The N.H. Senate is in session today to vote on more than 40 bills and amendments. Here is a sampling of the proposals we are keeping an eye on — retirement system reform, expanded gambling and car registration.
As always, to help you follow along, we have highlighted committee names with a link to previous dispatches on these bills.
Retirement System Reform
Executive Departments and Administration
The push by Sen. Jeb Bradley (R-Wolfeboro) for comprehensive retirement system reform takes its next step before the full Senate. Senate Bill 3 passed its committee by a 4-1 vote, with Democratic minority leader Sylvia Larson being the sole vote against the measure. The bill includes a massive amendment, with changes including an increase in contribution rates for teachers, police and fire, while phasing in a system of extended length-of-service requirements for newly hired police and fire personnel and those having less than 10 years of service. The original bill had set the earliest retirement age at 50 following 25 years of service for anyone currently working who had less than 10 years of service.
Expanded Gambling Stalled
Senate Bill 182, the 13th attempt by Sen. Lou D’Allesandro (D-Manchester) to expand gambling in New Hampshire, likely will be returning to committee. The full Senate will vote on the committee’s unanimous recommendation to re-refer the bill back to committee until 2012. The measure called for up to 10,000 video slots and table games, such as poker and roulette, at four locations in the state. D’Allensandro told the Eagle-Tribune that, in his estimation, no one wanted a fight over gambling this session. “There’s got to be an appetite. I think the perception is the House doesn’t want to raise money,” he said.
(In proving the Daily Dispatch can be a questionable prophet at times, we noted in our March 4 dispatch on SB 182 that it was unlikely the bill would face the same fate — retained in committee until 2012 – of a similar proposal in the House. We stand humbled and corrected.)
Electronic Car Registration
Senate Bill 156, which would establish New Hampshire’s first Electronic Vehicle Registration program, passed its committee with unanimous 4-0 recommendation shortly after its one and only public hearing on March 11. Sponsored by Sen. Andy Sanborn (R-Henniker), the measure would set up a one-year pilot program of allowing consumers to register their newly purchased new or used cars with participating dealers — rather than a town or city hall office.
>> Wednesday, March 16 – Senate in Session beginning at 10 a.m. in the Senate chambers at the State House.
This Daily Dispatch was written by Michael McCord.