Written by Andrew Horn of Amherst, NH
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Executive Summary of 10 Notable Bills & Resolutions To Be Heard Today
HB 549-FN (3 sponsors, Democratic)
Why Notable: Prohibits Education Freedom Account (EFA) funds from being used at religious schools or for religious education, sparking debates on school choice and separation of church and state.HCR 8 (5 sponsors, bipartisan)
Why Notable: Urges Congress to declare that the Piscataqua River and Portsmouth Harbor lie fully within New Hampshire—potentially reviving the longstanding boundary dispute with Maine.HCR 9 (1 sponsor, Republican)
Why Notable: Calls on the United States to reject the EU’s Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive, citing concerns over national sovereignty and burdensome global ESG standards.HB 256 (6 sponsors, Republican)
Why Notable: Seeks to investigate the federal government’s handling of the 1967 USS Liberty attack, bringing an international historical event into a New Hampshire legislative inquiry.HR 11 (10 sponsors, Republican)
Why Notable: Urges the U.S. government to investigate allegations of religious minority persecution by the interim government of Bangladesh, spotlighting global human rights concerns.HB 237-A (3 sponsors, Republican)
Why Notable: Restricts the use of special education funds exclusively to students officially receiving special education services, raising issues about funding distribution and inclusive education.HB 64 (6 sponsors, Republican)
Why Notable: Extends hiring and procurement preferences to military members, disabled veterans, and their spouses, prompting questions on competitive fairness and veteran support.HB 397 (4 sponsors, bipartisan)
Why Notable: Establishes a multi-agency task force to increase law enforcement presence on NH waterways, balancing public safety needs against potential new administrative costs.HB 295 (1 sponsor, Democratic)
Why Notable: Makes school building aid funds nonlapsing, allowing ongoing use for long-term construction projects and preventing unused funds from reverting to the general fund.HB 120 (10 sponsors, bipartisan)
Why Notable: Transfers Veterans Education Services authority from the Department of Education to the Department of Military Affairs and Veterans Services, consolidating veterans’ programs under a single agency.
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Contents
Quick Summaries of All Bills & Resolutions
Screenshot from House Calendar
In-Depth Analysis of All Bills & Resolutions
Quick Summaries of All Bills & Resolutions To Be Heard Today
House Criminal Justice And Public Safety
HB 91 (4 sponsors, bipartisan)
Allows local fire departments to inspect fireworks displays and determine whether personnel and equipment must be on site.HB 143 (8 sponsors, Republican)
Requires unanimous governing-body approval in a public meeting before issuing no trespass orders on municipal or school district property.HB 183 (1 sponsor, Republican)
Mandates that EMS units submit incident reports to the state within 7 days.HB 291-FN (2 sponsors, Republican)
Removes higher penalties for fertilizer misuse, reducing violations to lesser offenses.HB 218-FN (6 sponsors, bipartisan)
Grants crime victims the right to a free copy of the final police report within 30 days of case closure.HB 397 (4 sponsors, bipartisan)
Creates a multi-agency task force to bolster law enforcement on New Hampshire waterways.
House Education Funding
HB 295 (1 sponsor, Democratic)
Makes school building aid funds nonlapsing, preserving them for future construction needs.HB 237-A (3 sponsors, Republican)
Prohibits the use of special education aid for students not officially receiving special education services.HB 354 (9 sponsors, bipartisan)
Provides alternate licensing pathways for Career and Technical Education (CTE) instructors with professional experience.HB 484 (1 sponsor, Republican)
Allows repurposing of CTE classroom space after 20 years of exclusive CTE use.HB 319-FN (2 sponsors, Republican)
Eliminates the requirement to provide transportation and meals for half-day kindergarten students.HB 549-FN (3 sponsors, Democratic)
Bans the use of EFA funds at religious schools and repeals certain legal protections for religious providers.
House State-Federal Relations And Veterans Affairs
HB 120 (10 sponsors, bipartisan)
Transfers Veterans Education Services oversight from the Department of Education to the Department of Military Affairs and Veterans Services.HB 122-FN (10 sponsors, bipartisan)
Increases the maximum payable claim from $500 to $1,000 for National Guard–related accidents and extends coverage to the Department of Military Affairs and Veterans Services.HB 64 (6 sponsors, Republican)
Extends hiring and purchase preferences to military members, disabled veterans, and their spouses.HB 256 (6 sponsors, Republican)
Forms a committee to study the federal response to the 1967 USS Liberty attack.HCR 8 (5 sponsors, bipartisan)
Urges Congress to recognize that the Piscataqua River and Portsmouth Harbor lie fully within New Hampshire.HR 11 (10 sponsors, Republican)
Encourages the U.S. government to investigate reports of minority abuse under the interim government of Bangladesh.HCR 9 (1 sponsor, Republican)
Asks the U.S. to reject the EU’s Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive, citing national sovereignty and economic concerns.
Screenshot from House Calendar
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In-Depth Analysis of All Bills & Resolutions To Be Heard Today
House Criminal Justice And Public Safety
HB 91
AN ACT relative to the presence of a fire department at a fireworks display.
Sponsor(s): (Prime) Rep. Charlie St. Clair (D), Rep. Timothy Soucy (D), Rep. John Sellers (R), Rep. Matthew Coker (R)
Selected quote(s) from the bill:
1 Public Safety; Fireworks; Local Option. Amend RSA 160-B:10 to read as follows:
160-B:10 Local Option.
…
II. In any municipality that votes to allow, within that municipality, the issuance of permits for display fireworks, the local fire department may inspect the site of the display. The local fire chief shall determine whether to have the presence of fire department personnel and extinguishing equipment at the display and if so, how long the presence shall last.
Summary:
This bill allows municipalities issuing fireworks display permits to have fire departments inspect the display site and determine whether fire department personnel and equipment should be present during the event.
Argument For:
This bill enhances public safety by enabling fire departments to assess and mitigate risks at fireworks displays, potentially reducing emergency response costs and liability for municipalities.
Argument Against:
This bill could increase costs for municipalities by requiring additional fire department staffing and resources, potentially straining budgets during a tight fiscal period.
Hearing: Friday, Jan 24 at 10:00 a.m. in Room 202-204 in the Legislative Office Building and streaming on YouTube.
HB 143
AN ACT relative to the issuance of no trespass orders on municipal or school district property.
Sponsor(s): (Prime) Rep. Juliet Harvey-Bolia (R), Rep. Jason Osborne (R), Rep. Paul Terry (R), Rep. Diane Pauer (R), Rep. James Creighton (R), Rep. Katy Peternel (R), Rep. James Thibault (R), Sen. Tim McGough (R)
Selected quote(s) from the bill:
1 New Section; Criminal Trespass; Order Against Trespass on Public Property. Amend RSA 635 by inserting after section 2 the following new section:
635:2-a Order Against Trespass on Public Property.
I. An order to leave or not enter any municipal or school district property shall not be issued to any person unless approved by a unanimous vote of the governing body in a duly noticed public meeting. The person subject to the order shall have the right to a hearing with the governing body, in a non-public session or public session at the election of the person, before any such vote by the governing body. The person may appeal the decision to approve such an order by the governing body to the superior court.
II. Governing body approval shall not be required for such an order when a court order restraining a person from entering the public property has been issued to the person and remains in effect.
Summary:
This bill requires a unanimous vote by the governing body in a public meeting before issuing no trespass orders on municipal or school district property, unless a court restraining order is already in place.
Argument For:
This bill promotes fairness and transparency by ensuring decisions to issue no trespass orders are thoroughly reviewed and publicly accountable, potentially reducing legal disputes and associated costs.
Argument Against:
This bill could increase administrative burdens and delay the issuance of necessary no trespass orders, potentially leading to higher costs and risks for municipalities and school districts.
Hearing: Friday, Jan 24 at 11:00 a.m. in Room 202-204 in the Legislative Office Building and streaming on YouTube.
HB 183
AN ACT relative to reporting requirements for emergency medical services personnel.
Sponsor(s): (Prime) Rep. Mark Proulx (R)
Selected quote(s) from the bill:
1 Emergency Medical and Trauma Services; Rulemaking; Emergency Medical Services Incident Reports. Amend RS 153-A:20, IV to read as follows:
IV. Reporting by emergency medical service units and maintenance of patient records, including protecting the confidentiality of patient records; provided that a unit or provider shall submit an emergency medical services incident report to the division within 7 days.
Summary:
This bill requires emergency medical services units and providers to submit incident reports to the Division of Fire Standards and Training and Emergency Medical Services within 7 days.
Argument For:
This bill ensures timely reporting, which can improve data collection and resource allocation, potentially reducing costs and aiding in budget efficiency.
Argument Against:
This bill may increase administrative burdens on emergency medical services providers, leading to higher operational costs during a time of budget constraints.
Hearing: Friday, Jan 24 at 12:30 p.m. in Room 202-204 in the Legislative Office Building and streaming on YouTube.
HB 291-FN
AN ACT removing certain penalties for incorrect application of fertilizers.
Sponsor(s): (Prime) Rep. Erica Layon (R), Rep. Judy Aron (R)
Selected quote(s) from the bill:
1 New Paragraph; Application of Fertilizer to Urban Turf and Lawn; Penalty. Amend RSA 431:4-e by inserting after paragraph VII the following new paragraph:
VIII. Notwithstanding RSA 431:18, any person who, personally or through an agent, violates this section shall be guilty of a violation. The penalties in RSA 431:18 shall not apply to this section.
Summary:
This bill removes criminal penalties and fines for the incorrect application of fertilizers on urban turf and lawn, reducing such violations to a lesser offense classified as a violation.
Argument For:
This bill could decrease enforcement and legal costs for the state, helping to alleviate financial pressures during a budget fight.
Argument Against:
This bill eliminates significant deterrents for improper fertilizer use, potentially leading to environmental harm and increased cleanup costs, which could burden future budgets.
Hearing: Friday, Jan 24 at 1:30 p.m. in Room 202-204 in the Legislative Office Building and streaming on YouTube.
HB 218-FN
AN ACT relative to providing victims of crime with a free police report of the investigation.
Sponsor(s): (Prime) Rep. John MacDonald (R), Rep. Karel Crawford (R), Rep. Rosemarie Rung (D), Rep. Jim Maggiore (D), Rep. Diane Pauer (R), Sen. Daryl Abbas (R)
Selected quote(s) from the bill:
1 Rights of Crime Victims; Copy of Police Report. Amend RSA 21-M:8-k, II(i) to read as follows:
(i) The right to be informed about available resources, financial assistance, and social services; and, within 30 days upon request, the right to be provided a copy of the complete police report without charge following the closure of the case by either the investigating or prosecuting agency.
Summary:
This bill gives victims of crime the right to receive a free copy of the police report for the investigation within 30 days of the case's closure.
Argument For:
This bill provides crime victims with better access to information, promoting fairness and transparency without significantly impacting state revenue.
Argument Against:
This bill could result in minor increased costs for law enforcement agencies to produce and distribute reports, which may add strain to already limited local budgets during a budget fight.
Hearing: Friday, Jan 24 at 2:30 p.m. in Room 202-204 in the Legislative Office Building and streaming on YouTube.
HB 397
AN ACT establishing a multi-agency task force chaired by the department of safety.
Sponsor(s): (Prime) Rep. Will Darby (D), Rep. Rosemarie Rung (D), Rep. John MacDonald (R), Sen. David Watters (D)
Selected quote(s) from the bill:
1 New Section; Waterway Presence and Patrols Task Force. Amend RSA 207 by inserting after section 3-e the following new section:
207:3-f Waterway Presence and Patrols Task Force Established.
I. There is established a multi-agency task force to identify solutions to increase law enforcement presence and patrols on New Hampshire waterways.
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III. The task force shall:
(a) Conduct a review of the current coverage of New Hampshire water bodies by department of Safety marine patrol officers, including enforcement duties, water body coverage, expenses, funding sources, budgets, training requirements, and recruitment challenges.
…
V. The task force shall report its initial 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, 2025. The task force shall report its final findings and additional 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, 2026.
2 Repeal. RSA 207:3-f, relating to the waterway presence and patrols task force is repealed.
Summary:
This bill establishes a multi-agency task force chaired by the Department of Safety to identify solutions for increasing law enforcement presence and patrols on New Hampshire waterways.
Argument For:
This bill promotes public safety on New Hampshire waterways by improving law enforcement coordination and exploring federal funding opportunities, which could reduce the financial burden on the state.
Argument Against:
This bill creates a new task force and associated administrative responsibilities, which may increase short-term expenses during a critical budget period.
Hearing: Friday, Jan 24 at 3:00 p.m. in Room 202-204 in the Legislative Office Building and streaming on YouTube.
House Education Funding
HB 295
AN ACT making school building aid program funds nonlapsing.
Sponsor(s): (Prime) Rep. Michael Cahill (D)
Selected quote(s) from the bill:
1 Grant for School Construction. Amend RSA 198:15-a, I to read as follows:
I. To aid local school districts and chartered public schools under RSA 194-B in meeting the costs of school buildings, the department of education shall, from funds appropriated by the general court to carry out the provisions of this subdivision, pay to the school districts and chartered public schools of the state, sums in accordance with the provisions of this subdivision, RSA 198:15-b, I(b) or the alternative school building aid provisions under RSA 198:15-u through RSA 198:15-w. Funds appropriated pursuant to this section shall be nonlapsing.
Summary:
This bill makes funds appropriated to the school building aid program nonlapsing, allowing them to remain available for use beyond the fiscal year in which they were appropriated.
Argument For:
This bill ensures that allocated school building aid funds can be fully utilized for long-term construction projects, preventing waste and reducing the need for new appropriations, which supports fiscal responsibility during a tight budget.
Argument Against:
This bill delays the return of unused funds to the general fund, potentially reducing flexibility for addressing other immediate budget priorities.
Hearing: Friday, Jan 24 at 9:30 a.m. in Room 205-207 in the Legislative Office Building and streaming on YouTube.
HB 237-A
AN ACT prohibiting the use of special education state aid funds and differentiated aid special education funds on students not receiving special education services.
Sponsor(s): (Prime) Rep. Mike Belcher (R), Rep. Len Turcotte (R), Rep. Paul Terry (R)
Selected quote(s) from the bill:
1 New Paragraph; Special Education; State Aid. Amend RSA 186-C:18 by inserting after paragraph XI the following new paragraph:
XII. Funds distributed pursuant to this section shall not be expended for education intended for delivery to students who are not receiving special education services. The incidental provision of special education curricula or pedagogy to students who are not receiving special education services shall only be authorized where such delivery is necessitated by compliance with applicable laws or rules and all reasonable efforts are made to minimize the incidental provision of such services.
2 New Paragraph; Distribution Schedule of Adequate Education Grants; Appropriation. Amend RSA 198:42 by inserting after paragraph III the following new paragraph:
IV. The amount of grants distributed to municipalities calculated pursuant to RSA 198:40-a, II(d) shall not be expended for education intended for delivery to students who are not receiving special education services. The incidental provision of special education curricula or pedagogy to students who are not receiving special education services shall only be authorized where such delivery is necessitated by compliance with applicable laws or rules and all reasonable efforts are made to minimize the incidental provision of such services.
Summary:
This bill prohibits the use of special education state aid and differentiated aid funds for students who are not receiving special education services, except in cases where incidental provision is necessary for compliance with laws or rules.
Argument For:
This bill ensures that special education funds are used exclusively for their intended purpose, potentially reducing misallocation and preserving resources for students with special needs, which helps manage budget constraints.
Argument Against:
This bill may impose administrative burdens on schools to strictly separate funding and could complicate compliance with laws requiring inclusive educational practices, potentially leading to increased costs.
Hearing: Friday, Jan 24 at 10:00 a.m. in Room 205-207 in the Legislative Office Building and streaming on YouTube.
HB 354
AN ACT relative to alternate certification pathways for career and technical education instructors.
Sponsor(s): (Prime) Rep. Rick Ladd (R), Rep. Peter Leishman (D), Rep. Glenn Cordelli (R), Rep. Patricia Cornell (D), Rep. Kristin Noble (R), Sen. David Watters (D), Sen. Ruth Ward (R), Sen. Timothy Lang (R), Sen. Howard Pearl (R)
Selected quote(s) from the bill:
1 New Subparagraph; Department of Education; Rulemaking. Amend RSA 21-N:9, I(s) by inserting after subparagraph (4) the following new subparagraph:
(5) A candidate for a career and technical (CTE) specialty area license under RSA 188-E may substitute the following in lieu of a nationally recognized test of academic proficiency or a comparable out-of-state test as determined by the state board of education:
(A) Three years of professional paid full-time experience in the area for which the license is sought; and
(B) A current industry-recognized credential approved by the department in a published list of acceptable credentials appropriate to the CTE area in which a license is sought.
Summary:
This bill allows the Board of Education to offer alternate certification pathways for career and technical education (CTE) instructors, enabling individuals with three years of professional experience and an approved industry credential to obtain a teaching license in their specialty area.
Argument For:
This bill helps address teacher shortages in career and technical education by simplifying the certification process for qualified professionals, potentially reducing recruitment costs and ensuring a skilled workforce for critical industries.
Argument Against:
This bill could lower the certification standards for educators, potentially increasing training and oversight costs for schools and affecting overall education quality, adding financial strain during a budget fight.
Hearing: Friday, Jan 24 at 10:30 a.m. in Room 205-207 in the Legislative Office Building and streaming on YouTube.
HB 484
AN ACT relative to reallocation or repurposing of career and technical education classroom space by local school districts.
Sponsor(s): (Prime) Rep. Gary Daniels (R)
Selected quote(s) from the bill:
1 Construction or Renovation of Regional Career and Technical Education Centers. Amend RSA 188-E:3, II to read as follows:
II. Upon completion, the constructed or renovated facility shall become the property of the school district or public academy, for use by the career and technical education center exclusively, provided that if space within the facility has been used by the career and technical education center exclusively for at least 20 years such space may be repurposed by the district at no cost if the space is being vacated to enable expansion of the career and technical education program that occupies the space. …
Summary:
This bill allows school districts to repurpose career and technical education (CTE) classroom space at no cost after it has been used exclusively for CTE purposes for 20 years.
Argument For:
This bill provides school districts with flexibility to address changing needs and optimize the use of existing facilities, potentially reducing the need for new construction and saving money.
Argument Against:
This bill may reduce dedicated CTE space, limiting program availability and requiring future investments to rebuild capacity, which could strain budgets in the long term.
Hearing: Friday, Jan 24 at 11:00 a.m. in Room 205-207 in the Legislative Office Building and streaming on YouTube.
HB 319-FN
AN ACT relative to the responsibility of local school districts to provide transportation and meals for pupils in kindergarten.
Sponsor(s): (Prime) Rep. Keith Ammon (R), Rep. Lisa Post (R)
Selected quote(s) from the bill:
1 Transportation of Pupils. Amend RSA 189:6 to read as follows:
189:6 Transportation of Pupils. The local school district shall furnish transportation to full-day pupils in kindergarten through grade 8 who live more than 2 miles from the school to which they are assigned. The local school district may furnish transportation to pupils in half-day kindergarten programs, full-day kindergarten through grade 8 who live 2 miles or less from the school to which they are assigned, and to pupils in grades 9 through 12, when it finds that this is appropriate, and shall furnish it when so directed by the commissioner of education.
2 Food and Nutrition Programs. Amend RSA 189:11-a, I to read as follows:
I. Each school board shall make at least one meal available during school hours to every full-day pupil under its jurisdiction. …
Summary:
This bill removes the requirement for school districts to provide transportation and meals to students in half-day kindergarten programs.
Argument For:
This bill reduces costs for local school districts by eliminating transportation and meal service requirements for half-day kindergarten students, helping districts manage budgets more effectively.
Argument Against:
This bill could create barriers for families with half-day kindergarten students, potentially increasing inequities and placing additional financial burdens on families during a tight budget period.
Hearing: Friday, Jan 24 at 11:30 a.m. in Room 205-207 in the Legislative Office Building and streaming on YouTube.
HB 549-FN
AN ACT relative to the use of education freedom account funds in religious schools and institutions of higher education.
Sponsor(s): (Prime) Rep. Timothy Horrigan (D), Rep. Suzanne Vail (D), Rep. Allan Howland (D)
Selected quote(s) from the bill:
1 Education Freedom Program; Higher Education. Amend RSA 194-F:2, I(m) to read as follows:
(m) Tuition and fees at an accredited institution of higher education.
2 Education Freedom Accounts; Program; Use of Funds. Amend RSA 194-F:2, III to read as follows:
III. The funds in an EFA may only be used for educational purposes in accordance with paragraph II, and shall not be used at a religious school or for a religious education or training.
3 Repeals. The following are repealed:
I. RSA 194-F:4, XVII, relative to disadvantaging education providers with religiously-based policies or practices.
II. RSA 194-F:7, II through V relative to independence of education service providers in the EFA program.
III. RSA 194-F:9, relative to legal proceedings.
Summary:
This bill prohibits the use of education freedom account (EFA) funds at religious schools or for religious education or training. It also repeals provisions that protected religiously affiliated providers, ensured the independence of education service providers, and outlined legal safeguards for the EFA program.
Argument For:
This bill ensures that public funds allocated through EFAs are used solely for secular educational purposes, maintaining constitutional safeguards and potentially reducing legal risks and associated costs during a tight budget.
Argument Against:
This bill limits educational options for families participating in the EFA program, which may lead to increased public school enrollment and higher costs for the state in the long term.
Hearing: Friday, Jan 24 at 12:45 p.m. in Room 205-207 in the Legislative Office Building and streaming on YouTube.
House State-Federal Relations And Veterans Affairs
HB 120
AN ACT relative to transferring statutory authority from the department of education to the department of military affairs and veterans services regarding educational support services.
Sponsor(s): (Prime) Rep. James Creighton (R), Rep. Larry Gagne (R), Rep. Peter Bixby (D), Rep. Michael Moffett (R), Rep. Terry Roy (R), Rep. Arnold Davis (R), Rep. Nicholas Germana (D), Rep. Linda Haskins (D), Sen. Ruth Ward (R), Sen. Daniel Innis (R)
Selected quote(s) from the bill:
1 New Paragraph; Military Affairs and Veterans Services Overseeing Education Programs. Amend RSA 110-B:88 by inserting after paragraph VIII the following new paragraph:
IX. Oversee the functions of the Veterans Education Services as authorized by Congress. The division may approve for veterans' education and services any institution licensed under RSA 188-G. The department of military affairs and veterans services will provide these services pursuant to chapters 30, 32, 33, 34, 35, and 36 of 38 United States Code, and section 510 and chapters 1606 and 1607 of 10 United States Code.
2 Repeal. The following are repealed:
I. RSA 21-N:8-a, II(e)(4), relative to department of education overseeing the veterans education services, is repealed.
II. RSA 188-G:8, relative to veterans, education, and services approval by the department of education services, is repealed.
Summary:
This bill transfers statutory authority over Veterans Education Services from the Department of Education to the Department of Military Affairs and Veterans Services, completing the consolidation of oversight for these functions. It repeals provisions that previously granted the Department of Education authority to oversee veterans' education programs and approve institutions for veterans' education benefits.
Argument For:
Consolidating oversight of Veterans Education Services under the Department of Military Affairs and Veterans Services streamlines operations and aligns veterans' educational support with other veteran-focused programs, potentially improving efficiency and service delivery while reducing duplication of efforts.
Argument Against:
The transfer of authority may lead to transitional inefficiencies, require additional administrative resources, and could cause confusion for veterans and institutions during the shift, potentially increasing short-term costs during a critical budget period.
Hearing: Friday, Jan 24 at 9:30 a.m. in Room 206-208 in the Legislative Office Building and streaming on YouTube.
HB 122-FN
AN ACT relative to payment of claims arising out of actions or activities of the New Hampshire national guard.
Sponsor(s): (Prime) Rep. James Creighton (R), Rep. Peter Bixby (D), Rep. Michael Moffett (R), Rep. Jess Edwards (R), Rep. Tom Dolan (R), Rep. Judy Aron (R), Rep. Arnold Davis (R), Rep. Nicholas Germana (D), Sen. Daniel Innis (R), Sen. Donovan Fenton (D)
Selected quote(s) from the bill:
1 Department of Military Affairs and Veterans Services; Payment of Claims. Amend RSA 110-B:73 to read as follows:
110-B:73 Payment of Claims. The governor and council, upon the recommendation of the adjutant general, may pay claims against the state arising out of accidents occasioned by the activities of the national guard or arising out of claims brought against the department of military affairs and veterans services. No claim in excess of [$500] $1,000 shall be paid to any one person, nor shall any claim be paid hereunder which is payable in whole or in part by the United States. … Any claims paid hereunder shall be a charge upon the appropriation therefor in the department of [the adjutant general] military affairs and veterans services.
2 Effective Date. This act shall take effect 60 days after its passage.
Summary:
This bill increases the maximum payment for claims arising from the actions or activities of the New Hampshire National Guard from $500 to $1,000 and expands the scope of such claims to include those against the Department of Military Affairs and Veterans Services.
Argument For:
Raising the cap on claims ensures fairer compensation for individuals impacted by National Guard activities or actions, while the inclusion of the Department of Military Affairs and Veterans Services provides a more comprehensive process for addressing grievances, all with a minimal fiscal impact.
Argument Against:
This bill increases state expenditures, albeit modestly, at a time when all spending should be carefully scrutinized due to ongoing budget constraints.
Hearing: Friday, Jan 24 at 9:50 a.m. in Room 206-208 in the Legislative Office Building and streaming on YouTube.
HB 64
AN ACT relative to extending hiring preferences for military members and their spouses to the state and private businesses, and establishing purchase preferences for disabled veterans and military spouses regarding state supply purchases.
Sponsor(s): (Prime) Rep. Terry Roy (R), Rep. Michael Moffett (R), Rep. Jess Edwards (R), Rep. Jennifer Rhodes (R), Rep. James Creighton (R), Sen. Bill Gannon (R)
Selected quote(s) from the bill:
2 New Section; Products and Services of Veterans and Military Spouses. Amend RSA 21-I by inserting after section 19-j the following new section:
21-I:19-k Products and Services of Disabled Veterans and Military Spouses. Notwithstanding any other provision of law to the contrary, whenever products or services of veterans with service-connected disabilities or military spouses are available, the director of procurement and support services may purchase the same at their fair market value in accordance with the following:
I. The director shall determine the fair market price on all suitable products manufactured or services rendered by service-connected disabled veteran-owned businesses or military-spouse owned businesses and offered for sale to the state or any of its agencies. …
…
3 Veterans' Preference Employment Policy Definitions. Amend RSA 275-G:1, III to read as follows:
III. "Veterans' preference employment policy" means a private employer's policy for hiring or promoting a veteran, an eligible service member, or a military spouse over another qualified applicant or employee.
…
5 Adding Military Spouses to Public Employment Preferences. Amend chapter 99-F title to read as follows:
CHAPTER 99-F
VETERANS', [AND] DISABLED VETERANS', AND MILITARY SPOUSES' PREFERENCE IN PUBLIC EMPLOYMENT
6 Veterans' Preference in Public Employment. Amend RSA 99-F:1 to read as follows:
99-F:1 Veterans' and Military Spouses' Preference in Public Employment. The state of New Hampshire shall grant a preference in hiring to veterans, [and] disabled veterans, and military spouses.
…
8 Verification of Eligibility. Amend RSA 275-G:3 to read as follows:
275-G:3 Verification of Eligibility. A private employer may require that a veteran submit [a Department of Defense DD Form 214, report of separation,] any qualifying document under RSA 21:50 in order to be eligible to receive the preference under RSA 275-G:2.
Summary:
This bill extends hiring and procurement preferences in the state of New Hampshire to include active-duty military members, their spouses, and businesses owned by service-connected disabled veterans or military spouses. It also establishes a process for granting purchase preferences for products and services provided by these groups in state procurement.
Argument For:
This bill supports military families and disabled veterans by expanding economic opportunities, providing critical financial stability, and recognizing their service and sacrifices, with minimal fiscal impact to the state.
Argument Against:
The bill may introduce additional administrative complexity and could potentially increase costs in state procurement processes by limiting competition to preferred suppliers.
Hearing: Friday, Jan 24 at 10:10 a.m. in Room 206-208 in the Legislative Office Building and streaming on YouTube.
HB 256
AN ACT establishing a committee to study the federal government's response to the 1967 attack on the USS Liberty.
Sponsor(s): (Prime) Rep. Matt Sabourin dit Choinière (R), Rep. Larry Gagne (R), Rep. Skip Rollins (R), Rep. Tom Mannion (R), Rep. Katelyn Kuttab (R), Rep. Michael Granger (R)
Selected quote(s) from the bill:
1 Committee Established. There is established a committee to study the federal government's response to the 1967 attack on the USS Liberty (AGTR-5) and its aftermath.
…
3 Duties. The committee shall study the federal government's response to the 1967 Israeli attack on the USS Liberty (AGTR-5). Specifically, the committee shall investigate, to the best of its ability, whether the United States government properly determined the culpability of Israeli civilian and military officials in the attack.
…
5 Report. The committee shall report its findings and any recommendations to the New Hampshire federal congressional delegation on or before November 1, 2025.
Relevant Background:
Summary:
This bill establishes a committee to study the federal government’s response to the 1967 Israeli attack on the USS Liberty and its aftermath, focusing on determining the culpability of Israeli officials.
Argument For:
This bill seeks to address longstanding questions about the federal government’s handling of the USS Liberty attack, potentially providing transparency and justice for the victims and their families at no direct cost to the state.
Argument Against:
The bill may divert state legislative resources to examine a decades-old federal matter, with limited practical outcomes for New Hampshire citizens or its budgetary priorities.
Hearing: Friday, Jan 24 at 10:40 a.m. in Room 206-208 in the Legislative Office Building and streaming on YouTube.
HCR 8
A RESOLUTION urging Congress to find that the Piscataqua River and Portsmouth Harbor lie within the state of New Hampshire.
Sponsor(s): (Prime) Rep. Joseph Barton (R), Rep. Susan DeLemus (R), Rep. Wayne MacDonald (R), Rep. Carrie Sorensen (D), Sen. Daniel Innis (R)
Selected quote(s) from the bill:
A RESOLUTION urging Congress to find that the Piscataqua River and Portsmouth Harbor lie within the state of New Hampshire.
Whereas, jurisdiction and control over the whole of the Piscataqua River is and always has been entirely within the county of Rockingham and this state; and
Whereas, complete dominion and ownership of the tidal waters and submerged lands of the whole of the Piscataqua River, including Portsmouth Harbor, are solely vested in the sovereign people of the state of New Hampshire, encumbered only by the national navigational servitude over the river and its harbor as a navigable inland waterway and arm of the sea; and
Whereas, the Piscataqua River and those geographic features located within it are of immense value to New Hampshire; and
…
Resolved by the House of Representatives, the Senate concurring:
That the general court finds that the inland Piscataqua river boundary between New Hampshire and Maine runs along the same line at the river and that the continuing dispute on this point undermines New Hampshire’s ability to ensure that the state’s only port of entry is adequately protected; and
That the general court asks the New Hampshire congressional delegation to introduce legislation and take such additional steps as may be necessary and appropriate to establish the location of the boundary between New Hampshire and Maine in the inner Piscataqua River; and
That Seavey Island and Badger Island fall within the boundaries of the state of New Hampshire, and that the general court asks the New Hampshire congressional delegation to introduce legislation to designate the duty stations of all Portsmouth Naval Shipyard personnel as Portsmouth, New Hampshire.
That the general court asks the President of the United States to take such action as to designate the duty stations of all Portsmouth Naval Shipyard personnel as Portsmouth, New Hampshire.
That copies of this resolution, signed by the speaker of the house of representatives and the senate president, be sent by the clerk of the house of representatives to each member of the New Hampshire congressional delegation and to the President of the United States.
Summary:
This bill urges Congress to officially recognize that the Piscataqua River, Portsmouth Harbor, Seavey Island, and Badger Island lie within the state of New Hampshire, and requests action to designate Portsmouth Naval Shipyard duty stations as Portsmouth, New Hampshire.
Argument For:
This bill seeks to strengthen New Hampshire’s jurisdiction over critical waterways and infrastructure, enhancing state control and ensuring the proper protection, management, and economic benefits for its residents.
Argument Against:
The bill risks reigniting boundary disputes with Maine, potentially leading to legal and diplomatic challenges, and could divert focus and resources away from pressing budgetary and governance concerns.
Hearing: Friday, Jan 24 at 11:15 a.m. in Room 206-208 in the Legislative Office Building and streaming on YouTube.
HR 11
A RESOLUTION urging the United States government to investigate allegations of abuse of minorities, especially Hindus, Buddhists, Christians, and other religious minorities by the interim government of Bangladesh.
Sponsor(s): (Prime) Rep. Aboul Khan (R), Rep. Katherine Prudhomme-O'Brien (R), Rep. Douglas Thomas (R), Rep. Mark Pearson (R), Rep. Stephen Pearson (R), Rep. Katelyn Kuttab (R), Rep. Matt Sabourin dit Choinière (R), Rep. Linda McGrath (R), Sen. Bill Gannon (R), Sen. Timothy Lang (R)
Selected quote(s) from the bill:
Whereas, the election of January 7, 2024 caused the peaceful country of Bangladesh to elect a peaceful government; and
Whereas, that government was overthrown by a so-called student uprising supported by Islamic fundamentalists that is hostile to religious minorities; and
Whereas, attacks on places of religious worship and cultural figures, harassment and attacks on Hindu religious centers, have increased resulting in many deaths and injuries; and
Whereas, at least 50 Shrines, including the Shah Paran shrine, the Dewanbagh shrine in Narayanganj, and the Garibullah Shah shrine in Chittagong, were attacked and set on fire; and
Whereas, Muhammad Yunus, the current leader of Bangladesh, has attempted to erase the history of Bangabandhu by canceling national holidays such as the father of the nation Bangabandhu's birthday and removing plaques and renaming institutions that were placed or named in his honor; and
Whereas, there have been extradjudicial killings of citizens who either have spoken out against the Yunus government or who were members of the previous government, including members Bangladesh Awami League, and including the killing of police officers; and; now, therefore, be it
Resolved by the House of Representatives: the United States government is urged investigate allegations of abuse of minorities, especially Hindus, Buddhists, Christians, and other religious minorities by the interim government of Bangladesh.
Let it be further resolved that copies of this resolution be sent to the members of the New Hampshire Congressional delegation, the Secretary of State of the United States, the President of the United states, and the White House Press Office.
Summary:
This bill urges the United States government to investigate allegations of abuse against minorities, including Hindus, Buddhists, Christians, and others, by the interim government of Bangladesh.
Argument For:
The resolution advocates for the protection of religious minorities and human rights, aligning with U.S. values of religious freedom and justice, and puts pressure on the U.S. government to take a stance against abuses in Bangladesh.
Argument Against:
The resolution involves New Hampshire in foreign policy matters that do not directly impact the state and could divert attention and resources away from pressing local and domestic issues during a critical budgetary period.
Hearing: Friday, Jan 24 at 1:00 p.m. in Room 206-208 in the Legislative Office Building and streaming on YouTube.
HCR 9
A RESOLUTION urging the United States to reject compliance with the European Union's Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive.
Sponsor(s): (Prime) Rep. JD Bernardy (R)
Selected quote(s) from the bill:
A RESOLUTION urging the United States to reject compliance with the European Union's Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive.
Whereas, the European Union's ("EU") new Environmental, Social, and Governance ("ESG") law, the Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive ("CSDDD"), is designed to transform business practices across the entire world, including in the United States, and
Whereas, the CSDDD mandates that large businesses impose ESG standards on companies operating within their "chain of activities," regardless of whether those chain businesses have operations within the EU, and
Whereas, the policy goals addressed in the CSDDD mandate compliance with EU standards regarding unions and collective bargaining, health care and disease prevention, children's education, complete transition to a "green energy" economy, corporate climate transition plans, reductions in water and land use, social justice, and censorship of climate change and energy policies, and
Whereas, businesses that fail to meet the CSDDD's requirements will face financial penalties of "not less than" 5 percent of net worldwide turnover, and
…
Resolved by the House of Representatives, the Senate concurring:
That the people of the state of New Hampshire, speaking through its legislature, hereby urge the United States to reject any efforts at compliance with the EU's CSDDD; and
Be it further resolved, that the clerk of the New Hampshire house of representatives transmit copies of this resolution to the president of the United States; the vice president of the United States in his capacity as presiding officer of the United States Senate, the speaker of the United States House of Representatives, the minority leader of the United States House of Representatives, the President Pro Tempore of the United States Senate, to each senator and representative from New Hampshire in the congress of the United States with the respectful request that the full and complete text of this resolution be printed in the Congressional Record, and to the presiding officers of each legislative body of each of the several states, requesting the cooperation of the states in urging the United States to reject any efforts at compliance with the EU's CSDDD.
Summary:
This bill urges the United States Congress and the President to reject compliance with the European Union's Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD), citing concerns over corporate coercion and sovereignty.
Argument For:
Rejecting compliance with the EU's CSDDD preserves U.S. sovereignty, shields American businesses from excessive financial penalties, and avoids costly compliance burdens that could harm the economy during a critical budget period.
Argument Against:
Refusing to align with global corporate sustainability standards could harm trade relationships, limit access to international markets, and isolate the U.S. from global efforts to address environmental and social issues.
Hearing: Friday, Jan 24 at 1:30 p.m. in Room 206-208 in the Legislative Office Building and streaming on YouTube.