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Before getting to the business of our legislature, there have been several questions raised lately. I've been asked by folks if it is permissible to pass these Alerts along to others and/or to post them to Facebook sites, blogs or websites. The answer is yes, absolutely. In fact, I would encourage you to send these far and wide to family, friends and neighbors without regard to political affiliation. The comments that I have been receiving suggest that folks across the political spectrum are concerned about what they are seeing coming out of our state capital. Even when people may disagree with something that they find within the Alerts, it leads to a discussion of larger issues and the direction of our state - and that is a healthy thing. I would ask that you leave my contact information on the Alert simply to allow others to reach me with questions, suggestions and/or feedback which has been occurring on a regular basis.
Some have asked that the Alert be put into a different format as well as posted to a permanent site. Because of the lengths of these little missives, some have difficulty opening them from their e-mail account. I'm working on that, but it may not happen overnight given the demands upon my time. There are sites such www.wmexradio.com that are posting these (without the calendar attachments). You may want to go to that site to read the Alert and to post a comment on the activities of our legislature. The Alert can be found under NH Politics and Review on the www.wmexradio.com site.
In addition to the Alerts being posted on several sites, we are working to put these into a concrete form for distribution. Again, that is a longer term effort. Some have suggested a newsletter format or even flyer with a brief overview of the most high profile legislation. If you have ideas or suggestions for how the information can be best captured for distribution beyond an on-line audience, please don't hesitate to contact me.
Others have asked whether these might be turned into a regular column for area newspapers. They certainly don't translate into that format in their current form given that I reserve the right to include editorial comment, though the facts stand for themselves. I do write a column on solely the Senate side of the Statehouse for The Forum, an on-line newspaper covering Nottingham, Deerfield, Northwood and the area. That column is free from any editorializing and simply lists the legislation and hearing schedule.
Last, but not least, a number of folks have asked if they can use material from the Alerts as the basis of letters to the editor or for contacting their legislators. Again, please do so with my heartfelt appreciation in making these actionably useful.
As has become customary in the Alert, below is a retrospective and a prospective of activities from the House and Senate followed by the calendars for each body (select bills of interest highlighted for your convenience). For a comprehensive listing of all calendar items please go to http://www.gencourt.state.nh.us/
In the Rear-view Mirror
This past week was like no other in New Hampshire history. Concord began to take on the appearance of Wisconsin, Illinois, Indiana and Ohio with thousands of people converging on the capital to express their opposition to budget cuts and the destruction of collective bargaining. Additionally, there was one unconstitutional, ironic, illogical and bizarre story after another as the days unfolded. To say that our Statehouse is a circus run by clowns would be to elevate it to legitimate entertainment. The Cirque du Soleil it is definitely not.
To counter any potential accusation of hyperbole in the circus metaphor, let's borrow a Jeff Foxworthy investigatory technique. Let's call it the You might be looking at a circus if.... litmus test
You might be looking at a circus if...
You see Rep. George Lambert, r, Litchfield drop his gun and holster on the floor in a crowd of people. Dang, those holsters - they just don't make the buckles like they used to. Aren't you happy there are folks like this running around with guns strapped on - well, not quite. If there's anyone out there planning a tutorial on holstering, would you be so kind as to kick in shoe tieing and walking while chewing bubble gum as well?
You might be looking at a circus if...
You hear former Rep. Kim Casey be told that she is allowed to bring an AK47 into the Statehouse but not the two twelve inch painter stirrers attached to her sign as handles. Seriously! What more can one say about this one.
You might be looking at a circus if...
You heard the House majority leader, DJ Bettencourt, call the Bishop of the Catholic Church (membership ~ 300,000) a pedophile pimp. But, then again, the Speaker of the House said he agreed with the sentiments. It's just that he would have used nicer language. I don't know what the uptown version of pedophile pimp is, but as they say a rose by any other name -is still pretty certain to alienate a whole lot of the faithful.
You might be looking at a circus if...
You heard Rep. Susan Emerson, r. Rindge say that if her sons spoke to her in the manner that NH House Speaker O'Brien had, she'd have "...washed their mouth out with jalapeno peppers." Five term State Representative Emerson accuses O'Brien of bullying her and "...threatening to kick me out of the Republican caucus, said I wasn't a Republican." Seems that she is just way too moderate for the Narrow Tent gang. Rep. Emerson won't be the last to share behind-the-scenes stories of tongue lashings. Others are already coming forward.
You might be looking at a circus if...
If you see the Speaker of the House, in an unprecedented action, close the House gallery in contravention to the NH Constitution, a constitution which he professes to know well and adhere to with superglue. Part II, Article 8 of the New Hampshire Constitution states: "The doors of the galleries, of each house of the legislature, shall be kept open to all persons who behave decently, except when the welfare of the state, in the opinion of either branch, shall require secrecy." Anyone creating a disturbance may be removed, but the gallery may not be closed in the course of the House doing the business of the people. It is interesting to compare and contrast the actions of different NH House Speakers in this regard. In March 2009 when confronted with angry and armed hecklers, then Speaker Norelli calmly asked for dignity and decorum. She stood proud in the face of virulent outbursts for which even the NH Liberty Alliance felt compelled to issue an apology.
And finally, you just might be looking at a circus if...
You discover that the Speaker of the House has commandeered NH State Troopers to guard his private residence. Ostensibly this was done because a family member had received a call from someone saying "Now I know where you live," although there was no allegation of a threat. It was done at a time when the already thin ranks of NH Troopers was being cut another 17 positions. It was done by a man who is purportedly a multi-millionaire and can well afford his own private protection service. And, it was done at a time when thousands of New Hampshire's most vulnerable citizens were being placed in verifiable harm's way with no-one to safeguard or protect them. (So, I'm thinking here - Are the Troopers guarding the Speaker on over time? Is this special duty? Will it count toward their retirement? Just wondering....)
And They Came by the Thousands
On Thursday, March 31, the day of the official vote on the House version of the biennial budget, thousands gathered in the plaza in front of the Statehouse. Estimates range from 4,000 to 5,000+. Hundreds were inside the Statehouse. Thousands on the plaza itself. And others ringed the sidewalks around the Statehouse holding signs and waving at passers-by. The composition of the gathering spanned the political, socio-economic, professional, and ability spectrum. Dozens came in wheelchairs. Dozens more were individuals with developmental disabilities lead by their care-givers. There were therapists, faith leaders, parishioners, psychologists, musicians, artists, teachers, firefighters, police, and tradesmen from various industry sectors.
In the aftermath of the event, detractors tried mightily to paint the rally as union-inspired, packed with union thugs, and swollen with out-of-state carpetbaggers. Those labels showed up on a number of Tea Party, Beck's 912 Groups, and Free State-affiliated sites. The facts of the matter are that some e140 organizations came together to organize the rally that was populated by their constituents. While our proud working men and women were certainly in evidence, so too, were folks from every walk of life. As for out-of-stater's swelling the numbers - a myth, pure and simple. My husband and I walked throughout the crowd numerous times and recognized hundreds of people from Barrington, Nottingham, Rochester, Dover, Portsmouth, Concord, Manchester, Plymouth and on and on. Our daughter-in-law attended with a number of her own colleagues and the families they serve. This was decidedly a made in New Hampshire, New Hampshire homegrown opposition to a eugenics-style budget that will harm our state in myriad ways well into the future.
Although those who came were unable to prevent the vote for passage of the budget by the House (243 for, 124 opposed). The message was sent, however, to the Senate and to the Governor that scores of citizens oppose this budget. Preliminary word from the NH Senate is that there may not be support for many of the provisions contained within the budget and the trailer bill (HB 1 and HB 2), most notably for the amendment that would eliminate collective bargaining.
The Road Ahead
Neither chamber will be holding a floor session in the upcoming week. Having sent all of their bills to the other chamber, the workload reverts back to the hearings process in the short-term. While there are bills of interest and importance that have arrived in the House, those of greatest concern are now in the Senate. Not surprisingly, public attention is also shifting to that chamber and there is likely to be a bright spotlight shone on its upcoming activities.
A word of caution is warranted here, however. One legislative trick that is used when pushing an agenda is to amend bills with legislative language that may be contained in another bill that meets an undesirable fate. While the rules generally prevent reconsideration of subject matter that has been defeated in a particular session, it is not unheard of for it to resurface in slightly altered ways. Consequently, legislation moving through either chamber will need to be watched to ensure that the public is notified of its content.
A case in point here is the language that will eliminate collective bargaining. An amendment included late into the night by the House Finance Committee during its final drafting of HB 2, the budget trailer bill, stipulates that if agreement over contract terms fail to be reached before the expiration deadline, employees covered by that contract become automatically employees at will. That may result in the loss of healthcare coverage, retirement benefits, safety conditions and/or salary among other contract provisions. Much attention was directed at that provision by public workers and their supporters. The Senate has already signaled that it there is no support for that provision in that chamber.
Escaping attention was the fact that the same elimination of collective bargaining provision was tucked into HB 580, a bill dealing with changes to the NH Retirement. Once again, the collective bargaining provision received no hearing. Furthermore, it is of questionable germaneness to the original intent of HB 580. Thus, even if the amendment on this topic is stripped from HB 2, it could survive in HB 580.
The House in the Week Ahead
The House is in for one of the quieter weeks of the session (assuming no gaffs coming from leadership or the members of that body). Although House Committees are taking up a number of Senate bills, most are of a technical, housekeeping or noncontroversial nature. There are a couple that bear noting.
On Tuesday, April 5 the House Executive Departments and Administration will take up SB 173, a bill proclaiming January 24, 2012 as Granny D Day. Granny D Haddock was renowned throughout New Hampshire and much for the country for her tireless efforts to bring attention to the corrupting influence of corporate campaign contributions and for her support of public financing for campaigns. She continued her active speaking engagements right up to her passage following her 100th birthday. The ED&A Committee will hear SB 173 at 11:30 a.m. in Rm. 306, LOB (Legislative Office Building).
SB 125 replicates the language in HB 557 with each changing the definition of reasonable compensation and modifying the standards and burden of proof. The content of these bills are discussed in detail below under the Senate hearings. In brief, each of these bills would make the definition of reasonable compensation sufficiently flexible that the Department of Revenue Administration states it will not be possible to prove the appropriateness of the designation of reasonable compensation. The cost to the state general fund will be in excess of $49 million. SB 125 will be heard before the House Ways and Means Committee at 10:45 a.m. in Rm. 202, LOB.
The Senate in the Week Ahead
One of the most controversial bills that will be heard before a Senate Committee in the upcoming week is HB 474, frequently referred to as the Right to Work [for less] Bill. Supporters of this bill contend that it frees workers from having to join a union and it eliminates the requirement for an employer to deduct union fees from the workers' salary. They maintain that the passage of this bill will lead to stronger job growth and freedom of choice for workers. This is a perennial bill that has been introduced numerous times in New Hampshire under both Republican and Democratic majorities. Each time, until this year, it has failed to gain traction.
In hearings in the House, HB 474 was opposed not only by unions but also by the Commissioner of the Department of Labor and the Commissioner of the Department of Economic Development, who both contend it is unnecessary. The Commissioners pointed out that New Hampshire has enjoyed the second highest job growth rate in the country over the past year and that there has been no evidence that employers are reluctant to locate in this state without this legislation. Labor Commissioner George Copadis testified that he has met with over 2,000 business owners and not one has ever lobbied for the state to adopt Right to Work provisions.
Furthermore, and no matter what the crusaders of RTR tell you, under current law no worker is required to join a union in order to work in a unionized company or agency. The fees that are deducted from wages are classified as agency fees. These cover the costs of union representation for compensation and benefit negotiations. By law any benefits that unions obtain for their members must be extended to all workers within an organization. Thus, the precedent of deducting agency fees was established long ago as a counterbalance to extending the same benefits to non-union workers. Agency fees may not be used for political activities of unions.
Opponents of the bill maintain HB 474 is a tactic that has been used to weaken union representation in other states. They also point to data that shows that Right to Work states have lower average wages, lower standards of living, higher incidents of worker injuries and deaths and higher unemployment than is evidenced in states that offer stronger protections for organized labor. They point most specifically to Arizona as an ardent supporter of this type of legislation. Arizona currently has one of the highest rates of unemployment in the country.
HB 474 will be heard before the Senate Commerce Committee on Tuesday, April 5 at 9 a.m. in Representatives Hall. It is anticipated that there will be a large turn-out for this hearing.
One piece of legislation that might offer significant benefits in the future is HB 508 that would begin the process of implementing performance measurement practices for state agencies. In the short-term the bill establishes a pilot program for the development of a performance measurement system in the department of health and human services. It would require all agencies to develop performance measurement systems by December 31, 2013. Performance measurement reviews are a key efficiency tool for businesses. The process requires establishing a clearly articulated mission statement for each department/agency, specific, quantifiable and qualitative goals and objectives for mission attainment, a clear, concise listing of all resources needed for goal attainment, the anticipated outcome of the implementation of each action and a measure of success.
By way of very simplistic example, let's say the division within the department of health and human services wanted to encourage 25% of those currently receiving aid for dependent children to be fully employed at a livable wage and adequate benefits and out of the program within 24 months of the beginning of receipt of assistance. In order to accomplish that, the department recognizes that skill and social development must take place. Consequently, training programs are put into place in order to provide skill building opportunities for positions that offer above-minimum wage and benefits. Assume also that counseling programs are available to assist the individual in improving social skills, hygiene, presentation, communication skills, etc. An attempt is made to match every person who requests assistance from the department of health and human service's welfare division with the appropriate programs. Quite possibly childcare is needed to allow the parent to attend programs so that is offered as well. Then, let's also assume that by the end of 24 months fully 25% of those who began needing assistance are now gainfully employed and self-supporting. The department would have met its goals. As I said, this is a very simplistic and not altogether realistic example given the need for adequate time for educational or skills development, but illustrative of the point here.
If every one of our agencies worked in such a manner, the long term costs of many services should rightfully be decreased. Side benefits would include a more productive, self-reliant citizenry, one that breaks the cycle of poverty, and provides a more ready, educated workforce for employers who want to come to our state.
The above should be the goal of any legislator, regardless of party affiliation. Here's the problem: In order to implement a sound performance measurement system one has to be willing to make investments into technologies, equipment, programs and personnel appropriate to attaining the goals of the program. Failure to do so has already been demonstrated in New Hampshire with half-hearted past attempts at such programs and has been the situation in many other states as well as nationally. Programs such as performance measurement systems offer tremendous benefits, but they require an adequate investment of resources and accountability to make them successful. And that requires political courage. One state that has had considerable success with performance measurement systems is Utah, a state that received an "A" rating by the Pew Institute for government management practices (compared to a "D" for New Hampshire).
This environment of cutting to the bone, most especially with the excessively deep cuts to Health and Human Services, the very department in which the first pilot program will be established, doesn't bode well for success. You may wish to contact members of the members of the Senate Executive Departments and Administration Committee to convey your support for this bill with a request to adequately fund it.
HB 508 will be heard before the Senate Executive Departments and Administration at 9:40 a.m. in Rm. 100, SH (Statehouse).
Another bill that is likely to be contentious for the Senate is HB 542 that allows a parent to selectively determine what his/her child will be required to participate in educationally. This bill passed on a split vote of 197- 148 from the House indicating there was considerably less than unanimous agreement with its provisions. As amended the bill states: No school district shall compel a parent to send his or her child to any school or program to which he or she may be conscientiously opposed nor shall a school district approve or disapprove a parent's education program or curriculum. Supporters of this legislation argue that it places the responsibility for educating a student in the hands of parents. Opponents counters that it places the value and meaning of diplomas and certificates of attainment in question when the criteria for achievement is not consistent across the population of students. HB 542 will be heard before the Senate Education Committee on Tuesday, April 5 at 1 p.m. in Rm. 103, LOB (Legislative Office Building).
One piece of legislation that surprisingly ended up before the Senate Public and Municipal Affairs Committee is HB 368, a bill that permits municipalities to decide whether to approve workforce housing. This bill was virtually unanimously (14-1) recommended for ITL (inexpedient to legislate/kill the bill) by the House Municipal and County Government Committee. Strong opposition to HB 368 comes from the business community that contends that the lack of adequate workforce housing has stymied job growth. In fact, in explaining the rationale for the vote the House Municipal and County Government Committee noted "Workforce housing is extremely important to our local economy. It has been well documented that New Hampshire has a critical shortage of housing options affordable to moderate and lower income families. The lack of affordable housing negatively impacts our state's ability to grow a strong economy (no housing, no workers).
Despite the strong support by the Committee for an ITL of this bill, the vote was flipped (reversed) on the House floor and passed on to the Senate. The arguments of those favoring the bill is that it was enabling legislation that would allow communities to choose whether or not to support workforce housing.
The Senate Public and Municipal Affairs Committee will take up HB 368 on Tuesday, April 5 at 9:15 a.m. in Rm. 101, LOB.
Among the bills that appear to run counter to philosophy of giving communities more latitude in the management of their affairs is HB 457, that will cut in half the interest rate on late or delinquent property tax payments, subsequent payments and other unpaid taxes. This bill will establish an initial ceiling of 6% on unpaid property taxes (as compared to the current rate of 12%) that climbs to 9% if a lien becomes necessary (currently that rate is 18%) . HB 457 was sent to the floor by the House Municipal and County Government Committee with a 15-1 recommendation of ITL (kill the bill). The Committee argued against lowering the interest rate because "...each unpaid property tax bill means that the other conscientious taxpayers in the town will have to dig deeper into their pockets to make up the difference....This change would also put pressure on the cash flows of local governments, forcing them to borrow more to fund operations and increasing debt service expenditures." Supporting that latter view is an analysis by the NH Municipal Association that contends that the $17 + million that cities and towns now take in as interest on delinquent taxes will be cut in half. Pushing those arguments aside, the House flipped the recommendation of the Committee and sent the bill to the Senate.
The Senate Public and Municipal Affairs will take up HB 457 on Tuesday, April 5 at 10:14 a.m. in Rm. 101, LOB.
Mirroring similar legislation to come out of the Senate, HB 187 will extend the carry forward provisions for the business enterprise tax credit to be used against the business profits tax. This legislation will gradually, over a period of five years, allow these credits to be carried forward from the current time span of five years to ten years. The Department of Revenue Administration was unable to calculate the costs of this change in law due to the lack of data on the amount of credit that currently lapses at the end of the five year period. HB 187 will be heard by the Senate Ways and Means Committee on Tuesday, April 5 at 2:30 p.m. in Rm. 100, SH (Statehouse).
Legislation that could prove costly to state revenues but represent a boon to business owners is HB 557 that modifies the standards and burden of proof for reasonable compensation. This bill will change the definition of what a business owner of a sole proprietorship, limited liability company or partnership to one that is far more flexible than the federal definition of reasonable compensation. In the fiscal note attached to the bill the Department of Revenue states that this change in definition will cost the state in excess of $49 million in FY 2012 and each year beyond. The DRA further notes that the bill will make it difficult for the Department that "...it would be ineffective to conduct an audit of a partnership or proprietorship to ensure compliance with the law." The DRA goes on to say that as currently written the bill "...would result in no partnerships or proprietorships being liable to pay the business profits tax and would result in a decrease in revenue by the same amount." HB 557 will be heard by the Senate Ways and Means Committee on Tuesday, April 5 at 2:45 p.m. in Rm. 100, SH.
One of numerous bills that would lower the restrictions on carrying or using weapons, HB 210 will allow a person who is in any place where s/he has a right to be or reasonably believed s/he had a right to be to use deadly force to protect oneself. This legislation saw considerably more divisiveness in the House Criminal Justice Committee that sent it to the floor with a barely passing (9-8) recommendation of OTP (ought to pass) than it did on the House floor in which it passed on a roll call vote of 270 - 92. It has now been scheduled to be heard by the Senate Judiciary on Thursday, April 7 at 1:15 p.m. in Rm. 101, LOB.
In addition to the selected bills and hearings noted above, the Senate Finance Committee will be hearing agency presentations on the impacts of the House version of the biennial budget. These hearings are open to the public. Presentations are as follows:
Thursday, April 7:
Senate Finance will meet in Rm. 103, SH at 1 p.m. and hear the following presentations:
· Department of Health and Human Services - Medicaid Medical Services
· Department of Health and Human Services - Wellness and Prevention
Friday, April 8:
Senate Finance will meet in Rm. 103, SH beginning at 9 a.m. to hear the following presentations:
· Department of Health and Human Services - Children and Family (Division for Children, Youth and Family and Division of Juvenile Justice Services Field Services)
· Department of Health and Human Services - Children and Family (Division of Juvenile Justice Services, Sununu Center)
· Department of Health and Human Services - Children and Family (Bureau of Homeless and Housing Services)
· Department of Health and Human Services - Children and Family (Division of Family Assistance and Division of Child Support Services)
Monday, April 11:
Senate Finance will meet in Room 103, SH beginning at 9 a.m. to hear the following presentations:
· Department of Health and Human Services - Mental Health and Substance Abuse (Bureau of Behavior Health and Bureau of Drug and Alcohol Services)
· Department of Health and Human Services - Mental Health and Substance Abuse (NH Hospital and Glencliff Home)
· Department of Health and Human Services - Developmental Disability (Bureau of Developmental Services)
· Department of Health and Human Services - Elderly Services (Bureau of Elderly Adult Services)
committee meetings
MONDAY, APRIL 4
BOARD OF MANUFACTURED HOUSING (RSA 205-A:25), Room 201, LOB
1:00 p.m. Regular meeting.
INTERBRANCH CRIMINAL AND JUVENILE JUSTICE COUNCIL (RSA 651-E), Administrative Office of the Courts, 2 Charles Doe Drive, Concord
1:00 p.m. Regular meeting.
PERFORMANCE AUDIT AND OVERSIGHT COMMITTEE (RSA 17-N:1), Room 212, LOB
1:00 p.m. Organizational meeting and regular business.
TASK FORCE ON WORK AND FAMILY (RSA 276-F:1), Room 206, LOB
1:15 p.m. Organizational meeting.
TUESDAY, APRIL 5
CONSTITUTIONAL REVIEW AND STATUTORY RECODIFICATION, Room 206, LOB
10:00 a.m. Full committee work session on recodification.
EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENTS AND ADMINISTRATION, Room 306, LOB
10:00 a.m. SB 157-FN, relative to the division of weights and measures and fees for licensing weighing devices and the definition of service technician.
10:45 a.m. SB 161-FN, relative to procedures for adoption of agency rules under the administrative procedures act.
11:30 a.m. SB 173, proclaiming January 24, 2012 as Granny D. Day.
1:30 p.m. SB 153-FN, relative to the regulation of real estate appraisers by the New Hampshire real estate appraiser board.
Executive session may follow.
HEALTH, HUMAN SERVICES AND ELDERLY AFFAIRS, Room 205, LOB
9:30 a.m. SB 51, relative to the establishment of a state leadership team to address issues concerning certain adults with developmental disabilities who may present a substantial risk to the community.
10:45 a.m. SB 72-FN, establishing a comprehensive cancer plan fund.
1:00 p.m. SB 93, relative to pharmacist administration of vaccines.
Executive session may follow.
JUDICIARY, Room 208, LOB
10:00 a.m. SB 65, making technical corrections to a law relative to court facility financing.
10:30 a.m. SB 64, removing the oath requirement for criminal complaints filed by police officers.
11:00 a.m. SB 34-FN, relative to orders of notice in guardianship cases; relative to approvals of marriages for persons under 18 years of age by the judicial branch family division; and relative to the adjudicatory hearing date in child protection cases.
Executive session may follow.
RESOURCES, RECREATION AND DEVELOPMENT, Room 305, LOB
10:30 a.m. SB 85, naming a bay in the town of Meredith Johnson Bay.
11:00 a.m. SB 47, extending the commission to study water infrastructure sustainability funding.
11:30 a.m. SB 106, naming the visitor center at Jericho Mountain state park for Robert Danderson.
1:00 p.m. SB 105, exempting highway trail crossing from evaluation requirements for certain all terrain and trail bike trails.
1:45 p.m. SB 32, relative to water withdrawals for snow making.
2:30 p.m. SB 21, relative to exemptions from excavating and drainage permits.
Executive session may follow.
SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY AND ENERGY, Room 304, LOB
10:15 a.m. UNH Broadband Stimulus Project update.
1:00 p.m. SB 55-FN, requiring certain engine coolants and antifreeze to include an aversive agent so that they are rendered unpalatable.
Executive session may follow.
STATE VETERANS' ADVISORY COMMITTEE (RSA 115-A:2), NH National Guard, Aviation Facility, Regional Drive, Concord
5:00 p.m. Rescheduled regular meeting.
TRANSPORTATION, Room 203, LOB
10:00 a.m. SB 26, establishing a committee to study the classification of motor vehicles.
10:20 a.m. SB 29, relative to the definition of "moped" and relative to motorcycle endorsements.
10:50 a.m. SB 60, relative to the definition of commercial motor vehicle.
11:15 a.m. SB 66, relative to nonresident fees for motorcycle rider education.
11:45 a.m. SB 99, relative to trailer brakes.
1:30 p.m. SB 31, relative to revocation or denial of a driver's license for drug or alcohol involvement by persons under 21 years of age.
2:10 p.m. SB 98, revising the international registration plan.
Executive session may follow.
WAYS AND MEANS, Room 202, LOB
10:00 a.m. SB 56-FN, authorizing the department of revenue administration to accept credit card and debit card payments of taxes.
10:15 a.m. SB 53-FN, relative to the definition of nursing and establishing a nursing assistant registry fund administered by the board of nursing.
10:45 a.m. SB 125-FN-A, relative to the business profits tax deduction for reasonable compensation.
Executive session may follow.
1:00 p.m. Executive session on SB 18, deleting a function of the central tax services unit, SB 35-FN-A, relative to exemption from the definition of utility property for purposes of the utility property tax, SB 42, relative to the declaration of consideration for purposes of the real estate transfer tax, SB 43, making a technical correction to the tobacco tax laws.
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 6
RESOURCES, RECREATION AND DEVELOPMENT, Room 305, LOB
10:00 a.m. SB 20, relative to shoreland protection permits.
10:45 a.m. SB 38, relative to extension for wetland and shoreland permits.
11:30 a.m. SB 107, establishing a committee to study the effectiveness of criteria for establishing ATV and trail bike trails on state land.
Executive session may follow.
1:00 p.m. Organizational meeting on prime wetlands.
THURSDAY, APRIL 7
CRIMINAL JUSTICE AND PUBLIC SAFETY, Room 204, LOB
10:00 a.m. SB 123, relative to notification if a person found incompetent to stand trial and civilly committed is released into the community.
11:00 a.m. SB 180, establishing a committee to study the availability of community supervision programs for prisoners released on probation or parole.
Executive session may follow.
JUDICIARY, Room 208, LOB
10:00 a.m. SB 108, relative to emergency obstetrical care.
Executive session may follow.
STATE FEDERAL RELATIONS AND VETERANS AFFAIRS, Room 203, LOB
9:30 a.m. Informational meeting on veterans' issues.
10:00 a.m. SB 140-FN, relative to the disposition of military justice fines.
10:30 a.m. SB 102, establishing a commission to study the effects of service-connected post-traumatic stress disorder and traumatic brain injury suffered in the line of duty by members of the armed forces and veterans.
Executive session may follow.
FRIDAY, APRIL 8
ADVISORY COUNCIL ON UNEMPLOYMENT COMPENSATION (RSA 282-A:128), NH Employment Security, 32 South Main Street, Concord
9:00 a.m. Regular meeting.
NEW HAMPSHIRE COMMISSION ON DEAFNESS AND HEARING LOSS (RSA 125-Q), Room 205, LOB
1:30 p.m. Regular meeting.
STATE SUGGESTION AND EXTRAORDINARY SERVICE AWARD PROGRAM (RSA 99-E), Room 101, LOB
9:30 a.m. Regular meeting.
MONDAY, APRIL 11
STATE PARK SYSTEM ADVISORY COUNCIL (RSA 216-A:3-k), Department of Resources and Economic Development, 172 Pembroke Road, Concord
1:00 p.m. Regular meeting.
TUESDAY, APRIL 12
COMMERCE AND CONSUMER AFFAIRS (BANKING/BUSINESS DIVISION), Room 302, LOB
10:00 a.m. SB 28, establishing an exemption from the licensing requirements for nondepository first mortgage bankers and brokers for persons providing loans for certain seller-financed transactions.
10:30 a.m. SB 57, relative to regulation of title loan lenders.
1:15 p.m. SB 62, relative to persons participating in the return to work program.
2:00 p.m. SB 116, relative to the manufactured housing installation standards board.
Work sessions on these bills may follow the public hearings.
EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENTS AND ADMINISTRATION, Room 306, LOB
10:00 a.m. SB 33-FN, relative to retired state employee contributions for medical benefits costs.
10:45 a.m. SB 152-FN, relative to participation in state employees' group insurance by members of the general court.
11:30 a.m. SB 81-FN, relative to powers and duties of commissioners of executive branch agencies, and relative to the extension of the expired term of a commissioner or agency head.
Executive session may follow.
1:30 p.m. Full committee tour of the State Print Shop, Hills Avenue, Concord.
JUDICIARY, Room 208, LOB
10:00 a.m. SB 12-FN, relative to screening panels for medical injury claims.
10:30 a.m. SB 109, establishing a committee to study the foreclosure process in New Hampshire.
11:00 a.m. SB 70-FN, relative to remedies in landlord-tenant actions.
Executive session may follow.
THURSDAY, APRIL 14
COMMERCE AND CONSUMER AFFAIRS (INSURANCE/CONSUMER PROTECTION DIVISION), Room 302, LOB
10:00 a.m. SB 148-FN, relative to health insurance coverage and declaring that the attorney general should join the lawsuit challenging the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act.
11:00 a.m. SB 162-FN, relative to federal health care reform 2010.
1:15 p.m. SB 122, establishing a committee to study the laws relating to electronic prescriptions.
2:00 p.m. SB 89, establishing a study committee on the procurement of health insurance by employee leasing companies.
Work sessions on these bills may follow the public hearings.
JUDICIARY, Room 208, LOB
10:00 a.m. SB 139-FN, relative to state recoveries of public assistance caused by fraud.
11:00 a.m. SB 36, relative to the permanent siting of the Hampton-Exeter District Court.
Executive session may follow.
SENATE HEARINGS
MONDAY, APRIL 4, 2011
Monday, April 4:
FINANCE, Room 103, SH
Sen. Morse (C), Sen. Odell (VC), Sen. Barnes, Sen. Bragdon, Sen. D'Allesandro, Sen. Forrester, Sen. Gallus
1:00 p.m. House Finance Division Chairs' presentation on budget to Senate Finance Committee.
TUESDAY, APRIL 5, 2011
Tuesday, April 5
COMMERCE, Representative's Hall, SH
Sen. Prescott (C), Sen. White (VC), Sen. De Blois, Sen. Houde, Sen. Sanborn
9:00 a.m. HB 474-FN, (2nd New Title) relative to freedom of choice on whether to join a labor
union and eliminating the duty of a public employee labor organization to represent
employees who elect not to join or to pay dues or fees to the employee organization.
EXECUTIVE SESSION MAY FOLLOW
EDUCATION, Room 103, LOB
Sen. Stiles (C), Sen. Forsythe (VC), Sen. Carson, Sen. Kelly, Sen. Prescott
1:00 p.m. HB 505-FN, making charter schools eligible for grants for leased space.
1:30 p.m. HB 542-FN, (New Title) prohibiting a school district from requiring that a parent
send his or her child to any school or program to which the parent may be conscientiously
opposed.
2:00 p.m. HB 369-FN-L, relative to withdrawal from a school administrative unit or an
authorized regional enrollment area school.
EXECUTIVE SESSION MAY FOLLOW
PUBLIC AND MUNICIPAL AFFAIRS, Room 101, LOB
Sen. Barnes (C), Sen. Forrester (VC), Sen. Boutin, Sen. Merrill, Sen. Stiles
9:00 a.m. HB 186-FN, (New Title) relative to the definition of political communication.
9:15 a.m. HB 368-FN-L, relative to workforce housing and the definition of community.
9:45 a.m. HB 444-FN, (New Title) relative to the commemoration of General John Stark Day.
10:00 a.m. HB 451-FN, (New Title) relative to prerecorded political messages.
10:15 a.m. HB 457-FN, reducing the interest rate on late and delinquent property tax payments,
subsequent payments, and other unpaid taxes.
EXECUTIVE SESSION MAY FOLLOW
WAYS AND MEANS, Room 100, SH
Sen. Odell (C), Sen. Luther (VC), Sen. Boutin, Sen. D'Allesandro, Sen. Morse, Sen. Rausch
1:00 p.m. Revenue Presentation - Michael Kane, LBAO
1:15 p.m. Revenue Presentation - Department of Revenue Administration
2:00 p.m. Revenue Presentation - Liquor Commission
2:15 p.m. Revenue Presentation - Lottery Commission
2:30 p.m. HB 187-FN-A, relative to the carry forward periods for the business enterprise tax
credit against the business profits tax.
2:45 p.m. HB 557-FN-A, relative to the standards and burden of proof with respect to the
business profits tax deduction for reasonable compensation attributable to owners
of partnerships, limited liability companies, and sole proprietorships.
3:00 p.m. HB 348-FN, transferring the duties of the racing and charitable gaming commission
to the lottery commission and abolishing the racing and charitable gaming commission,
and prohibiting new electronic gaming devices without statutory authorization.
EXECUTIVE SESSION MAY FOLLOW
Wednesday, April 6
COMMERCE, Room 102, LOB
Sen. Prescott (C), Sen. White (VC), Sen. De Blois, Sen. Houde, Sen. Sanborn
9:00 a.m. HB 629-FN, relative to the uninsured health care database.
9:20 a.m. HB 627-FN, relative to "essential benefits" under federal health care reform.
9:40 a.m. HB 601-FN, relative to implementation of federal health care reform.
10:00 a.m. HB 95, permitting an insurer to operate a health maintenance organization as a
line of business.
Thursday, April 7
EXECUTIVE SESSION MAY FOLLOW
FINANCE, Room 103, SH
Sen. Morse (C), Sen. Odell (VC), Sen. Barnes, Sen. Bragdon, Sen. D'Allesandro, Sen. Forrester, Sen. Gallus
10:00 a.m. Legislative Budget Assistant Office presents Budget passed by the House to Senate
Finance Committee.
12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m. BREAK
1:00 p.m. Legislative Budget Assistant Office presents Budget passed by the House to Senate
Finance Committee
Members of House Finance Committee are Welcome to Attend.
ENERGY AND NATURAL RESOURCES, Room 102, LOB
Sen. Odell (C), Sen. Gallus (VC), Sen. Bradley, Sen. Lambert, Sen. Merrill
9:00 a.m. HB 27, (New Title) relative to the classification of rivers, de minimis impact work in
designated rivers, and protected instream flows, and extending the time for septage
and sludge land application restrictions.
9:10 a.m. HB 44, (New Title) designating segments of the Oyster River as a protected river
and exempting certain portions of the Oyster River from the provisions of the comprehensive
shoreland protection act.
9:20 a.m. HB 149, (New Title) designating segments of the Lamprey, North Branch, Pawtuckaway,
North, Little, and Piscassic Rivers as protected rivers and exempting certain
portions of the Lamprey River from the provisions of the comprehensive shoreland
protection act.
9:30 a.m. HB 336, designating segments of the Mascoma River as a protected river.
9:40 a.m. HB 555, relative to the designation of the Lower Exeter/Squamscott River as a
protected river.
9:50 a.m. HB 404, (New Title) relative to toilet facilities at recreational campgrounds or
camping parks.
EXECUTIVE SESSION MAY FOLLOW
EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENTS AND ADMINISTRATION, Room 100, SH
Sen. Carson (C), Sen. Groen (VC), Sen. Larsen, Sen. Luther, Sen. White
9:00 a.m. HB 119, relative to agency membership on the information technology council.
9:10 a.m. HB 80, (New Title) relative to ranks in the division of state police.
9:25 a.m. HB 88, relative to liquor enforcement and liquor licensing.
9:40 a.m. HB 508-FN, establishing a performance measurement system for state agencies.
10:00 a.m. HB 299-FN, relative to the method of financing for the judicial retirement plan.
10:30 a.m. HB 339-FN-A, allowing the state veterinarian to employ a meat inspection services
administrator.
EXECUTIVE SESSION MAY FOLLOW
FINANCE, Room 103, SH
Sen. Morse (C), Sen. Odell (VC), Sen. Barnes, Sen. Bragdon, Sen. D'Allesandro, Sen. Forrester, Sen. Gallus
AGENCY PRESENTATIONS ON THE BUDGET AS PASSED BY THE HOUSE
1:00 p.m. Department of Health and Human Services - Medicaid Medical Services (Office of
Medicaid Business Policy)
2:00 p.m. Department of Health and Human Services - Wellness and Prevention (Division of
Public Health Services)
EXECUTIVE SESSION MAY FOLLOW
HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES, Room 102, LOB
Sen. Bradley (C), Sen. De Blois (VC), Sen. Kelly, Sen. Lambert, Sen. Sanborn
1:00 p.m. HB 58, relative to inter-facility transfers of critical access hospital patients.
1:20 p.m. HB 71, authorizing establishment of pharmaceutical drug take-back programs.
1:35 p.m. HB 426, adding certain entities to the unused prescription drug program.
1:50 p.m. HB 632, relative to labeling requirements for dispensing of drugs by automated
pharmacy systems.
EXECUTIVE SESSION MAY FOLLOW
JUDICIARY, Room 101, LOB
Sen. Houde (C), Sen. Carson (VC), Sen. Groen, Sen. Luther
1:00 p.m. HB 572-FN, relative to official oppression.
1:15 p.m. HB 210-FN, relative to the use of deadly force to protect oneself.
1:30 p.m. HB 378-FN, (New Title) inserting an exception to the criminal threatening statute,
relative to the minimum mandatory sentence for a felony conviction involving the
possession, use, or attempted use of a firearm, and relative to the definition of "nondeadly"
force.
1:45 p.m. HB 524-FN, (New Title) relative to the release of prisoners on probation or parole.
EXECUTIVE SESSION MAY FOLLOW
TRANSPORTATION, Room 103, LOB
Sen. Rausch (C), Sen. Boutin (VC), Sen. Forsythe, Sen. Kelly, Sen. Stiles
9:00 a.m. HB 548, relative to boater safety education and relative to the minimum age for
operation of motorized vessels.
9:30 a.m. HB 549, relative to driver's license reexaminations.
10:00 a.m. HB 621-FN-L, relative to the authority of the department of transportation.
10:30 a.m. HB 540-FN, relative to motor vehicle inspections.
EXECUTIVE SESSION MAY FOLLOW
FRIDAY, APRIL 8, 2011
Friday, April 8:
FINANCE, Room 103, SH
Sen. Morse (C), Sen. Odell (VC), Sen. Barnes, Sen. Bragdon, Sen. D'Allesandro, Sen. Forrester, Sen. Gallus
AGENCY PRESENTATIONS ON THE BUDGET AS PASSED BY THE HOUSE
9:00 a.m. Department of Health and Human Services - Children and Family (Division for
Children, Youth and Family & Division for Juvenile Justice Services, Field Services)
10:30 a.m. Department of Health and Human Services - Children and Family (Division of
Juvenile Justice Services, Sununu Center)
12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. BREAK
1:00 p.m. Department of Health and Human Services - Children and Family (Bureau of
Homeless and Housing Services)
2:00 p.m. Department of Health and Human Services - Children and Family (Division of
Family Assistance & Division of Child Support Services)
EXECUTIVE SESSION MAY FOLLOW
MONDAY, APRIL 11, 2011
Monday, April 11:
FINANCE, Room 103, SH
Sen. Morse (C), Sen. Odell (VC), Sen. Barnes, Sen. Bragdon, Sen. D'Allesandro, Sen. Forrester, Sen. Gallus
AGENCY PRESENTATIONS ON THE BUDGET AS PASSED BY THE HOUSE
9:00 a.m. Department of Health and Human Services - Mental Health & Substance Abuse
(Bureau of Behavioral Health & Bureau of Drug and Alcohol Services)
10:30 a.m. Department of Health and Human Services - Mental Health & Substance Abuse
(NH Hospital & Glencliff Home)
12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. BREAK
1:00 p.m. Department of Health and Human Services - Developmental Disability (Bureau of
Developmental Services)
2:00 p.m. Department of Health and Human Services - Elderly Services (Bureau of Elderly
Adult Services)
EXECUTIVE SESSION MAY FOLLOW
6
THURSDAY, APRIL 14, 2011
Thursday, April 14:
HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES, Room 100, SH
Sen. Bradley (C), Sen. De Blois (VC), Sen. Kelly, Sen. Lambert, Sen. Sanborn
1:00 p.m. HB 442-FN, relative to the use of marijuana for medicinal purposes.
2:00 p.m. HB 295, relative to the use of long-term antibiotics for the treatment of Lyme disease.
EXECUTIVE SESSION MAY FOLLOW
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