Translation: The bill is considered not advisable or practical to become law. A nicer way of saying, “the bill is killed.”
Yesterday, May 22nd, brought the “demise” of a few bills that came before the House for a vote. SB 37 was requested by the Dept. of Health and Human Services to revise licensing requirements for residential care and health facilities, including facilities such as dialysis and infusion centers. A few example items in the bill:
~ Require licensed residential care facilities to have quality assurance programs;
~ Require results of any investigation be displayed in a conspicuous place in the facility;
~ Require facilities to display results of Life Safety inspections known as “notices to correct;”
~ Change the word “hospital” to “facility.”
Basically, ensuring the same standard of care and inspections as a hospital.
With a vote of 195-164, the bill was “killed.”
SB 257 would initiate a committee to study state guidelines for Medicaid eligibility determinations. Current and former Merrimack County Commissioners requested the bill, but with a vote of 199-164, it was “killed.”
SB 130 establishes a commission to study and coordinate emergency medical services response in New Hampshire as some parts of the state are struggling with EMS coverage. The vote was close, 184-178, “killing” the bill.
SB 272 is funding for electric-vehicle (EV) charging stations. Allows towns to initiate a revolving fund for building EV charging stations, leaving the voters of said towns to decide if they want to fund the project or not. The bill also allows for private and public entities to set aside specific spaces for EV charging and initiate penalties for using the space when not charging. During debate before the vote, the claim was made that this was “an unnecessary program that raises property taxes.” NH has one of the lowest amount of charging stations in New England, and who knows what will happen to the grant money awarded to the state through the 2021 Biden Administration’s Infrastructure Law.
Thirty-two people registered on line their support for this bill with only 7 in opposition. But the bill was “killed,” 195-163.
SB 243 this bill had to do with the child care scholarship program. As we all know or have heard, affordable child care is an ongoing issue in NH. This bipartisan bill initiates a pilot program making the application process for the scholarship program more efficient. On line registered support for this bill was more than 300 people with only six opposing. A motion was made by Rep. Wayne MacDonald, R-Londonderry to “table” the bill and tabled it was, 277-83.
SB 13, an off-shoot of an earlier bill, HB 452 and is still meant to invalidate the out-of-state driver licenses and driver privilege cards of undocumented immigrants if they happen to be driving in NH. Asylum seekers who have a federal work authorization will not be able to get a NH driver license until they get a Green Card (full permanent residency). The bill will now revoke the right of asylum seekers who already have a NH license the ability to renew.
During debate before the vote, the claim was made that, “millions and millions of people crossed over the border during the Biden/Harris Administration.” (Spoiler alert from Politifact; There have been 8.7 million migrant “encounters” since Pres. Joe Biden took office in Jan. 2021. Encounters are events and do not represent people; the same person can try entering the country multiple times, and each time is an “encounter.” Encounters don’t represent how many people have entered illegally and are now living in the US.)
More than 200 people registered their on line opposition to this bill with only 4 who supported it. The bill passed anyway,192-164.
Transportation Committee Rep. Dan Veilleux, D-Amherst stated, “Denying people the ability to drive while expecting them to work and support their families isn’t just cruel, it’s completely illogical. Make no mistake: this bill hurts New Hampshire businesses, families, workers, employers, and public safety.”
If you would like to speak out against this blatantly hurtful legislation, the group Monadnock Immigrant Solidarity Collaborative is organizing a postcard campaign to oppose SB 13. You can pick up blank postcards at your local post office or purchase card stock and cut to size, 4¼ by 6. You can use the message below or craft one of your own. Don’t forget the 56 cent stamp! Thank you!
“VETO SB 13
NH NEEDS WORKERS
WORKERS NEED TO DRIVE TO WORK”
Send your postcard to:
Governor Ayotte
NH State House
107 North Main St
Concord, NH 03301