Upcoming Hearings and Votes (Week of 1/1/24)
Happy New Year! The 2024 Legislative Session kicks off this week, and quite a few bills have hearings. Please virtually sign in on these bills - virtual sign-ins are a great way to show lawmakers that a specific bill has support from the public!
Two bills will head to the House floor for votes on Wednesday or Thursday this week, meaning there is still time to email your representatives before the vote. Learn more below.
Hearings on January 3 - (In LOB Room 101)
1:00 PM: SB 404 - Child Care for Child Care Teachers
SB 404 is a proactive approach to addressing the child care workforce crisis by providing all child care workers with child care scholarships through the NH Child Care Scholarship Program. SIGN IN on SB 404.
1:15 PM: SB 411 - Insurance Coverage for Youth Mental Health Services
SB 411 would require all private insurance carriers to cover New Hampshire youth mental health services, including wraparound and emergency services.
1:30 PM: SB 499 - End Hunger Act
SB 499 will improve participation in school breakfast, ensure children can access school meals, help children access meals in the summer, and will make it easier for older adults and people living with disabilities to access food and nutrition benefits.
1:45 PM: SB 399 - Access to Lead Testing
SB 399 would held families acess lead testing by requiring insurance companies to cover the full cost of lead testing of one- and two-year-old children, as well as any follow-up testing needed as a result of elevated blood levels.
Hearings on January 4 (In State House Room 100)
9:00 AM: SB 335 - Alcohol Advertising
SB 335 adds labeling restrictions to current alcohol advertising laws that prohibit cartoons, toys, and characters in lavels and advertisements. It also prohibits alcoholic products that are named, packaged, marketed, or designed in a way that mimics commercially available non-alcoholic products, including popular drinks for children.
Bills going to the House Floor
HB 619 - Ban on Care for Transgender Youth
HB 619 targets LGBTQ youth and families in three major ways. First, the bill bans all medically necessary care for transgender youth. Second, the bill bans any gender affirmation or education in public schools. Finally, the bill changes the definition of conversion therapy, rendering it virtually impossible for minors to refuse participation. Email your representatives to encourage them to OPPOSE this extreme legislation.
HB 470 - Harm Reduction Expansion
HB 470 expands New Hampshire's overdose prevention strategy by removing drug-checking equipment or materials from the definition of drug paraphernalia and the use, possession, distribution, and transportation of these life-saving tools. Email your Representatives to encourage them to SUPPORT this important legislation.
If you would like to attend any of of these hearings in person, please let us know, and a member of our Community Engagement team will be in touch to offer assistance.
