Legislative Update Week of January 10th
2nd Week of the 2010 Legislative Session


VICTORY ON THE HOUSE FLOOR AS HB401 IS DEFEATED!

Wednesday was an exciting day for fire fighters and the other beneficiaries of the New Hampshire Retirement System.   The New Hampshire House defeated HB401, 200 to 147, which would have reduced the number of beneficiary members on the NHRS Board of Trustees. Many thanks to the PFFNH members who worked the House Floor for two session days in order to secure this victory.  Please click here to view how your local State Representative voted. http://www.gencourt.state.nh.us/nhgcrollcalls/rollcallsbyvotedetail.aspx
If they voted ITL please take the time to thank them, we’re going to need their vote again this session!

Session has just started and the first few weeks will be filled with hearings and work sessions.  This week there were a few hearings of note, including HB 1179: relative to municipal access to the enhanced 911 database.
http://www.gencourt.state.nh.us/bill_status/Results.aspx?q=1

The room was packed for HB 1191: relative to fire sprinkler systems,
and HB 1486: prohibiting the use of fire sprinkler systems in certain dwellings.
These two bills will continue to get a lot of attention as the session continues and we will monitor them closely.
HB1191: http://www.gencourt.state.nh.us/bill_status/Results.aspx?q=1
HB 1486: http://www.gencourt.state.nh.us/bill_status/Results.aspx?q=1.

Upcoming legislative action this week:

Tuesday January 19

HB 1664-FN, making appropriations reductions in the operating budget for fiscal year 2011 and relative to state revenues and expenditures.
http://www.gencourt.state.nh.us/legislation/2010/HB1664.html
(This bill increases the state retirement system member contribution rate for fiscal year 2011, reduces the municipal normal contribution rate, and increases the retiree health insurance premium contribution.

HB 1648-FN, prohibiting interference with access to medical services and health insurance of New Hampshire citizens.
http://www.gencourt.state.nh.us/legislation/2010/HB1648.html

HB 1522, relative to local spending caps.
http://www.gencourt.state.nh.us/legislation/2010/HB1522.html
        
SB 428, establishing a committee to study dispatch times within the enhanced 911 system. 
http://www.gencourt.state.nh.us/legislation/2010/SB0428.html

??Wednesday January 20

??HB 1428-FN, relative to death benefits for surviving spouses of a New Hampshire retirement system member.
http://www.gencourt.state.nh.us/legislation/2010/HB1428.html

HB 1530-FN-L, redefining earnable compensation of members of the New Hampshire retirement system.
http://www.gencourt.state.nh.us/legislation/2010/HB1530.html

HB 1576-FN, relative to certain retirement system beneficiaries receiving a retirement allowance while in active service.
http://www.gencourt.state.nh.us/legislation/2010/HB1576.html

HB 1645-FN, relative to freedom of choice on whether to join a labor union.
http://www.gencourt.state.nh.us/legislation/2010/HB1645.html

Thursday January 21

Subcommittee work session on HB 1131, relative to requirements for firefighter certification.
http://www.gencourt.state.nh.us/legislation/2010/HB1131.html

HB 1334, relative to penalties for unpaid fines concerning hazardous materials accidents.
http://www.gencourt.state.nh.us/legislation/2010/HB1334.html

HB 1682-FN, relative to the methodology for determining retirement system contribution rates.
http://www.gencourt.state.nh.us/legislation/2010/HB1682.html


If you or your members have any questions about this weeks bills or any other legislative action please don’t hesitate to contact me!

Esther