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New Hampshire House passes several pieces of legislation

Establish children’s system of care

CONCORD — The House of Representatives voted today to pass SB 14-FN, establishing a statewide mobile crisis response for children and a children’s system of care.

“The passage of SB 14 today is an important measure to bring the goals of the 10-Year Mental Health Plan to fruition,” said Rep. Doug Ley (D-Jaffrey). “By laying out a clear plan for case management and establishing an advisory committee to monitor the system of care, this bill implements critical aspects of the 10-Year Mental Health plan. The mobile crisis response and stabilization services included in this legislation will promptly address the mental health needs of Granite State children, reducing child protection costs in the future. A comprehensive plan for children’s system of care should be a priority for this state, and I am pleased by the bipartisan vote today to take the health and safety of New Hampshire’s children seriously.”

Protect firefighters from harmful chemicals

The House of Representatives voted today 221-132 to pass SB 193-FN, which helps protect both firefighters and residents from harmful, outdated, and often ineffective flame retardant chemicals.

“Clarifying our laws regarding flame retardant chemicals in upholstered furnishings is important to all of our constituents as well as our firefighters,” said Rep. Edward Butler (D-Hart’s Location), chair of the House Commerce Committee. “I’m encouraged to see the House give bipartisan support to this important policy.

“Though our firefighters have good protective equipment it still doesn’t provide 100-percent protection against the harmful effects of flame-retardant chemicals in residential fires. These chemicals are also no longer needed, as once thought, to slow the ignition of a fire. It past time to prevent further use of such chemicals.”

Anti-discrimination protections to students

The House of Representatives voted today 214-143 to pass SB 263, extending anti-discrimination protections for students in public schools.

“This bill addresses a gap in New Hampshire law which leaves students out of anti-discrimination protections,” said Rep. Tamara Le, a member of the House Education Committee. “The Governor’s Advisory Council on Diversity and Inclusion specifically recommended this legislation to combat discrimination in our public schools.”

“SB 263 prohibits discrimination based on age, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, marital status, familial status, disability, religion, or national origin. Adding these protections to state law brings us closer to the culture of inclusiveness that we all strive for. Passage of this bill will benefit children across New Hampshire.”

House passes critical job training legislation

The House of Representatives voted 216-146 today to pass SB 2-FN, relative to funding for job training programs and also called the Granite State Jobs Act.

“Senate Bill 2 is an important step to close the gap between employers looking for skilled workers and our state’s low unemployment rate,” Rep. Timothy Soucy (D-Concord), vice chair of the House Labor Committee. “This legislation expands access to job training programs for both unemployed workers and current workers as well.”

“Senate Bill 2 also focuses on populations that have higher than average unemployment and underemployment rates. We recognize that addressing some of the barriers to employment allows our citizens to support themselves and their families while also providing a skilled workforce to New Hampshire’s employers.”

Reinforce ACA protections

The House of Representatives voted 213-137 today to pass SB 4, legislation that ensconces the basic provisions of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) in state law.

“Today’s House vote in support of SB 4 provides support for families who rely on health care services provided through the Affordable Care Act,” said Rep. Edward Butler (D-Hart’s Location), chair of the House Commerce Committee . “Given the level of uproar and division in Washington, it is critical that the health care services of Granite Staters are protected regardless of federal action. So many New Hampshire families are dependent on the essential health benefits of the Affordable Care Act. SB 4 protects those essential health benefits, like mental health and substance use disorder services, maternity care, and protection for pre-existing conditions. Failing to codify the protections of the Affordable Care Act in New Hampshire statute would harm countless Granite State families should unforeseen federal changes occur.”

“I urge Governor Sununu to sign SB 4 into law, allowing families to breathe a sigh of relief in knowing that New Hampshire believes that the insurance industry deserves consistency. Affordable and accessible healthcare is a right, not a privilege, and the healthcare of New Hampshire citizens should not be compromised by political turbulence in Washington.”

Bail reform legislation

The House of Representatives voted today to pass SB 314, bipartisan bail reform legislation.

“I commend the dedicated, bipartisan efforts on SB 314 which led to the strong vote today in the House,” Rep. Renny Cushing (D-Hampton), chair of the House Criminal Justice and Public Safety Committee. “The bail reform passed last session brought about pivotal changes to the system and this legislation builds on those efforts.”

“By providing judges more discretion and greater consideration when determining if a person presents a danger to themselves or others and addressing concerns about people who repeatedly fail to appear after being released, this legislation brings further clarification to last year’s reform.”

“I applaud the criminal justice committee for listening to the experiences of all stakeholders to strengthen last year’s bail reform. This legislation represents a bipartisan compromise at its finest.”

Eliminate period poverty in schools

The House of Representatives voted 211-135 today to pass SB 142, requiring feminine hygiene products in school restrooms.

“The passage of SB 142 today ensures that New Hampshire children have access to menstrual products when they need them in school,” Rep. Linda Tanner (D-Georges Mills), a member of the House Education Committee. “Too many children without proper access to menstrual products struggle to maintain focus on their studies and many actually stay home from school every month to avoid the complications that lack of access during the school day brings. Lack of access negatively impacts a student’s self-esteem, self-identity, and education. The need for menstrual care products is not optional and it is the responsibility of schools to provide the necessary assistance for all students to succeed.”

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