Legislative Update for May 10, 2019

CASINOS:  By one of the largest margins in recent memory, the House killed SB 310 on a vote of 289-63.  It then voted to indefinitely postpone the bill which prevents the House from considering it this year or next without a 2/3 majority vote.  This pretty much kills it for good through the 2020 Session.    

PAID FAMILY MEDICAL LEAVE:  As expected, Governor Sununu vetoed the Democratic legislature’s version of paid family medical leave.  It would require 16 votes in the Senate to override his veto, and there are only 14 Democrats, and all the republicans will vote to sustain his veto so it looks like the Democrats version is dead.  The Democrats want a paid family leave program that covers all employees.  It would be paid for through a payroll deduction.  Sununu has called this an income tax.  He prefers a voluntary program.  His version was stripped out of the budget and is not in play right now.  It appears this issue will end in a draw with nothing moving forward. 

MANDATING CHANGING STATIONS IN PUBLIC BATHROOMS:  The Senate Executive Departments and Administration Committee has voted 5-0 to recommend re-referring HB 520 back to Committee for further review.  HB 520 would require public accom­modations built after January 1, 2021 to install and maintain at least one diaper changing station that is accessible to all genders.  It would also apply to any single renovation of an existing building or facility which is proposed to be constructed on or after January 1, 2021, if the cost of such renovation exceeds $50,000.  The Committee noted that State Building Code Review Board will be taking this matter up at an upcoming meeting and therefore, the Committee recommends re-referring the bill to allow them the opportunity to address this issue.  The full Senate will vote on the bill next Wednesday, May 15.
 
PLASTIC BAGS AND STRAWS:  The Senate Commerce Committee voted 4-1 to recommend killing two bills that would roll back the use of plastic bags and straws.  HB 558 would prohibit food service businesses from providing a plastic straw to a customer unless specifically requested.  HB 560 would prohibit stores and restaurants from providing single-use plastic bags except to distribute their remaining 2018 inventory.  It would allow stores and restaurants to provide reusable plastic or recycled paper bags to customers for 10 cents, to be retained by the business.   NHLRA opposes both bills.  The full Senate will vote on the bills next Wednesday, May 15.  

​Contact the NHLRA with your legislative questions or concerns at 603-228-9585 or info@nhlra.com.