!

The AFSC is a Quaker organization supported by people of many faiths who care about peace, social justice, humanitarian service, and nonviolent change. Maggie Fogarty and Grace Kindeke staff the New Hampshire Program which publishes this newsletter. Read our 2023 highlights here. Kathleen Wooten is AFSC’s State House Watch researcher and database manager.

Your donations make our work possible. Click the DONATE NOW button on our web page to send a secure donation to support the work of the AFSC’s New Hampshire Program. Thank you!