This bill proposes amending the state constitution to require a two-thirds vote in both legislative chambers before passing laws that create new taxes, increase existing taxes, or issue state bonds. It also mandates that the legislature must set aside funds from the general budget to pay interest and principal on any state debt. If approved by voters, these changes would make it more difficult to raise revenue through taxation and would ensure that debt payments are prioritized in the state budget. The bill is currently procedural, as it was submitted for a vote but did not pass before the legislative session ended.
This bill would require municipalities to send any excess money collected from the statewide education property tax to the state's education trust fund instead of keeping it locally. It also prohibits the state revenue commissioner from setting negative tax rates on real property to offset other taxes. These changes aim to ensure that surplus education funds are directed toward the state education trust while preventing specific tax rate adjustments. Although the bill was introduced, it was laid on the table and did not become law during the 2024 legislative session.
This bill is a resolution expressing support for a federal proposal called the "Dignity Through Prosperity Act," which aims to help people with permanent health conditions. The resolution directs New Hampshire's federal representatives to advocate for this federal legislation, which would extend design patent terms to individuals described as "eternally embrittled" by their health issues. By supporting this federal measure, the bill seeks to provide long-term financial stability and reduce reliance on public assistance for those with enduring health challenges.
HB 1292 proposes to expand health insurance coverage under the state retiree plan to include dependent children aged 19 to 25 who are full-time students, in addition to minors and disabled children. The bill would require these eligible young adults to pay a premium equal to the full cost of the plan benefits to maintain their coverage. Although the legislation also mentions federal immigration enforcement in its title, the provided text only details changes to insurance eligibility rules. Ultimately, the measure did not become law as it was laid on the table and died when the legislative session ended.
This bill proposes a three-year pilot program allowing recovery centers and community mental health centers to receive free passes to state parks for their clients. Funded through state and federal grants plus donations, the initiative would require these facilities to report annually on how the program is used and its impact. The pilot is scheduled to begin on July 1, 2024, with the specific provisions set to expire in 2027. Although the bill was referred for study, it was ultimately not passed during the 2024 legislative session.
HB 1522 proposes to update the rules for calculating unemployment compensation benefits in New Hampshire by replacing the current formula with a new schedule based on an individual's annual earnings. To qualify, a person must have earned at least $1,400 in each of two calendar quarters, and their weekly payment would then be determined by a specific table that links their total yearly income to a maximum weekly and total benefit amount. The bill directly affects eligible job seekers who file for unemployment, setting new caps on how much they can receive per week and over the course of a benefit year. If passed, these changes would take effect 60 days after the law is enacted.
HB 1410 sought to update the rules and powers of New Hampshire's Board of Nursing to better regulate the practice of nursing and the education of nursing students. The bill proposed changes such as requiring board members to have five years of nursing experience, establishing new standards for nursing programs, and giving the board authority to limit out-of-state licensure privileges to protect local residents. It also included provisions for criminal background checks for applicants, the creation of modified licenses for those with limited practice scopes, and the ability to issue medication administration certificates to nursing assistants. Although the bill contained specific policy updates, it was ultimately laid on the table and did not become law during the 2024 legislative session.
HB 1317 updates the rules for charitable organizations seeking property tax exemptions in New Hampshire by requiring them to file annual financial statements with their local municipalities before June 1. The bill allows municipalities to charge a late fee of $50 per week for overdue forms but prohibits granting exemptions once the local tax rate has been approved for the year. It also empowers city assessors and selectmen to request specific organizational documents within 30 days, with failure to provide these materials potentially resulting in a denial of exemption. Additionally, the legislation expands the grounds for tax abatement to include "good cause" beyond just errors or inability to pay, while setting a March 1 deadline for applying for such relief.
This bill proposes creating a permanent, nonpartisan Independent Redistricting Commission in New Hampshire to draw boundaries for all state and federal election districts. The commission would consist of six members selected from a pool of applicants who are not current or recent political officials, ensuring that no member has held specific elected offices or worked for campaigns in the last decade. Members would serve ten-year terms and must follow strict rules regarding campaign contributions and outside communications to maintain neutrality. The commission is tasked with redrawing maps after every federal census using criteria that prioritize population equality, compliance with laws, and the avoidance of partisan bias.
This bill authorizes the New Hampshire Department of Labor to hire up to three additional staff members to review and update safety rules for public sector employees. The legislation allocates funding of up to $400,000 to cover the salaries and benefits for these new positions, which are intended to help evaluate existing occupational safety standards before they expire in 2025. The additional personnel will focus on analyzing current regulations and recommending necessary changes to ensure worker safety requirements remain effective. The law takes effect on July 1, 2024, allowing the department to begin the staffing process and subsequent rule review immediately.
This bill would change the deadline for charter schools and school districts in New Hampshire to review and update their memorandums of understanding from the start of the school year to November 1. The updated agreement would ensure compliance with state and federal laws and confirm that services for students with disabilities are being provided correctly. The change is intended to give more time for these administrative reviews before the school year begins.
HB 301 requires New Hampshire legislators to step away from voting on any bill where they or their household members have a potential financial gain or a leadership role in an affected organization. The law also mandates that lawmakers verbally disclose such conflicts before speaking in committees or on the legislative floor. While the bill defines specific situations requiring recusal, it includes an exception allowing legislators to vote on broad-based tax measures or state budget items where their personal interest is minimal. These rules apply to both elected officials and their immediate families to ensure decisions are made without the influence of personal gain.
