An effort to maintain a long-standing exemption prohibiting municipalities from imposing a local property tax on communications poles and conduit came to an end last session when a bill extending the sunset date of the extension was left on the table in the House. Since that time, millions of dollars in property tax bills have gone out to the state’s telecommunications industry, and it’s only a matter of time before that filters down to telephone customers. HB 1305, which reinstates this exemption, was given the “thumbs up” this week by the House Science Technology and Energy Committee with a 13-1 vote. The full House will vote next week on this consumer- and business-friendly bill.

Operating Without a Net

New Hampshire’s business community can thank the House this week for defeating HB 1641 on a 241-83 roll call vote. This bill would have tied the recently passed increase in net operating loss carry forwards to job creation. In opposing the legislation, BIA pointed out that NOLs exist for those companies that experience fluctuating business cycles and have no relation to employment growth. Tying the two together would have undone the good work done by the Legislature last year. Two hundred forty-one House members agreed with our argument.

Dedicated to the One I Love

On Thursday, the House Finance Committee voted unanimously to refer HB 1669 to interim study. This bill would have funneled all revenue from the state’s dedicated funds into the general fund. The BIA opposed this legislation because of the unintended, but potentially serious impact such a move could have on economic growth in New Hampshire. The purpose of many of these dedicated revenues is to fund the process (including state employees) necessary to expeditiously review and approve permit applications. Removing the link between the fee and its intended purpose could ultimately result in reductions in staff, delays in permit approvals and project delays.

A Level Playing Field

BIA joined with a number of hospitals and healthcare providers in opposing HB 1642, which seeks to provide an exemption to the certificate of need process and from having to pay the Medicaid enhancement tax for “destination cancer hospitals.” The legislation was promoted as a way to lure an out-of-state cancer treatment center to open a new facility in New Hampshire. In testimony before the House Health, Human Services and Elderly Affairs Committee, BIA pointed out that carving out exemptions for the benefit of one company gives it an unfair competitive advantage over other employers that are already here

Last Laugh

Retired Engineer

An engineer had an exceptional gift for fixing all things mechanical. After serving his company loyally for over 30 years, he happily retired.

Several years later, the company contacted him regarding a seemingly impossible problem they were having with one of their multi-million-dollar machines. They had tried everything and everyone else to get the machine fixed, but to no avail. In desperation, they called on the retired engineer who had solved so many of their problems in the past.

The engineer reluctantly took the challenge. He spent a day studying the huge machine. At the end of the day, he marked a small "x" in chalk on a particular component of the machine and proudly stated, "This is where your problem is."

The part was replaced and the machine worked perfectly again. The company received a bill for $50,000 from the engineer for his service. They demanded an itemized accounting of his charges.

The engineer responded briefly:
Chalk mark ..................................$1
Knowing where to put the chalk mark ... $49,999

Source: The Good Clean Funnies

Upcoming Events

March 13 - Reception for New Hampshire Union Leader's Class of 40 Under Forty, 5 - 7:30 PM, Center of NH, Manchester

Tracked Legislation

AIR - BIA staff contact: Michael Licata, x112

HB 1635 Relative to motor vehicle inspections. Prime sponsor: Harold Reilly. Referred to House Transportation. Public Hearing: 2/14/2012 10:00 AM LOB 203

HB 1693 Relative to motor vehicle inspections. Prime sponsor: Susan DeLemus. Referred to House Transportation. Committee Report: Inexpedient to Legislate for Feb 15 (Vote 12-1; RC)

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT - BIA staff contact: David Juvet, x115

HB 1282 Relative to workforce housing and the definition of community. Prime sponsor: Jack Flanagan. Referred to House Municipal and County Government. Executive Session: 2/13/2012 11:00 AM LOB 301

HB 1295 Establishing a committee to study the potential effects of total deregulation of the telecommunications industry. Prime sponsor: Jacqueline Cali-Pitts. Referred to House Science, Technology and Energy. Continued Executive Session: 2/15/2012 3:00 PM LOB 304

HB 1319 Limiting credit card interchange fees charged to merchants. Prime sponsor: John Hikel. Referred to House Commerce and Consumer Affairs. Committee Report: Inexpedient to Legislate for Feb 15 (Vote 13-0; CC); HC 11, PG.680

HB 1390 Relative to the regulation of incumbent local exchange carriers. Prime sponsor: Jacqueline Cali-Pitts. Referred to House Science, Technology and Energy. Continued Executive Session: 2/15/2012 3:00 PM LOB 304

HB 1557 Directing the department of resources and economic development to develop a "Live Free or Die Bucks Program" to increase tourism spending. Prime sponsor: George Lambert. Referred to House Resources, Recreation and Development. Committee Report: Inexpedient to Legislate for Feb 15 (Vote 16-0; CC)

HB 1561 Discontinuing regional planning commissions. Prime sponsor: Robert Kingsbury. Referred to House Municipal and County Government. Executive Session: 2/14/2012 11:00 AM LOB 301

HB 1642 Relative to destination cancer hospitals. Prime sponsor: Marilinda Garcia. Referred to House Health, Human Services and Elderly Affairs. Continued Public Hearing: 2/9/2012 9:00 AM LOB 205

HB 1677 Relative to choice as to whether to join a labor union and eliminating the duty of a public employee labor organization to represent employees who elect not to join or to pay dues or fees to the employee organization. Prime sponsor: William Smith. Referred to House Labor, Industrial and Rehabilitative Services. Full Committee Work Session: 2/16/2012 10:00 AM Representatives Hall, Executive Session may follow

SB 203 FN Relative to limited liability companies. Prime sponsor: Jeb Bradley. Referred to Senate Commerce. Hearing: 1/17/12, Room 102, LOB, 9:50 a.m.; SC3

SB 204 Adopting amendments to Article 9 of the Uniform Commercial Code relative to secured transactions. Prime sponsor: Bob Odell. Referred to Senate Commerce. Hearing: === RECONVENE === 2/14/12, Room 102, LOB, 9:00 a.m.; SC7

SB 205 Revising the New Hampshire business corporations act, RSA 293-A. Prime sponsor: Jim Luther. Referred to Senate Commerce. Hearing: 1/17/12, Room 102, LOB, 9:30 a.m.; SC3

SB 235 Relative to registration of business organizations with the secretary of state. Prime sponsor: David Boutin. Referred to Senate Commerce. Ought to Pass, MA, VV; OT3rdg

SB 359 Relative to civil actions involving accessibility standards for public buildings. Prime sponsor: John Gallus. Referred to Senate Judiciary. Hearing: 1/19/12, Room 101, LOB, 1:45 p.m.; SC3

ENERGY AND REGULATED UTILITIES - BIA staff contact: Michael Licata, x112

HB 1210 Applying the procedures of the eminent domain procedures act to cases of eminent domain concerning public utilities. Prime sponsor: Laurence Rappaport. Referred to House Science, Technology and Energy. Committee Report: Refer to Interim Study for Feb 15 (Vote 13-1; CC)

HB 1238 Relative to divestiture of Public Service of New Hampshire (PSNH) generation assets. Prime sponsor: Frank Holden. Referred to House Science, Technology and Energy. Continued Executive Session: 2/15/2012 3:00 PM LOB 304

HB 1239 Requiring the site evaluation committee to consider economic impact prior to issuing a certificate for an energy facility. Prime sponsor: Rick Ladd. Referred to House Science, Technology and Energy. Executive Session: 2/15/2012 3:00 PM LOB 304

HB 1258 Relative to late fees charged by utilities. Prime sponsor: Jack Flanagan. Referred to House Science, Technology and Energy. Committee Report: Inexpedient to Legislate for Feb 15 (Vote 15-0; CC)

HB 1288 Relative to protection of private property from the use of eminent domain. Prime sponsor: J. Brandon Giuda. Referred to House Science, Technology and Energy. Committee Report: Refer to Interim Study for Feb 15 (Vote 14-1; CC)

HB 1296 Relative to net energy metering. Prime sponsor: Robert Introne. Referred to House Science, Technology and Energy. Continued Executive Session: 2/15/2012 3:00 PM LOB 304

HB 1298 Relative to the definition of "public use" under the eminent domain procedure act. Prime sponsor: Rick Ladd. Referred to House Judiciary. Committee Report: Ought to Pass with Amendment #0414h for Feb 15 (Vote 15-2; RC). Proposed Committee Amendment #2012-0414h

HB 1324 Establishing a committee to study the public utilities commission. Prime sponsor: Nickolas Levasseur. Referred to House Science, Technology and Energy. Continued Executive Session: 2/15/2012 3:00 PM LOB 304

HB 1346 Relative to the construction of power line extensions. Prime sponsor: Benjamin Baroody. Referred to House Science, Technology and Energy. Executive Session: 2/15/2012 3:00 PM LOB 304

HB 1391 Relative to transmission and distribution utility line extension construction and relative to pole attachments. Prime sponsor: George Lambert. Referred to House Science, Technology and Energy. Continued Executive Session: 2/15/2012 3:00 PM LOB 304

HB 1394 Relative to appeals of eminent domain decisions. Prime sponsor: Laurence Rappaport. Referred to House Judiciary. Committee Report: Ought to Pass with Amendment #0412h for Feb 15 (Vote 17-0; CC). Proposed Committee Amendment #2012-0412h

HB 1401 Relative to site evaluations and certificates for energy facilities. Prime sponsor: Suzanne Smith. Referred to House Science, Technology and Energy. Executive Session: 2/15/2012 3:00 PM LOB 304

HB 1428 Relative to public utilities commission orders concerning renewable portfolio standards. Prime sponsor: Neal Kurk. Referred to House Science, Technology and Energy. Executive Session: 2/15/2012 3:00 PM LOB 304

HB 1490 Repealing New Hampshire's regional greenhouse gas initiative cap and trade program for controlling carbon dioxide emissions. Prime sponsor: Jerry Bergevin. Referred to House Science, Technology and Energy. Executive Session: 2/15/2012 3:00 PM LOB 304

HB 1532 Relative to trespass on land which is not posted. Prime sponsor: Shawn Jasper. Referred to House Criminal Justice and Public Safety. Public Hearing: 2/2/2012 2:00 PM LOB 204

HB 1558 Requiring a certificate of public need for eminent domain. Prime sponsor: Laurence Rappaport. Referred to House Science, Technology and Energy. Committee Report: Inexpedient to Legislate for Feb 15 (Vote 15-0; CC)

HB 1597 Relative to taking by eminent domain for certain purposes. Prime sponsor: Laurence Rappaport. Referred to House Judiciary. Committee Report: Ought to Pass with Amendment #0411h for Feb 15 (Vote 17-0; CC). Proposed Committee Amendment #2012-0411h

SB 215 Relative to the duties of the site evaluation committee. Prime sponsor: Jeanie Forrester. Referred to Senate Energy and Natural Resources

SB 218 Relative to electric renewable portfolio standards. Prime sponsor: Jeb Bradley. Referred to Senate Energy and Natural Resources. Hearing: 2/16/12, Room 102, LOB, 9:30 a.m.; SC7

SB 252 Increasing the maximum term for energy performance contracts. Prime sponsor: Amanda Merrill. Referred to Senate Energy and Natural Resources. Committee Amendment 0410s, AA, VV. Ought to Pass with Amendment 0410s MA, VV; OT3rdg

SB 256 Relative to public utilities commission contracts with consultants. Prime sponsor: Gary Lambert. Referred to Senate Executive Departments and Administration. Hearing: 1/12/12, Room 100, SH, 10:05 a.m; SC1

SB 258 Authorizing group net metering for limited electrical energy producers. Prime sponsor: Molly Kelly. Referred to Senate Energy and Natural Resources

SB 264 Relative to energy facility site evaluations. Prime sponsor: Bob Odell. Referred to Senate Energy and Natural Resources

ENVIRONMENTAL AFFAIRS - BIA staff contact: Michael Licata, x112

HB 1214 Banning corn-based ethanol as an additive to gasoline sold in New Hampshire. Prime sponsor: David Campbell. Referred to House Science, Technology and Energy. Continued Executive Session: 2/15/2012 3:00 PM LOB 304

HB 1435 Establishing a committee to oversee the department of environmental services. Prime sponsor: Andrew Renzullo. Referred to House Environment and Agriculture. Committee Report: Ought to Pass with Amendment #0510h for Feb 15 (Vote 13-0; CC); HC 11, PG.685. Proposed Committee Amendment #2012-0510h; HC 11, PG.727

HB 1487 Relative to prior legislative approval for the expenditure of funds for low carbon fuel standards programs. Prime sponsor: Frank Holden. Referred to House Science, Technology and Energy. Continued Executive Session: 2/15/2012 3:00 PM LOB 304

HB 1669 Requiring the deposit of dedicated fund revenues into the general fund for the 2014 and 2015 fiscal years and requiring non-constitutionally established dedicated funds to be eliminated on June 30, 2015 unless reinstated by the legislature. Prime sponsor: Charles Sova. Referred to House Finance. Committee Report: Refer to Interim Study for Feb 15 (Vote 21-0; CC); HC 11, PG.686

SJR 1 Requesting the governor to enter into an anti-ethanol compact with other northeastern states. Prime sponsor: Jeb Bradley. Referred to Senate Energy and Natural Resources. 01/26/2012 at 10:15 AM LOB 102

SB 294 Relative to dedicated funds administered by the department of labor, department of environmental services, banking department, and secretary of state. Prime sponsor: Andy Sanborn. Referred to Senate Finance. 01/26/2012 at 01:00 PM SH 103

FISCAL POLICY - BIA staff contact: David Juvet, x115

HB 242-FN Increasing the net operating loss carryover under the business profits tax. Prime sponsor: Carl Seidel. Referred to House Ways and Means. Proposed Committee Amendment #2011-2568h (New Title); HC 69, PG.2107-2108. Amendment #2568h(NT) Adopted, VV. Ought to Pass with Amendment #2568h(NT): MA RC 259-89

HB 518 FN (New Title) Changing the prospective repeal date for the research and development tax credit. Prime sponsor: Marilinda Garcia. Referred to House Ways and Means. Amendment #2579h(NT) Adopted, VV. Ought to Pass with Amendment #2579h(NT): MA VV

HB 1221 Relative to the credit for the business enterprise tax against the business profits tax. Prime sponsor: Dan McGuire. Referred to House Ways and Means. Committee Report: Ought to Pass for Feb 1 (Vote 18-0; CC). Ought to Pass: MA VV

HB 1305 Reestablishing the exemption from property taxation for telecommunications poles and conduits and establishing a committee to study how utilities are taxed by the state and municipalities. Prime sponsor: John Burt. Referred to House Science, Technology and Energy. Majority Committee Report: Ought to Pass for Feb 15 (Vote 13-1; RC). Minority Committee Report: Inexpedient to Legislate

HB 1418 Increasing the threshold amounts for taxation under the business enterprise tax. Prime sponsor: Frank Sapareto. Referred to House Ways and Means. Executive Session: 2/16/2012 11:00 AM LOB 202

HB 1482 Relative to the exemption from property taxation for hospitals. Prime sponsor: Ken Hawkins. Referred to House Municipal and County Government. Committee Report: Inexpedient to Legislate for Feb 1 (Vote 17-0; CC). Removed from Consent Calendar (Rep Greazzo). Recommit (Rep Greazzo): MA VV. Executive Session: 2/13/2012 11:00 AM LOB 301

HB 1607 Establishing an education credit against the business profits tax. Prime sponsor: David Bettencourt. Referred to House Ways and Means. Subcommittee Work Session: 2/13/2012 10:00 AM LOB 202. Executive Session: 2/14/2012 1:00 PM LOB 202

HB 1652 FN Requiring the transfer of insurance premium tax revenue to the revenue stabilization reserve account. Prime sponsor: Keith Murphy. Referred to House Ways and Means. Majority Committee Report: Ought to Pass for Feb 1 (Vote 14-5; RC); HC 5, PG.254. Minority Committee Report: Inexpedient to Legislate; HC 5, PG.254. Ought to Pass: MA RC 260-81. Referred to House Finance. Public Hearing: 3/6/2012 11:00 AM LOB 210-211

SB 168-FN Conforming the interest and dividends tax to federal tax definitions. Prime sponsor: Jim Luther. Referred to House Ways and Means. Majority Committee Report: Ought to Pass with Amendment #2644h for Jan 4 (Vote 16-4; RC); HC 70, PG.2227. Proposed Majority Committee Amendment #2011-2644h; HC 69, PG.2195. Minority Committee Report: Inexpedient to Legislate; HC 70, PG.2227. Laid on Table (Rep Stepanek): MA VV

SB 295 FN Increasing the research and development tax credit against the business profits tax. Prime sponsor: Bob Odell. Referred to Senate Ways & Means. Hearing: === TIME CHANGE === 1/31/12, Room 100, SH, 1:30 p.m; SC5

SB 372 FN Establishing an education credit against the business profits tax. Prime sponsor: Jim Forsythe. Referred to Senate Education. Hearing: === RECESSED === 1/24/12, Room 103, LOB, 1:00 p.m. Hearing: === RECONVENE === 2/14/12, Room 103, LOB, 1:00 p.m.

CACR 12 (New Title) relating to public education. Providing that the general court shall have the authority to define standards for public education, establish standards of accountability, mitigate local disparities in educational opportunity and fiscal capacity, and have full discretion to determine the amount of state funding for education. Prime sponsor: David Hess. Passed House. Referred to Senate Internal Affairs. Rereferred to Committee, MA, VV; SJ 19, Pg.517. Committee Report: Ought to Pass with Amendment #2012-0528s, 2/8/12; SC6. Without Objection, President Bragdon moved to Special Order to 2/15/12. Committee Report: Ought to Pass with Amendment #2012-0528s, 2/15/12; SC7

HEALTH CARE - BIA staff contact: Adrienne Rupp, x114

HB 309 Repealing certain insurance mandates. Prime sponsor: John Hunt. Passed House. Introduced and Referred to Senate Health and Human Services. Hearing: 2/23/12, Room 102, LOB, 1:00 p.m.; SC7

HB 1281 Establishing a committee to study alternative medical insurance coverage for elected state officials. Prime sponsor: Jack Flanagan. Referred to House Executive Departments and Administration. Committee Report: Ought to Pass for Feb 15 (Vote 10-3; RC)

HB 1297 Relative to health care exchanges. Prime sponsor: Andrew Manuse. Referred to House Commerce and Consumer Affairs. Subcommittee Work Session: 2/16/2012 10:00 AM LOB 302. Executive Session: 2/16/2012 1:15 PM LOB 302

HB 1519 Requiring hospitals to provide Medicaid patient outpatient services at outpatient Medicaid rates for certain hours. Prime sponsor: Kenneth Weyler. Referred to House Health, Human Services and Elderly Affairs. Subcommittee Work Session: 1/31/2012 9:00 AM LOB 205

HB 1560 Relative to the interstate Health Care Compact. Prime sponsor: David Bettencourt. Referred to House Constitutional Review and Statutory Recodification. Majority Committee Report: Ought to Pass for Feb 15 (Vote 7-4; RC). Minority Committee Report: Inexpedient to Legislate

HB 1590 Requiring the disclosure to patients and prospective patients of the charges for medical procedures. Prime sponsor: Seth Cohn. Referred to House Commerce and Consumer Affairs. Subcommittee Work Session: 2/16/2012 10:00 AM LOB 302. Executive Session: 2/16/2012 1:15 PM LOB 302

HB 1617 Repealing the certificate of need law. Prime sponsor: Frank Holden. Referred to House Health, Human Services and Elderly Affairs. Public Hearing: 2/14/2012 10:00 AM LOB 205

HB 1642 Relative to destination cancer hospitals. Prime sponsor: Marilinda Garcia. Referred to House Health, Human Services and Elderly Affairs. Public Hearing: 2/7/2012 10:30 AM LOB 205 ==RECESSED==. Continued Public Hearing: 2/9/2012 9:00 AM LOB 205

SB 163 Relative to the New Hampshire health benefit exchange. Prime sponsor: Raymond White. Referred to Senate Commerce. Committee Amendment 0164s, NT, Not Voted On; Sen. Bradley Moved Laid On Table, RC 17Y-7N, MA

SB 219 Relative to guaranteed issue for health insurance. Prime sponsor: Raymond White. Referred to Senate Commerce. Hearing: 1/10/12, Room 102, LOB, 9:00 a.m.; SC2

SB 220 Relative to external review under the managed care law. Prime sponsor: Raymond White. Referred to Senate Commerce. Ought to Pass, MA, VV; OT3rdg. Passed by Third Reading Resolution. Referred to House Commerce and Consumer Affairs

SB 245 Relative to health care sharing organizations. Prime sponsor: Fenton Groen. Referred to Senate Commerce. Hearing: 1/24/12, Room 102, LOB, 9:15 a.m.; SC4

SB 288 Relative to the exchange of public health information through a health information exchange. Prime sponsor: Raymond White. Referred to Senate Health and Human Services. Hearing: 2/9/12, Room 102, LOB, 1:10 p.m.; SC5

SB 336 Relative to insurance payments for health care providers. Prime sponsor: Tom De Blois. Referred to Senate Commerce. Hearing: 2/7/12, Room 102, LOB, 9:10 a.m.; SC6

SB 365 Authorizing state residents to join the state health care program. Prime sponsor: John Gallus. Referred to Senate Executive Departments and Administration. Committee Report: Inexpedient to Legislate, 2/15/12; SC7

HUMAN RESOURCES - BIA staff contact: David Juvet, x115

HB 334 (New Title) relative to the state’s authority to prohibit or regulate firearms, firearms components, ammunition, firearms supplies, and knives. Prime sponsor: Steven Cunningham. Passed House. Introduced and Referred to Senate Judiciary. Committee Report: Referred to Interim Study, 2/8/12; SC6. Refer to Interim Study, MA, VV;

HB 1163 Relative to the withholding union dues from wages. Prime sponsor: Susan DeLemus. Referred to House Labor, Industrial and Rehabilitative Services. Full Committee Work Session: 2/14/2012 1:00 PM LOB 303, Executive Session may follow

HB 1270 Requiring an employer to disclose non-compete and non-piracy agreements to a potential employee prior to making an offer of employment. Prime sponsor: Keith Murphy. Referred to House Labor, Industrial and Rehabilitative Services. Full Committee Work Session: 2/14/2012 1:00 PM LOB 303, Executive Session may follow

HB 1331 Relative to termination of employment for a sexual offense or an offense against a child. Prime sponsor: Elaine Swinford. Vacated from Children and Family Law and Referred to House Criminal Justice and Public Safety. Committee Report: Ought to Pass with Amendment #0541h(NT) for Feb 15 (Vote 14-1; CC); HC 11, PG.682. Proposed Committee Amendment #2012-0541h (New Title); HC 11, PG.724-725

HB 1492-FN Requiring employers to verify an employee's eligibility to work in the United States. Prime sponsor: Joe Duarte. Referred to House Labor, Industrial and Rehabilitative Services. Full Committee Work Session: 2/16/2012 10:00 AM Representatives Hall, Executive Session may follow

HB 1574 Relative to an employee's lunch or eating period. Prime sponsor: J.R. Hoell. Referred to House Labor, Industrial and Rehabilitative Services. Full Committee Work Session: 2/16/2012 10:00 AM Representatives Hall, Executive Session may follow

HB 1587 Relative to employer safety programs. Prime sponsor: J. Brandon Giuda. Referred to House Labor, Industrial and Rehabilitative Services. Full Committee Work Session: 2/14/2012 1:00 PM LOB 303, Executive Session may follow

HB 1620 Requiring employers to participate in the E-Verify system of the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services. Prime sponsor: Ross Terrio. Referred to House Labor, Industrial and Rehabilitative Services. Full Committee Work Session: 2/16/2012 10:00 AM Representatives Hall, Executive Session may follow

HB 1661 FN Repealing the department of labor's workers' compensation safety program inspection duties and the workers' compensation safety inspection fund and adopting a federal provision which allows a small business to self-certify its spill prevention countermeasure and control plan for above ground storage tanks. Prime sponsor: Paul Mirski. Referred to House Labor, Industrial and Rehabilitative Services. Full Committee Work Session: 2/14/2012 1:00 PM LOB 303, Executive Session may follow

SB 341 Authorizing electronic payment of payroll. Prime sponsor: Jeb Bradley. Referred to Senate Commerce. Hearing: 2/14/12, Room 102, LOB, 9:10 a.m.; SC7

INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY AND PRIVACY - BIA staff contact: Adrienne Rupp, x114

HB 244 Restricting the collection of biometric data by state agencies and private entities. Prime sponsor: Neal Kurk. Referred to House Commerce and Consumer Affairs. Removed from Consent Calendar (Rep Kurk). Refer to House Interim Study: MA DIV 174-131

HB 445 Relative to the regulation of electronic tracking devices. Prime sponsor: Neal Kurk. Referred to House Commerce & Consumer Affairs. Removed from Consent Calendar (Rep Kurk). Refer to Interim Study: MF RC 158-183. Ought to Pass (Rep Kurk). Floor Amendment #2012-0084h (Rep Kurk) Adopted, RC 293-53. Ought to Pass with AM #0084h: MA VV. Referred to House Criminal Justice and Public Safety

HB 1262 Prohibiting banks from requiring blood samples, fingerprints and DNA samples in order to complete a banking transaction. Prime sponsor: Frank Sapareto. Referred to House Commerce and Consumer Affairs. Subcommittee Work Session: 2/16/2012 10:00 AM LOB 302. Executive Session: 2/16/2012 1:15 PM LOB 302

HB 1613 Relative to protected health information. Prime sponsor: Cindy Rosenwald. Referred to House Health, Human Services and Elderly Affairs. Subcommittee Work Session: 2/7/2012 2:00 PM LOB 205

HB 1675 Relative to location tracking by electronic communications devices. Prime sponsor: Neal Kurk. Referred to House Criminal Justice and Public Safety. Committee Report: Refer to Interim Study for Feb 15 (Vote 11-4; CC); HC 11, PG.683

STATE BUDGET - BIA staff contact: David Juvet, x115

HB 1209 Establishing a committee to study administration of the business profits tax and the business enterprise tax. Prime sponsor: Stephen Stepanek. Referred to House Ways and Means. Committee Report: Ought to Pass for Feb 8 (Vote 20-0; CC); HC 6, PG.290. Ought to Pass: MA VV

HB 1534 FN Repealing the self-funding of the department of labor. Prime sponsor: Thomas Laware. Referred to House Finance. Committee Report: Ought to Pass with Amendment #0359h for Feb 15 (Vote 19-5; RC). Proposed Committee Amendment #2012-0359h

HB 1592 Requiring an annual report on business taxes. Prime sponsor: Seth Cohn. Referred to House Ways and Means. Committee Report: Ought to Pass with Amendment #0468h(NT) for Feb 8 (Vote 19-0; CC); HC 6, PG.290. Proposed Committee Amendment #2012-0468h (New Title); HC 6, PG.340. Amendment #0468h(NT) Adopted, VV. Ought to Pass with Amendment #0468h(NT): MA VV

HB 1692 Making changes to the administration of the university system of New Hampshire. Prime sponsor: Robbie Parsons. Referred to House Education. Majority Committee Report: Ought to Pass with Amendment #0475h for Feb 8 (Vote 12-4; RC); HC 6, PG.292. Proposed Majority Committee Amendment #2012-0475h; HC 6, PG.341. Minority Committee Report: Inexpedient to Legislate; HC 6, PG.292. Amendment #0475h Adopted, VV. Floor Amendment #2012-0556h (Rep St.Cyr) Failed, DIV 144-192. Ought to Pass with Amendment #0475h: MA RC 247-105. Referred to House Finance

STATE RETIREMENT SYSTEM - BIA staff contact: David Juvet, x115

HB 1306 requiring retirement system employers to make contributions for part-time employment of retired members of the retirement system. Prime sponsor: Ken Hawkins. Referred to House Special Committee on Public Employee Pensions Reform. Executive Session: 2/17/2012 10:00 AM LOB 306-308

HB 1483 Repealing the retirement system special account. Prime sponsor: Ken Hawkins. Referred to House Special Committee on Public Employee Pensions Reform. Executive Session: 2/17/2012 10:00 AM LOB 306-308

TELECOMMUNICATIONS - BIA staff contact: Michael Licata, x112

HB 1152 Establishing a committee to study high speed digital subscriber line (DSL) service. Prime sponsor: Jerry Bergevin. Referred to House Science, Technology and Energy. Continued Executive Session: 2/15/2012 3:00 PM LOB 304

HB 1234 Establishing a department of environmental services oversight and grievance committee. Prime sponsor: J. Brandon Giuda. Referred to House Environment and Agriculture. Committee Report: Refer to Interim Study for Feb 15 (Vote 14-0; CC); HC 11, PG.684-685

HB 1235 Establishing a committee to study and propose a recodification of certain environment-related statutes. Prime sponsor: Seth Cohn. Referred to House Environment and Agriculture. Committee Report: Inexpedient to Legislate for Feb 15 (Vote 13-0; CC); HC 11, PG.685

HB 1295 establishing a committee to study the potential effects of total deregulation of the telecommunications industry. Prime sponsor: Jacqueline Cali-Pitts. Referred to Science, Technology and Energy. Continued Executive Session: 2/15/2012 3:00 PM LOB 304

HB 1390 Relative to the regulation of incumbent local exchange carriers. Prime sponsor: Jacqueline Cali-Pitts. Referred to House Science, Technology and Energy. Continued Executive Session: 2/15/2012 3:00 PM LOB 304

SB 48 Relative to filing of rates for certain telephone services. Prime sponsor: Bob Odell. Referred to Senate Energy and Natural Resources. Rereferred to Committee, MA, VV, SJ 5, Pg.56. Committee Amendment 0200s, NT, AA, VV; Ought to Pass with Amendment 0200s, NT, MA, VV; OT3rdg; Passed by Third Reading Resolution. Introduced and Referred to House Science, Technology and Energy

UNEMPLOYMENT INSURANCE - BIA staff contact: David Juvet, x115

HB 1366 Establishing a committee to study seasonal employment and the calculation of unemployment compensation. Prime sponsor: William Infantine. Referred to House Labor, Industrial and Rehabilitative Services. Full Committee Work Session: 2/2/2012 1:30 PM LOB 307

HB 1443 Relative to unemployment compensation payments. Prime sponsor: James Belanger. Referred to House Labor, Industrial and Rehabilitative Services. Full Committee Work Session: 2/2/2012 1:30 PM LOB 307

HB 1454 Establishing a task force to study the charging of reimbursing employers in certain situations for the purpose of calculating unemployment benefits. Prime sponsor: Kevin Sullivan. Referred to House Labor, Industrial and Rehabilitative Services. Full Committee Work Session: 2/2/2012 1:30 PM LOB 307

HB 1579 Authorizing the department of employment security to garnish the wages of individuals with delinquent unemployment compensation overpayments. Prime sponsor: Kevin Sullivan. Referred to House Labor, Industrial and Rehabilitative Services. Full Committee Work Session: 2/14/2012 1:00 PM LOB 303, Executive Session may follow

SB 257 Relative to unemployment compensation. Prime sponsor: Jeanie Forrester. Referred to Senate Commerce. Committee Report: Inexpedient to Legislate, 2/15/12; SC7

SB 377 FN Relative to unemployment compensation eligibility for participants in the return to work program. Prime sponsor: Sylvia Larson. Referred to Senate Commerce. Committee Report: Ought to Pass with Amendment #2012-0655s, NT, 2/15/12; SC7

WASTE - BIA staff contact: Michael Licata, x112

HB 1477 Relative to the definition of spent materials. Prime sponsor: Bill Ohm. Referred to House Science, Technology and Energy. Continued Executive Session: 2/15/2012 3:00 PM LOB 304

HB 1489 Repealing the decrease of the fuel oil importation fee. Prime sponsor: D.L. Chris Christensen. Vacated from Science, Technology and Energy and Referred to House Ways and Means. Executive Session: 2/9/2012 10:00 AM LOB 202

WATER / DEVELOPMENT - BIA staff contact: Michael Licata, x112

HB 1150 Relative to examinations for licensure as a professional engineer or land surveyor. Prime sponsor: Kenneth Hawkins. Referred to House Executive Departments and Administration. Public Hearing: 2/14/2012 10:00 AM LOB 306

HB 1233 Establishing a statute of limitations on wetlands filling and dredging. Prime sponsor: Harry Merrow. Referred to House Resources, Recreation and Development. Executive Session: 2/21/2012 11:00 AM LOB 305

HB 1380 Relative to the development of wetland mitigation banks. Prime sponsor: Harry Merrow. Referred to Resources, Recreation and Development. Committee Report: Ought to Pass with Amendment #0476h for Feb 15 (Vote 14-1; CC); HC 11, PG.691. Proposed Committee Amendment #2012-0476h; HC 11, PG.725

HB 1415 Relative to exceptions for proposed sewage waste disposal systems. Prime sponsor: Mark Warden. Referred to House Resources, Recreation and Development. Continued Executive Session: 2/21/2012 11:00 AM LOB 305

HB 1481 Relative to effluent limitations with regard to nitrogen. Prime sponsor: Adam Schroadter. Referred to House Environment and Agriculture. Committee Report: Refer to Interim Study for Feb 15 (Vote 12-0; CC); HC 11, PG.685

HB 1525 Repealing the wetlands and shorelands review fund. Prime sponsor: J. Brandon Giuda. Referred to House Resources, Recreation and Development. Committee Report: Inexpedient to Legislate for Feb 15 (Vote 16-0; CC); HC 11, PG.691

HB 1545 Relative to control of land received or acquired by a conservation commission. Prime sponsor: Paul Mirski. Referred to House Municipal and County Government. Executive Session: 2/14/2012 11:00 AM LOB 301

HB 1561 Discontinuing regional planning commissions. Prime sponsor: Robert Kingsbury. Referred to House Municipal and County Government. Executive Session: 2/14/2012 11:00 AM LOB 301

HB 1586 Relative to the acquisition of land for conservation purposes. Prime sponsor: Paul Mirski. Referred to House Municipal and County Government. Executive Session: 2/14/2012 11:00 AM LOB 301

HB 1636 Relative to the extension of fill and dredge in wetlands permits. Prime sponsor: Edward Moran. Referred to House Resources, Recreation and Development. Continued Executive Session: 2/21/2012 11:00 AM LOB 305

SB 142 Relative to reorganizing the permitting process within the department of environmental services. Prime sponsor: Bob Odell. Referred to Senate Energy and Natural Resources. Rereferred to Committee, MA, VV; SJ 9, Pg.116. Committee Amendment 0186s, AA, VV; Ought to Pass with Amendment 0186s, MA, VV; Refer to Finance Rule 4-3. Committee Report: Ought to Pass, 2/15/12; SC7

SB 241 Relative to expiration and extension of terrain alteration permits. Prime sponsor: Bob Odell. Referred to Senate Energy and Natural Resources. Committee Report: Ought to Pass with Amendment #2012-0204s, NT, 1/25/12; SC4. Committee Amendment 0204s, NT, AA, VV. Ought to Pass with Amendment 0204s, NT, MA, VV; OT3rdg. Referred to House Resources, Recreation and Development

SB 265 Relative to the definition of stormwater. Prime sponsor: Amanda Merrill. Referred to Seante Energy and Natural Resources. Hearing: 1/19/12, Room 102, LOB, 9:30 a.m.; SC2. Committee Report: Ought to Pass with Amendment #2012-0709s, 2/15/12; Vote 5-0; CC; SC7

WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT - BIA staff contact: David Juvet, x115

HB 1162 Establishing a committee to study the effects of compulsory school attendance on children and families. Prime sponsor: J.R. Hoell. Referred to House Education. Majority Committee Report: Inexpedient to Legislate for Feb 15 (Vote 14-2; RC); HC 11, PG.695. Minority Committee Report: Refer to Interim Study; HC 11, PG.695

HB 1321 Establishing a committee to study the relationship between public funding of postsecondary education and workforce development. Prime sponsor: Robert Foose. Referred to House Special Committee on Education Funding Reform. Full Committee Work Session: 2/13/2012 10:00 AM LOB 207

HB 1713 Abolishing the department of education and transferring all functions, duties, and responsibilities to the commissioner of education and the state board of education. Prime sponsor: Charles Sova. Referred to House Education. Public Hearing: 2/2/2012 10:30 AM LOB 207. Executive Session: 2/21/2012 10:00 AM LOB 207

BOOT HILL - WHERE BILLS GO WHEN THEY'RE DEAD

HB 199 Relative to proceedings of medical injury claims screening panels. Prime sponsor: Gary Richardson. Referred to House Judiciary. Inexpedient to Legislate: MA VV

HB 261 Eliminating screening panels for medical injury claims. Prime sponsor: Carol McGuire. Referred to House Judiciary. Inexpedient to Legislate: MA VV

HB 293–FN Relative to phasing out and repealing the exemption for water and air pollution control facilities from local property taxation. Prime sponsor: Betsey Patten. Referred to House Municipal and County Government. Inexpedient to Legislate: MA VV

HB 578 Relative to payment at time of medical services. Prime sponsor: Marilinda Garcia. Referred to House Commerce and Consumer Affairs. Inexpedient to Legislate: MA VV

HB 1222 Relative to protected shoreland permitting fees. Prime sponsor: Dan McGuire. Referred to House Ways and Means. Committee Report: Inexpedient to Legislate for Feb 8 (Vote 19-1; CC); HC 6, PG.290. Inexpedient to Legislate: MA VV

HB 1226 Directing department of environmental services administrative fine revenue to a special fund for environmental enforcement. Prime sponsor: Patrick Abrami. Referred to House Ways and Means. Inexpedient to Legislate: MA VV

HB 1322 Establishing a task force to study and recommend options to provide hospitals with the capacity to fund uncompensated care over time. Prime sponsor: Robert Foose. Referred to House Health, Human Services and Elderly Affairs. Inexpedient to Legislate: MA VV

HB 1358 Establishing a committee to study the costs of health care. Prime sponsor: Spec Bowers. Referred to House Health, Human Services and Elderly Affairs. Inexpedient to Legislate: MA VV

HB 1641 FN Requiring the carried forward of certain net operating loss deductions to relate to creation of new jobs. Prime sponsor: Neal Kurk. Referred to House Ways and Means. Inexpedient to Legislate: MA RC 241-83

Legislative Review

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FEBRUARY 10, 2012

This Week's Top News

Tracked Legislation

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Legislative Review

Sponsored by:Comcast Business Class

FEBRUARY 10, 2012

This Week's Top News

Tracked Legislation

Quicklinks

Sponsored by:
Comcast Business Class