2012 New Hampshire Liberty Related Bills Report

[Keith and stuff]

2012 New Hampshire Liberty Related Bills Report

Over 32 pro-liberty bills and 7 pro-liberty resolution passed in NH in 2012. 3 pro-liberty bills were vetoed by Governor Lynch.

Note: This Report is not affiliated with the state of New Hampshire or any organization.

The list is arranged as follows:
House bills that became law
Senate bills that became law
Bills that were vetoed but may be included in the veto override session
Bills that did not become law but passed either the House or Senate

A description of each piece of information describing a bill is as follows:
Title of the bill, resolution or amendment
Status of the bill
Analysis or amended analysis of the bill
Link to the General Court website for more information on the bill

If the formatting for the General Court website links messes up, use this link to look up the bills, http://www.gencourt.state.nh.us/

House bills that became law:

CACR13
Passed the House 256-110 and the Senate 19-4. Since it is a constitutional amendment, it doesn't go before the governor. However, 2/3s of the voters need to vote in favor of it in November for the NH Constitution to be amended.
This constitutional amendment concurrent resolution prohibits a state or local tax on wages.
http://www.gencourt.state.nh.us/bill...lnumber=CACR13

CACR26
Passed the House 242-96 and the Senate 19-5. Since it is a constitutional amendment, it doesn't go before the governor. However, 2/3s of the voters need to vote in favor of it in November for the NH Constitution to be amended.
This constitutional amendment concurrent resolution gives the legislature and the chief justice of the supreme court concurrent power to make rules governing the administration of the courts. (Currently the power lies with the chief justice.)
http://www.gencourt.state.nh.us/bill...lnumber=CACR26

HR20
Passed House 260-41, Doesn't need to pass anywhere else as it is a House Resolution
This resolution urges the federal government to allow the cultivation of hemp for industrial purposes.
http://www.gencourt.state.nh.us/bill...umber=hr20&q=1

HR21
Passed House 206-97, Doesn't need to pass anywhere else as it is a House Resolution
This resolution requires the Congress of the United States of America to reaffirm its adherence to the Constitution of the United States regarding international agreements and treaties.
http://www.gencourt.state.nh.us/bill...illnumber=HR21

HR23
Passed House with a voice vote, Doesn't need to pass anywhere else as it is a House Resolution
This resolution urges the federal government to reduce the federal deficit by the amount of certain foreign aid.
http://www.gencourt.state.nh.us/bill...illnumber=HR23

HR24
Passed House with a voice vote, Doesn't need to pass anywhere else as it is a House Resolution
This resolution urges relief from the current level of federal nursing home regulation.
http://www.gencourt.state.nh.us/bill...illnumber=HR24

HR25
Passed House with a voice vote, Doesn't need to pass anywhere else as it is a House Resolution
This resolution affirms States' powers based on the Constitution for the United States and the Constitution of New Hampshire.
http://www.gencourt.state.nh.us/bill...umber=hr25&q=1

HR29
Passed House 227-121, Doesn't need to pass anywhere else as it is a House Resolution
This resolution urges the United States Department of Health and Human Services to rescind its rule requiring health plans to provide sterilizations and contraceptives.
http://www.gencourt.state.nh.us/bill...umber=hr29&q=1

HCR37
Passed House with a voice vote, passed Senate with a voice vote
This house concurrent resolution urges the New Hampshire delegation to support any legislation requiring a comprehensive audit of the Federal Reserve.
http://www.gencourt.state.nh.us/bill...llnumber=HCR37

HB127
Passed with Gov. Lynch’s signature
This bill amends the definition of “oral communication” under the wiretapping and eavesdropping statute to make it harder for prosecutors to prosecute innocent people.
http://www.gencourt.state.nh.us/bill...llnumber=HB127

HB146
Passed with Gov. Lynch’s signature
This bill states that in all criminal proceedings the court shall permit the defense to inform the jury of its right to judge the facts and the application of the law in relationship to the facts in controversy.
http://www.gencourt.state.nh.us/bill...llnumber=hb146

HB171
Passed with Gov. Lynch’s signature
This bill prohibits the liquor commission from imposing restrictions on on-premises licenses relating to clothing or appearance of patrons or employees. This bill also authorizes enforcement actions by the liquor commission against licensees whose premises are regularly the site of violence.
http://www.gencourt.state.nh.us/bill...llnumber=HB171

HB222
Passed with Gov. Lynch’s signature
This bill replaces various statutory provisions containing general rulemaking authority with specific requirements, and repeals the law on ginseng production and sale.
http://www.gencourt.state.nh.us/bill...llnumber=hb222

HB342
Passed with Gov. Lynch’s signature
This bill requires that petitioners requesting the commissioner of safety to adopt rules establishing boat operation restrictions provide notice to abutters by certified mail.
http://www.gencourt.state.nh.us/bill...llnumber=HB342

HB344
Passed with Gov. Lynch’s signature
This bill holds judges more accountable by changing certain procedures for judicial performance evaluations.
http://www.gencourt.state.nh.us/bill...llnumber=HB344

HB382
Passed with Gov. Lynch’s signature
This bill removes the requirement that municipalities maintain sufficient fencing and gates surrounding municipal public cemeteries.
http://www.gencourt.state.nh.us/bill...llnumber=HB382

HB418
Passed with Gov. Lynch’s signature
This bill requires state agencies to consider open source software when acquiring software and promotes the use of open data formats by state agencies. This bill also directs the commissioner of information technology to develop a statewide information policy based on principles of open government data.
http://www.gencourt.state.nh.us/bill...llnumber=HB418

HB533
Passed with Gov. Lynch’s signature
This bill establishes a cap on the amount of school building aid grants distributed in each fiscal year.
http://www.gencourt.state.nh.us/bill...llnumber=HB533

HB574
Passed with Gov. Lynch’s signature
This bill prohibits the state from taking personal property owned or used by individuals or families during a declared state of emergency.
http://www.gencourt.state.nh.us/bill...llnumber=HB574

HB648
Passed with Gov. Lynch’s signature
This bill is relative to eminent domain by public utilities and establishing a commission to investigate the procedural rights of the landowner when a petition is presented to the public utilities commission by a utility seeking eminent domain, develop a framework for the state to provide use rights to transmission developers on state owned rights-of-way, develop policies to encourage burying such lines where practicable, and establish a structure for payment.
http://www.gencourt.state.nh.us/bill...mber=HB648&q=1

HB1127
Passed with Gov. Lynch’s signature
This bill allows for additional barbering apprentices in a salon or barbershop.
http://www.gencourt.state.nh.us/bill...lnumber=HB1127

HB1170
Passed with Gov. Lynch’s signature
This bill allows municipalities to authorize the inclusion of a statement of the estimated tax impact of the budget and special warrant articles to be voted at annual meeting.
http://www.gencourt.state.nh.us/bill...lnumber=HB1170

HB1172
Passed with Gov. Lynch’s signature
This bill authorizes nano brewery, beverage manufacturer, and brew pub licensees to sell their products at farmers’ markets. This bill also establishes an alcohol consultant license.
http://www.gencourt.state.nh.us/bill...lnumber=HB1172

HB1196
Passed with Gov. Lynch’s signature
This bill repeals the task force on state procurement policies and procedures.
http://www.gencourt.state.nh.us/bill...lnumber=HB1196

HB1208
Passed with Gov. Lynch’s signature
The bill allows the advertising of liquor in additional types of publications and prohibits the liquor commission from requiring federal label approval for New Hampshire beer.
http://www.gencourt.state.nh.us/bill...lnumber=hb1208

HB1231
Passed with Gov. Lynch’s signature
This bill removes the prohibition on the sale or gift of chicks, ducklings, goslings in quantity of less than 12 birds to an individual person.
http://www.gencourt.state.nh.us/bill...lnumber=HB1231

HB1241
Passed with Gov. Lynch’s signature
This bill expands the definition of specialty beer.
http://www.gencourt.state.nh.us/bill...lnumber=hb1241

HB1297
Passed with Gov. Lynch’s signature
This bill clarifies the implementation of certain provisions of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act. This bill prohibits the state of New Hampshire from planning, creating, or participating in a state health care exchange. The bill also establishes guidelines for interaction with a federally-facilitated exchange created for New Hampshire.
http://www.gencourt.state.nh.us/bill...lnumber=HB1297

HB1402
Passed with Gov. Lynch’s signature
This bill exempts certain homestead food operations and homestead food products from licensure by the department of health and human services. This bill allows for direct sales of raw milk products without a milk producer-distributor license for certain small scale dairy producer-distributors.
http://www.gencourt.state.nh.us/bill...lnumber=HB1402

HB1416
Passed with Gov. Lynch’s signature
This bill requires a fluoride statement to be posted in a water system’s consumer confidence report if the water supply is fluoridated.
http://www.gencourt.state.nh.us/bill...lnumber=HB1416

HB1417
Passed with Gov. Lynch’s signature
This bill provides that no institution within the university or community college systems of New Hampshire shall prohibit, as a condition of admission or continued enrollment, any student from becoming a member of any group or organization.
http://www.gencourt.state.nh.us/bill...lnumber=HB1417

HB1418
Passed without Gov. Lynch’s signature
This bill increases the threshold amounts for taxation under the business enterprise tax and extending the commission to study business taxes; excluding charges for Internet access from the communications services tax and requiring the transfer of insurance premium tax revenue to the department of health and human services; and relative to section 179 expense deductions under the business profits tax.
http://www.gencourt.state.nh.us/bill...lnumber=HB1418

HB1431
Passed House 174-120
This bill reduces the number of hours for a person to obtain a barber license by training and experience, and allows for a shop license to be issued for a residence and to a licensed barber, cosmetologist, manicurist, or esthetician upon licensure.
http://www.gencourt.state.nh.us/bill...lnumber=HB1431

HB1434
Passed with Gov. Lynch’s signature
This bill makes the display of antique motor vehicle plates on vehicles less restrictive.
http://www.gencourt.state.nh.us/bill...lnumber=HB1434

HB1553
Passed with Gov. Lynch’s signature
This bill repeals certain obsolete and outdated provisions of the Revised Statutes Annotated.
http://www.gencourt.state.nh.us/bill...lnumber=HB1553

HB1555
Passed with Gov. Lynch’s signature
This bill requires that the penalty for possession of a firearm in a state fish and game refuge applies only to a person who discharges his or her firearm for the purpose of taking wildlife.
http://www.gencourt.state.nh.us/bill...lnumber=HB1555

HB1571
Passed without Gov. Lynch's signature
This bill amends the educational evaluation procedures for home educated children and repeals the notice, hearing, and appeals procedures afforded to parents relative to the termination of a home education program.
http://www.gencourt.state.nh.us/bill...lnumber=HB1571

HB1585
Passed with Gov. Lynch’s signature
This bill eliminates the requirement that trucks exceeding 18,000 pounds gross vehicle weight be inspected semiannually. These vehicles would then be subject to annual inspections.
http://www.gencourt.state.nh.us/bill...lnumber=HB1585

HB1701
Passed with Gov. Lynch’s signature
This bill prohibits New Hampshire from entering into or enforcing reciprocal agreements with other states to deny rights and privileges for nonpayment of taxes owed to another state. Certain reciprocal agreements are excepted from this prohibition.
http://www.gencourt.state.nh.us/bill...lnumber=HB1701

Senate bills that became law:

SB235
Passed with Gov. Lynch’s signature
This bill eliminates the requirements that certain foreign business organizations file a certificate of existence or agent’s written consent when registering with the secretary of state.
http://www.gencourt.state.nh.us/bill...llnumber=SB235

SB250
Passed with Gov. Lynch’s signature
This bill adds specific exceptions to the evaluation criteria for the establishment of ATV and trail bike trails on state lands, and allows for OHRV operation on certain highways and trail crossings and connectors in Coos county.
http://www.gencourt.state.nh.us/bill...llnumber=SB250

SB266
Passed with Gov. Lynch’s signature
This bill prohibits electric utilities from installing and maintaining smart meter gateway devices without the residential or business property owner’s consent.
http://www.gencourt.state.nh.us/bill...llnumber=SB266

SB326
Veto overridden
I. Repeals the reduction in certain reimbursements paid to towns and cities who have lost taxable valuation of certain lands.
II. Allows moneys received by the state to pay arrearages under certain river compacts to be distributed to towns listed under such compacts.
III. Eliminates certain taxation of trusts under the interest and dividends tax.
http://www.gencourt.state.nh.us/bill...llnumber=sb326

SB372
Veto overridden
This bill establishes an education tax credit against the business profits tax and/or the business enterprise tax for business organizations and business enterprises that contribute to scholarship organizations which award scholarships to be used by students to defray educational expenses.
http://www.gencourt.state.nh.us/bill...llnumber=sb372

Bills that did not become law but passed either the House or Senate:

CACR6
Passed Senate 14-9, Short of the 3/5s needed by the House 220-132
This constitutional amendment concurrent resolution providing that a 3/5 vote is required to pass legislation imposing new or increased taxes or license fees, or to authorize the issuance of state bonds and providing that the general court shall appropriate funds for payment of interest and installments of principle of all state bonds.
http://www.gencourt.state.nh.us/bill...llnumber=CACR6

HCR32
Passed House 188-129
This house concurrent resolution urges Congress to withdraw the membership of the United States from the United Nations so that the United States may retain its sovereignty and control over its own funds and military forces.
http://www.gencourt.state.nh.us/bill...llnumber=HCR32

HCR34
Passed House 170-138
This house concurrent resolution urges the United States Congress to withdraw from the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA).
http://www.gencourt.state.nh.us/bill...llnumber=HCR34

HB194
Passed House 204-110
This bill repeals the prohibition on having or carrying a loaded crossbow, rifle, or shotgun in or on a vehicle.
http://www.gencourt.state.nh.us/bill...llnumber=HB194

HB210
Passed House 270-92
This bill increases the places a person may use of deadly force to protect oneself.
http://www.gencourt.state.nh.us/bill...llnumber=HB210

HB219
Passed House 214-110
This bill restricted the rulemaking authority of the state board of education and establishing a legislative oversight committee to review the rulemaking authority of the state board of education.
http://www.gencourt.state.nh.us/bill...llnumber=HB219

HB225
Passed House 295-69
This bill is relative to the return of personal property confiscated by law enforcement agencies from a person charged with a crime.
http://www.gencourt.state.nh.us/bill...llnumber=HB225

HB334
Passed House 180-144
This bill provides that all delegations of the state’s authority to prohibit or regulate the purchase, ownership, use, possession, transportation, licensing or permitting, taxation, or other matters pertaining to firearms, firearms components, ammunition, firearms supplies, and knives shall be by statute only.
http://www.gencourt.state.nh.us/bill...llnumber=HB334

HB378
Passed House 304-54
This bill provides that a person who is on his or her own property and who responds to a trespasser who refuses to leave and displays a firearm or other means of self-defense with the intent to warn away the person making the threat shall not have committed criminal threatening. The bill also removes the minimum mandatory sentence for conviction of a felony involving the possession, use, or attempted use of a firearm, and makes the sentence for such a felony conviction discretionary.
http://www.gencourt.state.nh.us/bill...llnumber=HB378

HB383
Passed House 212-128
This bill prohibits full-time employees who are not members of the state employee’s association from being required to pay a fee when the association demonstrates that the sum of its membership in all bargaining units is equal to 60 percent of the eligible full-time permanent employees in all bargaining units.
http://www.gencourt.state.nh.us/bill...llnumber=HB383

HB440
Passed House 211-83
This bill requires that New Hampshire join the lawsuit challenging Obamacare.
http://www.gencourt.state.nh.us/bill...llnumber=HB440

HB1327
Passed House with a voice vote
This bill revises the offense of official oppression by making it either a class B misdemeanor or a violation, depending on whether a public servant acted with a purpose to benefit himself, herself, or another or to harm another.
http://www.gencourt.state.nh.us/bill...lnumber=HB1327

HB1341
Passed House 196-123
This bill repeals the statute prohibiting unauthorized use of a firearm in the compact part of a city or town.
http://www.gencourt.state.nh.us/bill...lnumber=HB1341

HB1526
Passed House 162-161
This bill reduces penalties for any person who possesses less than one-half ounce of marijuana.
http://www.gencourt.state.nh.us/bill...lnumber=HB1526

HB1560
Passed House 221-131
This bill would let New Hampshire join the interstate Health Care Compact.
http://www.gencourt.state.nh.us/bill...lnumber=HB1560

HB1615
Passed House 296-70
This bill prohibits the designation of industrial hemp as a controlled substance.
http://www.gencourt.state.nh.us/bill...lnumber=HB1615

HB1677
Passed House 198-139
This bill provides that no public employee labor organization shall be required to represent employees who elect not to join or to pay dues or fees to the employee organization.
http://www.gencourt.state.nh.us/bill...lnumber=HB1677

Bills that were vetoed:

HB1549
Vetoed
This bill prohibits the use of motor vehicle records for any federal identification database.
http://www.gencourt.state.nh.us/bill...lnumber=hb1549

HB1607
Vetoed
This bill establishes an education tax credit against the business profits tax and/or the business enterprise tax for business organizations and business enterprises that contribute to scholarship organizations which award scholarships to be used by students to defray educational expenses.
http://www.gencourt.state.nh.us/bill...lnumber=hb1607

SB409
Vetoed
This bill permits the use of marijuana for medicinal purposes in New Hampshire.
http://www.gencourt.state.nh.us/bill...llnumber=sb409

[libertybrewcity]

Looks like quite a lot of legislators decided not to vote on that hemp resolution. Also, why don't they just pass a bill to send to the senate instead of a resolution?

[Keith and stuff]

I just added another House Resolution.

HR29
Passed House 227-121, Doesn't need to pass anywhere else as it is a House Resolution
This resolution urges the United States Department of Health and Human Services to rescind its rule requiring health plans to provide sterilizations and contraceptives.
http://www.gencourt.state.nh.us/bill...umber=hr29&q=1

[Aden]

After reading the two 1,000-post threads about vote fraud, it made me think about you guys up in New Hampshire. You can get all the free-staters you want to move there, but as long as elections can be rigged what good is it? You guys need to get a bill passed that bans electronic voting, or makes electronic voting honest by having a real paper trail.

[Keith and stuff]

Looks like quite a lot of legislators decided not to vote on that hemp resolution. Also, why don't they just pass a bill to send to the senate instead of a resolution?

Sorry for not replying sooner. I didn't notice your post.

The sponsor (a Democrat) tried House bills in the past without much success. There is a House bill sponsored by Republicans (mostly free staters) this year that may do better than the previous efforts. It is being voted on by the House this week. The committee report was 15-1 for the bill.

[Keith and stuff]

I just added this bill. It is a holdover from last year that was amended and passed this year.

HB648
Passed with Gov. Lynch’s signature
This bill is relative to eminent domain by public utilities and establishing a commission to investigate the procedural rights of the landowner when a petition is presented to the public utilities commission by a utility seeking eminent domain, develop a framework for the state to provide use rights to transmission developers on state owned rights-of-way, develop policies to encourage burying such lines where practicable, and establish a structure for payment.
http://www.gencourt.state.nh.us/bill...mber=HB648&q=1

This bill is big news in New Hampshire as it was created in response to the Northern Pass issue. Ron Paul won the majority of towns in NH where Northern Pass was proposed. This new law means that if Northern Pass happens in NH, it almost certainly has to happen without the use of eminent domain. Before this bill, there was a question of whether it was legal to use eminent domain for Northern Pass or not. This bill was designed to put that question to bed.

Eminent domain is restricted
Northern Pass can't use it
By Matthew Spolar / Monitor staff
March 6, 2012
http://www.concordmonitor.com/articl...-is-restricted

Gov. John Lynch yesterday signed into law a ban on unnecessary use of eminent domain to take private property, a development seen as a victory for opponents of the Northern Pass project.

"The use of eminent domain should be limited to projects designed to benefit the public as a whole," Lynch said in a statement. "In 2006, the voters of this state overwhelmingly supported an amendment to our constitution that prohibited the taking of private property for private use. House Bill 648 is consistent with that amendment."

State Sen. Jeanie Forrester, a Meredith Republican, was a leading co-sponsor of the bill, which easily passed the House and Senate. Lynch had previously expressed support for the legislation.

"What it means for property owners throughout the state, whether it's in my district or any other district, is private property rights will be protected," Forrester said.

A member of the New England Power Generators Association said the group is committed to making sure Northern Pass doesn't get "a leg up or any special advantage."

"The Northern Pass Transmission Project has repeatedly said . . . while they might not want to use eminent domain for the project, as a last resort they would," President Dan Dolan said. "HB 648 removes this threat to property owners and loudly declares that this right does not exist."

[Keith and stuff]

Also, why don't they just pass a bill to send to the senate instead of a resolution?

It passed the NH House yesterday. I don't know the vote, though. It was on the consent calendar. So it likely passed on a voice vote with the overwhelming majority of state Reps. voting for the bill.

New Hampshire Hemp Farming: State House Passes Bill Protecting Industrial Hemp
03/ 7/12 04:12 PM ET AP
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/0...n_1332027.html

CONCORD, N.H. -- The New Hampshire House is giving the nod to hemp farmers after passing a bill to protect industrial hemp from being tagged as an illicit drug.

The bill, which passed the House Wednesday without debate, would forbid industrial hemp, a botanical cousin to marijuana, from being listed as a controlled substance.

I don't know if the bill will become law. Even if it does, the bill mentions approval from the federal government. The blog post also shows a video. The video explains that ND passed a hemp law. The video says that federal approval is needed for growing hemp in ND and the federal government hasn't given approve. Therefore, no one in ND (legally) grows hemp.

[Keith and stuff]

This House Resolution passed on 3/7/12.

HR25
Passed House with a voice vote, Doesn't need to pass anywhere else as it is a House Resolution
This resolution affirms States' powers based on the Constitution for the United States and the Constitution of New Hampshire.
http://www.gencourt.state.nh.us/bill...umber=hr25&q=1

The main sponsor is Rep. Itse. Rep. Itse is known as one of the key people in restarting the 10th Amendment movement in the US a few years ago. He appeared on Fox News, spoke at the New Hampshire Liberty Forum, spoke at the Live Free or Die Rally, spoke at the Boston Tear Party spoke at the Nullify Now conference in NH and so on.

STATE OF NEW HAMPSHIRE

In the Year of Our Lord Two Thousand Twelve

A RESOLUTION affirming States’ powers based on the Constitution for the United States and the Constitution of New Hampshire.

Whereas, the intent of this resolution is to support the States in preserving and enforcing the Constitution of the United States of America pursuant to Part 1, Article 7 of the constitution of the State of New Hampshire and the Tenth Amendment of the Constitution of the United States of America; and

Whereas, the Constitution of the State of New Hampshire, Part 1, Article 7 declares that the people of this State have the sole and exclusive right of governing themselves as a free, sovereign, and independent State; and do, and forever hereafter shall, exercise and enjoy every power, jurisdiction, and right, pertaining thereto, which is not, or may not hereafter be, by them expressly delegated to the United States of America in Congress assembled; and

Whereas, the Constitution of the State of New Hampshire, Part 2, Article 1 declares that the people inhabiting the territory formerly called the province of New Hampshire, do hereby solemnly and mutually agree with each other, to form themselves into a free, sovereign and independent body-politic, or State, by the name of The State of New Hampshire; and

Whereas, each State acceded to the compact titled The Constitution for the United States of America as a State, and is an integral party, its co-States forming, as to itself, the other party: and

Whereas, the State of New Hampshire when ratifying the Constitution for the United States of America recommended as a change, “First That it be Explicitly declared that all Powers not expressly & particularly Delegated by the aforesaid are reserved to the several States to be, by them Exercised;” and...

[libertybrewcity]

Do you know if the New Hampshire FSP or RLC reps are more pro-life and anti-gay marriage? Or do they have to support these bills to make their Republican constituents happy and get reelected?

[Keith and stuff]

Do you know if the New Hampshire FSP or RLC reps are more pro-life and anti-gay marriage? Or do they have to support these bills to make their Republican constituents happy and get reelected?

Republicans in NH tend to lean a little towards pro-life in almost all cases and towards only men/women marriage. However, people that vote for Republicans in general elections likely tend to be pro-choice in most cases and don't have hardly any problem with civil unions and may not even have a problem with men/men or women/women marriage. BTW, NH has the highest per capita GLBT population of any state.

According to one poll, http://www.unh.edu/survey-center/new...iage101311.pdf
Strongly support repeal of same sex marriage:
Overall 22%
Democrats 8%
Independents 22%
Republicans 35%

Strongly oppose repeal of same sex marriage:
Overall 55%
Democrats 68%
Independents 55%
Republicans 28%

People that moved to NH as part of the FSP or people endorsed by the RLC or NHLA tend to have a variety of views on these issues. These are social issues. Being socially moderate is generally better in NH if you are in a swing district and want to win in the general election. However, fiscal issues are more important for Republican. Republicans tend to do well in NH because of their positions of fiscal issues.

Your question is extremely hard to answer. NH has the highest legislative turnover in the county. Another issue is redistricting. There are major redistricting changes. Also, how the top of the ticket candidates do, including the presidential race and the race for governor. If Romney or Ron Paul isn't the Republican nominee, that will hurt some of the Republicans running in NH for lower offices.

On Wednesday, the House is going to vote on a bill to stop new marriages for same sex couple and instead make new same sex couples get civil unions, instead. Even though the House is over 2/3s Republican, the prime sponsor knows he doesn't have enough votes to end same sex marriage and civil unions. A Republican that moved to NH as part of the FSP, decided to mock the bill and it made headlines around New England.

Amendment Would Ban Marriage For Lefties
Mocking Amendment Planned For Anti-Gay-Marriage Bill
POSTED: 10:32 am EDT March 15, 2012
http://www.wmur.com/news/30684136/detail.html

CONCORD, N.H. -- A state lawmaker opposed to repealing New Hampshire's same-sex marriage law plans to offer a tongue-in-cheek amendment to the repeal bill when it comes up for a vote next week that would bar a left-handed person from marrying another left-handed person.

[State Rep. Seth] Cohn was a co-sponsor last year of a bill that would have replaced marriage for heterosexual and same-sex couples with domestic unions. The House killed the bill, which would have established marriage as a cultural and individual right apart from governmental definition.

I know another Republican that moved to NH after learning about the FSP and is involved with the RLC. He said he will vote for repeal and he is pro-life, perhaps always pro-life.

[Keith and stuff]

I just added the House Resolutions below.

HR21
Passed House 206-97, Doesn't need to pass anywhere else as it is a House Resolution
This resolution requires the Congress of the United States of America to reaffirm its adherence to the Constitution of the United States regarding international agreements and treaties.
http://www.gencourt.state.nh.us/bill...illnumber=HR21

HR23
Passed House with a voice vote, Doesn't need to pass anywhere else as it is a House Resolution
This resolution urges the federal government to reduce the federal deficit by the amount of certain foreign aid.
http://www.gencourt.state.nh.us/bill...illnumber=HR23

HR24
Passed House with a voice vote, Doesn't need to pass anywhere else as it is a House Resolution
This resolution urges relief from the current level of federal nursing home regulation.
http://www.gencourt.state.nh.us/bill...illnumber=HR24

Interestingly, the prime sponsor of HR24 is a Democratic Rep.

[Keith and stuff]

CACR13 passed the NH House and NH Senate today. It is a ban on personal income taxes in NH other than any current personal income taxes. Out of the 23 senators in NH, only 4 opposed the CACR. Polls show 2/3s of the people in NH support NH not having a wage tax, but I don't know what will happen in November, especially if the youthful Obama voters show up at the polls in large numbers.

CACR13
Passed the House 256-110 and the Senate 19-4. Since it is a constitutional amendment, it doesn't go before the governor. However, 2/3s of the voters need to pass it in November for the ban to be added to the NH Constitution.
This constitutional amendment concurrent resolution prohibits a state or local tax on wages.
http://www.gencourt.state.nh.us/bill...lnumber=CACR13

[Keith and stuff]

CACR26 just passed. Many pro-liberty, freedom, conservative and similar type people in NH think the NH Supreme Court is too powerful. This amendment is designed to lessen the power of the NH Supreme Court. I cannot think of a good reason why 2/3s of the voters would vote in favor of it in November, though.

CACR26
Passed the House 242-96 and the Senate 19-5. Since it is a constitutional amendment, it doesn't go before the governor. However, 2/3s of the voters need to vote in favor of it in November for the NH Constitution to be amended.
This constitutional amendment concurrent resolution gives the legislature and the chief justice of the supreme court concurrent power to make rules governing the administration of the courts. (Currently the power lies with the chief justice.)
http://www.gencourt.state.nh.us/bill...lnumber=CACR26

[Keith and stuff]

A Ron Paul endorsing state rep. posted to Facebook about this bill, which she cosponsored, passing.

HB127 is one of 2 bills designed to liberalize the wiretapping laws in NH to make it harder for prosecutors to prosecute innocent people. The other bill, HB145 started out OK. We keep trying to improve the language but some of the legislators just didn't get it. Thankfully, the Glik court decision happened so much of what HB 145 was designed to do was deemed unneeded by the courts. So, a couple pro-liberty groups in NH asked the NH House to kill HB 145 and the NH House killed it.

HB127
Passed with Gov. Lynch’s signature
This bill amends the definition of “oral communication” under the wiretapping and eavesdropping statute to make it harder for prosecutors to prosecute innocent people.
http://www.gencourt.state.nh.us/bill...llnumber=HB127

[Keith and stuff]

I am sorry. I didn't even know this was an issue in New Hampshire. I have never been to a state fish and game refuge and didn't realize that under some circumstances, loaded firearms are banned at such places.

It is a good thing that a pro-liberty legislator did know about the issue. Now, not only is it not a misdemeanor to have a loaded firearm in such places (under some circumstances), someone has to discharge a firearm for the purpose of taking wildlife to be guilty of a misdemeanor in refuges.

This page shows that 4 refuges exist in NH. http://www.fws.gov/refuges/profiles/...e.cfm?state=NH

It is also nice to know that not a single legislator of either party in either body is on the record of having voted against this bill. Plus, even though Gov. Lynch has been vocal about his opposition to some firearms bills recently, he signed this bill.

STATE OF NEW HAMPSHIRE

In the Year of Our Lord Two Thousand Twelve

AN ACT relative to the penalty for firearm use in a state area for propagation of game controlled by the fish and game department.

Be it Enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives in General Court convened:

125:1 Propagation of Fish and Game; State Fish and Game Refuges; Possession of Firearm. Amend RSA 212:17 to read as follows:

212:17 Penalty. Any person found upon a state game refuge, except as may be permitted under RSA 212:15, or upon any land under the control of the executive director, which has been established by the executive director as an area for the propagation of game who discharges a firearm for the purpose of taking wildlife, shall be guilty of a misdemeanor.

125:2 Effective Date. This act shall take effect January 1, 2013.

HB1555
Passed with Gov. Lynch’s signature
This bill requires that the penalty for possession of a firearm in a state fish and game refuge applies only to a person who discharges his or her firearm for the purpose of taking wildlife.
http://www.gencourt.state.nh.us/bill...lnumber=HB1555

[Keith and stuff]

Here are 7 other pro-liberty bills that became law this year. They are mostly minor bills. A bunch more pro-liberty bills have already passed this year but I don't have time to add them all to the Report right now.

HB171 is a mixed bill as it does one good thing and one thing which could be considered bad. However, the good thing outweighs the other thing, IMO. Unfortunately, alcohol is heavily regulated in NH. Over the last few years, several bills that reduce alcohol regulations became law (including HB1208 which is mentioned below.)

HB171
Passed with Gov. Lynch’s signature
This bill prohibits the liquor commission from imposing restrictions on on-premises licenses relating to clothing or appearance of patrons or employees. This bill also authorizes enforcement actions by the liquor commission against licensees whose premises are regularly the site of violence.
http://www.gencourt.state.nh.us/bill...llnumber=HB171

HB1208
Passed with Gov. Lynch’s signature
The bill allows the advertising of liquor in additional types of publications and prohibits the liquor commission from requiring federal label approval for New Hampshire beer.
http://www.gencourt.state.nh.us/bill...lnumber=hb1208

HB342 is a very minor bill but it serves a useful purpose. If a person wants to petition the government to increase regulations, the person needs to inform the people that live near the area where there is a possibility that regulations may increase. This justly inconveniences people who want additional regulations and let's their neighbors know what they are up to.

HB342
Passed with Gov. Lynch’s signature
This bill requires that petitioners requesting the commissioner of safety to adopt rules establishing boat operation restrictions provide notice to abutters by certified mail.
http://www.gencourt.state.nh.us/bill...llnumber=HB342

HB344
Passed with Gov. Lynch’s signature
This bill holds judges more accountable by changing certain procedures for judicial performance evaluations.
http://www.gencourt.state.nh.us/bill...llnumber=HB344

HB382
Passed with Gov. Lynch’s signature
This bill removes the requirement that municipalities maintain sufficient fencing and gates surrounding municipal public cemeteries.
http://www.gencourt.state.nh.us/bill...llnumber=HB382

HB1231
Passed with Gov. Lynch’s signature
This bill removes the prohibition on the sale or gift of chicks, ducklings, goslings in quantity of less than 12 birds to an individual person.
http://www.gencourt.state.nh.us/bill...lnumber=HB1231

HB1618
Passed with Gov. Lynch’s signature
This bill repeals the law requiring home based care givers to provide fire protection measures when contracting with community living facilities.
http://www.gencourt.state.nh.us/bill...lnumber=HB1618

[libertybrewcity]

thanks for the updates!

[Keith and stuff]

Here are 9 other pro-liberty bills that became law this year. They are mostly minor bills.

Lots of bills meant to reduce licensing regulations were introduced this year. HB1127 is one of the few that became law.

HB1127
Passed with Gov. Lynch’s signature
This bill allows for additional barbering apprentices in a salon or barbershop.
http://www.gencourt.state.nh.us/bill...lnumber=HB1127

HB1170
Passed with Gov. Lynch’s signature
This bill allows municipalities to authorize the inclusion of a statement of the estimated tax impact of the budget and special warrant articles to be voted at annual meeting.
http://www.gencourt.state.nh.us/bill...lnumber=HB1170

HB1196
Passed with Gov. Lynch’s signature
This bill repeals the task force on state procurement policies and procedures.
http://www.gencourt.state.nh.us/bill...lnumber=HB1196

The anti-fluoride folks should be happy with HB1416. It was one of the key bills pushed by a Ron Paul support in Cheshire County.

HB1416
Passed with Gov. Lynch’s signature
This bill requires a fluoride statement to be posted in a water system’s consumer confidence report if the water supply is fluoridated.
http://www.gencourt.state.nh.us/bill...lnumber=HB1416

HB1417 has a powerful message. It is officially titled

AN ACT relative to a student’s freedom of association.

HB1417
Passed with Gov. Lynch’s signature
This bill provides that no institution within the university or community college systems of New Hampshire shall prohibit, as a condition of admission or continued enrollment, any student from becoming a member of any group or organization.
http://www.gencourt.state.nh.us/bill...lnumber=HB1417

HB1434
Passed with Gov. Lynch’s signature
This bill makes the display of antique motor vehicle plates on vehicles less restrictive.
http://www.gencourt.state.nh.us/bill...lnumber=HB1434

The bill to change automobile inspection from every year to every other year failed in the Senate. HB1585 was a less controversial way to reduce inspection requirements in NH and had the full support of the legislature and the governor.

HB1585
Passed with Gov. Lynch’s signature
This bill eliminates the requirement that trucks exceeding 18,000 pounds gross vehicle weight be inspected semiannually. These vehicles would then be subject to annual inspections.
http://www.gencourt.state.nh.us/bill...lnumber=HB1585

SB235
Passed with Gov. Lynch’s signature
This bill eliminates the requirements that certain foreign business organizations file a certificate of existence or agent’s written consent when registering with the secretary of state.http://www.gencourt.state.nh.us/bill...llnumber=SB235

SB250
Passed with Gov. Lynch’s signature
This bill adds specific exceptions to the evaluation criteria for the establishment of ATV and trail bike trails on state lands, and allows for OHRV operation on certain highways and trail crossings and connectors in Coos county.
http://www.gencourt.state.nh.us/bill...llnumber=SB250

[tsai3904]

Keith - How is Andy Sanborn's campaign going? He was co-chair of Ron's New Hampshire campaign right? Is it safe to say he is with us on ALL the issues? How much help will he need in his primary?

[Keith and stuff]

Keith - How is Andy Sanborn's campaign going? He was co-chair of Ron's New Hampshire campaign right? Is it safe to say he is with us on ALL the issues? How much help will he need in his primary?

He just announced officially on the 5th. He was. He isn't as good as Jim Forsythe but is pretty pro-liberty and more pro-liberty now than he was 2 years ago. The person running his campaign is pro-liberty. He will likely face both a tough primary and maybe even general election.

Thankfully, at least 3 other pro-liberty people are running for state senate in NH. One them is extremely pro-liberty, though, and has a poor chance of winning. Sanborn may have the best chance of winning out of the 4.

[tsai3904]

Is there a liberty oriented group in NH that rates all the politicians on how they vote (like Club for Growth)?

[Keith and stuff]

Is there a liberty oriented group in NH that rates all the politicians on how they vote (like Club for Growth)?

Are you joking By far the most effective such state organization in the country exists in NH, the New Hampshire Liberty Alliance. http://nhliberty.org/liberty_rating

There are also two organizations which lean pro-liberty much of the time (like Club for Growth) that do it. The House Republican Alliance (only for the House) http://www.nhhra.org/report_cards.htm and Americans for Prosperity New Hampshire. I cannot find the 2011 ratings on the AFPNH website.

If this is about Andy Sanborn, his first year was last year and this year isn't over. The NHLA Liberty Rating only shows his rating from last year. He was influenced by Jim Forsythe and other Ron Paul people.

[rossby]

Is there a liberty oriented group in NH that rates all the politicians on how they vote (like Club for Growth)?

Yes, the New Hampshire Liberty Alliance: nhliberty.org

But they do not just "rate" how politicians vote.

For the House of Representatives, the NHLA's volunteers read the bills that the politicians will be voting on; evaluate whether those bills are pro- or anti-liberty; write up the bases of their decisions; and make specific voting recommendations. They call these voting sheets "Gold Standards". On voting days, NHLA volunteers stand outside the NH statehouse on to distribute Gold Standards to representatives as they enter the building.

It's become relatively influential. Last week, a state rep. become frustrated at her questioners about a bill she wanted to kill. She finally took her copy of the Gold Standard, read it to the House, and the bill was ultimately killed.

[Keith and stuff]

Looks like quite a lot of legislators decided not to vote on that hemp resolution. Also, why don't they just pass a bill to send to the senate instead of a resolution?

Sorry for not replying sooner. I didn't notice your post.

The sponsor (a Democrat) tried House bills in the past without much success. There is a House bill sponsored by Republicans (including free staters) this year that may do better than the previous efforts. It is being voted on by the House this week. The committee report was 15-1 for the bill.

Here is a finally update on the bill I mentioned last time.

Here is the New Hampshire House Criminal Justice and Public Safety Committee report

HB 1615, relative to industrial hemp. OUGHT TO PASS.

Rep. Phil J Greazzo for Criminal Justice and Public Safety: The committee recognizes the historical significance hemp has played in the establishment of our great nation and believe it's time for New Hampshire to take a stand in urging the federal government to allow our farmers, industries, and businesses, to once again put this crop back into service. If one cared to translate the name "New Hampshire" to modern English, you would realize we're living in New Hemp County. HB1615 "shall only take effect upon certification by the Drug Enforcement Agency to the secretary of state and the office of legislative services that at least 2 of the 6 New England states have adopted similar legislation prohibiting industrial hemp from being designated as a controlled substance". The wording is intentional in that it separates industrial hemp (which contains less than 0.3% THC) from its botanical cousin, marijuana, (which contains the amounts ranging from 8-20%) as was the original intent of Congress in 1937. This is evidenced by their later "Hemp for Victory" campaign during WWII, urging farmers to grow hemp for the war effort. During that time 400,000 acres of Hemp were cultivated between 1942 and 1945 for rope, canvas, uniforms, and other products needed by our military due to the loss of supply from the Philippines falling to the Japanese. Hemp was last grown in New Hampshire during the 1950's. It's time to return this invaluable crop to our agriculture. Vote 15-1.

HB1615
Passed House 296-70
This bill prohibits the designation of industrial hemp as a controlled substance.
http://www.gencourt.state.nh.us/bill...lnumber=HB1615

[libertybrewcity]

Here is a finally update on the bill I mentioned last time.

Here is the New Hampshire House Criminal Justice and Public Safety Committee report


HB1615
Passed House 296-70
This bill prohibits the designation of industrial hemp as a controlled substance.
http://www.gencourt.state.nh.us/bill...lnumber=HB1615

Do you think Lynch will veto it?

Also, do you have any predictions about how Republicans will fare in the house and senate elections in November?

[Keith and stuff]

Do you think Lynch will veto it?

Also, do you have any predictions about how Republicans will fare in the house and senate elections in November?

The House passed HB1615 296-70. The Senate changed it to a study committee and passed that. So the bill died and will not go to Gov. Lynch.

I talked about that some in the redistricting thread. However, since I last posted in that thread, there have been a few Republican scandals in NH. The Republicans keep hurting themselves. One of the people that works for the Speaker of the House was fired for misconduct and the House Majority Leader resigned in disgrace. There were other, lesser incidents, also.

Because of all of the Republican scandals, the House Republican leadership pushed abortion related issues so much (Independent/Undeclared voters in NH tend to be very pro-choice) and since 6 or 7 of the 8 NH Senators retiring are Republicans (while it is less true in NH than any other state, incumbents are still more likely to get reelected than challengers) the House and Senate may both be close. Last I heard, most people were still expecting slight majorities in both bodies for Republicans but I wouldn't be surprised if there was another Republican scandal before November. Pretty accurate guesses should come out after the September primaries are finished.

[libertybrewcity]

The House passed HB1615 296-70. The Senate changed it to a study committee and passed that. So the bill died and will not go to Gov. Lynch.

I talked about that some in the redistricting thread. However, since I last posted in that thread, there have been a few Republican scandals in NH. The Republicans keep hurting themselves. One of the people that works for the Speaker of the House was fired for misconduct and the House Majority Leader resigned in disgrace. There were other, lesser incidents, also.

Because of all of the Republican scandals, the House Republican leadership pushed abortion related issues so much (Independent/Undeclared voters in NH tend to be very pro-choice) and since 6 or 7 of the 8 NH Senators retiring are Republicans (while it is less true in NH than any other state, incumbents are still more likely to get reelected than challengers) the House and Senate may both be close. Last I heard, most people were still expecting slight majorities in both bodies for Republicans but I wouldn't be surprised if there was another Republican scandal before November. Pretty accurate guesses should come out after the September primaries are finished.

It's pretty sad that they can't get their act together. They have a great opportunity to make some more incredible changes especially if they get a Republican governor in there, so I would hope they can hold on to their majorities.

[Keith and stuff]

Finally, the smart meter prohibition bill was signed by Governor Lynch!

SB266
Passed with Gov. Lynch’s signature
This bill prohibits electric utilities from installing and maintaining smart meter gateway devices without the residential or business property owner’s consent.
http://www.gencourt.state.nh.us/bill...llnumber=SB266

[Keith and stuff]

A lot of pro-liberty bills recently passed in NH. It makes sense to add a bunch of them to the Report at one time. However, I am so proud of HB146 that I thought it deserved an individual update.

HB 146, relative to the right of a jury to judge the application of the law in relationship to the facts in controversy, was signed by Governor Lynch last week. I'd like to thank every person, politician and political organization that made this happen. The struggle for informed juries has been going on for over 10 years in NH. Finally, in 2010, the legislators able to deliver a bill to the Governor's desk were elected. They did their job and delivered the bill. Governor Lynch did his job and signed the bill.

Thank you to NH Representative Lars Christiansen for submitting the bill. Thank you Republican State Delegates for making sure the bill is part of the NH GOP Platform. Thank you Speaker O'Brien for supporting the bill in the House. Thank you Governor Lynch for signing the bill.

This bill only passed the Senate because of the dedication of pro-liberty lawyers, Ron Paul supporters, free staters and Senator Jim Forsythe. Thank you, thank you, thank you!

HB146
Passed with Gov. Lynch’s signature
This bill states that in all criminal proceedings the court shall permit the defense to inform the jury of its right to judge the facts and the application of the law in relationship to the facts in controversy.
http://www.gencourt.state.nh.us/bill...llnumber=hb146

The Free State of New Hampshire is now a Fully Informed Jury state!
by Tim Condon
http://granitegrok.com/blog/2012/06/...med-jury-state

[helmuth_hubener]

I wonder how many anti-liberty bills were passed, though? Take the total number of bills and subtract the dozen or so Keith and Stuff has listed, I guess.