The following are highlights from the upcoming week at the New Hampshire State House:
Tuesday, May 6
Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee- State House- 9:00 a.m.
The Senate ENR Committee holds a public hearing on HB 123, which would extend yield taxes on timberland that is currently not being harvested so owners can cash in on carbon sequestration credits in other states. Northern New Hampshire communities argue those carbon offset programs are costing them timber taxes and leaving New Hampshire forests unmanaged.
House Housing Committee- Legislative Office Building- 10:00 a.m.
The House Housing Committee is scheduled to vote on 10 bills aimed at New Hampshire’s housing crisis, including SB 84, which would preempt local regulations on minimum lot sizes. Developers and housing advocates argue that local NIMBYs are closing the door on new construction, while opponents argue local boards should have authority to control local development.
House Children and Family Law- Legislative Office Building 10:00 a.m.
The House Children and Family Law Committee will vote on SB 72, the Senate’s version of a Parents Bill of Rights, which codifies the responsibilities that school districts owe to parents of students in their schools. The House version is a high priority for Speaker Sherm Packard, so Republicans in both chambers hope to reach consensus on a bill to send to Gov. Kelly Ayotte.
Senate Finance Committee- State House 1:00 p.m.
After hearing from state agencies over the past several weeks, the Senate Finance Committee will hear what the public has to say about the pending state budget. The public hearing for HB 1 and HB 2 will start at 1:00 pm in the State House Chamber, with the committee expecting to take testimony into the evening. The Senate budget deadline is June 5.
Wednesday, May 7
House Judiciary Committee- Legislative Office Building 10:00 a.m.
The House Judiciary Committee will debate SB 148, a bipartisan bill spearheaded by Sen. Victoria Sullivan (R-Manchester) that would ensure that convicted murderers, such as Adam Montgomery, could not profit from their crimes.
Thursday, May 8
House Session- State House 10:00 a.m.
It could be a momentous day for school choice in New Hampshire as the House takes up SB 295, the Senate’s approach to expanding the popular Education Freedom Account program. The House Education Funding Committee is recommending an amendment that brings the final bill very close to the Senate version, increasing its chances of making it into law should it pass on Thursday. Expect a bitter floor fight as Democratic rhetoric has grown increasingly angry as universal school choice for New Hampshire gets more likely.
The House also takes up an increase in state aid for local special education expenses (SB 292) and a bill prohibiting cities and towns from barring their police departments from cooperating with federal immigration officials (SB 62).
Senate Session- State House 10:00 a.m.
The Senate is expected to strengthen local tax caps with two House-approved bills on its Consent Calendar. HB 200 would increase the requirement to override a tax cap from 50 percent to 60 percent while HB 374 would allow towns to adopt the tax cap structure that many New Hampshire cities have chosen. Both bills have been amended so would need to go back to the House if approved by the Senate this week.
Last week, the Senate put off consideration of two House-approved bills loosening regulations on therapeutic cannabis, and will take them up this week.
Friday, May 9
Senate Finance Committee- State House 1:00 p.m.
The Senate Finance Committee begins its deliberation on the state budget, which needs to head to the Senate floor by June 5th.
House Calendar
Senate Calendar
