The 400 member NH House of Representatives held their first session since mid-March at the UNH Hockey arena yesterday. They met at the arena because it was big enough to maintain 6 feet social distancing. Legislators were screened and given a remote voting clicker. Masks were required for those sitting on the floor. For those not wearing masks for health reasons, they were seated in one section of the arena seating, while those not wearing masks for other reasons were seated in a different section (these members were calling them the “freedom seats”). The practice of throwing a catfish out on the ice after the first goal was dropped and the penalty box was not made available to the legislative Sergeant-at-Arms!
It didn’t take long for a partisan divide to develop as efforts to suspend rules to extend deadlines failed to get a 2/3 majority by a 199-143 vote. Republicans opposed the rule change because they felt they were left out of the planning process for determining legislative priorities.
Without the deadline extension, each bill required a 2/3 vote to suspend rules to consider the bill. Only one bill during the session achieved a 2/3 majority – allowing restaurants to sell beer in refillable containers (growlers).
Republicans sought to suspend rules to allow a late filed bill that would block business tax increases next year. The bill would have suspended a trigger that was included in last year’s budget that would raise the state’s business taxes if state revenues fall at least 6% below estimates which is expected because of the economic shutdown. House Democrats felt this could wait until January when they have more data on the revenues. The motion to suspend rules failed 154-174 (needed a two-thirds vote).
In the meantime, Senate Committees held hearings this week on packages of bills on priority topics. They are using House bills that crossed over to the Senate (before the shut down) and replacing the bill language with huge amendments that include priority Senate bills and other provisions.
The Senate will meet in session next Tuesday where they will take up all of these omnibus bills.
The House has scheduled its next (and likely last) session for June 30. They will take up the House bills that were amended by the Senate. House concurrence with Senate amendments only requires a simple majority.
Lastly, yesterday the Governor announced he will let the Stay-at-Home order expire on Monday and also remove the cap on scheduled gatherings of 10 or less. He said they will move to advisories instead. All remaining businesses that have not opened will be able to reopen with limitations by the end of the month.
We will continue to keep you updated on the latest news, but if you have any questions, please give us a call.