Two bills became law Friday while the legislature closed out 15 others, including several that would have directed more state money to public schools. A dental care compact that would have allowed dentists to practice across state lines more easily was among the higher-profile casualties.
Signed into Law
- HB 610 strengthens the residential ratepayers advisory board, which represents homeowners in utility rate proceedings before state regulators.
- HB 266 is an omnibus measure that restructures the Department of Energy, creates a limited recording exemption under the parental bill of rights, and changes how a victim’s estate is handled when murder is involved.
Killed
- HB 651 would have raised the base per-pupil cost of an adequate education and increased aid for higher-need students, potentially reducing pressure on local property taxes. It failed 190–155.
- HB 773 would have increased state reimbursement to school districts for special education costs, a mandate currently covered largely by local property taxpayers.
- SB 187 would have joined NH to an interstate compact allowing dentists and dental hygienists to practice across state lines, which supporters said could expand access to care in underserved areas.
- SB 66 would have protected veterans from third-party companies that charge fees to help file VA benefits claims.
- HB 410 would have limited municipal zoning authority to block new residential development; it was referred to interim study in the Senate.
11 others were killed today, including bills on cooperative school board elections, driver’s license fine payment periods, boat decal fees for dam maintenance, banking service denials, and professional licensure investigations.
On the Move
- HB 661 — addresses how the state manages Social Security, SSI, and veterans benefits for children in foster care — has advanced to the Senate.
- HB 707 — creates a site evaluation committee for proposed solid waste facilities — has cleared committee and moved to the Senate.
- SB 538 — extends net metering eligibility terms for municipal renewable energy projects — has moved into committee.
- HB 112 — would require college students to pass a civics competency test to graduate — has advanced to the Senate.
To see how your representatives voted on any of these bills, visit nhpolitics.org/find-your-rep.