Upcoming Hearings and Votes (Week of 5/20/24)

This week is an important one at the New Hampshire State House. Three anti-LGBTQ+ bills were passed by the Senate last week and now head to the Governor’s desk, and several other bills are slated for votes in either the Senate or the House of Representatives. All bills must get through their second chambers by the end of the week, so there are plenty of opportunities to advocate for issues you care about.

Learn more and take action below:

Headed to the Governor

Anti-LGBTQ+ Legislation: THREE anti-LGBTQ+ bills are heading to Governor Sununu's desk after passing both the NH Senate and the NH House of Representatives. The Governor has two options - sign these bills into law, or veto them to protect the rights of LGBTQ+ kids. It’s critical we ask Governor Sununu to veto anti-LGBTQ+ bills and keep New Hampshire inclusive and welcoming for everyone.

• Sports Ban for Transgender Girls: HB 1205 would ban transgender girls from playing on school sports teams that align with their gender identity at public middle and high schools. It is unclear how this bill would be enforced, which could lead to intrusive and damaging inquisitions on any student-athlete.
• Censorship in Schools: HB 1312 attempts to silence discussions of gender and sexuality in the classroom by implementing a two-week advance notice of any curriculum including those topics. When LGBTQ+ youth feel support, acceptance, and open representation within their homes, schools and communities, they have much better mental health, educational and social outcomes.
• Restricting Access to Medical Care for Transgender Teens: HB 619, as amended, would ban gender-affirming surgery for transgender youth and prohibit doctors from referring care for transgender youth to out-of-state doctors. Transgender youth, like all youth, have the best chance to thrive when they are supported and can get the doctor-prescribed medical care they need when they need it. Gender-affirming care is evidence-based and supported by medical authorities like the American Academy of Pediatrics and the American Medical Association.

Also, on Tuesday, May 21 New Futures and NAMI New Hampshire will host a drop-in letter-writing event at NAMI NH’s offices, located at 85 N. State Street in Concord, to write letters to Governor Sununu to urge him to veto these bills. Please RSVP if you plan to attend. If you can’t make it, you can receive a letter-writing kit in the mail.

Upcoming Votes - Senate

Supporting Development of Recovery Housing: HB 1521, as originally introduced, would expand access to recovery housing in New Hampshire by helping cities and towns develop recovery housing resources. Unfortunately, a Senate Committee voted last week to pass an amended version of the bill that would make it more difficult to develop recovery houses in some communities. Email your Senator to urge them to reject the committee amendment and pass the bill in its original form.

Discrimination in Public Spaces: HB 396 would allow for discrimination against transgender people by banning them from using restrooms or locker rooms and participating in sports that align with their preferred gender identity. Bans such as these prohibit transgender youth from participating in typical daily activities and make them feel unwelcome in their communities, which leads to poorer mental health outcomes. Email your Senator to urge them to OPPOSE discrimination against trans people in NH.

Restricting Access to Medical Care for Transgender Teens: HB 1660 would ban Medicaid insurance plans from covering some types of gender-affirming care for transgender youth. Transgender youth, like all youth, have the best chance to thrive when they are supported and can get the doctor-prescribed medical care they need when they need it. Gender-affirming care is evidence-based and supported by medical authorities like the American Academy of Pediatrics and the American Medical Association. Email your Senator to urge them to OPPOSE bans on medical care.

Cannabis Commercialization: After a three-hour debate on the Senate floor last week, the chamber passed HB 1633, along with several amendments. This marks the first time in state history that the New Hampshire Senate has voted to advance cannabis legislation. In its new amended version, HB 1633 meets many of New Futures’ Principles for Responsible Cannabis Policy, including an increase from 15% to 30% of cannabis revenue designated for substance misuse prevention, treatment, and recovery funding. This bill will go to the Senate Finance Committee on Tuesday and will be back on the Senate floor later in the week. Email your Senator to ensure this increase in funding remains in the bill.

Upcoming Votes - House of Representatives

Child Care for Child Care Workers: SB 404 would provide child care workers with automatic access to the New Hampshire Child Care Scholarship program, so that child care workers can stay in the workforce once they become parents. New Futures supports the House Finance Committee’s changes to the program in their amendment. Email your Representative(s) to show your support for SB 404.

Resources for Child Care Centers: SB 596 would provide additional funding to child care centers caring for children with extra behavioral or developmental needs through the New Hampshire Child Care Scholarship program. The House Finance Committee amendment does not ensure the program ever gets implemented, but instead forms a committee to study the issue. Email your Representative(s) to urge them to oppose the House Finance amendment and pass the earlier version of the bill.

Growing the Health Care Workforce: SB 403 aims to increase access to care by creating voluntary certification for Community Health Workers (CHWs). Voluntary certification would provide a clear career path and greater financial stability for these frontline health workers. The House Finance Committee passed the bill last week, and the House of Representatives will vote on the bill later this week. Email your Representative(s) to urge them to pass this important health care workforce bill.

Insurance Coverage Mandate for Youth Mental Health Services: Two weeks ago, the House Health, Human Services, and Elderly Affairs Committee voted 14-6 on an Ought to Pass recommendation for SB 411, which would create a committee to study emergency mental health services for youth in New Hampshire. These services include wraparound services, behavioral or mental health crisis assessments, crisis intervention services, crisis stabilization services, intensive in-home services, residential treatment services, intensive structured outpatient programs, parent and youth peer support services, and partial hospitalization programs. These services are critical to ensuring that the needs of New Hampshire's most vulnerable children are met. Email your Representative(s) to urge them to support youth mental health services in New Hampshire.

Banning Hemp-Derived THC Products: Last week, the House voted “inexpedient to legislate” on the non-germane amendment to SB 505 and passed the bill in its original form. SB 505, as originally introduced, would permanently ban hemp-derived THC products known as delta-8, delta-9, and delta-10. These dangerous and unregulated products were sold in NH due to a legal loophole, until a 2023 law banned them for one year. Email your Representative(s) to urge them to pass SB 505 and keep hemp-derived THC products off New Hampshire shelves.

Preventing Childhood Lead Exposure: SB 399 would help families access lead testing by removing financial barriers. This would help protect Granite State children, who are at the highest risk for lead poisoning, from the harmful impacts of lead exposure. The House Commerce and Consumer Affairs Committee voted unanimously on a recommendation to pass the bill. Next, the House of Representatives will vote on the bill - email your Representative(s) to urge them to support SB 399.

RSV Immunization: SB 559 would ensure access to the RSV immunization for New Hampshire children. This bill doesn’t make the immunization mandatory; it simply removes financial barriers for families who choose to get it. Email your Representative(s) to urge them to support SB 559.

Ending Hunger for Older Adults and Children: SB 499, as unanimously passed by the Senate, would help feed NH’s older adults, people living with disabilities, and children. However, the House Finance Committee introduced the Hoell Amendment, which would remove the necessary funding required for New Hampshire’s participation in Summer EBT, a federal program that feeds hungry kids during the summer. Email your Representatives to urge them to reject the Hoell Amendment and support the Telerski Amendment, which saves Summer EBT and still helps older adults access SNAP benefits.

To check in on the status of all our priority bills, visit our Current Legislation page and select an issue you care about!