This bill would allow the state to sell or lease surplus real estate to nonprofit organizations at prices below fair market value specifically for building affordable housing. The governor and council would determine the discounted price, and the state would attach legal restrictions to ensure the property remains dedicated to affordable housing purposes. Directly affecting state property management and nonprofit developers, the measure aims to provide discounted assets to support low-income housing projects. Although the bill passed a committee, it was ultimately tabled and did not become law during the 2024 session.
This bill proposes adding a new article to the New Hampshire constitution to explicitly guarantee a fundamental right to abortion. It would protect this right for all individuals up to 24 weeks of pregnancy, allowing restrictions only if there is a compelling state interest addressed by the least restrictive means. After 24 weeks, the bill permits abortion if an attending physician judges it necessary based on applicable standards of care. The legislation also outlines the process for submitting this constitutional amendment to voters for a decision at the November 2024 general election.
HB 1210 proposes to change how Strafford County commissioners are elected by replacing the current district-based system with a single election where all voters in the county choose three commissioners at large. The bill also includes specific provisions for Sullivan County, outlining its existing three districts, though the primary focus is on altering Strafford County's representation structure. If passed, these changes would take effect on January 1, 2025, shifting the method of selecting county leadership to a countywide vote rather than one per district.
This bill would have allowed the private sale, purchase, and donation of human blood, blood products, and organs within New Hampshire by removing existing state prohibitions. It specifically directs health facility regulations to exclude these transactions from licensing requirements, ensuring that individuals could legally engage in such exchanges without government interference. The legislation defines "blood and blood products" to include whole blood, plasma, serum, and any derivatives of these substances. Although the bill passed its committee stages, it was ultimately laid on the table and did not become law when the legislative session ended.
This bill authorizes school districts and the Department of Education to hire transportation network companies to provide student transportation services using private passenger vehicles. To ensure safety, the legislation establishes strict requirements for drivers, including mandatory criminal background checks, medical examinations, and specialized certification. The law also mandates that these vehicles undergo regular inspections and requires providers to maintain detailed qualification files for every driver. Additionally, the bill clarifies that students with disabilities may ride in these vehicles unless their individualized education plans explicitly prohibit it.
Died on Table, Session ended 10/10/2024 HJ 17
HB 1648 would have updated wage payment rules to allow employers to pay employees via debit cards, provided the employer covers all associated fees and ensures free access to funds. The bill required employers to offer clear written disclosures about any potential charges, obtain voluntary consent before using payroll cards, and give employees the option to switch to direct deposit without penalty. It also mandated that employers replace lost or stolen cards within 24 hours and provide a list of fee-free withdrawal locations. Although the legislation outlined these consumer protections, it was ultimately not enacted after the House voted to take no action on the measure.
This bill proposes creating a dedicated fund to finance the design and construction of noise barriers along state highways. It would allow the state to sell up to $10 million annually in toll credits from the turnpike, with the proceeds restricted to this new fund. The commissioner of transportation would use these funds for projects that meet specific noise reduction criteria, subject to approval by legislative committees. The bill aims to address highway traffic noise by establishing a clear funding source for barrier construction.
This bill would require insurance companies operating in the state to provide written details of their liability coverage limits within 60 days of receiving a request from a personal injury claimant or their attorney following a motor vehicle accident. The disclosure is intended to be used solely for resolving the specific claim or any related lawsuit. If an insurer fails to provide this information, they could face a $500 penalty along with payment for the claimant's legal fees and expenses. Although the bill was introduced, it was ultimately not passed by the legislature.
This bill requires the state insurance commissioner to issue written guidance to health care providers and insurance companies regarding the coverage of pelvic floor therapy. The commissioner must also review current insurance plans to identify any gaps in coverage and submit a detailed report with findings and recommendations to state officials by November 1, 2024. The law takes effect 60 days after it is passed, ensuring that these administrative steps are taken to clarify how pelvic floor therapy is covered under health insurance plans.
This bill prohibits companies owned or controlled by the People's Republic of China from purchasing, leasing, or controlling real property within 10 miles of military installations or critical infrastructure in New Hampshire. The law defines critical infrastructure broadly to include essential systems such as energy facilities, communications networks, transportation hubs, and government buildings. Any violation of this prohibition is classified as a misdemeanor, and the restrictions take effect on January 1, 2025.
This bill proposes to formally establish the Woodsville fire district in Haverhill as an independent village district with its own governing board and legal status. It transfers full responsibility for maintaining local roads and providing fire protection from the town of Haverhill to the district, while also allowing the district to share expenses with other communities. The legislation sets up a specific funding formula where the town compensates the district for these services based on the district's share of the town's road mileage, property value, and population. Additionally, residents of the district retain the right to vote on whether to return these responsibilities to the town at any time.
