News
Proposed restrictions on reproductive health care funding loom large in budget debate
This story was updated on May 3, 2021 at 8 a.m. The pandemic left Rep. Joshua Query unemployed and underinsured – and then in a medical crisis when a former partner called to say he had exposed Query to HIV. Query could afford only one option: Planned Parenthood. The medical team not only charged Query […]
Lawmakers seek audit of Child Care Licensing Unit over delays
New Hampshire lawmakers have requested a performance audit of the state’s Child Care Licensing Unit, citing concerns over long delays with license renewals. The unit, a subdivision of the state’s Department of Health and Human Services, is tasked with overseeing day cares, nurseries, and other programs in the state. In that role, the unit conducts […]
House committee to take up bill changing business profits tax threshold
This story was updated May 3, 2021 at 8:30 a.m. to correct the House committee hearing the bill. Fewer New Hampshire businesses will have to pay the business profits tax under a bill before the House Ways and Means Committee Tuesday. Senate Bill 101 would raise the income threshold that determines which businesses pay the […]
Sununu: ‘Drastic changes’ to state’s firearm safety laws ‘nothing I support’
A bill prohibiting the state from enforcing any federal executive orders restricting access to guns is likely headed to Gov. Chris Sununu’s desk. The question is: Would he sign it? Asked about his position Thursday, Sununu cited New Hampshire’s own record on guns. “It doesn’t mean we’re immune and couldn’t have a very tragic situation […]
How national goals for reducing emissions could affect New Hampshire
Last week, President Joe Biden announced a national target of a 50% reduction in emissions by 2030, compared with 2005 levels. By 2050, the goal is to reach net zero. Emissions in New Hampshire have fallen significantly in recent years. The most recent data points to a 37% reduction in emissions since 2005, with some […]
Senate passes bill to release ‘Laurie List’ of police officers cited for bad conduct
The New Hampshire Senate passed a bill Thursday to gradually release one of New Hampshire’s most secretive documents: the list of police officers whose supervisors say they have credibility issues. In a rare unanimous vote, the body voted, 24-0, to approve a bill that would make the “Laurie List” public. The list, which was created […]
The crumbling wall between public money and religious schools
New Hampshire’s latest bid to create “education freedom accounts” – a voucher-like program allowing public school dollars to be used by families in private schools – is not the first attempt of its kind. But it is the broadest. The proposed law, Senate Bill 130, would give parents the option of using per-pupil public school […]
Commentary: Legislature looks at gun deaths across nation, says: ‘We need more guns’
The news is so pervasive, it makes you not want to turn on the TV or look online at all: There’s been another shooting. Where? A home in Texas. A grocery store in Boulder. A spa in Atlanta. This place. That place. It can happen anywhere. And it does. More than 100 people are killed […]
Bill aims to give FBI control of gun background checks
State lawmakers are weighing whether to eliminate the role of New Hampshire State Police in handgun background checks and defer to the FBI instead. A bill passed by the Senate in early April would end New Hampshire’s “gun line” – the service by which state police assist firearm sellers with background checks for prospective buyers. […]
House committee backs ‘Second Amendment sanctuary’ bill
A House committee voted, 11-10, Wednesday to join Arizona, Nebraska, Kansas, and several other states in barring state enforcement of any federal executive orders restricting Second Amendment rights. The Senate already passed Senate Bill 154, 14-10, along party lines. It now heads for a vote in the full House. The so-called “Second Amendment sanctuary” bill […]
Officials say Coakley Landfill Group failed to comply with PFAS cleanup
This article was updated April 28, 3:29 p.m. to include comments from Eric Spear. The Coakley Landfill Group has failed to comply with the state-mandated cleanup of Berry’s Brook in Greenland, according to state and local elected representatives. House Democratic Leader Renny Cushing of Hampton and Greenland Select Board Chair Steven Smith have both asked […]
New guidance gives a bit of breathing room on wearing masks outdoors
Just in time for cookouts and black flies, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said Tuesday fully vaccinated people can socialize and dine outdoors with a small group of friends without wearing a mask, even if those friends are unvaccinated. In its new color-coded guide, the CDC still recommends everyone wear masks at crowded […]