Briefs
Remote public hearing on ER hold proposal for mental health patients set for Tuesday
The public will get its first chance Tuesday to weigh in on a controversial new proposal that would let hospitals – as well as the state – detain people in emergency rooms until they can be connected with mental health treatment. The length of that proposed hold is just one of many unanswered questions surrounding […]
Sununu says he wouldn’t veto budget over abortion restriction
Gov. Chris Sununu signaled support Thursday for a proposal to criminalize abortions in New Hampshire after 24 weeks of pregnancy, a major announcement that could smooth passage of the Republican state budget this month. In an interview with talk radio host Chris Ryan Thursday, Sununu said he had no objections to the inclusion of the […]
Supporters of bill to help small businesses puzzled by House committee recommendation
Nearly 7,600 of the state’s small businesses received a lifeline when federal “Main Street” pandemic aid arrived last year – but only if they had opened at least nine months before COVID-19 hit. After hearing from some of those excluded business owners earlier this year, the New Hampshire Senate voted, 23-1, in favor of legislation […]
Diversity council formed by Sununu drafting letter in opposition to ‘divisive concepts’ language
A week after the New Hampshire Senate Republicans unveiled the latest version of the “divisive concepts” bill, some prominent state officials are speaking out against it – including Gov. Chris Sununu’s Department of Safety commissioner. During a last-minute meeting Tuesday, the Governor’s Advisory Council on Diversity and Inclusion agreed to send a letter to Sununu’s […]
Liquor Commission poised to become direct shipper of alcohol
The New Hampshire Liquor Commission is close to gaining approval to become a direct shipper of alcohol, with the House set to pass legislation that would send the long-held priority to Gov. Chris Sununu’s desk. Senate Bill 14 would permit the commission to register with the New Hampshire Secretary of State as a direct shipper […]
Omnibus environmental bill on renewable energy and utilities moves to the House
The House will take up an omnibus environmental bill on Thursday that would require the state to adopt rules about energy storage, among three other renewable energy measures. The legislation also includes proposals regarding hydroelectric generation, group credits for net metering, and the purchase of energy across states. With battery usage and other energy storage […]
Environmental Services says state is approaching widespread drought
Half of the state is experiencing abnormally dry conditions, according to a recent report from the Department of Environmental Services. The state agency is urging water suppliers to track drought conditions and to ask individuals to conserve water. The state has put out guidance for municipalities on lawn-watering restrictions. Restrictions can go into place in […]
Senate OKs earlier state primary date, limits on governor’s emergency powers, PFAS protections
In a Senate session on Thursday, lawmakers approved proposals to move the primary from September to August, limit the governor’s emergency powers, and increase PFAS protections and funding. As senators approach the end of the session, they are up against a June 3 deadline to act on all pending legislation. Election law Two election law […]
‘Religious liberty’ bill amended to address discrimination concerns
An amended version of a “religious liberty” bill up for a Senate vote Thursday preserves a church’s right to stay open during a future state of emergency but eliminates what civil rights advocates said would allow for discrimination on religious grounds. Rep. Keith Ammon, a New Boston Republican and House Bill 542’s sponsor, supports the […]
Sununu vetoes bill banning jet skis near coastal marshlands
On Tuesday, Gov. Chris Sununu issued his first veto of the session – shooting down House Bill 184, which would have banned jet skis within 300 feet of marshlands at the Rye estuary and the New Castle back channel. In his veto message, Sununu said the protection was unnecessary because the area does not experience […]
Bill barring release of mug shots approved by Judiciary Committee
Senators on the Judiciary Committee approved a measure Tuesday that would bar police from releasing most mug shots after arrests, in a 3-2 committee vote that defied party lines. House Bill 125 would still allow police departments to take post-arrest photographs of accused perpetrators. But the bill would prohibit the release of the mug shots […]
Democrats: Strike ‘divisive concepts’ language from the budget
On Tuesday, Democrats said that cutting House Bill 544 out of the state’s biennial budget would be nonnegotiable in Wednesday’s budget session. Senate Republicans will introduce their version of the budget policy bill on Wednesday and vote on it during the same session. HB 544 – a proposal that would ban teaching and training around […]