April 9, 2009

No. 19

 

 

STATE OF NEW HAMPSHIRE

WEB SITE ADDRESS:

www.gencourt.state.nh.us

 

 

 

 

 

161st Session of the New Hampshire General Court

 

Legislative

 

SENATE CALENDAR

HEARINGS, MEETINGS AND NOTICES

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

THE SENATE WILL MEET IN SESSION ON WEDNESDAY, APRIL 22, AT 1:00 P.M.

LAID ON THE TABLE

CACR 11, relating to funding of public education.  Providing that the general court shall define an adequate education and distribute state funds for public education in a manner that alleviates local disparities. 4/01/09, pending motion ITL, Education, SJ 10, pg. TBA

 

SB 21, enabling certain persons to vote in primaries prior to turning 18 years of age. 3/25/09, pending motion OTP, Election Law and Veterans' Affairs, SJ 9, pg. 138

 

SB 34, providing that registers of probate be present at the probate office in accordance with personnel rules established by the supreme court. 2/18/09, pending motion OTP, Judiciary, SJ 5, pg. 58

 

SB 83, establishing a committee to study net loss carry forward provisions under the business taxes. 3/25/09, pending motion OTP, Ways & Means, SJ 9, pg. 153

 

SB 84, relative to the unused prescription drug program. 4/01/09, pending motion ITL, Judiciary, SJ 10, pg. TBA

 

SB 136-FN, relative to the motor vehicle registration fee supporting a municipal and transportation improvement fund. 3/4/09, pending motion ITL, Public and Municipal Affairs, SJ 6, pg. 79

 

SB 146-FN-A, relative to liquor profits deposited into the alcohol abuse prevention and treatment fund. 3/25/09, pending motion OTP, Ways & Means, SJ 9, pg. 145

 

SB 164-FN-A, relative to the expansion and funding of northern New Hampshire's electrical transmission system, and establishing the northern New Hampshire electrical transmission system improvement fund.  3/11/09, pending motion ITL, Energy, Environment and Economic Development, SJ 7, pg. 104

 

SB 169-FN, relative to games of chance and establishing a gaming oversight authority and video lottery gaming. 3/11/09, pending motion ITL, Ways & Means, SJ 7, pg. 114

 

SB 179-FN-A-L, providing for the recovery of horse racing, and expanding gaming operations in the north country and at pari-mutuel locations. 3/11/09, pending motion OTP, Ways & Means, SJ 7, pg. 114

HEARINGS

FRIDAY, APRIL 10, 2009

JOINT SENATE FINANCE AND WAYS AND MEANS COMMITTEES

10:00 a.m.        Room 100, SH                                       House Finance division Chairs' presentation on budget to Senate Finance and Ways and Means Committees

MONDAY, APRIL 13, 2009

JOINT SENATE FINANCE AND WAYS AND MEANS COMMITTEES

10:00 a.m.        Room 100, SH                                       Legislative Budget Assistant's Office presentation on budget to Senate finance and Ways and Means Committees

TUESDAY, APRIL 14, 2009

COMMERCE, LABOR AND CONSUMER PROTECTION, Room 102, LOB

Sen. Hassan (C), Sen. DeVries (VC), Sen. Reynolds, Sen. Cilley, Sen. Bragdon, Sen. Roberge

8:30 a.m.          HB 216-FN, relative to fees for legal services rendered to workers' compensation claimants.

8:45 a.m.          HB 240-FN, relative to workers' compensation for death.

9:00 a.m.          HB 343, relative to payroll deductions.

9:15 a.m.          HB 144, relative to title insurance.

9:30 a.m.          HB 411, relative to the safety of retirement accounts.

                        EXECUTIVE SESSION MAY FOLLOW

ELECTION LAW AND VETERANS' AFFAIRS, Room 101, LOB

Sen. Lasky (C), Sen. Houde (VC), Sen. Merrill, Sen. Barnes, Sen. Carson

8:30 a.m.          HB 387, relative to observation of voter registration.

8:45 a.m.          HB 622, amending the hearing dates of the ballot law commission.

9:00 a.m.          HB 623, making various changes to the election laws.

                        EXECUTIVE SESSION MAY FOLLOW

EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENTS AND ADMINISTRATION, Room 101, LOB

Sen. Cilley (C), Sen. Fuller Clark (VC), Sen. DeVries, Sen. Downing, Sen. Carson

2:00 p.m.          HB 98, relative to reinstatement of lapsed licenses of speech-language pathologists.

2:15 p.m.          HB 116, relative to the membership of the legislative youth advisory council.

2:30 p.m.          HB 129, establishing a committee to study the incorporation of electronic filing procedures under the administrative procedures act.

2:45 p.m.          HB 233, relative to the membership of the board of medicine.

3:00 p.m.          HB 245, extending study committees and commissions.

                        EXECUTIVE SESSION MAY FOLLOW

FINANCE, Laconia Middle School Cafeteria, 150 McGrath Street, Laconia

Sen. D'Allesandro (C), Sen. Janeway (VC), Sen. Larsen, Sen. Hassan, Sen. Sgambati, Sen. Gallus, Sen. Odell

5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.                 STATE BUDGET

HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES, Room 201-203, LOB

Sen. Sgambati (C), Sen. Gilmour (VC), Sen. Kelly, Sen. Gallus, Sen. Downing

8:30 a.m.          HB 132, relative to access to case records of the department of health and human services.

8:45 a.m.          HB 234, establishing a committee to study the certificate of need process.

9:00 a.m.          HB 648-FN, relative to the use of marijuana for medicinal purposes.

                        EXECUTIVE SESSION MAY FOLLOW

JUDICIARY, Room 201-203, LOB

Sen. Reynolds (C), Sen. Lasky (VC), Sen. Houde, Sen. Roberge, Sen. Letourneau

1:30 p.m.          HB 556-FN, repealing the death penalty.

                        EXECUTIVE SESSION MAY FOLLOW

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 15, 2009

FINANCE, Representatives' Hall

Sen. D'Allesandro (C), Sen. Janeway (VC), Sen. Larsen, Sen. Hassan, Sen. Sgambati, Sen. Gallus, Sen. Odell

5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.     HB 1-A, making appropriations for the expenses of certain departments of          the state for fiscal years ending June 30, 2010 and June 30, 2011.

                                    HB 2-FN-A-L, relative to state fees, funds, revenues, and expenditures.

JUDICIARY, Representatives' Hall

Sen. Reynolds (C), Sen. Lasky (VC), Sen. Houde, Sen. Roberge, Sen. Letourneau

9:00 a.m.          HB 436-FN-L, relative to civil marriage and civil unions.

                        EXECUTIVE SESSION MAY FOLLOW

THURSDAY, APRIL 16, 2009

CAPITAL BUDGET, Room 100, SH

Sen. Janeway (C), Sen. Hassan (VC), Sen. D'Allesandro, Sen. Kelly, Sen. Gatsas, Sen. Downing

8:30 a.m.          Organizational meeting and briefings by Jack Dianis, LBAO and Catherine Provencher, State Treasurer

ENERGY, ENVIRONMENT AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT, Room 102, LOB

Sen. Fuller Clark (C), Sen. Merrill (VC), Sen. Cilley, Sen. Lasky, Sen. Odell, Sen. Carson

8:30 a.m.          HB 102, (New Title) relative to the rivers management and protection program.

8:50 a.m.          HB 58, designating segments of the Cocheco River as protected under the rivers management and protection program.

9:10 a.m.          HB 452, designating segments of the Ammonoosuc River into the rivers management and protection program.

9:30 a.m.          HB 674-FN-A, relative to eliminating the water resources council, relative to dams, and authorizing the Connecticut lakes headwaters citizens committee to advise the department of environmental services on the management of Lake Francis and associated property.

                        EXECUTIVE SESSION MAY FOLLOW

FINANCE, Manchester City Hall, One City Hall Plaza, Manchester

Sen. D'Allesandro (C), Sen. Janeway (VC), Sen. Larsen, Sen. Hassan, Sen. Sgambati, Sen. Gallus, Sen. Odell

5:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.                 STATE BUDGET

PUBLIC AND MUNICIPAL AFFAIRS, Room 103, LOB

Sen. DeVries (C), Sen. Houde (VC), Sen. Sgambati, Sen. Roberge, Sen. Barnes

8:30 a.m.          HB 290, (New Title) authorizing fluvial erosion hazard ordinances.

8:40 a.m.          HB 141, authorizing towns and cities to accept any form of electronic payment.

                        (Note time change for HB 141)

8:50 a.m.          HB 142, relative to extending municipal leases.

                        (Note time change for HB 142)

9:10 a.m.          HB 86, (New Title) allowing towns to issues citations and accept pleas by mail for local ordinance violations.

                        (Note time change for HB 86)

9:30 a.m.          HB 239-L, relative to establishing a municipal bond rescission process.

                        (Note time change for HB 239-L)

                        EXECUTIVE SESSION MAY FOLLOW

THURSDAY, APRIL 23, 2009

ENERGY, ENVIRONMENT AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT, Room 102, LOB

Sen. Fuller Clark (C), Sen. Merrill (VC), Sen. Cilley, Sen. Lasky, Sen. Odell, Sen. Carson

8:30 a.m.          HB 117, repealing the gas utility restructuring oversight committee.

8:40 a.m.          HB 61, relative to a definition of "sustainable energy."

9:00 a.m.          HB 229, clarifying the eligibility requirements for class IV renewable energy generating facilities.

9:20 a.m.          HB 55, (New Title) relative to energy facility siting construction and operation.

                        EXECUTIVE SESSION MAY FOLLOW

MEETINGS

FRIDAY, APRIL 10, 2009

STATE SUGGESTION AND EXTRAORDINARY SERVICE AWARD EVALUATION COMMITTEE (RSA 99-e:1,I)

9:30 a.m.                      Room 101, LOB                         Regular Meeting

GUARDIAN AD LITEM BOARD (RSA 490-C:1)

1:00 p.m.                      Room 102, LOB                         Regular Meeting

MONDAY, APRIL 13, 2009

COUNCIL ON THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN PUBLIC HEALTH AND THE ENVIRONMENT (RSA 125-P:1)

9:30 a.m.                      Room 205, LOB                         Regular Meeting

LEGISLATIVE ETHICS COMMITTEE (RSA 14-B:2)

10:00 a.m.                    Room 103, SH                                       Public Hearing on draft proposed amendments to the Ethics Guidelines and Regular Meeting

JOINT LEGISLATIVE COMMITTEE ON ELDERLY AFFAIRS (RSA 17-H:2)

10:00 a.m.                    Room 207, LOB                         Regular Meeting

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 15, 2009

TASK FORCE TO STUDY EMPLOYEE MISCLASSIFICATION (SB 500, Chapter 378:7, Laws of 2008)

2:00 p.m.                      Room 307, LOB                         Regular Meeting

THURSDAY, APRIL 16, 2009

JOINT MEETING BETWEEN THE HOUSE SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY AND THE SENATE ENERGY, ENVIRONMENT AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEES

1:00 p.m.                      Room 304, LOB                         Presentation from ISO New England

ADVANCED MANUFACTURING EDUCATION ADVISORY COUNCIL (RSA 188-E:21)

3:00 p.m.                      Room 103, SH                           Regular Meeting

ESTABLISHING A TASK FORCE TO STUDY TEMPORARY ASSISTANCE TO NEEDY FAMILIES (TANF) (HB 1461, Chapter 247:1, Laws of 2006)

3:00 p.m.                      Room 205, LOB                         Regular Meeting

FRIDAY, APRIL 17, 2009

FISCAL COMMITTEE OF THE GENERAL COURT (RSA 14:30-a)

9:00 a.m.                      Rooms 210-211, LOB                             Regular Business

9:30 a.m.                      Rooms 210-211, LOB                             Audits

 

                                                                                                State of New Hampshire

                                                                                                Commission for Human Rights

                                                                                                Financial Audit Report

                                                                                                For the Six Months Ended December 31, 2008

 

                                                                                                State of New Hampshire

                                                                                                Liquor Commission

                                                                                                Performance Audit Report

                                                                                                April 2009

JOINT LEGISLATIVE COMMITTEE ON ADMINISTRATIVE RULES (RSA 541-A:2)

9:00 a.m.                      Rooms 306-308, LOB                             Regular Meeting

GOVERNOR'S COMMISSION ON ALCOHOL AND DRUG ABUSE PREVENTION, INTERVENTION, AND TREATMENT (RSA 12-J:1)

9:30 a.m.                      The Willows at Families in                    Regular Meeting

                                    Transition       

                                    161 South Beech Street

                                    Manchester, NH

COMMISSION TO RECOMMEND POLICIES AND PROGRAMS RELATED TO INCREASING THE NUMBER  OF NEW HAMPSHIRE INDIVIDUALS IN HEALTH PROFESSIONS SERVING NEW HAMPSHIRE'S RURAL AND UNDERSERVED AREAS WITH A FOCUS ON PRIMARY CARE (HB 1615, Chapter 367:3, Laws of 2008)

10:00 a.m.                    Room 205, LOB                         Regular Meeting

GUARDIAN AD LITEM BOARD (RSA 490-C:1)

10:00 a.m.                    Room 102, LOB                         Special Hearing in the Matter of Marie Dubreuil

MONDAY, APRIL 20, 2009

ASSESSING STANDARDS BOARD (RSA 21-J:14-a)

9:00 a.m.                      NH Department of Revenue       Low Income Housing Subcommittee

                                    Administration

                                    Medical & Surgical Building

                                    109 Pleasant Street

                                    Concord, NH

INTERAGENCY COORDINATING COUNCIL FOR WOMEN OFFENDERS (RSA 21-H:14-c)

Cancelled                      Room 100, SH                           Regular Meeting

HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES OVERSIGHT COMMITTEE (RSA 126-A:13)

10:00 a.m.                    Room 205, LOB                         Regular Meeting

COMMISSION TO STUDY LAND DEVELOPMENT REGULATIONS AND THE EFFECTS OF LAND DEVELOPMENT WITHIN UPLAND AREAS THAT MAY AFFECT WETLANDS AND SURFACE WATERS OF THE STATE (HB 1579, Chapter 294:1, Laws of 2008)

1:00 p.m.                      Room 305, LOB                         Regular Meeting

COMMISSION TO STUDY THE AUTHORITY TO PRACTICE OR PROVIDE HEALTH AND MEDICAL CARE IN THE EVENT OF THE DECLARATION OF A STATE OF EMERGENCY PURSUANT TO RSA 4:45 OR A PUBLIC HEALTH OR SAFETY INCIDENT AS DEFINED IN RSA 508:17-a, II (c) (SB 512, Chapter 271:9, Laws of 2008)

1:00 p.m.                      Room 205, LOB                         Regular Meeting

DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITY AND ACQUIRED BRAIN DISORDER WAITLIST AND SERVICES FUND ALLOCATION OVERSIGHT COMMITTEE (RSA 171-A:1-c)

1:00 p.m.                      Room 103, SH                           Regular Meeting

TUESDAY, APRIL 21, 2009

CAPITAL BUDGET OVERVIEW COMMITTEE (RSA 17-J:2)

2:00 p.m.                      Room 201, LOB                         Regular Business

LONG RANGE CAPITAL PLANNING AND UTILIZATION COMMITTEE (RSA 17-M:1)

3:00 p.m.                      Room 201, LOB                         Regular Business

THURSDAY, APRIL 23, 2009

COMMISSION TO DEVELOP ALTERNATIVES TO THE DISPOSAL OF MEDICAL SHARPS IN HOUSEHOLD WASTE (HB 1502, Chapter 259:2, Laws of 2008)

2:00 p.m.                      Room 304, LOB                         Regular Meeting

NEW HAMPSHIRE COUNCIL ON SUICIDE PREVENTION (RSA 126-R:2)

2:00 p.m.                      Upham Walker House               Regular Meeting

                                    Concord, NH

GUARDIAN AD LITEM BOARD (RSA 490-C:1)

3:00 p.m.                      Room 103, SH                           Public Comment Hearing Procedural Revisions to Guardian Ad Litem Rules

MONDAY, APRIL 27, 2009

INTERAGENCY COORDINATING COUNCIL FOR WOMEN OFFENDERS (RSA 21-H:14-c)

9:00 a.m.                      Room 103, SH                           Regular Meeting

OIL FUND DISBURSEMENT BOARD (RSA 146-D:4)

9:00 a.m.                      Room 305, LOB                         Regular Meeting

LEGISLATIVE ETHICS COMMITTEE (RSA 14-B:2)

10:00 a.m.                    Room 206, LOB                         Joint Meeting

FRIDAY, MAY 1, 2009

JOINT LEGISLATIVE COMMITTEE ON ADMINISTRATIVE RULES (RSA 541-A:2)

9:00 a.m.                      Rooms 306-308, LOB                 Continued Meeting

MONDAY, MAY 4, 2009

CITIZENS TRADE POLICY COMMISSION (RSA 19-L:1)

9:00 a.m.                      Room 307, LOB                         Regular Meeting

COMMISSION TO STUDY AIR QUALITY ISSUES IN PUBLIC SCHOOL BUILDINGS (HB 1171, Chapter 242:1, Laws of 2008)

10:00 a.m.                    Department of Education           Regular Meeting

                                    101 Pleasant Street

                                    Concord, NH

COMMISSION TO STUDY THE PREVENTION OF CHILDHOOD OBESITY (HB 1422, Chapter 219:1, Laws of 2008)

10:00 a.m.                    Room 205, LOB                         Regular Meeting

WEDNESDAY, MAY 6, 2009

ADVISORY COMMITTEE ON EDUCATION OF CHILDREN/STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES (RSA 186-C:3-b)

4:00 p.m.                      NH Department of Education                Regular Meeting

                                    Londergan Hall, Room 15

                                    101 Pleasant Street

                                    Concord, NH

FRIDAY, MAY 8, 2009

ENERGY EFFICIENCY AND SUSTAINABLE ENERGY BOARD (RSA 125-O:5-a)

9:00 a.m.                      NH Public Utilities Commission            Regular Meeting

                                    Hearing Room A, Suite 10

                                    21 South Fruit Street

                                    Concord, NH

STATE SUGGESTION AND EXTRAORDINARY SERVICE AWARD EVALUATION COMMITTEE (RSA 99-E:1,I)

9:30 a.m.                      Room 101, LOB                         Regular Meeting

GUARDIAN AD LITEM BOARD (RSA 490-C:1)

1:00 p.m.                      Room 102, LOB                         Regular Meeting

NEW HAMPSHIRE COMMISSION ON DEAFNESS AND HEARING LOSS (RSA 125-Q)

1:30 p.m.                      Room 205, LOB                         Regular Meeting

FRIDAY, MAY 15, 2009

JOINT LEGISLATIVE COMMITTEE ON ADMINISTRATIVE RULES (RSA 541-A:2)

9:00 a.m.                      Rooms 306-308, LOB                 Regular Meeting

MONDAY, MAY 18, 2009

INTERAGENCY COORDINATING COUNCIL FOR WOMEN OFFENDERS (RSA 21-H:14-c)

9:00 a.m.                      Room 100, SH                           Regular Meeting

OIL FUND DISBURSEMENT BOARD (RSA 146-D:4)

9:00 a.m.                      Room 305, LOB                         Regular Meeting

FRIDAY, MAY 22, 2009

ASSESSING STANDARDS BOARD (RSA 21-J:14-a)

9:30 a.m.                      NH Department of Revenue                   Regular Meeting

                                    Administration

                                    Medical & Surgical Building

                                    109 Pleasant Street

                                    Concord, NH

ASSESSING STANDARDS BOARD (RSA 21-J:14-a)

1:30 p.m.                      NH Department of Revenue                   Low Income Housing Subcommittee

                                    Administration

                                    Medical & Surgical Building

                                    109 Pleasant Street

                                    Concord, NH

FRIDAY, JUNE 12, 2009

ENERGY EFFICIENCY AND SUSTAINABLE ENERGY BOARD (RSA 125-O:5-a)

9:00 a.m.                      NH Public Utilities Commission            Regular Meeting

                                    Hearing Room A, Suite 10

                                    21 South Fruit Street

                                    Concord, NH

MONDAY, JUNE 15, 2009

ASSESSING STANDARDS BOARD (RSA 21-J:14-a)

1:30 p.m.                      NH Department of Revenue                   Low Income Housing Subcommittee

                                    Administration

                                    Medical & Surgical Building

                                    109 Pleasant Street

                                    Concord, NH

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FISCAL NOTE ADDITIONS AND UPDATES HAVE BEEN AMENDED TO THE BILLS ON THE WEB SITE AND ARE AVAILABLE IN THE SENATE CLERK'S OFFICE FOR THE FOLLOWING 2009 BILLS:

SENATE BILLS: 25, 28, 39, 65, 68, 69, 79, 82, 89, 99, 100, 103, 106, 107, 135, 137, 139, 141, 144, 145, 146, 159, 163, 165, 167, 169, 170, 174, 175, 176, 177, 179, 180, 182, 185, 192, 200, 201, 202.

HOUSE BILLS: 30, 41, 52, 56, 64, 90, 112, 193, 216, 223, 240, 256, 279, 313, 334, 384, 395, 408, 423, 424, 429, 460, 464, 530, 570, 592, 600, 602, 685.

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NOTICES

TUESDAY, APRIL 14, 2009

All interested legislators are invited to attend a kick-off event for the purpose of forming a Legislative Sportsmen's Caucus in our New Hampshire Legislature.  The event will be held at the Upham Walker House on April 14th at noon.  A light lunch will be served.  Legislative Sportsmen's Caucuses, nationwide, with support of the National Assembly of Sportsmen's Caucuses (NASC) work to affect issues regarding hunting, fishing, firearms and conservation. Jennifer Lundy, state coordinator for the NASC, will make a short presentation. Please join us as New Hampshire becomes the 38th state to form a Legislative Sportsmen's Caucus and become a founding member.

Senator John T. Gallus

********

THURSDAY, APRIL 16, 2009

All Senate members and staff are invited to join Governor Lynch and Dr. Susan Lynch as they recognize New Hampshire’s participation in National Healthcare Decisions Day.  Please come to a brief event in the Executive Council Chamber, Thursday, April 16 at 11:00 a.m. Refreshments will be served.  New Hampshire organizers are asking interested individuals to help raise awareness about the importance of advance care planning on this special day—and throughout the year. 

Senator Deborah R. Reynolds

Senator Peggy Gilmour

********

THURSDAY, APRIL 16, 2009

The New Hampshire Preservation Alliance, together with the N.H. Department of Education and other partners, is pleased to invite legislators to A Forum on School Building Aid and Siting Policies: Opportunities for New Hampshire on Thursday, April 16th, 3:00 p.m. - 4:30 p.m. Presentation by national advisor and architect Royce Yeater to be followed by discussion with representatives from the Department of Education, The Jordan Institute and AIA NH.  Refreshments will be served.  New Hampshire Historical Society Library, 30 Park Street, Concord.

Senator Margaret Wood Hassan, Majority Leader

Senator Peter E. Bragdon, Minority Leader

********

MONDAY, APRIL 27, 2009

The New Hampshire Canada Trade Council will host a briefing on Monday, April 27 at 1:30 p.m. in Room 301 of the Legislative Office Building by representatives of Public Service of New Hampshire relative to the discussions by their parent company Northeast Utilities and Hydro Quebec regarding the purchase of energy for the northeast grid.  PSNH will provide an overview of the discussions and its impact on New Hampshire.  All members of the House and Senate are invited.

Senate Jacalyn L. Cilley

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SENATE SCHEDULE

Thursday, May 07, 2009                                    Deadline for Policy Committees to ACT on all House money bills, except bills exempted pursuant to Senate Rule 26(b).

 

Monday, May 25, 2009                                      Memorial Day (State Holiday).

 

Thursday, June 04, 2009                                   Last day to ACT on all remaining House bills.

 

Wednesday, June 10, 2009                                 Last day to FORM Committees of Conference.

 

Thursday, June 18, 2009, at 12:00 p.m.             Last day to SIGN Committee of Conference Reports.

 

Thursday, June 25, 2009                                   Last day to ACT on Committee of Conference Reports.

 

Friday, July 3, 2009                                          Fourth of July (State Holiday).

 

Monday, September 7, 2009                               Labor Day (State Holiday).

 

Wednesday, November 11, 2009                         Veterans Day (State Holiday).

 

Thursday, November 26, 2009                           Thanksgiving Day (State Holiday).

 

Friday, November 27, 2009                               Day after Thanksgiving (State Holiday).

 

Friday, December 25, 2009                                Christmas Day (State Holiday).

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        THE STATE OF NEW HAMPSHIRE

 

      SUPREME COURT

 

 

        In Case No. 2009-0251, Request for an Opinion of the Justices (Voting Age in Primary Elections II), the court on April 8, 2009, issued the following order:

 

            The following request of the senate for an opinion of the justices was adopted on April 1, 2009, and filed with the supreme court on April 3, 2009:

 

SENATE RESOLUTION 1

 

Whereas, SB 21, “An act enabling certain persons to vote in primaries prior to turning 18 years of age,” is presently pending in the senate; and

 

Whereas, SB 21 would provide that a person who is 17 years of age and who otherwise meets voter eligibility requirements may vote at a state primary election or a presidential primary election preceding a general election at which the person will be 18 years of age; and

 

Whereas, in Opinion of the Justices (Voting Age in Primaries) issued by the Court on May 19, 2008 in response to the request of the House of Representatives in HR 32 adopted on April 23, 2008, the Court answered in the affirmative the question of whether SB 436 would violate Part I, Article 11 of the New Hampshire Constitution; and

 

Whereas, in the same Opinion of the Justices, the Court noted that it had not been asked and therefore did not opine upon whether SB 436 would infringe upon the associational rights of political parties guaranteed by the First Amendment to the United States Constitution; and

 

Whereas, the provisions of SB 21 are identical to SB 436; and

 

Whereas, the United States Supreme Court has recognized that the freedom of association protected by the First and Fourteenth Amendments to the United States Constitution includes partisan political organization; and

 

Whereas, a question has arisen as to whether the First and Fourteenth Amendments to the United States Constitution provide greater protection than do Part I, Article 11 and Part I, Article 32 of the New Hampshire Constitution of the associational rights of any political party such that the legislature may allow an otherwise qualified 17-year-old person to vote in a state or presidential primary that precedes a general election at which the person will be 18 years of age, in order to permit such persons to participate in choosing the party’s nominee for the general election; and

 

Whereas, it is important that this constitutional question be settled before the bill is enacted; now, therefore, be it

 

Resolved by the Senate:

 

That the justices of the supreme court be respectfully requested to give their opinion upon the following questions of law:

 

1.  Would enactment of SB 21 to allow voting in a state primary and presidential primary election by 17-year-old persons who will be 18 years of age at the next general election, in order to allow such persons to participate in choosing the party’s nominee for the general election, infringe upon the associational rights guaranteed to political parties under the First and Fourteenth Amendments to the United States Constitution?

 

2.  Do the First and Fourteenth Amendments to the United States Constitution provide greater protection than do Part I, Article 11 and Part I, Article 32 of the New Hampshire Constitution of the associational rights of political parties such that the legislature may allow an otherwise qualified 17-year-old person to vote in a state or presidential primary that precedes a general election at which the person will be 18 years of age, as would be permitted under SB 21?

 

3.  If the Court answers the second question in the affirmative, would SB 21 be constitutional notwithstanding the Opinion of the Justices, No. 2008-292, issued on May 19, 2008?

 

That the clerk of the senate transmit copies of this resolution and SB 21 to the Justices of the New Hampshire Supreme Court.

 

            Typewritten memoranda on the questions presented by the request may be furnished by any legislator, attorney, organization, interested party, or member of the public on or before April 22, 2009.  An original and eight copies of any memorandum must be filed with the clerk's office.

 

This order is entered by a single justice (Broderick, C.J.).  See Rule 21(7).

 

                                                                Eileen Fox,

                                                                     Clerk

Distribution:

Tammy L. Wright, Clerk of the Senate

File

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VISITORS' CENTER SCHEDULE - APRIL

State House Visitation Schedule

As a convenience to the members of the NH General Court, the Visitors’ Center offers the following schedule of schools and other groups visiting the State House in April 2009.  These listings are to ensure all members be notified in a timely manner of visitors from their district.  Our schedule is tightly booked for the remainder of the school year and subject to changes.  Please contact the Visitors’ Center concerning school tour booking information.  Legislators planning to meet with students should notify the Visitor Center. Thank you for your continued participation with your School Visitation Program.

 

Virginia J. Drew. Director                Caitlin A. Daniuk, Public Information Administrator

 

Apr. 10

10:00/11:30

SH/HM

Nottingham West SchoolHudson

80/4

Apr. 10

1:00

Finishers Fellowship

20/Adult

Apr. 13

9:30

Hinsdale Elementary School

38/4

Apr. 13

10:30

Alstead Primary School

21/4

Apr. 13

11:00

Paul SchoolWakefield

50/4

Apr. 13

3:30

Nashua Girl Scouts

10/3&4

Apr. 14

10:00/11:30

SH/HM

Crescent Lake School – Wolfeboro

90/4

Apr. 15

9:45/11:00

SH/PM

Loudon Elementary School

75/4

Apr. 15

11:30

New Franklin SchoolPortsmouth

45/4

Apr. 15

2:00

Dover Area Senior Center

15/Adult

Apr. 16

8:30

Alvirne High School – French Exchange Students

24/HS

Apr. 16

10:00/11:30

SH/HM

Garrison Elementary SchoolDover

106/4

Apr. 16

11:00

Christian Bible Church AcademyNashua

11/7&12

Apr. 17

9:00

New Hampton Elementary School

33/4

Apr. 17

9:30/10:30

DAR

100/Adult

Apr. 17

10:00/11:30

SH/SC

Hollis Upper Elementary School

88/4

Apr. 20

9:45/11:00

SH/HM

Hooksett Memorial School

95/4

Apr. 21

9:45

Thornton’s Ferry SchoolMerrimack

44/4

Apr. 21

11:30/12:30

HM/Planet

Little Harbor SchoolPortsmouth

66/4

Apr. 22

9:30

Chester Academy

33/8

Apr. 22

11:00

St. Francis of Assisi School – Litchfield

50/4

Apr. 22

1:30

Lycee Lumiere from Luxeuil

35/HS

Apr. 23

9:30/11:00

SH/HM

Thornton’s Ferry SchoolMerrimack

66/4

Apr. 23

10:30

Ossipee Central School

46/4

Apr. 24

9:45/11:00

SH/HM

Hooksett Memorial School

75/4

Apr. 24

11:30

General Federation of Women’s Clubs of New Hampshire

35/Adult

Apr. 28

9:30/11:00

SH/HM

Henry Wilson SchoolFarmington

110/4

Apr. 29

10:00/11:30

SH/HM

Mastway Elementary School – Lee

88/4

Apr. 30

9:30/11:00

SH/HM

Canaan Elementary School

65/4

Apr. 30

10:10

Girls Day at the State House – Commission on the Status of Women

50/5&6

Apr. 30

12:00

Cornish Elementary School

15/4