The Speaker of the House has indicated that the full House will not meet until there are an ample number of bills to deal with. He said “no one knows when or if we will be able to return to our historic Representatives Hall this session.” He also said that they are exploring other venues where they would be able to practice social distancing.
In the meantime, House committees continue to work remotely. The Municipal and County Government Committee had an executive session yesterday to vote on bills and next week two more committees will have executive sessions.
Last Friday, Governor Sununu announced his modified Stay-at-Home order, calling it Stay-at-Home 2.0 that extends through May 31.
The announcement included a phased re-opening of certain industries. On May 4, hospitals were allowed to provide certain health care services, such as elective surgeries. Campgrounds, manufacturing services and interior state parks can open immediately under strict guidelines. On May 11, golf courses, barbers and hair salons, retail stores and drive-in theatres can open with limitations and guidelines, and on May 18 restaurants can serve customers in outdoor dining areas under strict conditions.
Several industry sectors gave presentations this week to the Governor’s Economic Re-Opening Task Force including summer camps, fitness centers and others. The Task Force also heard updates from Unemployment Security and Public Health and had extensive discussions on business liability issues. Today the Task Force will receive public comments and discuss reopening of beaches. On Tuesday, May 12 the Task Force will be voting on draft guidelines for many of the industries that presented this week.
New Hampshire does not have a mandatory mask order, however, one city is exploring imposing its own mandatory mask rule. On Monday, the Salem Board of Selectman discussed a suggested ordinance to require masks with violations resulting in a $200 fine. Governor Sununu commented, “If towns want to take additional steps, by all means, that’s their choice to do so. And they have the right to do so in a public health emergency.”
We will continue to keep you updated, but if you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us.