First Year of
the 161st General Court
Calendar and
Journal of the 2009 Session
Contains: Reports and Amendments for February 18, Hearings, Meetings, Notices and House Emergency Notification System
HOUSE CALENDAR
MEMBERS OF THE HOUSE:
The House will meet at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, February 18th. Please expect a full day. We will meet again on Wednesday, March 4th. Keep in mind that this is a
deadline day, and should we not finish acting on all early bills, it would be
necessary to return on Thursday, March 5th.
Terie Norelli, Speaker
NOTICE
There will be a meeting of committee Chairmen and Vice Chairmen on Tuesday, February 17, at 8:30 a.m. in Rooms 301-303, LOB.
Terie Norelli Speaker
NOTICE
There will be a Democratic Caucus on Wednesday, February 18 at 9:00 a.m. in Representatives Hall.
Rep. Mary Jane Wallner, Majority Leader
NOTICE
There will be a Republican Caucus on Tuesday, February 17 at 3:30 p.m. in Representatives Hall and on Wednesday, February 18 at 8:45 a.m. in Rooms 305-307, LOB.
Rep.
Sherman A. Packard, Republican Leader
NOTICE
The Calendar closes at
3:00 p.m. on Wednesdays for scheduling and notices. It
closes at 1:00 p.m. on Thursdays for Committee Reports. Members and staff who need to schedule
meetings should make arrangements with the Clerk’s Office for room
availability/assignment and publication of meeting notices.
Karen O. Wadsworth, Clerk of the House
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 18
CONSENT CALENDAR
CHILDREN AND FAMILY LAW
HB 38, relative to the minimum amount of
child support ordered by the court. INEXPEDIENT TO LEGISLATE.
Rep. Barbara
H Richardson for Children and Family Law:
An economic report on the cost of raising children will be released in
March, 2009. The committee believed it would be premature to pass this bill
prior to receiving this report. Vote
17-0.
HB 79, relative to use of the child support
guideline worksheet. OUGHT TO PASS.
Rep. David A
Bickford for Children and Family Law:
This bill requires the court or court personnel to retain the child
support guideline worksheet in the court file and be prepared to make it
available for inspection at the request of the parties. Therefore all parties
will know how child support was delivered. Vote 17-0.
HB 116, relative to the membership of the
legislative youth advisory council. OUGHT TO PASS WITH AMENDMENT.
Rep. Jane B
Johnson for Children and Family Law:
This bill as amended allows the council to request the appointment of a
replacement member when an original member has had 3 consecutive absences
without cause. The replacement member shall serve for the remainder of the
term. Vote 17-0.
HB 132, relative to access to case records of
the department of health and human services. OUGHT TO PASS.
Rep. Edward P
Moran for Children and Family Law: This
bill was requested by the department of health and human services. It is
intended to permit welfare and law enforcement agencies from other states to
have access to health and human services records which would be necessary for
these agencies to carry out their responsibility under law to protect children
from abuse or neglect. Vote 17-0.
HB 173, relative to the basis for awarding
custody to a stepparent or grandparent. OUGHT TO PASS.
Rep. David A
Bickford for Children and Family Law:
The appropriate venue for grandparents and stepparents is through RSA
463 the guardianship of minors statute which is designed to provide procedural
and substantive safeguards for the rights of parents and minor children. This
removes the provision as being inappropriate under RSA 461-A which is just for
parents and children. Vote 18-0.
COMMERCE AND CONSUMER AFFAIRS
HB 392-FN, establishing a cigar bar liquor
license. OUGHT TO PASS WITH
AMENDMENT.
Rep. Joel F
Winters for Commerce and Consumer Affairs:
Under the amendment, a new liquor license would be created for tobacco
retailers who have more than 60% of their business income from cigar related products. Prior to a license being granted, the city or
town would have to vote to accept these new provisions. Licenses would also
have to prohibit anyone under 18 from entering the store. Vote 19-1.
HB 564-FN, relative to wheelchair van accessible
parking spaces. OUGHT TO PASS WITH
AMENDMENT.
Rep. Susi
Nord for Commerce and Consumer Affairs:
This bill creates a definition of ramp/lift van and designates that
parking lots of over 50 spaces will maintain a number of ramp/lift van only
spaces in addition to the regular inventory of handicap accessible spaces.
Current law designates the number of regular and van accessible spaces that
must be available based on lot size and allows anyone with a placard to park in
the van accessible spaces. This bill
creates the category of ramp/lift van only spaces and designates a small number
of the total inventory of handicap accessible spaces that only the ramp/lift
van may use for larger lots. This bill
would apply to new parking lots as of 2010 and to existing lots when they
re-stripe/pave after that time. Vote
20-0.
EDUCATION
HB 225, relative to room and board
scholarships for children of firefighters and police officers. OUGHT TO PASS.
Rep. Nancy F
Stiles for Education: The language in
this bill was a coordinated effort of the state treasurer and representatives
of the firefighters association, UNH and the post secondary commission. This bill assists current statute by setting
up the vehicle for receiving and disbursing money received by the state
treasurer for room and board expenses for children of firefighters and police
officers who died in the line of duty.
There had been no mechanism for disbursement in the current statute. Vote 18-0.
HB 441-FN, relative to CART providers and sign
language interpreters. OUGHT TO PASS
WITH AMENDMENT.
Rep. Claire D
Clarke for Education: This bill appropriates $1 to the postsecondary education
commission from the general fund to establish a CART provider and sign language interpreter net
tuition repayment fund. This bill is
necessary to provide the deaf and hard of hearing individuals in
HB
547-FN-L, relative to
distributions of adequate education aid. INEXPEDIENT TO LEGISLATE.
Rep. Barbara
E Shaw for Education: This bill proposes
a permanent hold harmless provision for state education aid but makes no
allowance for decreasing enrollments and would perpetuate an unconstitutional
method of apportioning funds. Vote 18-2.
HB 688, relative to the chartered public
school approval process and relative to open enrollment schools. OUGHT TO PASS WITH AMENDMENT.
Rep. Nancy F
Stiles for Education: This bill
separates the statute to bring clarity to the two processes of establishing an
open enrollment school and that of a school district charter school. It streamlines the process and leaves the
final decision in the hands of the district voters. The amendment requires that a public hearing
be held as part of the process. Vote 17-3.
ELECTION LAW
HB 386, relative to challenges of voters. INEXPEDIENT TO LEGISLATE.
Rep. Michael
J Bartlett for Election Law: This bill
establishes requirements for challenging a voter including a challenge
affidavit. The committee believes that
HB 386 is encompassed within HB 276, therefore redundant and not necessary. Vote 18-0.
ENVIRONMENT AND AGRICULTURE
HB 232, permitting the pesticide control
board to establish pesticide fees. OUGHT TO PASS.
Rep. Robert H
Haefner for Environment and Agriculture The committee agreed with removing the
pesticide fees from statute and placing them in rules with no accompanying fee
increase. Many fees are set in rules and not statute. We think this is the more
efficient process. The concern of diminished legislative oversight is reduced
in that joint legislative committee on administrative rules (JLCAR) is in place
with 5 Representatives and 5 Senators to oversee rule changes, including fees,
by the executive branch. Fee increases are not automatic in the rule process,
but must be approved by the General Court’s JLCAR committee. Vote 14-1.
EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENTS AND
ADMINISTRATION
HB 93, relative to the minimum age for
fighting sports competitions. OUGHT
TO PASS.
Rep. Don
Petterson for Executive Departments and Administration: This bill provides that the required minimum
age of 18 years for participants in professional boxing and wrestling
competitions also be applied to mixed martial arts, kick boxing, and any other
form of professional combat sports as defined in RSA 285:16. Vote 17-0.
HB 98, relative to reinstatement of lapsed
licenses of speech-language pathologists. OUGHT TO PASS.
Rep.
Charlotte Houde-Quimby for Executive Departments and Administration: This bill corrects language in RSA 326-F:7,
which presented an obstacle to the speech pathology board’s ability to write
administrative rules governing the re-instatement of lapsed licenses pursuant
to their rulemaking authority. Vote
17-0.
HB 243, authorizing the designation of
special assistant attorneys general. OUGHT TO PASS WITH AMENDMENT.
Rep. Ken Hawkins for Executive Departments and
Administration:. This bill would allow
the
HB 599-FN, relative to reclassification of the
position of forensic toxicologist in the department of safety. OUGHT TO PASS.
Rep. Carol M
McGuire for Executive Departments and Administration: This bill reclassifies the position of
forensic toxicologist from an unclassified position to a classified position,
at the same or lower pay level, which is more appropriate for this sort of
professional position. The change should
make it easier to fill the position, which will save the current expenses for
specialized laboratory tests and expert witness fees. In 2007, HB 749 had the same position change. It was passed by the house on the consent
calendar before being amended and tabled by the senate. Vote 17-0.
FISH AND GAME AND MARINE
RESOURCES
HB 41, allowing the executive director of
fish and game to donate certain hunting and fishing permits to the wildlife
heritage foundation of
Rep. David H
Watters for Fish and Game and Marine Resources: This bill allows the executive
director of fish and game to donate each fiscal year up to five fishing and
hunting license along with any necessary permits to the Wildlife Heritage
Foundation of New Hampshire, the department’s official nonprofit partner. This limited program will enhance fundraising
for the wildlife heritage foundation which benefits fish and game special
activities. Vote 14-0.
HB 182, relative to fish and game department
authorization to administer programs involving federal aid, and relative to
biennial reports of the department. OUGHT TO PASS WITH AMENDMENT.
Rep. Michael
J McCarthy for Fish and Game and Marine Resources: This bill will clarify the authority of the
fish and game department to conduct programs involving federal aid. It also combines two statutes relative to
biennial reports submitted by the department and updates language relative to
reporting non-resident honorary licenses.
Vote 13-0.
HB 451, authorizing a transaction fee for
license agents electronically issuing fish and game licenses. OUGHT TO PASS.
Rep.
Elisabeth N Sanders for Fish and Game and Marine Resources: This bill would permit agents of fish and
game to collect an internet transaction fee when issuing online licenses. The fee would go directly to the contracted
vendor for its electronic services.
Approximately 23% of all fishing and hunting licenses are purchased online. The internet service provides a convenient
method for residents and non-residents to purchase their licenses. Vote 12-0.
HB 545-FN, relative to the wildlife damage
control program in the fish and game department. OUGHT TO PASS.
Rep. Lyle E
Bulis for Fish and Game and Marine Resources: This bill, as requested by the
department, changes the cost sharing formula to a program where the fish and
game department will pay for the fencing materials and the landowner is
responsible for installation. Material
cost re-imbursement is completed after construction an in inspection by the
department. This bill also removes the
“sunset” provision of the existing statute.
Vote 16-0.
HB 549, relative to the taking of snapping
turtles. INEXPEDIENT TO LEGISLATE.
Rep. John W
Henson for Fish and Game and Marine Resources:
This bill is intended to limit the taking of snapping turtles. While supporting the intent of this bill, the
committee found that this is within the ability of the rulemaking authority of
the fish and game department. Necessary
additions to the rules to protect the turtles will be discussed between the
prime sponsor and the fish and game department.
Using the rulemaking process will allow the department to react to
changing conditions in an efficient and timely manner. Vote 16-0.
LABOR, INDUSTRIAL AND
REHABILITATIVE SERVICES
HB146-FN-L, relative to the minimum wage. INEXPEDIENT TO LEGISLATE.
Rep. Mary J
Gorman for Labor, Industrial and Rehabilitative Services: In the interest of keeping people employed,
the committee cannot at this time support an increase in the minimum wage. The prime sponsor agreed and is encouraged to
reintroduce this bill once the recession recedes. Vote 17-0.
HB 164, relative to repayment of loans under
the workforce incentive program. INEXPEDIENT TO LEGISLATE.
Rep. Mary J
Gorman for Labor, Industrial and Rehabilitative Services: This bill is not necessary because its
intended purpose is already in statute.
RSA 457-A:6 addresses the rights, obligations and responsibilities of
parties who enter a civil union. Vote
19-0.
HB 216-FN, relative to fees for legal services
rendered to workers' compensation claimants. OUGHT TO PASS WITH AMENDMENT.
Rep. Sally H
Kelly for Labor, Industrial and Rehabilitative Services: This bill amends RSA 281A:44 VI by adding a
specific time frame when the insurer can make an offer to settle a workers
compensation claim prior to a hearing.
The committee agreed by a unanimous vote that the insurance company may
settle a minimum of 21 days before the scheduled hearing without any penalty. Vote 19-0.
HB 343, relative to payroll deductions. OUGHT TO PASS WITH AMENDMENT.
Rep. Herbert
D Richardson for Labor, Industrial and Rehabilitative Services: Current law prohibits an employer from
withholding any portion of an employee’s wage unless it is authorized by one of
10 statutory exceptions. HB 343 simply
adds one more exception – authorizing the withholding of wages to pay for legal
service plans and identity theft plans that are permitted by the employer to be
offered through the employer. Vote
17-0.
LOCAL AND REGULATED REVENUES
CACR 5, relating to funding for education. Providing that revenue from lotteries and games of chance may only be used for educational purposes. INEXPEDIENT TO LEGISLATE.
Rep. Christine C Hamm for Local and Regulated Revenues: Based on the sponsor withdrawing this
constitutional amendment, the committee voted unanimously that it not go
forward. Vote 16-0.
HB 91, allowing municipalities to extend the
veterans' tax credit to veterans who do not have service in a war or conflict,
and relative to the definition of veteran. INEXPEDIENT TO LEGISLATE.
Rep. Doreen
Howard for Local and Regulated Revenues:
The committee felt that this bill, narrows the eligibility of veterans
to only those with a disability rating of 30 percent or greater as well as
changing the definition of veteran. It also puts a residency requirement of two
years on veterans who receive a tax credit. HB 91 was not an enabling act but a
mandatory one. Vote 19-0.
HB 159, relative to the county tax payment by
the town of
Rep. Robert L
Theberge for Local and Regulated Revenues:
The bill as presented would allow the town of
HB 184-FN, authorizing the liquor commission to
sell tobacco products at state liquor stores located on interstate highways. INEXPEDIENT TO LEGISLATE.
Rep. Anthony
C Maiola for Local and Regulated Revenues:
The liquor commission opposed this bill because it believes using floor
space for the sale of spirits is more lucrative than using that space to sell
cigarettes. The committee agrees. In addition, the committee feels that with
the state promoting anti-smoking position, that providing easier access to
tobacco products along our interstate network is counter productive. The
committee unanimously agrees that this bill would send the wrong message. Vote 16-0.
HB 188, enabling
municipalities to extend the veterans' property tax credit to all honorably
discharged veterans. INEXPEDIENT TO LEGISLATE.
Rep. William A Stetson for Local and Regulated Revenues: This bill would allow municipalities to grant the veteran's property tax credit to all honorably discharged service men and women that have served a minimum of 90 days on active duty. While the committee has the deepest respect for all veterans, the committee believes this bill could potentially double the amount of the veteran's property tax credits, exempting over $2.8 billion of property value state wide. Vote 19-0.
HB 246,
relative to encouraging discretionary preservation easements for
historic structures. INEXPEDIENT TO
LEGISLATE.
Rep. Robert L
Theberge for Local and Regulated Revenues:
This legislation has used the “barn bill” as a vehicle to also include
the preservation of other historic structures outside of a historic district.
The committee feels that the rational for the preservation of barns should not
be extended to other historic structures. The assessment value of a barn is far
less than other historic buildings. The bill would allow municipalities to
grant tax credits for historic purposes on other structures outside of a
designated historic district which would diminish the purpose and function of
the latter. The credit could range from a minimum of 25% to maximum of 75%.
Therefore a historic structure, assessed at $400,000, could result in a shift
to taxpayers of from $100,000 to $300,000 per $400,000 structure. The agreement
would be for a minimum of a 5-year period with the possibility of renewal. The
committee strongly agrees that this would give far too much power to the
governing body which in turn could be suspect. In addition, the appraisal
process for discretionary easements would be far too costly. RSA 79-E was
established to assist communities in their revitalization programs and would be
a more appropriate vehicle than the “barn bill.” Vote 18-0.
HB 287-FN, relative to the sale of liquor by
grocery and drug stores. INEXPEDIENT
TO LEGISLATE.
Rep. Kathleen
N Taylor for Local and Regulated Revenues: The sponsor of this bill intended it to apply
to “mom and pop” stores and it is an attempt to curtail the sale of tobacco
products. This is a part of a much
larger issue and will be discussed in the Liquor Modernization Act. Vote 16-0.
HB 298, excluding the
value of a view from determination of market value for property tax
assessments. INEXPEDIENT TO LEGISLATE.
Rep. Eric G Stohl for Local and Regulated Revenues: This bill seeks to exclude the value of the view external to a property from the appraisal of a property for property tax purposes. This bill is the fourth attempt in as many years to mandate the fact that a view from a piece of property has no value. HB 284 in 2005, HB 804 in 2007 and SB 491 in 2008 have all sought to do the same thing. Each and every time, the committee that heard the testimony came up with the same recommendation as we do here. There is value in a view that is seen from a piece of property and that value directly affects the market value of the property. These increases in market values are reflected and become obvious in the sales of properties that have views and those that do not. Vote 18-0.
HB
427-FN-A-L, relative
to equine licenses. INEXPEDIENT TO
LEGISLATE.
Rep. Andrew R
Peterson for Local and Regulated Revenues:
The prime sponsor of this bill came before our committee to ask that the
bill, which encountered tremendous opposition from
HB 454-FN, relative to a lottery ticket to
benefit homeless veterans' programs. INEXPEDIENT TO LEGISLATE.
Rep. Robert L
Theberge for Local and Regulated Revenues:
This legislation sought to generate revenues in support for veteran
homeless programs through the sale of scratch tickets. The members of the
committee along with the NH State Veterans Advisory Committee (SVAC) agrees
with the intent of the bill but does not agree with the mechanism. The NH State
Constitution clearly states that all revenues generated by the sale of lottery
tickets must be used exclusively for educational programs and cannot be used
for any other purpose. Vote 18-0.
HB 455-FN, relative to a lottery ticket to
benefit the state veterans council. INEXPEDIENT TO LEGISLATE.
Rep. Robert L
Theberge for Local and Regulated Revenues: The purpose of this bill was to generate funds
to support the state's veterans council.
Although the members support the intent of the legislation,the mechanism
is unconstitutional. All moneys generated
through the sale of lottery tickets must fund educational programs and cannot
be used for any other programs. Vote
18-0.
MUNICIPAL AND
HB 86, allowing municipalities to impose
administrative fines for violations of ordinances. OUGHT TO PASS WITH AMENDMENT.
Rep. Betsey L
Patten for Municipal and County Government:
The amendment allows the local official with authority to prosecute an
offense under any municipal code, ordinance, bylaw or regulation to serve a
local ordinance citation as outlined in the proposed new section RSA 31:39-C,
where currently only a summons to go to court is authorized. The process is set
out in law with required notice and a reasonable opportunity to cure the
violation or offense. If the district court rules in the favor of the
municipality the civil penalties are remitted to the municipality. The
committee noted that this process would be another tool to use in the
enforcement of their local ordinances and regulations. Vote 17-0.
SB 38, relative to placing vote tallies on
town and school district ballots. OUGHT TO PASS WITH AMENDMENT.
Rep. Betsey L
Patten for Municipal and
PUBLIC WORKS AND HIGHWAYS
HB 185-FN, relative to the installation of sound
barriers along a certain segment of the F.E. Everett turnpike in the town of
Merrimack. INEXPEDIENT TO LEGISLATE.
Rep. John A
Graham for Public Works and Highways:
This bill would have required the DOT to build a sound barrier along a
section of the F. E. Everett Turnpike in
HB 192, relative to a replica monument of the
Old Man of the Mountain. INEXPEDIENT
TO LEGISLATE.
Rep. Patrick
T Long for Public Works and Highways:
Although raising private funds can be done without legislation, the
committee felt that once all funds are raised, a monument and walkway “shall be
constructed” was not conducive to the stability of the ledge and concerns with
environmental damage to the area as testified to by the department of
environmental services (DES) and the department of resources and economic
development (DRED). Vote 12-0.
HB 511-FN, relative to a corridor study of Route
33. INEXPEDIENT TO LEGISLATE.
Rep. Maureen
R Mann for Public Works and Highways:
Traffic signals are scheduled to be installed along the corridor in the
next year and the Rockingham County Planning Commission requests that a study
be deferred until the effect of the lights is known. Further, the committee feels this legislation
circumvents the 10-Year Highway Plan by
not following the standard process for inclusion of a project in the plan. Vote 17-0.
HB 608-FN, establishing a
committee to oversee the design and construction of a public works employee
memorial for public works employees who died in the course of performing public
duties. OUGHT
TO PASS WITH AMENDMENT.
Rep.
Alfred C Lerandeau for Public Works and Highways: The intent of this
bill is to establish a committee to oversee the design and construction, at no
cost to the State of
TRANSPORTATION
HB 112, relative to addresses on motor
vehicle registrations. OUGHT TO PASS
WITH AMENDMENT.
Rep. Brian D
Rhodes for Transportation: This bill
provides residents with the ability to register their motor homes while
traveling out of state for up to two years.
It also addresses re-registration for residents, who due to unforeseen
circumstances, are without a permanent street address. Vote 17-0.
HB 162, relative to recycled and rebuilt
vehicles. OUGHT TO PASS.
Rep. C.
Pennington Brown for Transportation: This bill, supported by department of
environmental services, deals with “end of life vehicles” and proper recycling
in an environmentally protective manner.
Vote 15-0.
HB 211-FN, relative to drivers' licenses and
relative to the definition of
"drivers' school." OUGHT TO PASS.
Rep. Jennifer
R Coffey for Transportation: The committee feels this bill clarifies the
definition of a drivers’ school and that of an advanced instruction drivers’
class. It also protects the privacy of
driver’s license holders and provides for an address change on driver’s
license. Vote 17-0.
HB 215, making technical corrections to
certain OHRV and snowmobile laws. OUGHT TO PASS.
Rep. C.
Pennington Brown for Transportation:
This bill amends the appropriate OHRV and snowmobile laws to be consistent with
current RSA’s and provides law enforcement statutory authority to enforce laws
against operating while intoxicated or under the influence. These are technical corrections and are
needed. Vote 17-0.
HB
465-FN-A, relative to
driver's license fees. INEXPEDIENT TO
LEGISLATE.
Rep. Jennifer
R Coffey for Transportation: This bill
intends to increase the cost of a driver’s license to help fund the police
standards and training council fund. The
committee recognizes the well intentioned effort. However, there are concerns regarding the
distribution of funds as noted by the department of transportation and an
increased burden upon the citizens during difficult financial times. Vote 14-1.
HB 576-FN, establishing number plates supporting
Rep. John A
Hikel for Transportation: This bill is for the purpose of raising money through
license plate sales. It is the
committee’s decision that license plates shall be used to identify vehicles and
not to raise money for not-for-profit charities. Vote 16-0.
WAYS AND MEANS
HB
435-FN-A, relative to
sales of tobacco products in state liquor stores and reducing the rate of the
tobacco tax. INEXPEDIENT TO
LEGISLATE.
Rep. Frank W
Davis for Ways and Means: This
legislation would result in extensive changes to tobacco sales revenue. This bill would reduce the tobacco tax from
$1.33 to $.67 per package. The
department of revenue administration estimated that the education trust revenue
would be reduced by about $94.4 million.
This legislation would also transfer the sales of tobacco from the
current 1250 outlets to the state liquor stores. The state liquor commission stated that it
did not wish to sell tobacco. Because of
limited space in the liquor stores it might be necessary to remove some wine
and spirit products to make room for tobacco products. The committee felt that tobacco sales and revenue
might be further reduced because of the limited retail locations and limited
hours of operation available to the consumer.
Vote 16-0.
HB
472-FN-A,
establishing a tax on the sale of permissible fireworks. INEXPEDIENT TO LEGISLATE.
Rep. David J
Bettencourt for Ways and Means: This
legislation would have essentially created a sales tax on fireworks. The committee felt that such a policy was
unwise. Vote 16-0.
HB 516-FN, abolishing fees for nondriver's
picture identification cards. INEXPEDIENT TO LEGISLATE.
Rep. Susan G
Price for Ways and Means: This bill
would allow drivers under a suspended license for driving while intoxicated or
due to motor vehicle moving violations to receive non-driver photo
identification free of charge. This
would result in a loss of state revenue by $400,000, 12 percent of which is
distributed to municipalities. Vote
16-0.
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 18
REGULAR CALENDAR
PUBLIC WORKS AND HIGHWAYS
HB 56-FN, renaming a bridge to honor U. S. Navy
Seal Daniel Healy. OUGHT TO PASS WITH
AMENDMENT.
Rep. John A
Graham for Public Works and Highways:
This bill renames a bridge that connects the towns of
SPECIAL ORDER
COMMERCE AND CONSUMER AFFAIRS
HB 119, establishing a commission to consider the feasibility of adopting the Atlantic Daylight Savings Plan. MAJORITY: INEXPEDIENT TO LEGISLATE. MINORITY: OUGHT TO PASS WITH AMENDMENT.
Rep. John B Hunt for the Majority of Commerce and Consumer Affairs: Although there are many good reasons for
taking advantage of the extra day light, the reality is that attempting to
change
Rep. Paul McEachern for the Minority of Commerce and Consumer Affairs: The minority believes that this bill offers
so much upside both to
ELECTION LAW
CACR 4, relating to elections. Providing that certain persons may vote in primaries prior to turning 18 years of age. MAJORITY: OUGHT TO PASS WITH AMENDMENT. MINORITY: INEXPEDIENT TO LEGISLATE.
Rep. Kevin D Hodges for the Majority of Election Law:
The committee feels that our main goal is to increase voter and civic
participation. This bill allows 17 year
olds to vote in a primary election if they will turn 18 before a general
election. It appears as a CACR because
the Supreme Court advised the General Court that a similar bill, passed in 2008,
was unconstitutional. This bill would
give the people of
Rep. Dino A Scala for the Minority of Election Law:
This bill allows a discrepancy in voting by allowing a person to vote
for the “future” president but would not allow same person (voter) to vote for
town selectman. The minority feels that
17 years old is too young to vote.
HB 276-FN, relative to challenges of voters. OUGHT TO PASS WITH AMENDMENT.
Rep. David M Pierce for Election Law:
FINANCE
HB 369, establishing a spending cap on state budget requests. INEXPEDIENT TO LEGISLATE.
Rep. John DeJoie for Finance:
This bill seeks to set a limit for the increase of the state
budget. While well intentioned, it
needlessly removes budgetary authority from the legislature. The responsibility of the legislature is to
craft a balanced budget which provides needed services for citizens of
HB 440-FN, repealing the state's authority to bond school building aid costs. INEXPEDIENT TO LEGISLATE.
Rep. John DeJoie for Finance: This bill called for repealing the state’s authority to bond school building aid costs for the 2008 and 2009 fiscal years in the event of a general fund unreserved, undesignated deficit at the close of the fiscal year. The FY 2008 books have been closed, audited and the Comprehensive Annual Financial Review (CAFR) has been released. The authority to issue $40 million in bonds for 2008 was not used and no bonds were issued. The 2009 audit will not be completed until very near the end of calendar 2009. We would know then if a general fund deficit existed and if bonds would have to be issued to offset up to $40 million. We are making every effort to end FY 2009 with a balanced budget. However, if the general fund ended up in deficit, and if this bill were passed we would be denied the option to issue bonds to pay for school building aid expenditures and would enter FY 2010, a year that we know will present serious fiscal challenges, with up to $40 million of deficit that could have been avoided by the use of this reasonable financing option. Vote 14-10.
WAYS AND MEANS
HB 221-FN-A, requiring a discount to wholesalers on cash purchases of tobacco tax stamps. INEXPEDIENT TO LEGISLATE.
Rep. John D Kelley for Ways and Means: This bill has been brought forward in each of the last two terms and defeated. In addition, the bill will cause a potential loss of $1,628,704 from the general fund. Vote 14-4.
REGULAR CALENDAR (CONT.)
EDUCATION
CACR
2, relating to
funding of public education. Providing
that the legislature shall define standards for education, determine the level
of state funding thereof, establish standards of accountability, and allocate
state funds in a manner that mitigates disparities in educational opportunity
and fiscal capacity, provided that a reasonable share of state funds shall be
distributed on a per pupil basis. MAJORITY:
INEXPEDIENT TO LEGISLATE.
MINORITY: OUGHT TO PASS.
Rep. Kimberly
C Shaw for the Majority of
Education: The majority of the
committee believes that this CACR is unnecessary and unwarranted. Similar amendments have been defeated by the
legislature over the last several years.
This CACR would lower the standard of judicial review from “strict
scrutiny” where the burden is on the legislature to prove that a funding
solution is constitutional to a “reasonable” standard where the burden shifts
to the plaintiff to show why a funding solution is not reasonable. The majority further believes that tampering
with the Constitution is not the way to solve a financial crisis or reverse a
judicial decision with which some might disagree. The court has ruled that the legislature must
meet its constitutional responsibility but has not mandated how this is
done. Vote 11-9.
Rep. Pamela G
Price for the Minority of
Education: This constitutional
amendment clarifies and reestablishes the role of the legislature in the
funding of public education. It
clarifies that the legislature shall define standards and determine the level
of state funding for education. It
allows education dollars to be targeted as long as a reasonable share is
allotted on a per pupil basis. The court
will still retain oversight should the legislature act unreasonably. This is exactly the same language which was
supported by the governor last year. The
minority believes that after years of court intervention the public deserves to
weigh in on this important issue.
CACR 3, relating to public schools. Providing
that: it shall be the duty of the
legislature to encourage the interest of literature and the sciences and all
seminaries and public schools. INEXPEDIENT TO LEGISLATE.
Rep. Judith T
Reever for Education: This resolution would change the word “cherish” in
article 83 of the second part of the Constitution, to the word
“encourage.” “Cherish” is the word the
court used to define the state’s responsibility to fully fund an adequate
education. The majority of the committee
felt without “cherish” the state’s support for educational adequacy would be at
risk. Vote 12-5.
CACR 8, relating to public education. Providing that the recognition of local
control of education in the
Rep. Judith E
Day for the Majority of
Education: This bill changes the term
“high principles” that is currently in Part I, Article 6 of the state
constitution to “the fundamental principles of the constitution.” It also expands local control by allowing
schools to establish their own curriculam.
The majority of the committee felt that the term “high principles”
should remain such and that local control should not be expanded in this way as
current practice maintains an appropriate balance between local decision-making
and state standards. Vote 11-7.
Rep. Paul
Ingbretson for the Minority of
Education: When voters amended
the Constitution in 1968 we inadvertently removed our legislative authority
over education. This bill puts that
authority back in. At that time we also
replaced the word “evangelical” with “high” to describe the principles we want
to enable. “Evangelical Principles” was
a phrase meaning “bottom-up” referring to our form of government (which is the
same as that of the evangelical church’s) and should be put back in with the
phrase, “fundamental principles of the constitution.”
HB 140-FN, making charter schools eligible for
grants for leased space. OUGHT TO
PASS WITH AMENDMENT.
Rep. Brien L Ward
for Education: This bill will allow
chartered public schools to receive 30 percent of the reimbursement for annual
lease payment incurred for the cost of leasing space. Vote 13-7.
HB
521-FN, relative to
funding for students eligible for the free and reduced-price meal program. MAJORITY:
INEXPEDIENT TO LEGISLATE.
MINORITY: OUGHT TO PASS.
Rep. Judith T
Reever for the Majority of
Education: This bill removes $127
million, almost 14%, from the overall cost of an adequate education and $32
million from the transition budget. The
effective date of July 1, 2009 would severely affect next year’s school
budgets. The bill eliminates money
targeted to schools with the greatest educational needs, based on school
concentrations of low income students. Current
law allots adequacy money according to numbers of students, but it is not sent
to students. Rather it is directed to
schools for programs known to improve achievement. Numerous studies confirm that the achievement
of all students in a school correlates with the poverty level of its students
(US Department of Education, National Education Longitudinal Study,
Rep. Nancy F
Stiles for the Minority of
Education: The policy behind this
bill was to bring consistency to differentiated aid so that the money
appropriated for students eligible for free and reduced price meals would
replicate the same eligibility requirement as ELL and SPED, the other two
categories of differentiated aid. Since
1999 education funding formulas have sent additional aid to eligible free and
reduced price meal students. This
practice has been based on multiple studies including the Management Analysis
and Planning report contracted and designed specifically for the NH legislature
in 2000. The research speaks to
providing additional aid for eligible students.
New in 2008 (current law) established cliffs of aid based on
concentration of free and reduced price meal eligibility for a total $180m for
the 2006-07 base year calculation.
$53.5m accounts for students who meet the eligibility requirement
(36,400 students) while the remaining $126.5m is directed to schools for all
students (94,144 students not meeting the eligibility) just because they are
sitting in the same classroom. This is
misdirected targeted aid, which could otherwise be much more appropriately
spent.
HB
689-FN-A-L, directing
aid to isolated small schools. MAJORITY:
OUGHT TO PASS WITH AMENDMENT.
MINORITY: INEXPEDIENT TO
LEGISLATE.
Rep. Scott A
Merrick for the Majority of
Education: The joint commission
on fiscal capacity disparity aid, transition aid, and small schools recognized
that schools that are isolated and therefore small by necessity face
diseconomies of scale that require extra resources. This bill defines a small, isolated school
and gives an additional 13 percent of a basic adequacy grant, or $450 per
student. Eight schools fit the size and
distance parameters: a K-6 school under
80 students or a K-8 under 140 students and greater than 10 miles from the
nearest K-6 or K-8 school or a high school under 240 students and greater than
20 miles from the nearest high school.
There is no fiscal impact as the minimal costs are subtracted from the
amount budgeted for fiscal capacity grants:
fifteen dollars from the $2,000 grants and nine dollars from the $1,250
grants. Both small, isolated schools and
schools qualifying for fiscal capacity aid constitute our neediest
schools. Vote 18-2.
Rep. Pamela G
Price for the Minority of
Education: This bill proposes to
allocate an additional $450 to each student in an isolated small school. An isolated small school is defined by
population, geographics and demographics.
Eight schools in northern
ELECTION LAW
HB 175, establishing a committee to study
political advertising on public property. INEXPEDIENT TO LEGISLATE.
Rep. Shawn N
Jasper for Election Law: It is illegal
to place political signs on public property and the committee believes that
istshould continue to be. As the voters of the state are not of one mind
politically, their property should not be used to promote candidates with whom
they disagree. We believe that the laws of our state should be better enforced
and illegally placed signs should be removed in a timely manner. The committee
found no compelling reason to create a study committee. Vote 18-1.
HB
265, relative to
proving qualifications to vote. MAJORITY:
OUGHT TO PASS. MINORITY: INEXPEDIENT TO LEGISLATE.
Rep. David M
Pierce for the Majority of Election Law: For over 30 years, the
Rep. Shawn N
Jasper for the Minority of Election Law:
Passage of this bill may in fact make a bad situation worse. During committee debate on this bill the
majority pointed out that many, if not all, of the minority’s concerns existed
with or without this bill. Unfortunately
that may be true, the minority questions why we wouldn’t then work together to
correct such concerns. If all it took
for us to end crime was to pass a law, then we would have no jails. The
presumption in having affidavits for registering to vote is that people are
honest. There will be no verification at all of whom a person registering to
vote is, with the passage of HB 265. The sad truth is that there may not be any
now; all a person now has to do is present a forged document to register. The
minority believes that the citizens of this state should be protected from
voter fraud and this bill may in fact make voter fraud easier.
EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENTS AND
ADMINISTRATION
HB
223-FN-L,
establishing a moratorium on the implementation of the retirement system
employer assessments for excess benefits. OUGHT TO PASS WITH AMENDMENT.
Rep. Patricia
M McMahon for Executive Departments and Administration: The intent of this bill
is to change the effective dates of HB 1645, Chapter 300, Laws of 2008 in
Sections 33 and 34 of RSA 100 A:14-a that requires an increase in employer
contributions to the retirement system to fund employees’ excess benefits upon
retirement, known as “spiking”
(i.e. unused sick time, vacation time,
bonus, special detail). Additional time
is necessary to adjust the new formula and to allow municipalities’ time to
adjust to this “spiking” practice. The
amendment extends the effective date of this charge to July 1, 2010. The amendment also provides that for the 2009
property tax rate computation the commissioner of revenue administration upon
written request of the governing body shall remove any appropriation that was
in the adopted budget. Vote 18-0.
FISH AND GAME AND MARINE
RESOURCES
HB 407-FN, establishing a lobster and crab
landing license, and increasing the fee for the nonresident commercial salt
water license. OUGHT TO PASS.
Rep. Rose
Marie Rogers for Fish and Game and Marine Resources: This bill establishes a non-resident landing
license for lobster and crabs in
HB
466-FN-A,
establishing a safari fee on owners of big game hunting preserves. MAJORITY:
INEXPEDIENT TO LEGISLATE.
MINORITY: OUGHT TO PASS.
Rep. Robert J
L'Heureux for the Majority of Fish
and Game and Marine Resources: The
majority of the committee felt this bill would impose an additional tax on a
single entity. This bill only had the
support of the two sponsors. There were
no community representatives in favor of this legislation. The bill was also opposed by the fish and
game department as well as the New Hampshire Wildlife Federation. This entity draws little on community
resources and is an asset because of the jobs it creates as well as the
maintenance and feed supplies that are purchased locally. Vote 13-1.
Rep. Daniel P
Carr for the Minority of Fish and
Game and Marine Resources: This bill provides funding for the fish and game
department for services rendered to private safari reserves. Currently a small license fee allow hunters
to hunt on such a reserve without a
LABOR, INDUSTRIAL AND
REHABILITATIVE SERVICES
HB
103, relative to
paying discharged and laid off employees in full at the time of discharge. MAJORITY:
OUGHT TO PASS WITH AMENDMENT.
MINORITY: INEXPEDIENT TO
LEGISLATE.
Rep. James W
Craig for the Majority of Labor,
Industrial and Rehabilitative Services: This bill makes clear when employees
are to be paid when they quit or are terminated. In current law, when an employee is
discharged, he or she must be paid within 72 hours. If an employee quits, is laid off or is
suspended as a result of a labor dispute, he or she must be paid no later than
the next regular payday. This bill
requires laid off employees to be paid at the time of layoff, discharged employees
to be paid within 72 hours of discharge, and employees who quit or who are
suspended as a result of a labor dispute to be paid not later then the next
regular payday. Vote 12-7.
Rep. William J Infantine for the Minority of Labor, Industrial and Rehabilitative Services: The minority believes that immediate payment upon laying off an employee is an unreasonable and onerous requirement to place upon the state’s business owners. Many times payroll is not handled in house and time is needed to obtain a check from a payroll company. This situation can be exacerbated by layoffs that may occur on the weekend. It was argued that employers know in advance when they plan to have a layoff. This may be true for larger employers but can be a very last minute quick decision for small businesses that have to react to various circumstances.
LOCAL AND REGULATED REVENUES
HB 428-FN, relative to discounts on wine
purchased from the liquor commission. INEXPEDIENT TO LEGISLATE.
Rep. Steve
Vaillancourt for Local and Regulated Revenues:
Last spring, as part of the Governor’s proposal to generate additional
revenues, the state placed a cap on the amount of wines retail outlets could
purchase at the state liquor commission at 20 percent discount. The discount
was lowered to 15 percent for amounts exceeding $500,000, but the provision is
set to sunset June 30, 2009. This bill represents an attempt to raise the
amount from $350,000 to $500,000 thus decreasing the amount of revenues to the
state. The committee learned that only 12 businesses, the very largest wine
sellers (chain grocery stores for example) purchase more than $500,000. Each of
these businesses would receive an additional $7500 ($150,000 times the five
percent differential between 20 and 15 percent). Only one business is currently
above $350,000 but less than $500,000 in sales. That business would save $2500
with this bill. Thus, this bill is basically for the benefit of the one
business. The majority was compelled to reject the argument that this is an
attempt to help “Ma and Pa” stores. The minority believed the bill would
encourage expansion by outlets which sell smaller amounts. Some confusion arose
because the fiscal note originally noted the state would gain $2.8 million with
the bill. That’s because an unintended consequence of the bill was to basically
get rid of the sunset provision. The committee would note that no matter what
happens to this bill, the governor could well request removal of the sunset as
part of his budget proposal, and we could change the discounts and eligible
numbers as part of House Bill 2 which would take precedence over whatever is
done here. For differing reasons, both the liquor commission and New Hampshire
Grocers Association opposed this bill.
Vote 14-4.
PUBLIC WORKS AND HIGHWAYS
HB
494-FN-A,
appropriating funds for construction of public facilities at
Rep. David B
Campbell for Public Works and Highways:
The committee recognizes the need for capital improvements at
HB
551-FN-A, making an
appropriation for the painting of the arch bridge across the Connecticut River
in
Rep. Patrick
T Long for Public Works and Highways:
Although the bill is with good intent, the committee felt this
legislation circumvents the 10 year plan.
The committee feels that the process for getting on the 10 year plan
should be complied with. Also, this bill
has a potential to open up all steel foot bridges to receive funding outside
the 10 year transportation plan. Vote
19-0.
HB
603-FN-A, relative to
the construction of an Old Man of the Mountain monument on the shore of Profile
Lake and making an appropriation therefor. INEXPEDIENT TO LEGISLATE.
Rep. John A
Graham for Public Works and Highways:
The prime sponsor of the bill appeared and asked that the bill be found
ITL. The committee was happy to accede
to the desires of the sponsor. Vote
18-0.
HB
687-FN-A,
establishing a radiological emergency evacuation infrastructure program. INEXPEDIENT TO LEGISLATE.
Rep. John A
Graham for Public Works and Highways:
This bill would require the DOT Commissioner to prioritize work on
roads, bridges, seawalls and other infrastructure required for the safe
evacuation of the public in the event of a radiological emergency. The cost of preparing, maintaining and
operating this list would be assessed, in part, against the only nuclear
facility in the state. While well
intentioned the committee cannot support this bill for several reasons. First, it addresses public safety and
evacuation from the seacoast area, while ignoring those areas that might be affected
by an incident on our western border.
Second, it would prioritize capital projects, such as a seawall, outside
of the existing capital budget process.
Finally, it similarly bypasses our ten-year transportation planning
framework. Vote 19-0.
TRANSPORTATION
HB 259-FN, relative to motor vehicle
inspections. INEXPEDIENT TO
LEGISLATE.
Rep. John A
Hikel for Transportation: The committee
felt that it was not in the best interest of safety for vehicles not to be
inspected for two years. An inspection
only states that a vehicle pass the safety requirements on the day of
inspection and it was felt that 24 months was too long to re-inspect. Vote 15-1.
HB
383, relative to
passenger restraints. MAJORITY: OUGHT TO PASS WITH AMENDMENT. MINORITY:
INEXPEDIENT TO LEGISLATE.
Rep. Robert W
Williams for the Majority of Transportation: This bill requires passenger restraint use by
all motor vehicle operators and passengers unless specifically exempt by
law. The hearing on HB 383 was long and
the quality of the testimony was, for the most part, informative, interesting
and inspiring. The testimony strongly
favored support for this bill. A summary
of the testimony of those who supported HB 383 highlighted the value, the plus
of having an increase in the use of seat belts.
We have had
an excellent educational program and publicity campaign which has raised our NH
use of seat belts to 64%. We have
plateaued at the 60-65% rate for adult users of seat belts. Only 64% use seat belts in
We believe
the safety of all citizens on the highways of the state is implicit in a free
society and that the risk of trauma, tragedy, injury and death should be
avoided when reasonable regulations are available. We are the only state which does not have an
adult seat belt law; not a distinction to be proud of when we are aware of the
benefits an adult seat belt law will provide. Vote 11-6.
Rep. Jennifer
R Coffey for the Minority of Transportation: Here we go again. We have been debating this bill for the last
several years. The question is, is it a
matter of safety or is it a choice that we should make for ourselves? The question of money – 3.7 million dollars
is being raised and we are not sure whether or not this money will ever appear,
but we can be sure it is federal blackmail.
The issues have come up about safety. It should be noted that we are not
averse to protecting everybody’s safety.
However, it has to be noted that there are seven different exemptions
noted in this bill including school buses.
Our constituents have elected us to represent them, not become their
parents or their conscience.
HB
640-FN, relative to
speed limits and keeping right except to pass. MAJORITY:
INEXPEDIENT TO LEGISLATE.
MINORITY: OUGHT TO PASS.
Rep. C. Pennington
Brown for the Majority of Transportation: This bill would raise the speed limit on
interstate and divided highways from 65 mph to 70 mph. While many drivers now exceed the 65 mph
speed limit, the majority of the committee believes it is inappropriate to
raise the limit in
Rep. Karen C
Umberger for the Minority of Transportation The minority believes that
setting the speed limit on interstate and divided highways to 70 mph makes
sense.
WAYS AND MEANS
HB
412-FN-A, relative to
the research and development tax credit. INEXPEDIENT TO LEGISLATE.
Rep. William
A Hatch for Ways and Means: The
committee believes the established structure of the research and development
tax credit is working and correct for its intended purpose. It also believes the changes suggested in
this bill could not be effective in increasing research and development
activity and by a bi-partisan vote recommended this bill inexpedient to
legislate Vote 13-3.
HB
457-FN-A, increasing
the standard exemption under the interest and dividends tax. INEXPEDIENT TO LEGISLATE.
Rep. Robert M
Walsh for Ways and Means: This bill
calls for an increase in the standard deduction under the interest and
dividends tax with a consequent reduction in revenues generated by some
$4,800,000. At this critical time with
state revenues declining and budget problems in front of us, this is not the
time to institute another serious decline in revenues. As the exemption has not changed in many
years, this bill would, in a more prosperous environment, be worthy of further
consideration. Vote 12-4.
COMMERCE AND CONSUMER AFFAIRS
HB
602-FN-A, relative to
costs associated with cashing payroll checks. OUGHT TO PASS WITH AMENDMENT.
Rep. Paul
McEachern for Commerce and Consumer Affairs:
Unfortunately this legislation is necessary because Bank of America
charges $6.00 to cash payroll checks written on a Bank of America account. The law presently provides that payroll
checks be honored for the full amount of the wages due. This hasn't stopped Bank of America from
imposing the six dollar fee. The
legislation makes it clear that if such a fee is charged it will be absorbed by
the employer and not by the employee. Bank of America is a nationally chartered
bank and cannot be directly regulated by this state. Vote 18-1.
HOUSE DEADLINES
|
Thursday, February 19, 2009 |
Last day to report House bills going to a second committee |
|
Thursday, March 5, 2009 |
Last day to act on House bills going to a second committee |
|
Thursday, March 19, 2009 |
Last day to report all House bills not in a second committee, except budgets |
|
Thursday, March 26, 2009 |
Last day to act on all House bills not in a second committee, except budgets |
|
Thursday, April 2, 2009 |
Last day to report all remaining House bills Last day to report list of retained House bills |
|
Thursday, April 9, 2009 |
Last day to act on House bills: CROSSOVER |
|
Thursday, April 30, 2009 |
Last day to report Senate bills going to a second committee |
|
Thursday, May 7, 2009 |
Last day to act on Senate bills going to a second committee |
|
Thursday, May 28, 2009 |
Last day to report all remaining Senate bills Last day to report list of retained Senate bills |
|
Thursday, June 4, 2009 |
Last day to act on Senate bills |
|
Wednesday, June 10, 2009 |
Last day to form Committees of Conference |
|
Thursday, June 18, 2009 |
Last day to sign Committee of Conference reports |
|
Thursday, June 25, 2009 |
Last day to act on Committee of Conference reports |
LAID ON TABLE
HB 51-FN-A, reestablishing the initial monthly gross charge exemption to the communications services tax. (Pending question is the adoption of the majority committee report.)
COMMITTEE MEETINGS
MONDAY, FEBRUARY 16
LOCAL AND REGULATED REVENUES
12:00 p.m. Tour
of
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 17
CHILDREN AND FAMILY LAW, Room 206, LOB
9:00 a.m. Subcommittee work session on HB 66, relative to the legal age for blood donations.
9:30 a.m. Continued subcommittee work session on HB 165, relative to the number of children in a licensed foster home.
10:00 a.m. Presentation NH Child Advocacy Network 2009 priorities for NH children.
12:30 p.m. Subcommittee work session on HB 139, relative to the determination of parental rights and responsibilities.
1:30 p.m. Subcommittee work session on HB 504, relative to the termination of guardianship of a minor.
COMMERCE AND CONSUMER AFFAIRS, Room 302, LOB
9:00 a.m. Subcommittee work session on HB 610-FN, relative to consumer protection from certain practices of mortgage bankers, mortgage brokers, and mortgage loan originators and implementing the S.A.F.E. mortgage licensing act.
9:30 a.m. Subcommittee work session on HB 120-FN-L, relative to the installation of carbon monoxide detectors in single and multi-family dwellings.
10:00 a.m. Executive session on HB 636-FN, relative to direct shipment of alcoholic beverages, HB 610-FN, relative to consumer protection from certain practices of mortgage bankers, mortgage brokers, and mortgage loan originators and implementing the S.A.F.E. mortgage licensing act,
Continued executive session on HB 507-FN, relative to taxes, fees, and credits under the insurance laws, HB 330, relative to life, accident, and health insurance.
10:15 a.m. Rescheduled public hearing on HB 660-FN, relative to the life settlements act.
11:00 a.m. HB 668-FN, relative to a life settlements model act.
1:00 p.m. HB 416, relative to insurance examinations.
1:30 p.m. HB 659-FN, relative to insurance fraud.
2:00 p.m. HB 680, making technical changes in the insurance laws.
CRIMINAL JUSTICE AND PUBLIC SAFETY, Room 204, LOB
10:00 a.m. Continued executive session, as needed, from February 12.
Executive session on HB 278-FN, relative to the penalty for mistreating service animals, HB 363, eliminating requirements for additional breath tests for blood alcohol content, HB 491, relative to consumption of alcohol following a motor vehicle accident, HB 523-FN, requiring DNA testing of all persons convicted of a felony, HB 582-FN, relative to DNA testing of sexual offenders, HB 37, relative to the penalty for using a gun in commission of a felony, HB 47-FN, establishing a board to evaluate a sexual offender's likelihood of reoffending, HB 110, relative to annulments for certain sexual assault convictions, HB 111, exempting tier I offenders from inclusion in the department of safety's public list of registered offenders, HB 127, relative to treatment of pregnant inmates, HB 230, relative to the burden of proof for a finding of abuse in domestic violence cases.
12:00 p.m. Subcommittee work session on HB 138, revising certain provisions of the sexually violent predators statute.
EDUCATION, Room 207, LOB
9:00 a.m. Subcommittee work session on HB 143, relative to procedures for requesting a change of school for a child.
10:00 a.m. HB 615, relative to withdrawal from a school administrative unit.
11:00 a.m. HCR 7, in support of teen dating violence education.
ELECTION LAW, Room 308, LOB
10:00 a.m. Rescheduled executive session on HB 389, relative to distributing campaign materials at polling places, HB 390, authorizing access to the criminal justice information system for the purpose of enforcing election laws, HB 394-FN, relative to disclosure by candidates of criminal convictions and professional license suspensions, HB 404, relative to the procedure for listing candidates on election ballots, HB 417, relative to electoral college electors, HB 418, relative to presidential primary ballots, HB 439, requiring that the question relative to the necessity for a convention to revise the New Hampshire constitution be presented to the voters in the November 2010 general election, HB 470-FN, relative to the order of names on ballots, HB 506, authorizing absentee voting by election officers, HB 541, relative to placement and removal of political advertising, HB 548-FN-L, requiring municipalities to have dedicated post office boxes for receipt of absentee ballots, HB 573-FN, relative to absentee voting, HB 614, relative to domicile of students for voting purposes, HB 620, disqualifying certain persons from performing duties as an election official, HB 622, amending the hearing dates of the ballot law commission, HB 623, making various changes to the election laws, HB 667-FN, relative to misrepresenting the origin of a campaign call, HB 669-FN, relative to registering to vote, HB 513, relative to the prohibition on voting in more than one state.
EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENTS AND ADMINISTRATION, Room 306, LOB
9:00 a.m. Subcommittee work session on HB 39-FN, relative to the authority of the state board for the licensing and regulation of plumbers.
10:15 a.m. HB 356, relative to required training for chiropractors performing spinal manipulation or spinal adjustment.
11:15 a.m. HB 408-FN, relative to the regulation of physicians and physician assistants by the board of medicine.
1:15 p.m. HB 519, relative to supervision of state employees who are related by birth or marriage.
2:00 p.m. HB 464-FN, relative to certain duties of the department of administrative services and relative to credit card contracts for state agencies.
2:45 p.m. Executive session on HB 617-FN, permitting private employers and others to join the state health insurance program, HB 651-FN, relative to regulation of private investigative agencies and security services, HB 268, relative to transfers from the judicial branch to the executive or legislative branches of state government, HB 339, ratifying changes to the state building code adopted by the state building code review board and revising the definition of the state building code, HB 633-FN, relative to eligibility for medical benefits payment by the retirement system for certain group I teacher and political subdivision employee members, HB 685-FN, relative to medical benefits payment by the retirement system for certain vested deferred group I members, HB 256, relative to the New Hampshire accountancy act, HB 316, relative to expenditures by boards and commissions for costs of examinations of applicants, HB 335, relative to the state retiree health plan commission.
FINANCE, Rooms 210-211, LOB
10:00 a.m. Governor’s Budget Presentations.
Budget Presentations:
11:00 a.m. Judicial Branch.
1:00 p.m. Department of Environmental Services.
2:00 p.m. University System of NH.
3:00 p.m. Department of Safety
FISH AND GAME AND MARINE RESOURCES, Room 307, LOB
10:00 a.m. HB 559, relative to the composition and duties of, and appointment to, the fish and game commission.
1:00 p.m. Executive session on HB 526, changing certain references in fish and game laws to river herring, HB 559, relative to the composition and duties of, and appointment to, the fish and game commission, HB 612, relative to the effect of a suspension or revocation of a fish and game license from another jurisdiction, HB 481-FN-A, establishing a recreational saltwater license for taking finfish in coastal and estuarine waters.
HEALTH, HUMAN SERVICES AND ELDERLY AFFAIRS, Room 205, LOB
10:00 a.m. Executive session on HB 251, relative to the state registry of founded reports of abuse, neglect, or exploitation of adults, HB 422-FN, relative to retail health clinics, HB 493, adopting the uniform emergency volunteer health practitioners act, HB 495, requiring physicians to disclose to their patients that they do not make regular hospital visits, HB 565-FN, relative to the pertussis vaccine for newborns, HB 589-FN, relative to regulating the resomation of human remains, HB 606-FN, relative to aid to the disabled.
11:00 a.m. HB
414, establishing a commission to study preventing dental disease among
11:30 a.m. HB 301, establishing a task force to study access to dental care.
1:00 p.m. HB 592-FN, relative to "adverse events" in hospitals.
2:00 p.m. HB 595-FN-L, relative to eligibility for long-term care.
JUDICIARY, Room 208, LOB
10:00 a.m. Executive session on HB 263-FN-L, eliminating the charge against the state for sheriffs' service of process for indigent plaintiffs, HB 275-FN, increasing the state reimbursement amounts for payment of bailiffs, HB 281-FN, increasing the maximum amount of debt or damages for small claims actions and requiring mediation for small claims actions exceeding $5,000 and establishing a fee for the cost of such mediation, HB 285-FN, authorizing the supreme court to establish a fee to be imposed when a court extends the time for payment of a fine, HB 310-FN, relative to reimbursement of mileage for judges and marital masters, HB 344-FN, establishing the number of associate justices of the superior court, HB 425-FN-A-L, relative to remedies under the state right-to-know law and continually appropriating a special fund, HB 563-FN-A, establishing a fund to provide loans to allow low and moderate income plaintiffs to retain expert witnesses in civil cases and making an appropriation therefor, HB 609-FN-A, establishing a judicial branch information technology fund, HB 682-FN, relative to court security and court security officers.
Rescheduled executive session on HB 70, relative to taking stones from stone walls.
LOCAL AND REGULATED REVENUES, Room 104, LOB (Please note room change.)
9:00 a.m. Subcommittee work session on HB 666-FN, relative to unlawful gambling.
10:00 a.m. Full committee work session on HB 461-FN-A, establishing a state-owned casino to provide funds for public education, HB 593-FN-A, authorizing the licensing and construction of destination resorts with gaming facilities including table gaming and video lottery machines, and authorizing gaming facilities at existing pari-mutuel licensees, including table gaming and video machines.
1:00 p.m. Executive session on HB 212, relative to the assessment of certain impact fees by municipalities, HB 397-FN-A-L, establishing a property tax relief program, HB 588-FN, relative to lowering the legal drinking age, HB 630-FN-A, relative to live racing in New Hampshire, HB624-FN-A, establishing a waiver option for live-racing tracks, HB 654-FN, relative to the dam maintenance revolving fund and tax abatements for dam owners.
2:00 p.m. Full committee work session on HB 461-FN-A, establishing a state-owned casino to provide funds for public education, HB 593-FN-A, authorizing the licensing and construction of destination resorts with gaming facilities including table gaming and video lottery machines, and authorizing gaming facilities at existing pari-mutuel licensees, including table gaming and video machines.
MUNICIPAL AND COUNTY GOVERNMENT, Room 301, LOB
11:00 a.m. Executive session on HB 539-L, relative to town boundaries and the laws pertaining to such boundaries, HB 468-FN-L, relative to caps on total billings by the state to the counties for nursing home care, HB 646-FN-L, relative to county and state obligations for costs for nursing care and services, and for court orders for children services, HB 257, relative to warrant articles at official ballot meetings, HB 308, allowing a town budget committee to establish an alternative date for its public hearing, HB 361, relative to the default budget in certain towns, HB 326, relative to certain municipal revolving funds, HB 290, authorizing fluvial erosion hazard zoning, HB 320-L, relative to agreements between central business service districts and municipalities for infrastructure improvements, HB 362, relative to zoning districts, HB 306, allowing towns to apply for certification of local building codes for compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act., HB 388, relative to permitting village district commissioners to apply for certain bridge aid, HB 152, relative to storage of architectural blueprints by municipalities.
2:30 p.m. Continued executive session on HB 262, relative to recording development restrictions, HB 189, enabling municipalities to establish energy commissions, HB 183, relative to removing supervisors of the checklist.
PUBLIC WORKS AND HIGHWAYS, Room 201, LOB
9:45 a.m. Continued executive session on HB 670-FN, relative to the discount rate used in the electronic toll collection for frequent users.
10:15 a.m. HB
644-FN-A-L, increasing the rate of the road toll, establishing the
1:00 p.m. SB
76, naming a bridge in the town of
1:30 p.m. SB 96, naming a bridge in Webster in honor of William Tracy.
1:45 p.m. Executive
session on SB 76, naming a bridge in the town of
2:00 p.m. HB 581-FN-A-L, increasing the road toll and designating the increase for the highway and bridge betterment account.
2:30 p.m. HB 124-FN-A, relative to the rate of the gas tax.
3:00 p.m. HB 125-FN-A,
increasing the rate of the gas tax and dedicating the increased
revenues to development and improvement of highway-related transit systems
serving
RESOURCES, RECREATION AND DEVELOPMENT, Room 305, LOB
10:00 a.m. Executive session on HB 205-FN-A, relative to certain boating fees, HB 355-FN-A, relative to oil fund disbursement board authority and fees for oil discharge cleanup, HB 558-FN, establishing procedures for leasing state parks for use by private entities, HB 490-FN-A-L, establishing a shorefront maintenance fee.
1:00 p.m. HB 364, relative to municipalities' authority to contract with the department of environmental services for dam maintenance.
2:00 p.m. HB 498, relative to membership on the wetlands council.
2:30 p.m. HB
300-FN-A, requiring the construction of a fire tower on
SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY AND ENERGY, Room 304, LOB
10:00 a.m. HB 269-FN, requiring measurement of carbon dioxide produced and sequestered in this state.
1:00 p.m. HB 303-FN, relative to motor vehicle emissions and motor vehicle idling.
2:30 p.m. HB
352, banning corn-based ethanol as an additive to gasoline sold in
3:15 p.m. Subcommittee work session on HB 395, requiring electric utilities to offer a renewable default energy service option.
TRANSPORTATION, Room 203, LOB
9:30 a.m. Subcommittee work session on HB 528-FN, establishing a restricted driver's license for work-related transportation, HB 571-FN, relative to limited driving privileges for certain persons whose licenses have been revoked or suspended and relative to DWI convictions.
10:00 a.m. Executive session on HB 294, prohibiting writing a text message while driving, HB 528-FN, establishing a restricted driver's license for work-related transportation, HB 571-FN, relative to limited driving privileges for certain persons whose licenses have been revoked or suspended and relative to DWI convictions, HB 683-FN-A-L, relative to disposition of motor vehicle fines, relative to fines for speed limit violations, and requiring the department of safety to inform drivers of changes to the motor vehicle laws, HB 546-FN, relative to authorizing temporary registrations of off-highway recreational vehicles and snowmobiles for nonresidents and increasing the agent fee.
11:00 a.m. HB 462-FN, relative to signs advising motorists approaching highway emergencies.
11:30 a.m. HB 463-FN, including low digit number plates as vanity plates.
1:00 p.m. HB 477-FN, relative to restoration of driving privileges for persons previously licensed in other states.
1:30 p.m. HB 186, relative to rulemaking concerning rafts on public waters.
2:00 p.m. HB 515, establishing a commission to study electric vehicles.
2:30 p.m. HB 224, relative to safety provisions for swimming in lakes.
WAYS AND MEANS, Room 202, LOB
10:00 a.m. Revenue Estimates – Department of Revenue Administration.
2:00 p.m. Executive session on HB 85-FN-A, establishing the women, infants and children program fund, HB 533-FN-A, reducing the rates of the business profits tax and the business enterprise tax, HB 562-FN-A, establishing a job creation tax credit for the town of Greenville, HB 583-FN-A-L, establishing an income tax to adequately fund public education and relative to employment of teachers, HB 600-FN, relative to dedicated funds maintained by the state treasurer, HB 679-FN-A, establishing an exemption from the interest and dividends tax for individuals who are 62 years of age or older.
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 18
PERFORMANCE AUDIT AND OVERSIGHT COMMITTEE (RSA 17-N:1), Room 212, LOB
3:30 p.m. Organizational meeting and regular business.
TRANSPORTATION, Room 203, LOB
2:00 p.m. Or one half hour after session, executive session on HB 462-FN, relative to signs advising motorists approaching highway emergencies, HB 463-FN, including low digit number plates as vanity plates, HB 477-FN, relative to restoration of driving privileges for persons previously licensed in other states, HB 629-FN-A, revising certain motor vehicle laws.
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 19
CHILDREN AND FAMILY LAW, Room 206, LOB
10:00 a.m. HB 694, adopting the uniform child abduction prevention act.
10:30 a.m. HB 695, adopting the uniform child custody jurisdiction and enforcement act.
11:15 a.m. Subcommittee work session on HB 195, relative to relocation of a residence of a child.
1:15 p.m. Continued executive session on HB 180, creating an exception from the registration requirement for certain nonviolent offenders.
COMMERCE AND CONSUMER AFFAIRS, Room 302, LOB
9:00 a.m. Subcommittee work session on HB 198, permitting an insured person injured in a motor vehicle accident to obtain damages under his or her own uninsured motorist coverage when the insured's damages exceed the motorist insurance coverage of the person at fault for the accident, HB 199, requiring motor vehicle insurers to pay benefits to insured persons under their underinsured or uninsured motorist insurance coverage in cases of bodily injury or death cause by uninsured or underinsured negligent motorists, except under certain circumstances, HB 200, permitting the stacking of medical payments coverage under motor vehicle liability policies purchased by members of the same household, HB 202, relative to provisions in insurance policies limiting payment of full benefits.
10:00 a.m. HB 376, relative to condominium governance.
10:30 a.m. HB 442, relative to the review and amendment of condominium bylaws.
11:00 a.m. HB 482, relative to mold assessment, testing, and remediation.
11:30 a.m. HB 492, requiring certification for persons performing radon tests.
1:00 p.m. HB 530-FN, relative to inspection of public buildings for compliance with access standards.
1:30 p.m. HB 535, requiring dwelling units to have functioning smoke detectors upon their sale or transfer.
2:00 p.m. HB 346, relative to real estate developers creating space for drying laundry without electricity or gas.
CRIMINAL JUSTICE AND PUBLIC SAFETY, Room 204, LOB
9:00 a.m. Subcommittee work session on HB 214, establishing a commission to study health care services in correctional facilities and relative to regulation of prescription medication interruptions by corrections staff and access to inmates by medical, mental health, and social services providers.
10:00 a.m. HB 348, relative to criminal penalties and alternatives to incarceration.
10:30 a.m. HB 312, permitting a person to record a law enforcement officer in the course of such officer's official duties.
11:00 a.m. HB 621, relative to court procedures for persons with mental illness charged with crimes.
11:30 a.m. HB 645-FN, requiring police officers to complete certain mental health training and requiring the police standards and training council to develop and implement an advanced training curriculum for specialized crisis intervention teams.
1:30 p.m. HB 474-FN, prohibiting the trafficking in persons for the purposes of sexual or labor exploitation.
2:30 p.m. HB
471-FN, relative to organized retail crime in
ENVIRONMENT AND AGRICULTURE, Room 308, LOB
9:00 a.m. Executive session on HB 337-FN-L, permitting the issue of temporary licenses for certain sellers of animals, HB 345-FN, allowing physical therapists to practice on animals, HB 399-FN-A, relative to industrial hemp and establishing an industrial hemp special program fund, HB 423-FN-A-L, relative to solid waste permits, HB 652-FN, relative to the impact of demolition and construction projects on the environment, HB 675-FN, requiring a refundable deposit on beverage containers.
Continued executive session on HB 42-FN, allowing the state veterinarian to employ a meat inspection services administrator, HB 232, permitting the pesticide control board to establish pesticide fees, HB 283-FN, establishing a solid waste management fund and assessing a beverage container fee, if needed.
EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENTS AND ADMINISTRATION, Room 306, LOB
9:00 a.m. Subcommittee work session on HB 248-FN, relative to establishing a single liquor commissioner, HB 121-FN, relative to regulating residential building and remodeling contractors and subcontractors, HB 252, relative to state agency rulemaking concerning expiring administrative rules.
10:00 a.m. HB 52-FN, relative to the regulation of massage therapists.
11:00 a.m. HB 84-FN, relative to the regulation of reflexologists, structural integrators, and Asian bodywork therapists.
1:00 p.m. HB 488, establishing a commission to study the efficiency and responsiveness of state government.
1:45 p.m. HB 510, relative to the position of director of vital records administration.
FINANCE, Rooms 210-211, LOB
Budget presentations:
9:00 a.m. Department of Administrative Services.
10:00 a.m. Department of Health and Human Services.
1:00 p.m. Department of Education.
2:00 p.m.
3:00 p.m. Department of Transportation.
FINANCE – (DIVISION III), Room 209, LOB
12:00 p.m. Subcommittee informational meeting on medicaid.
HEALTH, HUMAN SERVICES AND ELDERLY AFFAIRS, Room 205, LOB
10:00 a.m. HB 619, relative to medical records and patient information.
11:15 a.m. HB 402, relative to transporting medical records.
1:00 p.m. HB 380, relative to long-term care.
2:00 p.m. HB 542, relative to a health information exchange.
JUDICIARY, Room 208, LOB
9:30 a.m. Subcommittee work session on HB 196, establishing a penalty for destruction or frustration of an easement of
10:00 a.m. HB 219, relative to hearings for incapacitated persons admitted to state institutions by their guardians.
11:00 a.m. HB 304, relative to death with dignity for certain persons suffering from a terminal condition.
1:00 p.m. HB 456, establishing a committee to study the definition of surviving issue.
1:30 p.m. HB 480-FN, relative to the definition of "public use" regarding eminent domain.
2:00 p.m. HB 574-FN-L, authorizing liens for unpaid building code violations and requiring landlord agents for restricted rental property.
LABOR, INDUSTRIAL AND REHABILITATIVE SERVICES, Room 307, LOB
10:00 a.m. HB 231, relative to resolution of collective bargaining disputes.
11:30 a.m. Executive session on HB 108, establishing an employers' private right of action to enforce the payment of workers' compensation coverage, HB 240-FN, relative to workers' compensation for death, HB 271, relative to relevant information in a workers' compensation claim, HB 305, relative to public employees' right to strike, HB 500, repealing the authority for an exclusive representative of an employee organization to conduct collective bargaining for employees.
Continued executive session on HB 411, relative to the safety of retirement accounts, if needed.
1:00 p.m. HB 631-FN-L, relative to public employee collective bargaining negotiations under the public employee labor relations act.
LOCAL AND REGULATED REVENUES, Room 303, LOB
10:00 a.m. Executive session on HB 461-FN-A, establishing a state-owned casino to provide funds for public education, HB 593-FN-A, authorizing the licensing and construction of destination resorts with gaming facilities including table gaming and video lottery machines, and authorizing gaming facilities at existing pari-mutuel licensees, including table gaming and video machines, HB 666-FN, relative to unlawful gambling.
MUNICIPAL AND COUNTY GOVERNMENT, Room 301, LOB
10:00 a.m. Continued executive session, as needed, from February 17.
2:00 p.m. Executive session on HB 321, delaying the effective date of 2008 SB 342-FN-LOCAL, relative to workforce housing, HB 446, defining "unnecessary hardship" for purposes of zoning variances, HB 489, requiring student membership on school boards, HB 534, relative to the selection of members of zoning boards of adjustment.
PUBLIC HEALTH IMPROVEMENT SERVICES COUNCIL (HB 491, Chapter 250:2, Laws of 2007), DHHS, 29 Hazen Drive, Room 312, Concord
2:00 p.m. Regular meeting.
PUBLIC WORKS AND HIGHWAYS, Room 201, LOB
10:15 a.m. Executive session on HB 644-FN-A-L, increasing the rate of the road toll, establishing the New Hampshire road and bridge account, and limiting the uses of road toll revenues, HB 581-FN-A-L, increasing the road toll and designating the increase for the highway and bridge betterment account, HB 124-FN-A, relative to the rate of the gas tax, HB 125-FN-A, increasing the rate of the gas tax and dedicating the increased revenues to development and improvement of highway-related transit systems serving New Hampshire residents.
RESOURCES, RECREATION AND DEVELOPMENT, Room 305, LOB
10:00 a.m. HB 307, allowing the construction of grey water systems on private property.
11:00 a.m. HB 674-FN-A, relative to eliminating the water resources council, relative to dams, and authorizing the Connecticut lakes headwaters citizens committee to advise the department of environmental services on the management of Lake Francis and associated property.
1:30 p.m. HB 681-FN, relative to aquatic resource compensatory mitigation.
SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY AND ENERGY, Room 304, LOB
11:00 a.m. Executive session on HB 213-FN, requiring the bureau of emergency communications to develop and maintain a statewide emergency notification system, HB 61, relative to a definition of "sustainable energy", HB 229, clarifying the eligibility requirements for class IV renewable energy generating facilities, HB 643-FN, extending the enhanced 911system surcharge to voice over internet protocol providers and prepaid wireless telecommunications services, HB 269-FN, requiring measurement of carbon dioxide produced and sequestered in this state, HB 375, establishing a committee to study whether renters should be eligible for weatherization programs administered by the office of energy and planning, HB 354, establishing a committee to study local government eligibility for certain funding for energy efficiency improvements.
2:30 p.m. Rescheduled public hearing on HB 413, relative to alternative regulation of small incumbent local exchange carriers.
TRANSPORTATION, Room 203, LOB
9:30 a.m. HB 228, relative to roadside memorials.
10:00 a.m. HB 273, relative to submission of electronic data by municipal and county inspection stations.
10:30 a.m. HB 315, clarifying a law relative to junkyards within industrial areas.
11:00 a.m. HB 372, relative to drivers' licenses for persons with certain neurological disorders.
11:30 a.m. HB 357, relative to retention of special number plates for veterans by surviving spouses.
1:00 p.m. HB 518, relative to driver's license application forms.
2:00 p.m. HB 406, relative to contemporary motor vehicle plates.
2:30 p.m. HB 419-FN, relative to operating restrictions on youth operators.
WAYS AND MEANS, Room 202, LOB
9:30 a.m. HB 628-FN-A, establishing tangible personal property inventory and use taxes.
10:00 a.m. HB 568-FN-A, relative to the taxation of tobacco products other than cigarettes.
10:30 a.m. HB 567-FN-A, redefining tobacco products, increasing the tax on tobacco products other than cigarettes, and dedicating the increase to a tobacco use prevention and cessation program fund.
11:00 a.m. HB 638-FN-A, increasing the tobacco tax and dedicating certain tobacco tax revenues to the comprehensive cancer plan fund.
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 20
ADMINISTRATIVE RULES (RSA 541-A:2), Rooms 306-308, LOB
9:00 a.m. Regular meeting.
CRIMINAL JUSTICE AND PUBLIC SAFETY, 2nd Floor
Conference Room, Department of Safety,
10:00 a.m. Tour of the State Police Criminal Laboratory.
1:00 p.m. Tour of the
10:00 a.m. Regular meeting.
MONDAY, MARCH 2
CITIZENS TRADE POLICY COMMISSION (RSA 19-L), Room 307, LOB
9:00 a.m. Regular meeting.
COMMISSION ON THE PREVENTION OF CHILDHOOD OBESITY (HB 1422, Chapter 219:1, Laws of 2008), Room 207, LOB
10:00 a.m. Regular meeting.
COMMISSION TO STUDY THE ISSUE OF STORMWATER MANAGEMENT(HB 1295, Chapter 71:1, Laws of 2008), Room 305, LOB
11:30 a.m. Regular meeting.
OIL FUND DISBURSEMENT (RSA 146-D:4), Room 305, LOB
9:00 a.m. Regular meeting.
PUBLIC WORKS AND HIGHWAYS, Room 201, LOB
10:15 a.m. Continued
executive session on HB 437, relative to the operation of
the
TUESDAY, MARCH 3
COMMERCE AND CONSUMER AFFAIRS, Room 302, LOB
10:00 a.m. HB 373, relative to insurance reimbursement for acupuncturists.
10:30 a.m. HB 499, relative to insurance payments for ambulance services.
11:00 a.m. HB 561-FN, relative to insurance coverage for persons having deafness and hearing loss.
1:30 p.m. HB 100, relative to homeowner's insurance.
2:00 p.m. HB 331, relative to advertisements of property and casualty insurance.
CRIMINAL JUSTICE AND PUBLIC SAFETY, Room 204, LOB
10:00 a.m. HB 370, relative to equality of treatment of victims of crime.
10:30 a.m. HB 430-FN, removing the statute of limitations on certain crimes committed in furtherance of murder.
11:00 a.m. HB 459, relative to access to restorative justice programs by victims of crime.
11:30 a.m. HB 587-FN, establishing an information and analysis center within the department of safety.
1:30 p.m. HB 690-FN, establishing a cold case homicide unit.
2:30 p.m. HB 322, allowing members of the armed forces between the ages of 18 and 21 to purchase fireworks.
FINANCE – (DIVISION I), Room 212, LOB
Work session on Governor’s Budget:
9:30 a.m. Judicial Branch
1:00 p.m. Corrections
FINANCE – (DIVISION II), Rooms 210-211, LOB
Governor’s Budget Presentation:
10:00 a.m. Department of Education
1:00 p.m. Work session - Department of Education
FINANCE – (DIVISION III), Room 209, LOB
Work session on Governor’s Budget:
10:00 a.m. Department of Health and Human Services.
10:30 a.m. Office of the Commissioner
11:00 a.m. Office of Medicaid and Business Policy
1:30 p.m. Division of Family Assistance
2:30 p.m.
3:00 p.m. Division of Public Health Services
JUDICIARY, Room 208, LOB
11:00 a.m. HB 73, relative to the solemnization of marriage.
11:30 a.m. HB 396, relative to the solemnization of marriage.
1:00 p.m. HB 634, authorizing civil unions between one man and one woman.
1:30 p.m. HB 684, allowing persons of the opposite sex to enter civil unions, eliminating certain prohibitions on same-sex civil unions, and clarifying that no person shall be a party to both a civil union and a marriage, unless the parties to the marriage are legally separated.
2:00 p.m. HB 686, relative to complaint procedures in cases before the commission for human rights.
SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY AND ENERGY, Room 304, LOB
10:00 a.m. HB 585-FN, relative to outdoor lighting efficiency.
1:00 p.m. Information session from the Department of Environmental Services (DES re: history of mercury reduction efforts at the coal-fired electric plant.
STATE VETERANS’ ADVISORY COMMITTEE (RSA 115-A:2), NH
National Guard,
5:00 p.m. Regular meeting.
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 4
EDUCATION OF CHILDREN WITH DISABILITIES ADVISORY COMMITTEE
(RSA 186-C:3-b), Department of Education, Londergan Hall, Room 15, 101 Pleasant
St.,
4:00 p.m. Regular meeting.
THURSDAY, MARCH 5
COMMERCE AND CONSUMER AFFAIRS, Room 302, LOB
9:00 a.m. Subcommittee work session on HB 366, relative to retail vehicle dealers.
10:00 a.m. Rescheduled public hearing on HB 181, relative to disclosure of contaminants prior to the sale of real property.
10:30 a.m. HB 187-FN, relative to manufactured housing.
11:00 a.m. HB 692, relative to emergency generators in manufactured housing parks.
1:00 p.m. Executive session on HB 31-FN, requiring insurance coverage for certain preventative testing, HB 100, relative to homeowner's insurance, HB 109, relative to consumer choice in health insurance, HB 151, prohibiting an insurer from canceling health care coverage based on the insured's terminal condition, HB 161, repealing protection of uncopyrighted compositions in state law, HB 198, permitting an insured person injured in a motor vehicle accident to obtain damages under his or her own uninsured motorist coverage when the insured's damages exceed the motorist insurance coverage of the person at fault for the accident, HB 199, requiring motor vehicle insurers to pay benefits to insured persons under their underinsured or uninsured motorist insurance coverage in cases of bodily injury or death cause by uninsured or underinsured negligent motorists, except under certain circumstances, HB 200, permitting the stacking of medical payments coverage under motor vehicle liability policies purchased by members of the same household, HB 202, relative to provisions in insurance policies limiting payment of full benefits, HB 237, relative to accident and health insurance short-term policies, HB 238, relative to market conduct and enforcement, HB 286-FN, relative to life insurance form disapproval, HB 329, relative to insurance and civil unions, HB 346, relative to real estate developers creating space for drying laundry without electricity or gas, HB 350, prohibiting the sale and distribution of household cleaning products containing phosphorus, HB 482, relative to mold assessment, testing, and remediation, HB 492, requiring certification for persons performing radon tests,
CRIMINAL JUSTICE AND PUBLIC SAFETY, Room 204, LOB
10:00 a.m. HB 665-FN, relative to driving under the influence of drugs.
10:30 a.m. HB 449-FN, increasing the penalty for unlawful possession or release of criminal records.
11:00 a.m. HB 398, relative to the unauthorized use of firearms in the compact part of a city or town.
1:30 p.m. Executive session on HB 78, relative to the interbranch criminal and juvenile justice council, HB 138, revising certain provisions of the sexually violent predators statute, HB160, relative to physical force in defense of a person, HB 214, establishing a commission to study health care services in correctional facilities and relative to regulation of prescription medication interruptions by corrections staff and access to inmates by medical, mental health, and social services providers, HB 220, relative to civil proceedings for forfeiture of animals, HB 312, permitting a person to record a law enforcement officer in the course of such officer's official duties, HB 322, allowing members of the armed forces between the ages of 18 and 21 to purchase fireworks, HB 348, relative to criminal penalties and alternatives to incarceration, HB 370, relative to equality of treatment of victims of crime, HB 398, relative to the unauthorized use of firearms in the compact part of a city or town, HB 430-FN, removing the statute of limitations on certain crimes committed in furtherance of murder.
FINANCE – (DIVISION I), Room 212, LOB
Work session on Governor’s Budget:
9:30 a.m. Judicial Branch
11:00 a.m. Corrections
2:30 p.m. Department of Environmental Services
FINANCE – (DIVISION II), Rooms 210-211, LOB
Governor’s Budget Presentation:
10:00 a.m. Work session - Department of Education
1:00 p.m. Work session - Department of Education
FINANCE – (DIVISION III), Room 209, LOB
Work session on Governor’s Budget:
9:00 a.m. Division of Community Based Care Services
9:30 a.m. Bureau of Elderly and Adult Services
11:00 a.m. Bureau of Behavioral Health
12:00 p.m. Bureau of Drug and Alcohol Services
1:30 p.m. Bureau of Homeless and Housing Services
2:00 p.m. Bureau of Developmental Services
3:30 p.m. Division for Juvenile Justice Services
MUNICIPAL AND COUNTY GOVERNMENT, Room 301, LOB
10:00 a.m. Subcommittee
work session on HB 33, amending the
SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY AND ENERGY, Room 304, LOB
10:00 a.m. HB 496, establishing a limit on the amount of cost recovery for the emissions reduction equipment installed at the Merrimack Station.
STATE FEDERAL RELATIONS AND VETERANS AFFAIRS, Room 203, LOB
9:00 a.m. HB 517, relative to the definition of "armed forces."
9:30 a.m. HB
550, encouraging the
10:00 a.m. HB 524-FN, establishing a permanent state defense force.
11:00 a.m. HJR 1, requesting that Congress appropriate funds to revitalize public facilities for access to the ocean and seashore.
1:00 p.m. HCR 8, urging the President and Secretary of Defense to withdraw all New Hampshire national guard troops from Iraq in the absence of a valid and subsisting Congressional mandate for such service, and withholding the consent of the governor and New Hampshire state legislature from any further deployment of the New Hampshire national guard to Iraq in the absence of such mandate.
2:30 p.m. HCR 9, urging the United States Senate to ratify the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty.
3:30 p.m. HCR
10, urging the federal government to withdraw the
4:30 p.m. HJR 2, urging Congress to modify Medicare payments to enhance the compensation of primary care providers.
FRIDAY, MARCH 6
ADMINISTRATIVE RULES (RSA 541-A:2), Rooms 306-308, LOB
9:00 a.m. Continued regular meeting.
FINANCE – (DIVISION II), Rooms 210-211, LOB
10:00 a.m. Final work session - Department of Education
FINANCE – (DIVISION III), Room 209, LOB
Work session on Governor’s Budget:
9:00 a.m. Division for Children, Youth and Family
10:00 a.m. Division of Child Support Services
10:20 a.m. Office of Operations Support
10:40 a.m. Office of Improvement and Integrity
11:00 a.m. Veteran’s Council
11:30 a.m. Veterans Home
12:45 p.m. Veterans Home open work session on budget.
MONDAY, MARCH 9
COMMERCE AND CONSUMER AFFAIRS, Room 302, LOB
10:00 a.m. HB 529-FN, relative to the healthy kids program.
10:30 a.m. HB 158, relative to the membership on the healthy kids board.
11:00 a.m. HB 336, establishing a committee to study the law regarding insurance coverage for dependent children.
11:30 a.m. HB 569-FN, requiring insurance coverage for diagnosis and treatment of autism spectrum disorders.
1:30 p.m. HB 478-FN, relative to remotely readable devices and relative to the illegal use of a payment card scanning device or reencoder.
COMMISSION TO PROPOSE A RETIREE HEALTH CARE BENEFITS FUNDING MODEL (HB 1645, Chapter 300:13, Laws of 2008), Room 306, LOB
10:00 a.m. Regular meeting.
ELECTRONIC BALLOT COUNTING DEVICE ADVISORY COMMITTEE (HB 285, Chapter 134:1, Laws of 2008), HAVA Conference Room Archives and Records Management Building, 71 South Fruit Street, Concord
10:00 a.m. Regular meeting.
FINANCE JOINT WITH WAYS AND MEANS, Media Center, Salem High School, 44 Geremonty Drive, Salem
6:00 p.m. Public hearing on Governor’s budget.
FINANCE – (DIVISION I), Room 212, LOB
Work session on Governor’s Budget:
1:00 p.m. Department of Administrative Services
FINANCE – (DIVISION III), Room 209, LOB
Work session on Governor’s Budget:
9:00 a.m. Office of Medicaid and Business Policy
10:00 a.m. Health and Human Services Oversight
11:00 a.m. Division of Family Assistance
1:00 p.m. Division of Public Health Services
2:30 p.m. Division for Juvenile Justice Services
TUESDAY, MARCH 10
FINANCE – (DIVISION I), Room 212, LOB
Work session on Governor’s Budget:
9:30 a.m. Department of Environmental Services
FINANCE – (DIVISION II), Rooms 210-211, LOB
Governor’s Budget Presentation
10:00 a.m. Presentation by the Department of Fish and Game
1:00 p.m. Presentation by the Department of Safety
FINANCE – (DIVISION III), Room 209, LOB
Work session on Governor’s Budget:
10:00 a.m. Bureau of Behavioral Health
11:00 a.m. Legislative Orientation
1:00 p.m. Bureau of Elderly and Adult Services
3:00 p.m. Bureau of Developmental Services
THURSDAY, MARCH 12
ADVANCED MANUFACTURING EDUCATION ADVISORY COUNCIL (RSA 188-E:21), Room 100, State House
3:00 p.m. Organizational meeting.
COMMERCE AND CONSUMER AFFAIRS, Room 302, LOB
11:00 a.m. Executive session on HB 75, prohibiting the use of information concerning education level to underwrite insurance coverage, HB 101, prohibiting the use of credit reports for certain insurance purposes, HB 120-FN-L, relative to the installation of carbon monoxide detectors in single and multi-family dwellings, HB 158, relative to the membership on the healthy kids board, HB 181, relative to disclosure of contaminants prior to the sale of real property, HB 187-FN, relative to manufactured housing, HB 244, relative to automobile insurance premiums, HB 299, prohibiting banks from requiring blood samples, fingerprints, and DNA samples in order to complete a banking transaction, HB 331, relative to advertisements of property and casualty insurance, HB 336, establishing a committee to study the law regarding insurance coverage for dependent children, HB 366, relative to retail vehicle dealers, HB 373, relative to insurance reimbursement for acupuncturists, HB 376, relative to condominium governance, HB 416, relative to insurance examinations, HB 442, relative to the review and amendment of condominium bylaws, HB 499, relative to insurance payments for ambulance services, HB 535, requiring dwelling units to have functioning smoke detectors upon their sale or transfer, HB 561-FN, relative to insurance coverage for persons having deafness and hearing loss.
FINANCE JOINT WITH WAYS AND MEANS, River Valley Community College, One College Drive, Claremont
6:00 p.m. Public hearing on Governor’s budget.
FINANCE – (DIVISION II), Rooms 210-211, LOB
10:00 a.m. Work session - Department of Safety
1:00 p.m. Work session - Department of Safety
STATE FEDERAL RELATIONS AND VETERANS AFFAIRS, Room 203, LOB
9:00 a.m. Executive session on HB 517, relative to the definition of "armed forces", HB 550, encouraging the Museum of New Hampshire History to fly the state flag, HB 524-FN, establishing a permanent state defense force, HJR 1, requesting that Congress appropriate funds to revitalize public facilities for access to the ocean and seashore, HCR 8, urging the President and Secretary of Defense to withdraw all New Hampshire national guard troops from Iraq in the absence of a valid and subsisting Congressional mandate for such service, and withholding the consent of the governor and New Hampshire state legislature from any further deployment of the New Hampshire national guard to Iraq in the absence of such mandate, HCR 9, urging the United States Senate to ratify the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty, HCR 10, urging the federal government to withdraw the United States from the North American Free Trade Agreement, HJR 2, urging Congress to modify Medicare payments to enhance the compensation of primary care providers.
FRIDAY, MARCH 13
FINANCE, Rooms 210-211, LOB
9:30 a.m. Full committee work session on HB 433-FN-A, making an appropriation to fund the reporting of hospital infections by the department of health and human services and HB 649-FN, relative to the governor's authority to expend funds for heating assistance.
10:00 a.m. Executive session on HB 433-FN-A, making an appropriation to fund the reporting of hospital infections by the department of health and human services and HB 649-FN, relative to the governor's authority to expend funds for heating assistance.
MONDAY, MARCH 16
EQUALIZATION STANDARDS BOARD (RSA 21-J:14-c), Department of
Revenue Administration, 109 Pleasant Street (Medical and Surgical Building),
1:00 p.m. Regular meeting.
FINANCE JOINT WITH WAYS AND MEANS, White Mountains Regional High School Auditorium, 127 Regional Road, Whitefield
6:00 p.m. Public hearing on Governor’s budget.
INTERAGENCY COORDINATING COUNCIL FOR WOMEN OFFENDERS (RSA 21-H:14-c), Room 100, State House
9:00 a.m. Regular meeting.
10:00 a.m. Regular meeting.
TUESDAY, MARCH 17
COMMERCE AND CONSUMER AFFAIRS, Room 302, LOB
10:00 a.m. HCR 2, endorsing the National Health Insurance Act.
10:30 a.m. HJR
4, requesting the Macquarie Bank to withdraw its rate hike request
relating to the Aquarion Water Company in
11:00 a.m. HB 678-FN, relative to establishing a minimum medical loss ratio.
11:30 a.m. HB 434-FN, relative to a health insurance access program.
12:00 p.m. HB 359, requiring health care provider bills to state the portion of payment covering costs of the uninsured.
1:00 p.m. Executive session on HB 334-FN, relative to consumer credit, HB 478-FN, relative to remotely readable devices and relative to the illegal use of a payment card scanning device or reencoder, HB 529-FN, relative to the healthy kids program, HB 530-FN, relative to inspection of public buildings for compliance with access standards, HB 569-FN, requiring insurance coverage for diagnosis and treatment of autism spectrum disorders, HB 605, relative to employment of minors by liquor licensees, HB 607-FN, relative to residential pharmaceutical waste, HB 616, relative to banking overdraft fees, HB 659-FN, relative to insurance fraud, HB 660-FN, relative to the life settlements act, HB 668-FN, relative to a life settlements model act, HB 680, making technical changes in the insurance laws, HB 692, relative to emergency generators in manufactured housing parks.
FINANCE – (DIVISION I), Rooms 301-303, LOB
4:00 p.m. Governor’s budget
FINANCE – (DIVISION II), Rooms 210-211, LOB
10:00 a.m. Work session – Department of Fish and Game
Governor’s Budget Presentation
1:00 p.m. Department of Transportation
FINANCE – (DIVISION II), Rooms 205-207, LOB
4:00 p.m. Governor’s budget
FINANCE – (DIVISION III), Room 209, LOB
4:00 p.m. Governor’s budget
THURSDAY, MARCH 19
COMMERCE AND CONSUMER AFFAIRS, Room 302, LOB
10:00 a.m. Executive session on HB 359, requiring health care provider bills to state the portion of payment covering costs of the uninsured, HB 434-FN, relative to a health insurance access program, HB 678-FN, relative to establishing a minimum medical loss ratio, HCR 2, endorsing the National Health Insurance Act, HJR 4, requesting the Macquarie Bank to withdraw its rate hike request relating to the Aquarion Water Company in Hampton, North Hampton, and Rye.
FINANCE – (DIVISION II), Rooms 210-211, LOB
10:00 a.m. Work session - Department of Transportation
1:00 p.m. Work session - Department of Transportation
FRIDAY, MARCH 20
ADMINISTRATIVE RULES (RSA 541-A:2), Rooms 306-308, LOB
9:00 a.m. Regular meeting.
FINANCE – (DIVISION II), Rooms 210-211, LOB
1:00 p.m. Final work session - Department of Transportation
Final work session - Fish and Game Department
MONDAY, MARCH 23
COMMISSION TO PROPOSE A RETIREE HEALTH CARE BENEFITS FUNDING MODEL (HB 1645, Chapter 300:13, Laws of 2008), Room 306, LOB
10:00 a.m. Regular meeting.
FINANCE – (DIVISION II), Rooms 210-211, LOB
Governor’s Budget Presentation
10:00 a.m. University System, NH
11:00 a.m. Community College System of NH
2:00 p.m. Planetarium
TUESDAY, MARCH 24
FINANCE – (DIVISION II), Rooms 210-211, LOB
10:00 a.m. Final work session – University System of NH
Final work session – Community College System of NH
Final work session - Planetarium
Governor’s Budget Presentation
1:00 p.m. Lottery Commission
2:00 p.m. Police Standards and Training Council
3:00 p.m. Postsecondary Education Commission
LONG-RANGE CAPITAL PLANNING AND UTILIZATION (RSA 17-M), Room 201, LOB
3:00 p.m. Regular business.
THURSDAY, MARCH 26
FINANCE – (DIVISION II), Rooms 210-211, LOB
10:00 a.m. Final work session – Lottery Commission
Final work session – Postsecondary Education Commission
Final work session – Police Standards and Training Council
FRIDAY, MARCH 27
ASSESSING STANDARDS BOARD (RSA 21-J:14-a), Department of
Revenue Administration, 109 Pleasant Street (Medical and Surgical Building),
9:30 a.m. Regular meeting.
BOARD OF MANUFACTURED HOUSING (RSA 205-A:25), Room 201, LOB
1:00 p.m. Complaint hearing.
WORKERS' COMPENSATION ADVISORY COUNCIL (RSA 281-A:62), Room 305, LOB
9:00 a.m. Regular meeting.
OFFICIAL NOTICES
County Delegation Notice
Rep. Maurice Pilotte, Chairman
County Delegation Notice
Rep. Maurice Pilotte, Chairman
County Delegation Notice
Merrimack County Executive Committee will meet on Monday, March 9 at 9:00 a.m. in the lower level conference room of the McDonnell Building, 4 Court Street, Concord. The purpose of the meeting is as follows: 1. 2009 Budget Review as follows: a. Corrections. b. Administration and Others. c. Human Services and Others. d. County Attorney/Med. Referee/Pre-Trial/Adult Diversion/Sheriff Dispatch. e. Nursing Home. 2. Any other business.
Rep. Jessie Osborne, Chairman
County Delegation Notice
Rep. David A. Welch, Clerk
Rockingham County Delegation will meet at 6:00 p.m. on Tuesday, February 17 at the Hilton Auditorium, Rockingham County Nursing Home, Brentwood to adopt the County Budget for 2009 (storm date February 19).
Rep. David A. Welch, Clerk
County Delegation Notice
Rep. Suzanne H. Gottling, Chairman
Rep. Raymond G. Gagnon, Chairman
******
REVISED FISCAL NOTES
The following House Bill has revised fiscal notes: HBs 31, 64, 166, 419, 423,426, 468, 590,592, 594, 595, 597, 598, 602, 630, 632, 633, 639, 640, 643, 650, 652, 653, 655, 658, 663, 666, 670, 674, 675, 677.
Karen O. Wadsworth, Clerk of the House
******
Pursuant to RSA 326-B:10-a,IV, the Joint Health Council will meet at the NH Board of Nursing Office, Walker Building, 21 South Fruit Street, Concord, on Monday, March 9 at 6:00 p.m.
Karen O. Wadsworth, Clerk of the House
******
When the House Clerk’s Office is aware of House Members who are hospitalized or homebound by serious illness, we will publish a list of names and addresses as requested.
Rep. Anne K. Priestly,
Colleagues who so desire may send cards and greetings to the address listed above.
Karen O. Wadsworth, Clerk of the House
******
MEMBERS’ NOTICES
The following notices are published in the House record as a courtesy to the member(s) requesting publication. These are not official public notices and will be limited to legislative policy or legislative social activities and political meetings or events. Publication should not be construed as support for either the events listed or the views espoused by the individual or organization sponsoring the event.
******
The components of the NH Dental Society will be inviting
legislators to events in their area in order to educate legislators regarding
oral health issues in
Reps.
Mary Jane Wallner and
******
The
Legislative Caucus for Young Children, in collaboration with the New Hampshire
Child Advocacy Network (NH CAN), a program of the Children's Alliance of New
Hampshire, cordially invites all legislators to a press release of the 2009 Priorities for
Rep. Mary Stuart Gile
******
Legislators are invited to attend the Mental Health Caucus meeting on February 17 from 12:15 to 1:30 p.m. (bring your own brown bag lunch) at the Upham Walker House. Please call Rep. Liz Merry (286-4897 or email lizmerry@metrocast.net) or Rep. Bob Thompson (email Robert.Thompson@leg.state.nh.us) if you have questions.
Rep. Liz Merry
******
The NH Women's Lobby cordially invites all members of the
legislature to our second annual Love the Lobby event on Tuesday, February 17 from 5:00-7:00 p.m. at Rath, Young and Pignatelli,
Rep. Carla M. Skinder
******
On February 17th the
New Hampshire Federation of Humane Organizations invites all legislators to an
informational luncheon on HB 630, the Greyhound Protection Act. Lunch will be available from 11:30 am to 1:00
pm at
Rep. Mary R. Cooney
******
Breathe
Reps.
Mary Jane Wallner and
******
The Granite State Airport Management Association (GSAMA)
cordially invites you to attend the second “GSAMA at the Capital” on Wednesday,
February 18 in Room 100, State House
from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. GSAMA is
comprised of aviation related organizations that work closely with the
NHDOT/Bureau of Aeronautics and the federal Aviation Administration (FAA) in promoting
the 24 public-use airports throughout the
Rep. Chris Nevins
******
The Merrimack County Farm Bureau invites the Merrimack County Delegation, and the Environment and Agriculture Committee to a rescheduled luncheon on Wednesday, February 18 at the Department of Agriculture conference room, second floor of the State House Annex at noon or when the House recesses for lunch.
Rep. Candace CW Bouchard
******
The Aviation Caucus will have its first organizational meeting in the Conference Room of the Upham Walker House at 3:00 p.m. or at the end of the House session on February 18. We look forward to greeting all who indicated their interest to join our caucus and to those who may still wish to.
Rep. Chris Nevins
******
Reps.
Mary Jane Wallner and
******
On Thursday, February 19 at a brown-bag luncheon (coffee
and cookies provided), the Department of Environmental Services will make a presentation
on recent advances in New Hampshire water resource issues starting with the
release of the new New Hampshire Water Resources Primer. The Primer is a wide-ranging new report on
water resource issues and recommendations prepared in cooperation with diverse
stakeholders for the legislative Water Resources Committee. The presentation will also cover Phase I of
the State Water Plan, including the results of last fall's survey of
legislators and local decision makers. The
luncheon will be held in the Map Gallery at the State Library,
Rep. Judith Spang
******
Legislators are invited to attend the Opening Ceremony for the
Rep. Jessie L. Osborne
******
The New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services
Legislative Orientation has been rescheduled for Thursday March 12th at
Rep. Cindy Rosenwald
******
The House Republican Alliance will meet every Tuesday at 8:30
a.m. at the Upham Walker House,
Rep. Nancy J. Elliott
******
The Main Street Republicans will meet every Tuesday at 8:30 a.m. in Room 212, LOB. All Republicans are welcome.
Rep. Cynthia J. Dokmo
State House Visitation Schedule
As a convenience to the members of the NH General Court, the
Visitors’ Center offers the following schedule of schools and other groups
visiting the State House in February & March 2009. These
listings are to ensure all members be notified in a timely manner of visitors
from their district. Our schedule is tightly booked for the remainder of
the school year and subject to changes. Please contact the Visitors’
Center concerning school tour booking information. Legislators
planning to meet with students should notify the
Virginia J. Drew. Director
Caitlin A. Daniuk, Public Information Administrator
|
DATE |
TIME |
GROUP |
Size/Grade |
|
Feb.
17 |
9:00 |
The |
15/4 |
|
Feb.
17 |
10:00 |
|
40/4 |
|
Feb.
17 |
1:00 |
|
15/College |
|
Feb.
18 |
9:30 |
|
16/4 |
|
Feb.
18 |
10:00/11:30
SH/HM |
New |
55/4 |
|
Feb.
19 |
9:00 |
|
20/4 |
|
Feb.
19 |
10:00 |
|
21/4 |
|
Feb.
19 |
10:00 |
|
14/4 |
|
Feb.
19 |
11:45 |
|
20/College |
|
Feb.
19 |
1:00 |
|
15/Adult |
|
Feb.
20 |
10:00 |
|
115/4 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Feb.
23 |
2:00 |
|
10 |
|
Feb.
25 |
9:30 |
UNH –
Social Work Undergraduates |
47/College |
|
Feb.
25 |
11:00 |
Wakefield
Home School Group |
40 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Mar.
2 |
10:15 |
|
50/4 |
|
Mar.
3 |
9:00 |
Broken
|
40/4 |
|
Mar.
3 |
10:00/11:15
SH/HM |
|
86/4 |
|
Mar.
4 |
9:00 |
Broken
|
40/4 |
|
Mar.
4 |
10:30/12:00
SH/HM |
|
75/4 |
|
Mar.
4 |
1:30 |
|
24/4 |
|
Mar.
5 |
9:00 |
Broken
|
40/4 |
|
Mar.
5 |
1:00 |
|
20/Adult |
|
Mar.
5 |
1:30 |
|
24/4 |
|
Mar.
6 |
9:30/10:30
SH/SC |
|
80/4 |
|
Mar.
6 |
11:30 |
|
7/4 |
|
Mar.
6 |
1:30 |
|
24/4 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Mar.
9 |
10:15 |
|
50/4 |
|
Mar.
9 |
2:00 |
Sacred
Heart Church Home School Group- |
30 |
|
Mar.
10 |
10:00/11:30
SH/HM |
|
80/4 |
|
Mar
11 |
10:00/11:30
SH/HM |
|
65/4 |
|
Mar.
11 |
1:00 |
|
28/Adult |
|
Mar.
12 |
10:00/11:15
SH/HM |
|
80/4 |
|
Mar.
13 |
9:30/11:00
SH/SC |
|
60/4 |
|
Mar.
13 |
10:30 |
|
50/4 |
NOTICE
HOUSE EMERGENCY NOTIFICATION SYSTEM
In past sessions, a plan was developed for the House Leadership to communicate with members of the House at night and at such other times as the members are at home.
In most emergencies the individual member will be aware that an emergency exists, though may be in doubt as to its extent.
The following procedure has been developed:
1. Notice of an emergency
message will be given to State Police Headquarters in
2. State Police Headquarters will send the message via computer to the stations listed.
3. Reliance will be placed on each individual legislator to call the terminal station nearest his or her home and inquire for any emergency message to legislators in times of emergency or suspected emergency. This will include, but not be limited to cancellation of sessions due to severe weather conditions.
|
Gilford |
Police Station |
527-4737 |
|
|
Police Station |
524-5252 |
|
|
Police Station |
352-2222 |
|
|
Police Station |
448-1212 |
|
|
Police Station |
668-8711 |
|
|
Police Station |
594-3500 |
|
|
Police Station |
225-8600 |
|
|
|
679-2225 |
|
|
Police Station |
427-1500 |
|
|
Police Station |
742-4646 |
|
|
Police Station |
542-9538 |
|
|
Police Station |
863-3232 |
|
|
Police Station |
424-2222 |
|
|
Police Station |
893-1911 |
|
Ossipee |
|
539-2284 |
|
|
Police Station |
432-6111 |
In addition to the above listed numbers you can also call the numbers listed below nearest you.
State Police
Headquarters
Department of Safety
Tel: 271-3636
|
Rockingham
& Strafford Counties |
|
|
Troop - A |
Troop - B |
|
Route 125 |
|
|
|
|
|
Tel: 679-3333 |
Tel: 672-3333 |
|
|
|
|
Cheshire
& Sullivan Counties |
|
|
Troop - C |
Department of Safety |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Tel: 358-3333 |
Tel: 271-3636 |
|
|
|
|
Belknap & Carroll Counties |
Coos & Grafton Counties |
|
Troop - E |
Troop - F |
|
|
|
|
W. |
|
|
Tel: 323-3333 |
Tel: 846-3333 |
Also in the event members wish to obtain road or weather
conditions during periods of inclement weather they should call the nearest
Troop Station to their residence or Headquarters Communications in
The caller should specify the information he or she wishes to obtain. This information should be readily available to communications personnel and every effort will be made to accommodate these requests in a timely manner.
Please be advised when calling State Police Headquarters to call 271-3636 and not any of the 800 lines, which are used for emergency purposes only.
A toll-free road conditions on all state roads is available at 511.
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 18
AMENDMENTS
(LISTED IN NUMERICAL ORDER)
2009-0156h
Amendment to CACR 4
Proposed by the Majority of the Committee
on Election Law - R
Amend the resolution by replacing paragraph I with the following:
I. That article 11 of the first part of the constitution be amended to read as follows:
[Art.] 11. [Elections and Elective Franchises.] All elections are to be free, and every inhabitant of the state of 18 years of age and upwards shall have an equal right to vote in any election. A person who is 17 years of age may vote in a primary election preceding a general election at which such person will be 18 years of age. Every person shall be considered an inhabitant for the purposes of voting in the town, ward, or unincorporated place where he or she has his or her domicile. No person shall have the right to vote under the constitution of this state who has been convicted of treason, bribery, or any willful violation of the election laws of this state or of the United States; but the supreme court may, on notice to the attorney general, restore the privilege to vote to any person who may have forfeited it by conviction of such offenses. The general court shall provide by law for voting by qualified voters who at the time of the biennial or state elections, or of the primary elections therefor, or of city elections, or of town elections by official ballot, are absent from the city or town of which they are inhabitants, or who by reason of physical disability are unable to vote in person, in the choice of any officer or officers to be elected or upon any question submitted at such election. Voting registration and polling places shall be easily accessible to all persons including disabled and elderly persons who are otherwise qualified to vote in the choice of any officer or officers to be elected or upon any question submitted at such election. The right to vote shall not be denied to any person because of the nonpayment of any tax. Every inhabitant of the state, having the proper qualifications, has equal right to be elected into office.
Amend the resolution by replacing paragraph IV with the following:
IV. That the wording of the question put to the qualified voters shall be:
“Are you in favor of amending article 11 of the first part of the constitution to read as follows:
[Art.] 11. [Elections and Elective Franchises.] All elections are to be free, and every inhabitant of the state of 18 years of age and upwards shall have an equal right to vote in any election. A person who is 17 years of age may vote in a primary election preceding a general election at which such person will be 18 years of age. Every person shall be considered an inhabitant for the purposes of voting in the town, ward, or unincorporated place where he or she has his or her domicile. No person shall have the right to vote under the constitution of this state who has been convicted of treason, bribery, or any willful violation of the election laws of this state or of the United States; but the supreme court may, on notice to the attorney general, restore the privilege to vote to any person who may have forfeited it by conviction of such offenses. The general court shall provide by law for voting by qualified voters who at the time of the biennial or state elections, or of the primary elections therefor, or of city elections, or of town elections by official ballot, are absent from the city or town of which they are inhabitants, or who by reason of physical disability are unable to vote in person, in the choice of any officer or officers to be elected or upon any question submitted at such election. Voting registration and polling places shall be easily accessible to all persons including disabled and elderly persons who are otherwise qualified to vote in the choice of any officer or officers to be elected or upon any question submitted at such election. The right to vote shall not be denied to any person because of the nonpayment of any tax. Every inhabitant of the state, having the proper qualifications, has equal right to be elected into office.”
2009-0161h
Amendment to HB 41
Proposed by the Committee on Fish and Game
and Marine Resources - C
Amend the bill by replacing section 1 with the following:
1 New Section; Wildlife Heritage Foundation; Donation of Permits. Amend RSA 206 by inserting after section 33-d the following new section:
206:33-e Wildlife Heritage Foundation; Donation of Permits.
I. The executive
director may donate up to 5 fishing licenses and hunting licenses along with
any necessary permits to take up to 5 moose, up to 5 deer, and up to 5 bear,
each calendar year to the wildlife heritage foundation of
II. The licenses and permits donated under paragraph I shall be valid anywhere in the state open to the taking of the species selected, and shall be valid to take moose, deer, or bear of either sex during the established hunting season for that species. Prior to being issued a hunting license under this section, a person shall meet the hunting education requirements under RSA 214:23-a.
2009-0001h
Amendment to HB 56-FN
Proposed by the Committee on Public Works
and Highways - R
Amend the bill by replacing section 2 with the following:
2 Signage. The cost of design, construction, maintenance, and installation of any signage, replacement signage, or other markers authorized under section 1 of this act shall not be a charge to the state. However, the design, construction, and installation of any signage or other markers authorized under this act shall be approved by the department of transportation.
2009-0004h
Amendment to HB 86
Proposed by the Committee on Municipal and
Amend the title of the bill by replacing it with the following:
AN ACT allowing towns to issues citations and accept pleas by mail for local ordinance violations.
Amend the bill by replacing all after the enacting clause with the following:
1 New Section; Powers of Towns; Ordinances; Citations and Pleas by Mail. Amend RSA 31 by inserting after section 39-b the following new section:
31:39-c Local Ordinance Citations; Pleas by Mail. In addition to any other enforcement procedure authorized by law, a local official with authority to prosecute an offense under any municipal code, ordinance, bylaw, or regulation, if such offense is classified as a violation under applicable law, may issue and serve upon the defendant, in addition to a summons to appear in the district court, a local ordinance citation as set forth in this section. The defendant receiving such a citation may plead guilty or nolo contendere by mail by entering that plea as provided herein. If such a plea is accepted by the district court, the defendant shall not be required to appear personally or by counsel; otherwise the defendant shall appear as directed by the court. The following procedure shall be used:
I. No local ordinance citation as set forth in this section shall be served unless the defendant has first been given written notice of the violation by the municipality and has had a reasonable opportunity to cure the violation or has expressly refused to do so.
II. The local ordinance citation shall contain:
(a) The caption: “Local Ordinance Citation, Town (City) of ___”.
(b) The name of the offender, and address if known to the prosecuting official.
(c) The code, ordinance, bylaw, or regulation the offender is charged with violating.
(d) The act or circumstances constituting the violation.
(e) The place of the violation.
(f) The date upon which the offender received written notice of the violation by the municipality.
(g) The time and date, if any, upon which any further violation or continuing violation was witnessed subsequent to such written notice.
(h) The amount of the penalty that is payable by the offender. If the offense is a continuing one for which a penalty is assessed for each day the offense continues, the amount of the penalty shall be based on the number of days the violation has continued since the time notice was given to the offender, up to a maximum of 10 days’ violation charged in one citation.
(i) Instructions informing the defendant that the defendant may answer the citation by mail or may personally appear in court upon the date on the summons, and instructing the defendant how to enter a plea by mail, together with either the amount of the penalty specified in the citation, or a request for a trial.
(j) The address of the clerk of the district court where the plea by mail may be entered.
(k) A warning to the defendant that failure to respond to the citation on or before the date on the summons may result in the defendant's arrest as provided in paragraph V.
(l) The signature of the prosecuting official.
III. Defendants who are issued a summons and local ordinance citation and who wish to plead guilty or nolo contendere shall enter their plea on the summons and return it with payment of the civil penalty, as set forth in the citation, to the clerk of the court prior to the arraignment date, or shall appear in court on the date of arraignment.
IV. Civil penalties collected by the district court under this section shall be remitted to the municipality issuing the citation. Whenever a defendant (a) does not enter a plea by mail prior to the arraignment day or does not appear personally or by counsel on or before that date or move for a continuance; or (b) otherwise fails to appear for a scheduled court appearance in connection with a summons for any offense, the defendant shall be defaulted and the court shall determine what the civil penalty would be upon a plea of guilty or nolo contendere and shall impose an administrative processing fee in addition to the civil penalty. Such fee shall be the same as the administrative processing fee under RSA 502-A:19-b, and shall be retained by the court for the benefit of the state.
V. The court may, in its discretion, issue a bench warrant for the arrest of any defendant who:
(a) Is defaulted in accordance with the provisions of paragraph IV of this section;
(b) Fails to pay a fine or other penalty imposed in connection with a conviction for a violation of a local code, ordinance, bylaw, or regulation which a court has determined the defendant is able to pay, or issues a bad check in payment of a fine or other penalty; or
(c) Fails to comply with a similar order on any matter within the court's discretion.
VI. For cause, the court in its discretion may refuse to accept a plea by mail and may impose a fine or penalty other than that stated in the local ordinance citation. The court may order the defendant to appear personally in court for the disposition of the defendant's case.
VII. The prosecuting official may serve additional local ordinance citations, without giving additional written notice or appeal opportunity under paragraph I, if the facts or circumstances constituting the violation continue beyond the date or dates of any prior citation. A plea of guilty or nolo contendere to the prior citation shall not affect the rights of the defendant with respect to a subsequent citation.
VIII. Forms and
rules for the local ordinance citation and summons shall be developed and
adopted by the
IX. This section is not intended in any way to abrogate other enforcement actions or remedies in the district or superior court, nor to require written notice as a prerequisite to other types of actions or remedies for violations of local codes, ordinances, bylaws, or regulations.
X. This section shall not apply to offenses that are subject to enforcement under RSA 676, or to motor vehicle offenses under title XXI or any local law enacted thereunder.
2 Effective Date. This act shall take effect January 1, 2010.
AMENDED ANALYSIS
This bill allows municipalities to enforce municipal codes and ordinances by issuing citations and accepting pleas by mail for violations.
2009-0290h
Amendment to HB 103
Proposed by the Majority of the Committee
on Labor, Industrial and Rehabilitative Services - R
Amend the title of the bill by replacing it with the following:
AN ACT relative to paying discharged and laid off employees.
Amend the bill by replacing all after the enacting clause with the following:
1 New Paragraphs; Payment of Wages; Definitions. Amend RSA 275:42 by inserting after paragraph IX the following new paragraphs:
X. “Layoff” means reduction in workforce by an employer.
XI. “Discharged employee” means any employee who voluntarily terminates employment and any employee terminated by the employer for reasons other than a layoff or as a result of a labor dispute.
XII. “Payment in hand” means payment delivered to the employee or made available to the employee directly or to a third party at the direction of the employee.
2 Employees Separated From Payroll Before Paydays. Amend RSA 275:44, I through III to read as follows:
I. Whenever an employer discharges an employee, the employer shall pay the employee’s wages in full and in hand within 72 hours.
II. Whenever an [employee
quits or resigns, the] employer lays off an employee, the employer shall
pay the employee’s wages [no later than the next regular payday, as provided
under RSA 275:43, either through the regular pay channels or by mail if
requested by the employee, except that if the employee gives at least one pay
period’s notice of intention to quit the employer shall pay all wages earned by
the employee within 72 hours] in full and in hand at the time of the
layoff.
III. When work of
an employee is suspended as a result of a labor dispute, or when an employee [for
any reason whatsoever is laid off] voluntarily terminates his or her employment,
the employer shall pay in full to such employee not later than the next regular
payday, as designated under RSA 275:43, either through the regular pay channels
or by mail if requested by the employee, wages earned at the time of suspension
[or layoff].
3 Effective Date. This act shall take effect 60 days after its passage.
AMENDED ANALYSIS
This bill clarifies the time requirements for employers to pay discharged and laid off employees.
2009-0256h
Amendment to HB 112
Proposed by the Committee on Transportation
- C
Amend the bill by replacing section 1 with the following:
1 New Sections; Re-Registration by Residents Without a Permanent Street Address. Amend RSA 261 by inserting after section 52-a the following new sections:
261:52-b Re-Registration by Residents Temporarily Traveling out of the State. Residents who are without a permanent street address at the time of re-registration because they are traveling outside of the state in recreational vehicles for a period of up to 2 years may renew a vehicle registration by completing a written attestation of residency and providing a letter from an adult property-owning resident of the municipality who agrees to act as the person’s mailing address for purposes of contact by the department. Residency for the purposes of this section shall be defined as intention to return to the municipality after a period of time not to exceed 2 years.
261:52-c Re-Registration
by Residents Without a
261:52-d Indication of Contact Address. A re-registration application completed under RSA 261:52-b or RSA 261:52-c shall contain an indication that the address provided is not the physical residence of the registrant but a mailing address for purposes of contact.
2009-0242h
Amendment to HB 116
Proposed by the Committee on Children and
Family Law - C
Amend the bill by replacing all after the enacting clause with the following:
1 New Paragraph; Legislative Youth Advisory Council. Amend RSA 19-K:2 by inserting after paragraph V the following new paragraph:
VI. If a member misses 3 consecutive meetings, without cause, the council may request that the appointing authority appoint a replacement member. Upon appointment of the replacement, the prior appointment shall terminate and the replacement shall serve for the remainder of the prior member’s term.
2 Effective Date. This act shall take effect upon its passage.
2009-0105h
Amendment to HB 119
Proposed by the Minority of the Committee
on Commerce and Consumer Affairs - R
Amend the title of the bill by replacing it with the following:
AN ACT establishing a commission to study the feasibility of adopting Atlantic Daylight Saving Time from June 15 to September 15 of each year.
Amend the bill by replacing all after the enacting clause with the following:
1 Commission Established. There is established a commission to study the feasibility of adopting Atlantic Daylight Saving Time from June 15 to September 15 of each year.
2 Membership and Compensation.
I. The members of the commission shall be as follows:
(a) One member of the house of representatives, appointed by the speaker of the house of representatives.
(b) One member of the senate, appointed by the president of the senate.
(c) The commissioner of the department of resources and economic development, or designee.
(d) One representative of the tourism industry, appointed by the governor.
(e) One representative of the New Hampshire Golf Association, nominated by the association and appointed by the governor.
II. Members of the commission shall serve without compensation, except that legislative members of the commission shall receive mileage at the legislative rate when attending to the duties of the commission.
3 Duties. The commission shall consider the
feasibility, costs, and benefits of adopting Atlantic Daylight Saving Time in
the state of
4 Chairperson; Quorum. The members of the commission shall elect a chairperson from among the members. The first meeting of the commission shall be called by the house member. The first meeting of the commission shall be held within 45 days of the effective date of this section. Three members of the commission shall constitute a quorum.
5 Report. The commission shall report its findings and any recommendations for proposed legislation to the speaker of the house of representatives, the president of the senate, the house clerk, the senate clerk, the governor, and the state library on or before November 1, 2009.
6 Effective Date. This act shall take effect upon its passage.
AMENDED ANALYSIS
This bill establishes a commission to study the feasibility of adopting Atlantic Daylight Saving Time from June 15 to September 15 of each year.
2009-0165h
Amendment to HB 140-FN
Proposed by the Committee on Education - R
Amend the introductory paragraph in RSA 198:15-hh, I as inserted by section 1 of the bill by replacing it with the following:
I. The amount of the annual grant for a lease to any school district duly organized, any city maintaining a school department within its corporate organization, any cooperative school district as defined in RSA 195:1, or any receiving district operating an area school as defined in RSA 195-A:1, shall be a sum equal to 30 percent of the amount of the annual payment of the lease incurred, for the cost of leasing permanent space in a building or buildings not owned by the school district or school administrative unit which is used for the operation of a high school vocational technical education program, to the extent approved by the state board of education, provided that the amount of the annual grant in the case of a cooperative school district, joint maintenance agreement, or a receiving district operating an area school, shall be 40 percent plus 5 percent for each pre-existing district in excess of 2 and each sending district, in excess of one, and provided further that no cooperative school district, joint maintenance agreement, or receiving district operating an area school, shall receive an annual grant in excess of 55 percent. For the purposes of this section, the amount of the annual grant for a lease to a vocational technical education center shall be calculated in the same manner as a cooperative school district. The amount of the annual grant for a chartered public school authorized under RSA 194-B:3-a shall be a sum equal to 30 percent of the annual lease payment incurred for the cost of leasing space. Such lease agreements shall be eligible for grants under this section, provided all of the following conditions apply:
2009-0141h
Amendment to HB 182
Proposed by the Committee on Fish and Game
and Marine Resources - C
Amend the bill by replacing all after section 1 with the following:
2 Fish and Game Department; Reports to the General Court. Amend the introductory paragraph of RSA 206:9-a, I to read as follows:
I. The executive
director of the fish and game department shall, not later than October 1 of
each odd-numbered year, submit a report to the governor and council and to the general
court [outlining] to include: a summary report of department
proceedings; a description of the license fee reductions, waivers, and
promotion activities pursuant to RSA 214:9-f; and recommendations for changes in the fee
structure for all licenses and permits issued by the department. This report shall include consideration of:
3 Report; Nonresident Honorary Licenses. Amend RSA 214:13-a to read as follows:
214:13-a Nonresident
Honorary Licenses. The executive
director may issue honorary hunting or fishing licenses to the President and
Vice President of the January 15, 1969 and
biennially thereafter on or before] January 15 in each year [the general
court assembles] submit a complete list, to the [chairperson of the
house wildlife and marine resources committee, and to the chairperson of the
senate fish and game/recreation committee] chairpersons of the house and
senate standing committees having jurisdiction over fish and game matters,
containing the names, addresses, and positions or titles of all persons to whom
such an honorary license has been issued and each such license issued shall be
consecutively numbered.
4 Repeals. The following are repealed:
II. RSA 206:21, relative to reports of the executive director of fish and game.
5 Effective Date. This act shall take effect 60 days after its passage.
2009-0192h
Amendment to HB 216-FN
Proposed by the Committee on Labor,
Industrial and Rehabilitative Services - C
Amend RSA 281-A:44, VI as inserted by section 1 of the bill by replacing it with the following:
VI. No attorney representing a claimant shall contract for, charge for, or collect a fee for legal service rendered to the claimant at the department level unless the fee has been approved by the commissioner. In determining the amount of the allowable fee, the commissioner shall consider, among other things, the nature, length and complexity of the service performed, the usual and customary charge for work of the like kind and the benefit accruing to the claimant as a result of the legal service performed; provided, however, that when an insurance carrier, self insurer, or payor acting on behalf of such carrier or self insurer disputes the causal relationship of a medical bill to the claimant’s injury, or whether a medical bill was required by the nature of the injury, and denies payment of such bill, is after a hearing, ordered to pay or reimburse the bill by the commissioner or if the payment is voluntarily made less than 21 days prior to the date of the initially scheduled hearing, the claimant shall be entitled to reimbursement of reasonable counsel fees and costs as approved by the commissioner. The claimant shall be entitled to reasonable fees and costs pending appeal.
2009-0289h
Amendment to HB 223-FN-LOCAL
Proposed by the Committee on Executive
Departments and Administration - R
Amend the title of the bill by replacing it with the following:
AN ACT changing the effective date for the implementation of the retirement system employer assessments for excess benefits.
Amend the bill by replacing all after the enacting clause with the following:
1 Employer Assessments for Excess Benefits; Change to Effective Date. Amend 2008, 300:35 to read as follows:
300:35 Effective Date.
I. Sections 9-12, and 14 of this act shall take effect July 1, 2009.
II. [Sections
1, 33, and 34] Section 1 of this act shall take effect 60 days after
its passage.
III. Sections 2-4, 15, and RSA 100-A:14-a as inserted by section 17 of this act, and RSA 100-A:15, I, III, IV, V, VIII, and X as inserted by section 18 of this act shall take effect July 1, 2008.
IV. Section 16 of this act shall take effect July 1, 2008 at 12:01 a.m.
V. RSA 100-A:14-b as inserted by section 17 of this act and RSA 100-A:15, II, II-a, VI, VII, and IX as inserted by section 18 of this act shall take effect January 1, 2009.
VI. Sections 19 and 20 of this act shall take effect June 30, 2008.
VII. Sections
33 and 34 of this act shall take effect July 1, 2010.
VIII. The remainder of this act shall take effect upon its passage.
2 Commissioner of Revenue Administration; Tax Rates. For the 2009 property tax rate computation pursuant to RSA 21-J:35, upon written request of the governing body, the commissioner of the department of revenue administration shall remove any appropriation that was in the adopted budget to fund the provisions of RSA 100-A:16, III-a.
3 Effective Date. This act shall take effect August 29, 2008.
AMENDED ANALYSIS
This bill delays the effective date for the assessment of the retirement system employer assessments for excess benefits under RSA 100-A:16, III-a, and allows the commissioner of revenue administration to remove appropriations for excess benefit costs from the 2009 property tax rate computation of a town or city.
2009-0272h
Amendment to HB 243
Proposed by the Committee on Executive
Departments and Administration - C
Amend RSA 21-M:3, III(b) as inserted by section 1 of the bill by replacing it with the following:
(b)
The attorney general may, in his or her discretion, designate to serve
without compensation, current assistant
AMENDED ANALYSIS
This bill allows the attorney general, in his or her discretion, to designate current assistant United States Attorneys, with prior authorization from the United States Attorney, or assistant county attorneys, with prior authorization from the county attorney, as special assistant attorneys general to assist with state cases.
2009-0132h
Amendment to HB 276-FN
Proposed by the Committee on Election Law -
R
Amend RSA 659:27 as inserted by section 1 of the bill by inserting after paragraph II the following new paragraph:
III. No voter or appointed challenger shall challenge a person’s qualifications to be a voter at the election day voter registration table.
Amend RSA 659:27-a, I as inserted by section 2 of the bill by replacing it with the following:
I. No challenge may be asserted except in the form of a signed affidavit, under oath administered by an election official, in the following form:
INFORMATION ON THE PERSON MAKING THE CHALLENGE
Name of Person Making the Challenge:
___________________________________________________________________________________
Last Name First Name Middle Name/initial
___________________________________________________________________________________
Party affiliation
___________________________________________________________________________________
If person making a challenge is a voter: Physical Address – Street Name & Number
___________________________________________________________________________________
If person is a political party or attorney general appointee: mailing address & phone number
___________________________________________________________________________________
The challenger’s qualifications to assert the challenge
INFORMATION ON THE VOTER BEING CHALLENGED: The person making the challenge shall complete the following:
Name being used by the voter who you wish to challenge:
_________________________________________________________________________________
Last Name First Name Middle Name
GROUNDS FOR THE CHALLENGE: The person making the challenge shall indicate the ground on which the challenge is made (check all grounds that apply).
___ The person seeking to vote is not the individual whose name he or she has given
___ The person seeking to vote has already voted in the election at (name polling place) ____________ at approximately (state time if known) __________
___ The person seeking to vote is disqualified as a voter by conviction of a willful violation of the elections laws (state offense, court, and date of conviction) _______________________________________
___ The person seeking to vote is under 18 years of age
___ The person seeking to vote is not a United States Citizen
___ The person seeking to vote is not domiciled in the town or ward where he or she is seeking to vote (state persons true domicile —town/city) _____________________________________
___ The person seeking to vote is an incarcerated convicted felon who is currently sentenced to incarceration (state name of institution person is in) _________________________________________
___ This is a primary and the person seeking to vote in the (state political party name) __________ primary is not a declared member of the party he or she claims to be affiliated with
___ The person seeking to vote is ineligible to vote pursuant to the following state or federal statute or constitutional provision: _________________________________________
BASIS FOR THE CHALLENGE: The person making the challenge shall state the specific source of the information or personal knowledge upon which the challenge of the particular individual is based:
___________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
OATH: The person making the challenge shall complete the following:
I hereby swear and affirm, under the penalties of perjury, that to the best of my knowledge and belief the information above is true and correct.
____________________
(Signature of challenger)
On the date shown above, before me, __________ (print name of notary public, justice of the peace, election officer), appeared __________ (print name of person whose signature is being notarized), (known to me or satisfactorily proven (circle one)) to be the person whose name appears above, and he or she subscribed his or her name to the foregoing affidavit and swore that the facts contained in this affidavit are true to the best of his or her knowledge and belief.
____________________
Notary Public/Justice of the Peace/Official Authorized by RSA 659:30
TO BE COMPLETED BY THE MODERATOR: Ruling on the challenge:
If the ground at issue is age, citizenship, or domicile: The supervisors of the checklist have ruled that the challenged voter is: qualified as a voter; not qualified as a voter.
The moderator rules on challenges based on other grounds. The Moderator rules that the challenge is: well grounded; not well grounded. If it is ruled that the voter is not qualified or that the challenge is well grounded, the challenged person may vote only if he or she completes and swears to a challenged votes affidavit.
Amend RSA 659:27-a, II(c) as inserted by section 2 of the bill by replacing it with the following:
(c) The person seeking to vote is disqualified as a voter by conviction of a willful violation of the elections laws, such conviction having been for the offense specified in the challenge.
Amend RSA 659:27-a, II(f) as inserted by section 2 of the bill by replacing it with the following:
(f) The person seeking to vote is not domiciled in the town or ward where he or she is seeking to vote because the person’s true domicile is in the town or city specified in the challenge.
Amend RSA 659:27-a, II(g) as inserted by section 2 of the bill by replacing it with the following:
(g) The person seeking to vote is an incarcerated convicted felon who is currently sentenced to incarceration in the institution specified in the challenge.
Amend the bill by replacing section 4 with the following:
4 Absentee Ballots; Announcement by Moderator and Challenges. Amend RSA 659:50 and RSA 659:51 to read as follows:
659:50 Announcement by Moderator. The moderator shall begin processing absentee ballots by clearly announcing that he or she is about to open the envelopes which were delivered to him or her. The moderator shall then remove the affidavit envelope containing the ballots of each absentee voter and shall compare the signature on the affidavit envelope with the signature on the application for the ballot. If:
I. The name of the voter is on the checklist, except for voters provided for in RSA 7:46; and
II. The affidavit on the envelope appears to be properly executed; and
III. The signature on the affidavit appears to be executed by the same person who signed the application; and
IV. The signatures appear to be the signatures of a duly qualified voter who has not voted at the election; then the moderator shall publicly announce the name of the absentee voter, except for voters provided for in RSA 7:46. If these conditions are not met, the moderator shall follow the procedure provided in RSA 659:53.
659:51 Challenges.
I.
All absentee ballots are subject to challenge after the moderator publicly
announces the name of the absentee voter, except for voters provided for in RSA
7:46, but not after the ballot is removed from the envelope. [A person who makes a challenge shall
state the reason for the challenge.]
No challenge to an absentee ballot may be asserted except in conformity
with the requirements of RSA 659:27-a.
II. If the ballot is challenged, the moderator shall write on the affidavit envelope containing the ballot the word “challenged’’ and the name and address of the person who makes the challenge and the basis of the challenge. The moderator shall also number each challenged envelope consecutively by marking, for example, the first challenged ballot “Challenged Ballot No. 1’’.
III. The moderator shall then determine if the challenge
to the ballot is well grounded. If the
moderator decides the challenge is well grounded, he or she shall not open the
envelope but shall preserve it with the other ballots cast at the election as
provided in RSA 659:101. If the
moderator decides that the challenge is not well grounded, he or
she shall open the affidavit envelope so the affidavit thereon is not
destroyed and proceed first to mark on the reverse of the folded ballot the
corresponding challenge number as previously marked on the envelope. [He] The moderator shall then
proceed to deposit the ballot as provided in RSA 659:52.
AMENDED ANALYSIS
This bill establishes additional requirements for challenging voters, including a challenge affidavit, and establishes penalties for prohibited challenges.
2009-0082h
Amendment to HB 343
Proposed by the Committee on Labor,
Industrial and Rehabilitative Services - C
Amend the bill by replacing section 2 with the following:
2 Effective Date. This act shall take effect upon its passage.
2009-0252h
Amendment to HB 383
Proposed by the Majority of the Committee
on Transportation - R
Amend RSA 265:107-a, VI(f) as inserted by section 2 of the bill by replacing it with the following:
(f) The driver of a motor vehicle making frequent stops in the course of the driver’s business; or
2009-0286h
Amendment to HB 392-FN
Proposed by the Committee on Commerce and
Consumer Affairs - C
Amend the title of the bill by replacing it with the following:
AN ACT establishing an on-premises cigar, beverage, and liquor license.
Amend the bill by replacing all after the enacting clause with the following:
1 New Section; On-Premises Cigar, Beverage, and Liquor Licenses. Amend RSA 178 by inserting after section 20 the following new section:
178:20-a On-Premises Cigar, Beverage, and Liquor Licenses.
I. The commission may issue a license to a person holding a tobacco retailers license under RSA 178:19-a for premises where more than 60 percent of total business income is derived from cigar-related products in any town which has voted to accept the provisions of RSA 663:5, I(b), (c), and (d). The license shall entitle the licensee to serve beverages containing at least 1/2 percent and not more than 6 percent alcohol by volume at 60 degrees Fahrenheit by the glass or other suitable container and by the bottle with the cork or cap removed; specialty beer in any suitable container; liquor containing more than 6 percent alcohol by volume at 60 degrees Fahrenheit, by the glass or other suitable container; and wines, by the glass, by the bottle with the cork or cap removed; or other suitable container, under rules adopted by the commission.
II. No beverage or liquor shall be consumed on the premises except that which is sold by the licensee.
III. The commission shall only issue a license under this section if persons under the age of 18 are prohibited entry to the licensed premises.
2 On-Premises License Fees. Amend RSA 178:29, I to read as follows:
I. On-premises licensees shall pay the following applicable fees annually:
Supplemental Beverages Beverages Cocktail
Only and Wine and Liquor Lounge
Airport $1,200
Ballroom $ 45 $1,200
Bed and Breakfast $ 480 $ 840
Beer Festival
One-day $ 250
Two-day $ 300
Three-day $ 350
Catering (all) $1,200
Catering (off-site only) $ 840
Catering (on-site only)
18 events- $ 5
36 events- $ 5
52 events- $ 5
Club Military $ 100
Club Social
9 events $ 250
18 events $ 450
36 events $ 750
52 events $1,200
Club Private $1,200
Club Veterans
9 events $ 250
18 events $ 450
36 events $ 750
52 events $1,200
College Club $1,200
Convention Center $2,400
Dining Car $ 480 $ 840
Fairs $ 112
Hotel $ 840 $1,200
One day License $ 100
Performing Arts $ 360
Racetrack/Motor Vehicle $1,800
Racetrack/Pari-Mutuel $3,000
Rail Cars $1,200
Restaurant $ 480 $ 840 $1,200
Special License $ 25
Sports/Entertainment Complex $1,800
9 events $ 250
18 events $ 450
36 events $ 750
52 events $1,200
Sports Recreation Facility $1,200
Tobacco Retailer $1,200
Vessel $ 480 $ 840 $1,200
3 Effective Date. This act shall take effect January 1, 2010.
AMENDED ANALYSIS
This bill establishes an on-premises cigar, beverage, and liquor license.
2009-0221h
Amendment to HB 441-FN
Proposed by the Committee on Education - C
Amend RSA 200-M as inserted by section 1 of the bill by inserting after paragraph 200-M:3 the following new paragraph, and renumbering RSA 200-M:4-5 as RSA 200-M:5-6, respectively:
200-M:4 Program Requirement. Sign language interpreters who are applicants or recipients of the fund shall participate in a mentoring program in accordance with rules adopted under RSA 200-M:6.
Amend RSA 200-M:6 as inserted by section 1 of the bill by replacing it with the following:
200-M:6 Administration; Rulemaking. The postsecondary education commission shall adopt rules, pursuant to RSA 541-A, relative to procedures, eligibility, and qualifications for applicants, qualifying educational costs, criteria for terms of service by a CART provider and/or sign language interpreter, procedures for repayment of net tuition costs, the participation in a mentoring program as required by RSA 200-M:4, and the administration of the program by the postsecondary education commission. The commissioner of the postsecondary education commission shall annually report to the general court on the effectiveness of this program.
Amend the bill by replacing sections 2-3 with the following:
2 Appropriation. The sum of $1 is hereby appropriated for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2009 to the postsecondary education commission for deposit in the CART provider and sign language interpreter net tuition repayment fund established in RSA 200-M:5. The governor is authorized to draw a warrant for said sum out of any money in the treasury not otherwise appropriated.
3 New Subparagraph; State Treasurer; Accounts Amend RSA 6:12, I(b) by inserting after subparagraph (276) the following new subparagraph:
(277) Moneys deposited in the CART provider and sign language interpreter net tuition repayment fund established in RSA 200-M:5.
2009-0278h
Amendment to HB 564-FN
Proposed by the Committee on Commerce and
Consumer Affairs - C
Amend the bill by replacing all after the enacting clause with the following:
1 New Sections; Accessible Parking. Amend RSA 155-A by inserting after section 5 the following new sections:
155-A:5-a Handicap Accessible, Van Accessible, and Ramp/Lift Equipped Van Only Parking Spaces.
I. Any new construction containing a parking area or parking areas commenced after January 1, 2010 shall have the following number of handicap accessible, van accessible, and ramp/lift equipped van only parking spaces reserved for individuals with walking disabilities:
(a) If there are 25 or less total parking spaces, there shall be one handicap accessible parking space which must be van accessible.
(b) If there are between 25 and 50 parking spaces, there shall be 2 handicap accessible parking spaces one of which must be van accessible.
(c) If there are between 51 and 75 parking spaces, there shall be one van accessible parking space, one ramp/lift equipped van only parking space, and 2 handicap accessible parking spaces.
(d) If there are between 76 and 100 parking spaces, there shall be one van accessible parking space, one ramp/lift equipped van only parking space, and 3 handicap accessible parking spaces.
(e) If there are between 101 and 150 parking spaces, there shall be one van accessible parking space, one ramp/lift equipped van only parking space, and 4 handicap accessible parking spaces.
(f) If there are between 151 and 200 parking spaces, there shall be one van accessible parking space, one ramp/lift equipped van only parking space, and 5 handicap accessible parking spaces.
(g) If there are between 201 and 300 parking spaces, there shall be one van accessible parking space, 2 ramp/lift equipped van only spaces and 5 handicap accessible parking spaces.
(h) If there are between 301 and 400 parking spaces, there shall be one van accessible parking space, 2 ramp/lift equipped van only parking spaces, and 6 handicap accessible parking spaces.
(i) If there are between 401 and 500 parking spaces, there shall be one van accessible parking space, 2 ramp/lift equipped van only parking spaces, and 7 handicap accessible parking spaces.
(j) If there are between 501 and 1,000 total parking spaces, there shall be 2 van ramp/lift equipped only parking spaces and a number of handicap accessible parking spaces equal to 2 percent of the total number of parking spaces.
(k) If there are over 1,000 parking spaces, there shall be 2 ramp/lift equipped van only parking spaces, 20 handicap accessible parking spaces, plus 1 handicap accessible parking space for every 100 parking spaces there are over 1,000 parking spaces.
II. Property owners with an existing parking area or parking areas shall conform to the standards in paragraph I when the existing parking area or parking areas are repaved, resurfaced, repainted, or otherwise reconstituted.
III. A person who violates the provisions of this section shall be fined up to $50 for a first offense and up to $100 for each subsequent offense.
IV. In this section, “ramp/life equipped van” shall be as defined in RSA 259:83-a.
2 New Section; Ramp/lift Equipped Vehicle Defined . Amend RSA 259 by inserting after section 83 the following new section:
259:83-a Ramp/lift equipped Van. “Ramp/lift equipped van” as used in RSA 155-A:5 and RSA 265:73-a means: a minivan, full-size van, or extended full-size van that has been modified with specialized equipment to permit safe ingress and egress through the side of the vehicle using wheeled assistance technology devices for the mobility impaired (including wheelchairs, power chairs, and scooters). Such specialized equipment refers to electrically operated articulating lifts or ramps.
3 Signage; Van Accessible Spaces. Amend RSA 265:73-a to read as follows:
265:73-a Parking Signs; Disabled. A parking
space on private or public property that is reserved for persons who are
disabled shall be marked by a sign
affixed to a post or a building. Said sign shall be clearly visible to
anyone directly approaching that particular space. Spaces designated for ramp/lift equipped
vans
only and for van accessible parking shall be marked by a sign affixed to a post
or building with the words “RAMP/LIFT VAN ACCESSIBLE PARKING” or “RAMP/LIFT
VANS ONLY” in large letters.
4 Effective Date. This act shall take effect January 1, 2010.
AMENDED ANALYSIS
This bill requires new construction to designate certain areas as van accessible parking and ramp/lift equipped van only parking.
2009-0261h
Amendment to HB 602-FN-A
Proposed by the Committee on Commerce and
Consumer Affairs - R
Amend the bill by replacing section 1 with the following:
1 Payment of Wages; Check Cashing Fee. Amend RSA 275:43, I(e) to read as follows:
(e) With
checks on a financial institution convenient to the place of employment where
suitable arrangements are made for the cashing of such checks by employees for
the full amount of the wages due[; provided, however, that]. Any fee imposed by a financial institution
for cashing a payroll check drawn on that institution shall be charged to the
employer’s account. If an employer
elects to pay employees as specified in subparagraphs (b), (c), or (d), the
employer shall offer employees the option of being paid as specified in
subparagraph (e), and further provided that all wages in the nature of health
and welfare fund or pension fund contributions required pursuant to a health
and welfare fund trust agreement, pension fund trust agreement, collective
bargaining agreement, or other agreement adopted for the benefit of employees
and agreed to by the employer shall be paid by every such employer within 30
days of the date of demand for such payment, the payment to be made to the
administrator or other designated official of the applicable health and welfare
or pension trust fund.
AMENDED ANALYSIS
This bill requires a financial institution that charges a fee for cashing a payroll check drawn on that institution to charge such fee to the employer’s account.
2009-0259h
Amendment to HB 608-FN
Proposed by the Committee on Public Works
and Highways - C
Amend RSA 4:9-k, I(e) as inserted by section 1 of the bill by replacing it with the following:
(e) One member, who shall be a classified state employee of the department of transportation, appointed by the New Hampshire State Employees Association.
(f) One member, who shall be a family member of a public works employee who died in the course of performing public works duties on behalf of the state, appointed by the governor.
Amend RSA 4:9-k, II as inserted by section 1 of the bill by replacing it with the following:
II. The members of the committee shall elect a chairperson from among the members. The commissioner of transportation, or designee, shall call the first meeting of the committee. Four members of the committee shall constitute a quorum.
2009-0230h
Amendment to HB 688
Proposed by the Committee on Education - C
Amend the bill by inserting after section 14 the following and renumbering the original sections 15-16 to read as 16-17, respectively:
15
(b) Proposed
applications and contracts to establish a chartered public school shall be
presented by July 1 of the year preceding intended operation of the chartered
public school by its prospective board of trustees to the school board of the
district in which the chartered public school intends to be located. The school board shall hold at least one
public hearing on the application prior to September 15.
2009-0250h
Amendment to HB 689-FN-A-LOCAL
Proposed by the Majority of the Committee
on Education - R
Amend the bill by replacing all after the enacting clause with the following:
1 New Section; Isolated Small Schools. Amend RSA 198 by inserting after section 40-d the following new section:
198:40-e Isolated Small Schools.
I. In addition to aid for the cost of the opportunity for an adequate education provided under RSA 198:40-a, and in addition to fiscal capacity disparity aid provided under RSA 198:40-c, a school district which operates an isolated small school shall receive an additional $450 per pupil in kindergarten through grade 12 of such school based on the isolated small school’s average daily membership in attendance (ADMA). The department shall disburse payments to the school district operating an isolated small school pursuant to the payment schedule set forth in RSA 198:42, I.
II. Beginning July 1, 2011 and every biennium thereafter, the department of education shall adjust the per-pupil amount of aid for isolated small schools under paragraph I based on the average change in the Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers, Northeast Region, using the “services less medical care services” special aggregate index, as published by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, United States Department of Labor. The average change shall be calculated using the 3 calendar years ending 18 months before the beginning of the biennium for which the calculation is to be performed.
III.(a) In this section, “isolated small school” means a school which is demographically limited and geographically isolated from other schools with children of comparable ages. An “isolated small school:”
(1) In the case of an elementary school comprised of grade 1 through grade 6, shall have an ADMA of 80 or fewer pupils and shall be located at least 10 miles from the nearest elementary school; or
(2) In the case of an elementary school comprised of grade 1 through grade 8, shall have an ADMA of 140 or fewer pupils and shall be located at least 10 miles from the nearest elementary school; or
(3) In the case of a middle or junior high school comprised of grades 6 through 8, shall have an ADMA of 90 or fewer pupils and shall be located at least 10 miles from the nearest middle or junior high school; or
(4) In the case of a high school comprised of grades 9 through 12, shall have an ADMA of 240 or fewer pupils and shall be located at least 20 miles from the nearest high school.
(b) A school may petition the commissioner of the department of education for a waiver of the distance requirement under subparagraphs III(a)(1)-(4) if the school does not comply with the distance requirement but is separated from the nearest comparable school by significant geographical barriers.
(c) In this section, “average daily membership in attendance” and “ADMA” shall have the same meaning as provided in RSA 198:38, I.
2 Fiscal Capacity Disparity Aid. Amend RSA 198:40-c, I to read as follows:
I. In addition to aid for the cost of the opportunity for an adequate education provided under RSA 198:40-b, each biennium the department shall calculate fiscal capacity disparity aid and provide that amount of aid in each year of the biennium to a municipality's school districts and to chartered public schools approved under RSA 194-B:3-a as follows:
(a) The department shall calculate the equalized valuation per pupil for each municipality in the state and shall sort the results into quartiles based on equalized valuation per pupil and shall divide all quartiles in half. If there are an uneven number of municipalities in a quartile or half quartile, the department shall make the lower quartile or half quartile the one with fewer municipalities.
(b) A
municipality with an equalized valuation per pupil in the lower half of the
lowest quartile and which has a median family income which is less than the
state average median family income shall receive fiscal capacity disparity aid
in the amount of [$2,000] $1,957 multiplied by the
municipality's average daily membership in residence for fiscal years 2010 and 2011,
and starting in fiscal year 2012, shall receive fiscal capacity disparity aid
in the amount of $1,985 multiplied by the municipality’s average daily
membership in residence.
(c) A
municipality with an equalized valuation per pupil in the upper half of the
lowest quartile which has a median family income which is less than the state
average median family income shall receive fiscal capacity disparity aid in the
amount of [$1,250] $1,223 multiplied by the
municipality's average daily membership in residence [shall be distributed
pursuant to RSA 198:42] for fiscal years 2010 and 2011, and starting
in fiscal year 2012, shall receive fiscal capacity disparity aid in the amount
of $1,241 multiplied by the municipality’s average daily membership in
residence..
(d) A
chartered public school approved under RSA 194-B:3-a shall receive [$2,000]
$1,957
per pupil multiplied by the number of pupils enrolled for fiscal years 2010 and 2011,
and starting in fiscal year 2012, shall receive fiscal capacity disparity aid
in the amount of $1,985 multiplied by the number of pupils enrolled. The calculation of chartered public school
enrollment and aid distribution shall be pursuant to RSA 194-B:11, I(c).
3 Determination of Grants and Excess Tax. Amend RSA 198:41, I(c) to read as follows:
(c) Add the fiscal capacity disparity aid pursuant to RSA 198:40-c and the isolated small schools aid pursuant to RSA 198:40-e.
4 Effective Date. This act shall take effect July 1, 2009 at 12:01 a.m.
2009-0326h
Amendment to SB 38
Proposed by the Committee on Municipal and
Amend RSA 32:5, V-a as inserted by section 1 of the bill by replacing it with the following:
V-a. Any town may vote to require that all votes by an advisory budget committee, a town budget committee, and the governing body or, in towns without a budget committee, all votes of the governing body relative to budget items or any warrant articles shall be recorded votes and the numerical tally of any such vote shall be printed in the town warrant next to the affected warrant article. If a town has not voted to require such tallies to be printed in the town warrant next to the affected warrant article, the governing body may do so on its own initiative.
Amend RSA 40:13, V-a as inserted by section 2 of the bill by replacing it with the following:
V-a. Any town may
vote to require that all votes by an advisory budget committee, a town budget
committee, and the governing body or, in towns without a budget committee, all
votes of the governing body relative to budget items or any warrant articles
shall be recorded votes and the numerical tally of any such vote shall be
printed in the town warrant next to the affected warrant article. If a town has not voted to require such tallies
to be printed in the town warrant next to the affected warrant article, the
governing body may do so on its own initiative.
AMENDED ANALYSIS
This bill clarifies the ability of governing bodies to voluntarily place vote tallies on a ballot without having a vote of the town requiring them to do so.