RAYMOND — This column is a continuation with the passed bills from the early sessions of January 4 and 5. These are all still retained bills from last year.
HB-162-FN - relative to capital murder for purposely causing the death of another. This bill only gives the option of seeking a death penalty and is not mandatory for someone who chose to take the life of another. Bill tabled RC 176-153.
HB-217-FN - including "unborn child" in the definition of "another" for the purpose of first and second degree murder, manslaughter, and negligent homicide. This bill will include "fetus" in RSA 630, adding definitions: (a) "Conception" means the fusion of a human spermatozoon with a human ovum. (b) "Unborn child" means the female reproductive condition of having an unborn in the woman's body. A-2781h yes VV,
A-0047h no RC 139-201, A 0010h yes VV, OTP-A yes RC 213-125.
HB-334 - relative to the state's authority to prohibit or regulate firearms, firearms components, ammunition, firearms, and knives. This bill adds knives to RSA 159:26and codifies that the General Court shall have exclusive authority and jurisdiction over the sale, ownership, transportation, and use of firearms and knives. A-2563h yes VV, OTP-A yes RC 180-144.
HB-486-FN - relative to penalties for alcohol ignition interlock circumvention. This bill creates an enhanced penalty for those who violate the alcohol ignition interlock device installed by court order. A-2577h yes VV, OTP-A yes RC 259-48.
HB-536-FN - relative to the natural right to carry a firearm, openly or concealed, without a license. Bill will increase the length of time between license renewals to 5 years. It also makes the pistol/revolver license optional and allows anyone to carry a concealed firearm without a pistol/revolver license. A-2679h yes VV, OTP-A yes RC 193-122.
HB-628-FN - relative to searches conducted for purposes of transportation-related security. High outcry from passenger abuse upon boarding aircraft brought this bill forward. A-2768h yes VV, OTP-A yes RC 188-136.
CACR-8 - relating to education. Providing that the legislation shall have the power to authorize schools. This is a proposed Constitutional Amendment bill and it requires 3/5 (239) of House to pass. OTP failed RC 219-127. Vote to recommit to Education Committee, only requiring majority vote passed D 246-103.
HB-219 - restricting the rule-making authority of the State Board of Education, and establishing a legislature oversight committee to review the rule-making authority of the State Board of Education. A-2755h yes RC 208-109, OTP-A yes RC 214-110.
HB-325-FN - relative to the transfer of animals from licensed animal vendors. This bill amends RSA 437 in regards to the sale of pets and the disposition of unclaimed animals. A-2796h yes VV, OTP-A yes VV.
HB-137-FN-L - relative to the state fire code and the state building code. This bill updates the state building codes and defines the state fire code. A-2786h yes VV, OTP-A yes VV.
HB-383 - prohibiting the collection of certain agency fees from state employees who are not members of the state employees association. OTP yes RC 212-128.
HB-446-FN - repealing the authority for regulation of certain professional occupations. This was the very hot bill to repeal a large group of professional license requirements. Follow the bill: A-2639h yes VV, A-0116h no D 112-219, A-0095h no VV, attempt to table no RC 62-269, OTP-A no RC 125-195, ITL (kill) yes RC 214-116.
HB-625-FN-A - relative to New Hampshire correctional industries. Bill relates to GraniteCor, a business enterprise within the state Department of Corrections dealing with recidivism. A-2666h yes VV, OTP-A yes VV.
HB-269-FN - relative to the authority of departments to transfer funds among budget accounting units. Bill increases amount a department may transfer among budget accounting units without prior approval of the Fiscal Committee of the general court and the Governor and council. A-2714h yes VV, OTP-A yes VV. Bill from Finance (2nd Comm.), goes to senate.
HB-618-FN - requiring state agencies to develop performance measures, and to develop budgets each biennium. This bill updates the requirements of how departments must prepare their budgets, requiring an efficiency level expenditure estimate be submitted to the Commissioner of Administrative Services. A-2738h no VV, A-0102h yes VV, OTP-A yes VV.
HB-194 - relative to the prohibition on having or carrying a loaded crossbow, rifle, or shotgun in or on a vehicle. This bill repeals provisions in the fish and game laws prohibiting the having or carrying of certain crossbows, rifles, or shotguns in vehicles. A-2751h yes VV, OTP-A yes RC 204-110.
With all the bills not completed after two long days, the rest were put on calendar for January 11. I must admit, the first three sessions were a lot nastier than any during the past five years I have been in the House. It's a shame that it has come to this. The Speaker addressed the problem at the end of the January 11th session, and I hope it will go away. Can't we just debate in a civil manor?
(Editor's Note: NH State Representative Mike Kappler can be reached at l.mikekappler@comcast.net.)
