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- by Jackie Cilley
What follows is a summary of the activity for the upcoming week in the Senate and in the House, followed by a look at the antics of individual legislators (this section has been moved to follow a discussion of legislation in response to those who asked for legislation to be more prominently positioned) and, then, by the calendar listings.
As always, for the full details of House and Senate calendars, please visit the General Court website at http://www.gencourt.state.nh.us/. You may also want to download the Journals from that same site for each chamber. In those you can read the remarks made by legislators during debates on legislation - always good nighttime reading entertainment! Additionally, the Journals contain the roll call votes of each legislator. You will be able to see how your legislator voted on any bill of importance to you.
All Eyes are Now on the Senate
The Senate is receiving considerable attention these days as some of the most high profile and controversial pieces of legislation are now in that chamber. The infamous and misleadingly titled "Right to Work" bill comes to the floor of the Senate this week, the repeal of the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative will be heard in committee as will a bill to weaken the provisions of New Hampshire's recently passed anti-bullying bill and yet another bill to gut collective bargaining. These are discussed in detail within this section.
As it continues to crank out the House bills that it has worked on in respective committees, twenty-nine bills will come to the Senate floor for a vote on Wednesday, April 20. Two of these bills received an ITL (inexpedient to legislate/kill the bill) recommendation from the committee before which they were heard. Otherwise, the Senate is wholly or at least nearly in agreement with the House as illustrated by the OTP (ought to pass) recommendations and OTPA (ought to pass with amendment) recommendations from committees.
Despite some areas of agreement, the House is reportedly VERY unhappy with their Senate counterparts. On the one hand, tensions between the chambers, regardless of who is in the majority, are not uncommon. The current interfamilial enmity, however, is rumored to be at historic highs. The House wants THEIR budget bill passed without any changes. The Republican Liberty Caucus of NH is pushing hard to get folks to call their Senators and tell them "It is important that the Senate not amend the budget and undo the hard work that was done in the house." The RLCNH is also running radio ads to let citizens know "how responsible" the House budget is - check out "A New Day of Prosperity is Dawning" at http://rlcnh.org/news/rlcnh-begins-radio-campaign-to-support-house-budget/
Hey New Hampshire - are you feeling prosperous yet??
The House and the outside interest groups are bound to bring intense pressure on the Senate to keep as many of the provisions in the House budget as they can get. The rest they will come back for in a committee of conference (a rather dangerous legislative activity that will be fully explained in an upcoming issue of the Alert). Additionally, there is considerable backroom wrangling over other high priority bills.
Perhaps the most controversial bill coming to the Senate floor with a recommendation of OTPA (ought to pass with amendment) is HB 474-FN, the perennial "Right to Work" legislation. Senate Commerce sends this bill to the floor with a 4-1 recommendation for passage.
Predecessors to HB 474 have been taken up by the NH Legislature numerous times prior to this year under both Republican and Democratic majorities. In every instance previously, this legislation has been resoundingly defeated. The policy is one that is a high priority of such groups as Cornerstone Policy Research and the American Legislative Exchange Council, a group backed by such formidable interests as Phillip Morris, Exxon Mobile, Coors Beer and the Koch (pronounced coke) Industries.
Numerous examples from this legislative session provide ample evidence that these groups heavily influence our current legislature. In fact, in a recent issue of Cornerstone's newsletter, the organization touted that: This Legislature has put our money where their mouth was...And we should thank them for it! [Emphasis Cornerstone's.]
Opposing the Right to Work Act were organized labor groups as well as the Commissioner of Labor and the Commissioner of the Department of Resources and Economic Development. Each of the Commissioners testified that in their extensive experience with established businesses and businesses considering relocating to New Hampshire that Right to Work was not a factor in job creation. Facts aren't something allowed to get in the way of a good argument. Advocates claim jobs will be created, so it must be so.
The volume of misinformation surrounding HB 474 has frustrated those in opposition. Although advocates claim that it is a "worker freedom," suggesting that workers are now forced to join unions against their will, current law already protects employees from such practices. Further, current law prohibits union dues (as distinct from agency fees) from being extracted against an employee's will from his/her paycheck.
If an employee works in a unionized company or agency, s/he does pay an "agency fee." This fee covers expenses incurred by a union in negotiating benefits for that employee. Under current law any benefits, including increased wages, enhanced healthcare benefits and the like, must be extended to non-union workers as well. The agency fee, then, is designed to cover the negotiation work that the union does on behalf of all workers. This money cannot be used for political activities.
It is unclear at this time whether there are sufficient votes to pass HB 474. If it does pass, it almost certainly faces a gubernatorial veto. Should that happen it does not appear currently that there would be the two-thirds necessary, at least in the House, to override the veto. The bill passed the House 221 - 131, falling just short of a veto-proof majority.
Although the bulk of the attention will be on the public hearing for the budget and a number of presentations by state agencies (see details below) before the Senate Finance Committee, some twenty-seven bills will be heard before other committees of the Senate in the week ahead. Three of the highest profile matters in the upcoming week include the repeal of the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative, the dismantlement of collective bargaining and the rollback of provisions in New Hampshire's anti-bullying law.
Driven by pure ideology, HB 519-FN will repeal New Hampshire's regional greenhouse gas initiative cap and trade program for controlling carbon dioxide emissions. In the hearings in the House dozens of opponents turned out to testify that the repeal of this program would harm New Hampshire in myriad ways including costing approximately $26 million in grants to residents and small businesses for energy efficiency projects, job creation around new technologies and energy efficiency and increased air pollution. There was also ample testimony that New Hampshire's electric ratepayers would not see a substantive decrease in their electric rates due to the fact that New Hampshire participates in a ten-state grid on which rates are based. Thus, ratepayers would continue paying the costs of the program in which nine other states participate but would not be able to participate in the upside from the sale of RGGI allowances.
Those testifying in favor of repeal were the typical climate change deniers with all of the stock talking points put out by the American Legislative Exchange Council. In fact, the sponsors of the bill were so intellectually lazy that they adopted a canned bill from ALEC, changing only the name of the state. After this came to light during the public hearing, the bill had to be redrafted to conform to New Hampshire's legal standards.
Supporters of the bill were in the clear minority of those testifying. Despite the public plea to retain the program and re-work areas that might make the program more equitable, the House voted for passage. Those opposing repeal of RGGI will now make their case to the Senate. Rumor is currently circulating that, although the Senate is likely to keep the program in place - at least in name - changes being contemplated will lead to RGGI being utterly ineffective. HB 519-FN will be heard before Senate Energy and Natural Resources on Thursday, April 21 at 9 a.m. in Rm. 201-203, LOB (Legislative Office Building).
An eleventh hour provision that was put into HB 2, the trailer bill to the budget, and often referred to as the "Kurk Amendment" that could effectively end collective bargaining in New Hampshire created a firestorm of controversy. The NH Senate has indicated its intention to strip that section out of HB 2. Little noticed on the day that the House passed HB 2 containing that provision was HB 580 that was amended with the same provision. This bill containing the collective bargaining changes as well as a number of controversial changes to the New Hampshire Retirement System will be heard this week. HB 580 will be heard before the Senate Executive Departments and Administration on Thursday, April 21 at 10 a.m.in Rm. 100, SH.
A bill that would roll back several provisions of New Hampshire's recently passed anti-bullying law, HB 370, will be heard before the Senate Education Committee this week. Among the opponents of this bill is Governor John Lynch. In a press release on April 4, Lynch cited his concerns with how the bill would undo the progress in addressing cyber-bullying:
"Cyber-bullying is a relatively new phenomenon, but we must take action to make it clear it will not be tolerated," Governor Lynch said. "Through the use of cell phones, social networking sites and e-mail, bullying can be taken to a whole new level - very often out of sight of adults, parents and teachers. We need to be clear and send a strong message that we will not tolerate bullying in any form - whether it is on the schoolyard or over the Internet."
"By undoing requirements to address cyber-bullying, the legislation that passed the House sends the wrong message, allowing bullies to hide in the shadows of cyber-space," Governor Lynch said.
Hearings in the house drew dozens of opponents who asked that the recently established antip-bullying law be given an opportunity to be fully implemented and assessed. The only two supporters for weakening provisions of the current law were co-sponsors of the bill. Parents, educators and school administrators testified against the bill. The House passed it over those objections. HB 370 will be heard before the Senate Education Committee on Tuesday, April 19 at 1 p.m. in Rm. 305-307, LOB (Legislative Office Building).
No week would be complete in the current legislature without a couple of firearms bills and in that, there is no disappointment in the upcoming week. One, HB 544, is not so much a firearms bill as one that places knives in the same category of state authority. The other, HB 330-FN permits any person otherwise not prohibited to carry a firearm openly or concealed, loaded or unloaded, on or about his or her person or upon or in a vehicle. It also removes, under certain circumstances, the requirement that nonresidents obtain a license to possess a firearm while in New Hampshire. Ironically, it does prohibit the carrying of a firearm while hunting during hunting season unless the bearer also holds a hunting permit. HB 330 will be heard before the Senate Judiciary on Wednesday, April 20 at 1:15 in Rm. 100, SH (Statehouse).
The Senate Finance Committee will hold a public hearing on the budget bills on Thursday, April 21 from 2 - 4 p.m. and from 6 - 8 p.m. The schedule for each department is contained in the calendar list below. Senate Finance meets in Rm. 103, SH (Statehouse)
In Their Own Words
While most of the comments received on this section are positive and receptive, some readers have indicated that it is extraneous to the discussion of upcoming legislation or to understanding legislation and/or the process. Others merely see it as humorous and I certainly don't do anything to discourage that. Clearly it is my opportunity to poke a bit of fun in an otherwise deadly serious game of "Chicken" with the future of our state.
There is, though, a far more important side to profiling the words and actions of our legislators. These are the people who claim to represent you. These are the stewards of our state at the moment. These are the people who are crafting the laws that will affect our family, friends and neighbors for years to come. Their words and actions are the most concrete evidence of how and how well they represent you, whether they are credible, thoughtful stewards of our future and what their underlying motivation is for the laws that they are passing. To my mind, this information is every bit as important as the legislation itself. I hope that you agree.
I would encourage you to have conversations with co-workers, neighbors, and friends about the words and actions of those who represent you. Some are satisfied with that representation. Many more are appalled. Too many have no idea who they voted into office and they should be made aware. You can have an impact in these conversations and you can help to educate those around you.
A few priceless clips from the past week include the following:
In response to a constituent's questions about why he did not read the budget bill he voted on, Rep. John Sytek, r, Salem explained: "HB 2, which among many other provisions includes changes in collective bargaining and pension benefits, is 146 pages long, not 16 as you state. The House budget runs over 900 pages. We received both the weekend before the vote. These important bills were in addition to our normal committee work, of course. I never said that I didn't feel like reading these bills. In fact, while I did not read them in their entirety (something I did say), I did review key aspects regarding collective bargaining and retirement." So what's a page or two or ten or 900 or so between friends?? We're only talking about what will become law in New Hampshire so I'm sure that our citizens can understand that reading it all just isn't necessary - NOT.
In a moment of rare complete candor one State Representative Bob Elliott, r, Salem, explained why he voted for HB 2 despite "disliking" the bill. "Last November, the people threw those tax and spend people OUT, and elected 153 brand new ,first time , ULTRA Conservative reps who promised to change things and they meant it. I tried to warn my constituents there were some horrific changes coming, but few could imagine how drastic those changes would be. That's what I meant when I said "There's a new sheriff in town", ( Speaker O'brien)( and he's very determined to undo everything the Democrats did. I kid you not. P.S. The Majority leader ( DJ) had a meeting this morning and made PERFECTLY clear how we were to vote on HB2. 153 new reps will agree with him. The bill will pass by a HUGH majority, which is what they think the people want." You'd think that a job that paid only $100 per year ought to at least allow for having some integrity to serve the folks who elected you!
The Found, The Partially Found and The Pretty Much Missing
Last week's Alert contained a new section of profiling those who were elected but who have failed to show up in Concord or whose attendance record is dismal. Adding to that here we've uncovered some interesting information.
Found - Rep. Ronald Belanger, r, Salem, NH - but not at the Statehouse. Despite being duly elected by the citizens of Rockingham, District 4, Rep. Belanger has not been present for a single vote that we can find. Despite that, he enjoys the privileges of legislative license plates (reportedly on his Ford Taurus and his Ford Mustang). Rep. Belanger was stopped recently for "Failure to Use Turn Signal," was rumored to be discourteous to the officer at the time, and filed a complaint about the violation. He has been observed running a food truck at the Salem Flea Market on weekends. There may be plenty of valid reasons for not being able to serve once elected, but if it is not possible to do so, then one should step down and allow the citizens of his district to be represented by someone who can fulfill the duties of office. Oddly, the House Commerce and Consumer Affairs Committee, on which Rep. Belanger sits has designated a chair for him that they will not allow anyone else to occupy. Could someone in Rockingham, District 4 suggest to Rep. Belanger that it isn't nice to use the perks of office and the check the taxpayers paid for representation if they're not going to receive the benefit of that.
Partially Found - Rep. Karen Hutchinson, r, Londonderry was none too happy when a constituent both challenged her attendance record (she's missed 89 roll call votes thus far this year) and her voting record when she did manage to make it to Concord. He suggested that she might want to consider resigning. She fired back this response: ".My vote does not represent everyone's views, so for many, I am sure I am not their 'representative'..I am not resigning if for no other reason than because you suggested it. Give me your list of accomplishments, daily schedule and responsibilities so I will have an opportunity to creteque that. We are a volunteer legislature. I am on the Education committee which often meets twice a week, and I believe that we are more effective killing legislation in committee that we are effective on the floor of the House. We can decide not to like each other. That's ok." Could someone point out the esteemed Education Committee member that "creteque" should be spelled "critique?" Hey, we all make mistakes.
Maybe Found - Rep. Thomas Beattie, r, Manchester hadn't shown up all session until March 30 on which he cast nine votes. He went missing again on March 31, the day that the budget was voted upon. On April 13 he resurfaced again. Perhaps someone showed him the way to the Statehouse? Welcome aboard Rep. Beattie.
Gone Missing Again - After having been reported as missing in action by the Union Leader, Rep. Sean Coughlin, r, Amherst finally showed up on February 23, but missed the first 5 roll call votes of the day. He went missing again on March 2, March 16, March 17 and for the first six votes of March 30. He's missing again - nowhere to be found on March 31 and April 13.
Still Missing - Rep. Timothy Hogan, r, Nashua was also reported by the UL as not having attended a session day this term. He didn't cast a roll call vote, nor was he excused, but he did surface on March 15. Alas, he was gone again on March 30 and March 31. He was still missing on April 13.
Surfaces Occasionally - Rep. Marie Sapienza seems to have difficulty with consistency. She started off reasonably well in showing up on February 9, 15 (for a while) and 16, missed a session day and returned for March 2, then went missing for the boatload of important bills including the budget and resurfaced on April 13.
Odd Absence - Rep. Thomas Keane, r, Bow, NH generally has an admirable attendance record. Rep. Keane sits on the House Finance Committee, Division III. That Division has the distinction of having included the most noxious provisions of the budget that ended up drawing 5,000 protestors to the Statehouse lawn. Interestingly after having helped to craft that controversial bill and after exhorting his finance colleagues to vote for the budget, Rep. Keane did cast one vote on either March 30 or March 31 on HB 1 or HB 2.
If one of the above individuals was elected to serve your district you may wish to call to your neighbors attention that s/he doesn't appear to be doing his/her job.
In Case You Missed It
Sponsored by the New Hampshire Chapter of American for [Billionaire's] Prosperity, the Koch-funded special interest front group and local tea party groups, a rally was held on the Statehouse plaza to protest tax day on Friday, April 15. Everything that could be done to entice folks to come out was done. Not one, not two, but four prospective presidential candidates, including Rick Santorum, Tim Pawlenty, Herman Cain and Buddy Roemer, were expected to be huge draws for the crowds. Local dignitaries such as NH Senator Kelly Ayotte, Ovide Lamontagne, gubernatorial wannabe John Stephen and our very own NH Speaker Bill O'Brien were added inspirations for attendance. AFP pushed robo calls and e-mails trying to drum up attendance in the days leading up to the event.
All of that work and the best objective estimate of the gathering was 400 (that from WMUR who has never been accused of leaning left). Most credible sources put the number between 200 and 300. Once again, some folks never let facts get in the way of a good story. Corey Lewandowski, youthful and exuberant Executive Director of AFP, has learned early the art of numerical manipulation. Throughout the day he kept ratcheting up his rendition of the numbers, later in the day he thanked the 1,500 folks who came to make this the "larget Taxpayer Tea Party Rall[y] in New Hampshire history," and by evening he was telling Fox Noise' Greta Van Susteren that 2,000 attended the event.
Even House Majority Leader DJ Bettencourt couldn't stop himself from saying out loud and near others that attendance was "awful."
New Hampshire was not unique in its tepid response to the rallying cry to protest tax day. The inimitable Sarah Palin could only draw an estimated 6,000 in Wisconsin to celebrate Governor Scott Walker's destruction of the middle class. Even the 6,000 was said to include those who came to protest her visit to the state.
Might it be that now that average citizens have a better grasp of both the consequences of the no-government cabal's ideology as well as their tactics, voters are feeling buyer's remorse?
House committee meetings
MONDAY, APRIL 18
COMMISSION ON PRIMARY CARE WORKFORCE ISSUES (RSA 126-T:1), Room 305, LOB
10:00 a.m. Organizational meeting.
SPECIAL COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC EMPLOYEE PENSIONS REFORM, Rooms 306-308, LOB
11:00 a.m. Full committee work session on SB 3-FN-A-L, making comprehensive changes to the state retirement system, SB 75-FN, relative to clarification of part-time service in the state retirement system.
TUESDAY, APRIL 19
COMMERCE AND CONSUMER AFFAIRS (BANKING/BUSINESS DIVISION), Room 302, LOB
10:00 a.m. SB 160-FN, relative to the definition and regulation of installment loans.
10:45 a.m. SB 54, relative to the definition of declarant under the condominium act and the duties of the committee to study laws relating to condominium and homeowners' associations.
2:00 p.m. SB 50, making various changes to laws regulating trusts and trust companies.
2:45 p.m. SB 156-FN-L, authorizing retail vehicle dealers to act as agents of the division of motor vehicles for vehicle registrations and title applications.
Work sessions on these bills may follow the public hearings.
CONSTITUTIONAL REVIEW AND STATUTORY RECODIFICATION, Room 206, LOB
10:00 a.m. Full committee work session. The Secretary of State will give a presentation on recodification.
EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENTS AND ADMINISTRATION, Room 306, LOB
10:00 a.m. SB 92, establishing an economic strategic commission to review the relationship between business and government.
10:45 a.m. SB 166, relative to medical benefits for beneficiaries of a police officer or firefighter killed in the line of duty.
11:30 a.m. SB 170, relative to the New Hampshire Medical Malpractice Joint Underwriting Association.
1:00 p.m. HJR 4, prohibiting the implementation of certain rules of the board of medicine.
Executive session may follow.
1:15 p.m. Executive session on SB 33-FN, relative to retired state employee contributions for medical benefits costs, SB 40, making technical corrections to meals and rooms tax laws, SB 68, relative to records of disciplinary actions taken by the electricians' board, SB 76-FN, relative to the authority of the department of revenue administration to adopt rules and to administer state tax laws, 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, SB 92, establishing an economic strategic commission to review the relationship between business and government, SB 152-FN, relative to participation in state employees' group insurance by members of the general court, SB 153-FN, relative to the regulation of real estate appraisers by the New Hampshire real estate appraiser board, SB 157-FN, relative to the division of weights and measures and fees for licensing weighing devices and the definition of service technician, SB 161-FN, relative to procedures for adoption of agency rules under the administrative procedures act, SB 166, relative to medical benefits for beneficiaries of a police officer or firefighter killed in the line of duty, SB 170, relative to the New Hampshire Medical Malpractice Joint Underwriting Association, SB 173, proclaiming January 24, 2012 as Granny D. Day.
HEALTH, HUMAN SERVICES AND ELDERLY AFFAIRS, Room 205, LOB
10:30 a.m. Subcommittee work session on SB 151-FN, relative to contracts of the department of health and human services.
JUDICIARY, Room 208, LOB
10:00 a.m. SB 176, relative to marriage licenses.
10:30 a.m. SB 63, relative to the list of bail bondsmen and prohibiting law enforcement and corrections officers from indicating preferences for bail bond companies.
Executive session may follow.
MUNICIPAL AND COUNTY GOVERNMENT, Room 301, LOB
10:00 a.m. SB 104, relative to certain agricultural operations and certain bonds for excavation and driveways.
11:00 a.m. SB 2, relative to adoption of spending caps by municipalities.
Executive session may follow.
RESOURCES, RECREATION AND DEVELOPMENT, Room 305, LOB
10:15 a.m. Subcommittee work session on SB 154-FN, reforming and renaming the comprehensive shoreland protection act.
TRANSPORTATION, Rooms 201-203, LOB
10:00 a.m. SB 27, relative to speed limitations for boats.
Executive session may follow.
2:00 p.m. Executive session on SB 98, revising the international registration plan, SB 99, relative to trailer brakes.
WAYS AND MEANS, Room 202, LOB
9:30 a.m. Agency revenue updates.
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 20
SPECIAL COMMITTEE ON EDUCATION FUNDING REFORM, Room 210-211, LOB
10:00 a.m. Full committee work session on SB 183-FN-L, amending the calculation and distribution of adequate education grants, repealing fiscal capacity disparity aid, and providing stabilization grants to certain municipalities.
THURSDAY, APRIL 21
COMMERCE AND CONSUMER AFFAIRS, Room 302, LOB
10:00 a.m. Banking/Business Division subcommittee work session on 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, SB 57, relative to regulation of title loan lenders, SB 62, relative to persons participating in the return to work program, SB 116, relative to the manufactured housing installation standards board.
Room 304, LOB
10:00 a.m. Insurance/Consumer subcommittee work session on 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, SB 162-FN, relative to federal health care reform 2010, SB 122, establishing a committee to study the laws relating to electronic prescriptions, SB 89, establishing a study committee on the procurement of health insurance by employee leasing companies.
Room 302, LOB
1:15 p.m. Executive session on SB 50, making various changes to laws regulating trusts and trust companies, SB 54, relative to the definition of declarant under the condominium act and the duties of the committee to study laws relating to condominium and homeowners' associations, 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, SB 156-FN-L, authorizing retail vehicle dealers to act as agents of the division of motor vehicles for vehicle registrations and title applications, SB 160-FN, relative to the definition and regulation of installment loans, 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, SB 57, relative to regulation of title loan lenders, SB 62, relative to persons participating in the return to work program, SB 116, relative to the manufactured housing installation standards board, SB 162-FN, relative to federal health care reform 2010, SB 122, establishing a committee to study the laws relating to electronic prescriptions, SB 89, establishing a study committee on the procurement of health insurance by employee leasing companies.
COMMISSION TO STUDY REQUIREMENTS FOR SAFE AND SECURE LANDFILLS (HB 672, Chapter 252:1, Laws of 2007), Room 304, LOB
2:00 p.m. Regular meeting.
EDUCATION, Room 207, LOB
10:00 a.m. SB 90, directing the legislative oversight committee to study the consolidation of school administrative units.
10:15 a.m. Public hearing on proposed amendment to SB 90, directing the legislative oversight committee to study the consolidation of school administrative units. The proposed amendment (No. 1418h) suspends the 180 day school attendance requirement for the 2010-2011 school year only. Copies of the proposed amendment are available from the Sergeant-at-Arms office.
10:30 a.m. SB 194, transferring all real and personal property from the former department of regional community-technical colleges to the board of trustees of the community college system of New Hampshire.
11:00 a.m. SB 172, relative to performance-based school accountability criteria.
1:30 p.m. SB 67, establishing a committee to study school vouchers and school choice.
Executive session may follow.
MUNICIPAL AND COUNTY GOVERNMENT, Room 301, LOB
10:00 a.m. Executive session on SB 104, relative to certain agricultural operations and certain bonds for excavation and driveways, SB 2, relative to adoption of spending caps by municipalities.
SPECIAL COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC EMPLOYEE PENSIONS REFORM, Rooms 305-307, LOB
10:00 a.m. Full committee work session on SB 3-FN-A-L, making comprehensive changes to the state retirement system, SB 75-FN, relative to clarification of part-time service in the state retirement system.
WAYS AND MEANS, Room 202, LOB
10:00 a.m. Continued public hearing on SB 53-FN, relative to the definition of nursing and establishing a nursing assistant registry fund administered by the board of nursing.
Executive session may follow.
12:30 p.m. Executive session on SB 42, relative to the declaration of consideration for purposes of the real estate transfer tax, SB 56-FN, authorizing the department of revenue administration to accept credit card and debit card payments of taxes, SB 130-FN-A, repealing the tax on gambling winnings, SB 147-FN, relative to Medicaid managed care, SB 58-FN-A, adding qualified community development entities to the definition of "qualified investment company" under the business profits tax and the business enterprise tax.
FRIDAY, APRIL 22
ASSESSING STANDARDS BOARD (RSA 21-J:14-a), Room 301, LOB
9:00 a.m. Regular meeting.
NH-CANADIAN TRADE COUNCIL (RSA 12-A:2-g), Upham Walker House, Park Street, Concord
1:00 p.m. Organizational meeting.
NEW HAMPSHIRE RAIL TRANSIT AUTHORITY BOARD OF DIRECTORS (RSA 238-A:2), Room 201, LOB
10:00 a.m. Regular meeting.
MONDAY, APRIL 25
COMMISSION ON HEALTH CARE COST CONTAINMENT (RSA 21-S:2), Room 307, LOB
9:30 a.m. Regular meeting.
HISTORICAL COMMITTEE (RSA 17-I), Room 208, LOB
10:00 a.m. Regular meeting.
OIL FUND DISBURSEMENT (RSA 146-D:4), Room 305, LOB
9:00 a.m. Regular meeting.
TUESDAY, APRIL 26
HEALTH, HUMAN SERVICES AND ELDERLY AFFAIRS, Room 205, LOB
10:30 a.m. Executive session on 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, SB 72-FN, establishing a comprehensive cancer plan fund, SB 93, relative to pharmacist administration of vaccines, SB 151-FN, relative to contracts of the department of health and human services.
PUBLIC WORKS AND HIGHWAYS, Room 201, LOB
10:00 a.m. SB 195, naming the Manchester Airport Access Road for Raymond Wieczorek.
Executive session may follow.
SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY AND ENERGY, Rooms 302-304, LOB
10:15 a.m. Full committee work session on retained HB 311-FN, relative to solar renewable energy and HB 543-FN, relative to biomass combined heat and electricity facilities and the renewable portfolio standard.
SPECIAL COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC EMPLOYEE PENSIONS REFORM, Rooms 306-308, LOB
10:00 a.m. Full committee work session on SB 3-FN-A-L, making comprehensive changes to the state retirement system, SB 75-FN, relative to clarification of part-time service in the state retirement system.
10:15 a.m. Executive session on SB 3-FN-A-L, making comprehensive changes to the state retirement system, SB 75-FN, relative to clarification of part-time service in the state retirement system.
WAYS AND MEANS, Room 202, LOB
10:00 a.m. Executive session on CACR 5, relating to the governor's power to reduce appropriations. Providing that the governor shall have line item reduction power of items in any bill making appropriations of money, SB 53-FN, relative to the definition of nursing and establishing a nursing assistant registry fund administered by the board of nursing, SB 125-FN-A, relative to the business profits tax deduction for reasonable compensation.
THURSDAY, APRIL 28
COMMERCE AND CONSUMER AFFAIRS (INSURANCE/CONSUMER PROTECTION DIVISION), Room 302, LOB
10:30 a.m. SB 171, relative to prescription drug benefits for the treatment of pain.
11:15 a.m. SB 179, relative to qualified purchasing alliances.
Work sessions on these bills may follow the public hearing.
EDUCATION, Room 207, LOB
10:00 a.m. Executive session on SB 82-FN, extending the state board of education's authority to approve chartered public schools and relative to the funding of chartered public schools approved by a school district.
10:30 a.m. SB 96, relative to amending the charter of The Pinkerton Academy.
11:00 a.m. SB 192, establishing a commission to identify strategies needed for delivering a 21st century education.
1:30 p.m. SB 196, relative to the renomination or reelection of teachers and prohibiting assessing teacher performance based solely on assessment scores.
Executive session may follow.
JOINT COMMITTEE ON EMPLOYEE CLASSIFICATION (RSA 14:14-c), Room 209, LOB
10:00 a.m. Regular meeting.
REDRESS OF GRIEVANCES, Room 104, LOB
10:00 a.m. Petition #4 - Petitioner Representative Dan Itse of Fremont, on behalf of Vincent Milano.
11:00 a.m. Petition #2 - Petitioner Dan Itse of Fremont, on behalf of Elena Katz, Arnold Goodman, and their daughter.
2:00 p.m. Petition #3 - Petitioner Representative Dan Itse of Fremont on behalf of Michael Brewster.
FRIDAY, APRIL 29
WORKERS' COMPENSATION ADVISORY COUNCIL (RSA 281-A:62), Rooms 305-307, LOB
9:00 a.m. Regular meeting.
MONDAY, MAY 2
FISCAL COMMITTEE (RSA 14:30-a), Rooms 210-211, LOB
10:00 a.m. Regular business.
TUESDAY, MAY 3
COMMERCE AND CONSUMER AFFAIRS (BANKING/BUSINESS DIVISION), Room 302, LOB
10:00 a.m. SB 197, regulating guaranteed price plans and prepaid contracts for heating oil, kerosene, or liquefied petroleum gas.
10:45 a.m. SB 189, relative to the definition of mortgage loan originator.
1:15 p.m. SB 111, relative to short sales of a homeowner's residence.
2:15 p.m. SB 120, relative to alcoholic beverage advertising restrictions.
Work sessions on these bills may follow the public hearings.
SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY AND ENERGY, Room 304, LOB
10:15 a.m. Telecom market regulatory briefing from NH PUC.
1:15 p.m. SB 22, relative to alternative regulation of small incumbent local exchange carriers.
Executive session may follow.
Senate Hearings
FRIDAY, APRIL 15, 2011
Monday, April 18:
ONDAY, APRIL 18, 2011
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. Community Technical College System
9:30 a.m. Public Utilities Commission with Consumer Advocate
10:00 a.m. Post Secondary Education
10:15 a.m. Community Development Finance Authority
11:00 a.m. University System of New Hampshire
12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. BREAK
1:00 p.m. Liquor Commission
1:30 p.m. Department of Education
2:15 p.m. Department of Labor
2:30 p.m. McAuliffe-Shepard Discovery Center
2:45 p.m. NH State Office of Veterans Services
3:00 p.m. Pease Development Authority
3:30 p.m. NH Retirement System
EXECUTIVE SESSION MAY FOLLOW
Tuesday, April 19:
TUESDAY, APRIL 19, 2011
COMMERCE, Room 102, LOB
Sen. Prescott (C), Sen. White (VC), Sen. De Blois, Sen. Houde, Sen. Sanborn
9:00 a.m. HB 424, relative to surplus lines tax collection.
9:20 a.m. HB 175, relative to technical changes in life, accident, and health insurance.
9:40 a.m. HB 31, relative to insurance payments for ambulance services.
10:00 a.m. HB 405, relative to dissolving corporations.
EXECUTIVE SESSION MAY FOLLOW
EDUCATION, Rooms 305-307, LOB
Sen. Stiles (C), Sen. Forsythe (VC), Sen. Carson, Sen. Kelly, Sen. Prescott
1:00 p.m. HB 370, making changes to the pupil safety and violence prevention act.
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 56, relative to proper observance of September 11, 2001.
9:15 a.m. HB 181, permitting the charter of a city, town, or school district which is in statute to revert to the control of the voters.
9:35 a.m. HB 198, relative to the investment options for county funds.
9:55 a.m. HB 251, relative to absentee ballots.
10:30 a.m. HB 274-FN, relative to voting procedures.
10:45 a.m. HB 316, relative to penalties for failure to file a property tax inventory blank or
for refusing inspection of property. (The previous hearing for H B 316 was recessed on A pril 12th in order for the C ommittee to hear testimony on Amendment #1326s)
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 Information Briefing By Michael Kane (LBAO)
1:30 p.m. HB 209, establishing a study committee to recommend a continuing revenue estimating process to produce revenue forecasts.
1:45 p.m. HB 579, exempting department of revenue administration guidelines from the right-to-know law.
EXECUTIVE SESSION MAY FOLLOW
Wednesday, April 20:
EDNESDAY, APRIL 20, 2011
JUDICIARY, Room 100, SH
Sen. Houde (C), Sen. Carson (VC), Sen. Groen, Sen. Luther
1:00 p.m. HB 544, relative to state authority over firearms and ammunition.
1:15 p.m. HB 330-FN, relative to carrying firearms.
EXECUTIVE SESSION MAY FOLLOW
Thursday, April 21:
HURSDAY, APRIL 21, 2011
ENERGY AND NATURAL RESOURCES, Rooms 201-203, LOB
Sen. Odell (C), Sen. Gallus (VC), Sen. Bradley, Sen. Lambert, Sen. Merrill
9:00 a.m. HB 519-FN, repealing New Hampshire's regional greenhouse gas initiative cap and trade program for controlling carbon dioxide emissions.
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 331-FN, relative to posting agency expenditures on the state transparency
website.
9:15 a.m. HB 418-FN, relative to the use of open source software and open data formats by
state agencies and relative to the adoption of a statewide information policy regarding open government data standards.
9:30 a.m. HB 450, relative to the regulatory authority of the board of barbering, cosmetology, and esthetics.
(the previous hearing for H B 450 was recessed on A pril 14th)
10:00 a.m. HB 580-FN-L, relative to the New Hampshire retirement system, and relative to
continuation of provisions of a collective bargaining agreement following the end of the term of the agreement.
EXECUTIVE SESSION MAY FOLLOW
FINANCE, Representatives' Hall, SH
Sen. Morse (C), Sen. Odell (VC), Sen. Barnes, Sen. Bragdon, Sen. D'Allesandro, Sen. Forrester, Sen. Gallus
2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. HB 1-A, making appropriations for the expenses of certain departments
of the state for fiscal years ending June 30, 2012 and June 30, 2013.
HB 2-FN-A-L, relative to state fees, funds, revenues, and expenditures.
6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. HB 1-A, making appropriations for the expenses of certain departments
of the state for fiscal years ending June 30, 2012 and June 30, 2013.
HB 2-FN-A-L, relative to state fees, funds, revenues, and expenditures.
Please note: the following hearing will be streamed live via the internet at the following web address: http://www.gencourt.state.nh.us/houselivevideo.asx
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 284-FN, relative to contact lens prescriptions.
1:15 p.m. HB 504-FN, licensing reverse distributors of drugs and requiring manufacturers,
wholesalers, distributors, service distributors, and brokers to report changes in
ownership.
1:30 p.m. HB 479-FN, relative to receivership of nursing homes and other residential health
care facilities.
EXECUTIVE SESSION MAY FOLLOW
JUDICIARY, Room 100, SH
Sen. Houde (C), Sen. Carson (VC), Sen. Groen, Sen. Luther
1:00 p.m. HB 431, relative to psychiatric evaluations.
1:15 p.m. HB 52, relative to grounds for modification of parental rights and responsibilities.
1:30 p.m. HB 313, requiring parental consent for court referral of a minor to a juvenile
diversion program.
1:45 p.m. HB 329-FN, requiring parental notification before abortions may be performed on unemancipated minors.
EXECUTIVE SESSION MAY FOLLOW
Monday, April 25:monday , april 25, 2011
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
8:45 a.m. Secretary of State
9:00 a.m. Department of Safety
10:00 a.m. Police Standards and Training
10:30 am. Fish and Game
11:00 a.m. Department of Agriculture
11:30 a.m. Joint Board of Licensure and Certification
12:00 p.m. to 12:45 p.m. BREAK
12:45 p.m. Human Rights Commission
1:00 p.m. Department of Environmental Services
1:30 p.m. Lottery Commission
2:00 p.m. Banking Commission
2:30 p.m. Employment Security
2:45 p.m. Department of Resources and Economic Development
3:15 p.m. Department of Information Technology
EXECUTIVE SESSION MAY FOLLOW
Tuesday, April 26:
TUESDAY, APRIL 26, 2011
EDUCATION, Room 103, LOB
Sen. Stiles (C), Sen. Forsythe (VC), Sen. Carson, Sen. Kelly, Sen. Prescott
1:00 p.m. HB 401, relative to postsecondary training for workers with disabilities.
1:20 p.m. HB 216, relative to the instructional authority of school boards.
1:40 p.m. HB 429, permitting a child 16 years of age or older to withdraw from school with
parental permission.
EXECUTIVE SESSION MAY FOLLOW
Thursday, April 28, 2011
HURSDAY, APRIL 28, 2011
ENERGY AND NATURAL RESOURCES, Room 102, LOB
Sen. Odell (C), Sen. Gallus (VC), Sen. Bradley, Sen. Lambert, Sen. Merrill
9:00 a.m. HB 205-FN, relative to notice to owners of upstream dams.
9:20 a.m. HB 468-FN, relative to assessments for aquatic resource compensatory mitigation.
EXECUTIVE SESSION MAY FOLLOW
JUDICIARY, Room 101, LOB
Sen. Houde (C), Sen. Carson (VC), Sen. Groen, Sen. Luther
1:00 p.m. HB 614, requiring a performance audit of the guardian ad litem board and guardian ad litem services.
1:15 p.m. HB 634-FN, relative to payment of guardian ad litem and mediator fees in marital
cases where the parties are indigent.
1:30 p.m. HB 490-FN, adopting the interstate compact for juveniles.
1:45 p.m. HB 597, revising the child support guidelines based on an income shares model of calculating child support.
2:00 p.m. HB 225-FN, relative to the return of personal property confiscated by law enforcement agencies from a person charged with a crime.
EXECUTIVE SESSION MAY FOLLOW
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