Legislative Updates by Rep. Maureen Mooney for March, 2022

Merrimack NH

12 March, 2022

11:04 AM

Description

Greetings! Here are some highlights of interest to Merrimack from the State House: - HB 2022 (AN ACT relative to the 10-year transportation plan): An unexpected amendment was proposed to HB 2022. This amendment would transfer ownership of the state-owned portion of Continental Boulevard to the town of Merrimack no later than July 1, 2025. See amendment #2022-0745h here. We are disappointed that this amendment: 1.) was introduced in such a short time before the executive session; 2.) was not brought to the attention of the Merrimack House delegation or Town prior to the executive session; 3.) had no public hearing; 4.) passed in the committee. The Merrimack House delegation and State Senator are considering next steps including a floor amendment to remove that section. - HB 1677 (AN ACT relative to the administration and settlement of claims of abuse at the youth development center and making an appropriation therefor): Very sadly, abuse allegations continue from juveniles who were placed at the Youth Detention Center ("YDC") in Manchester. The House Finance Committee worked very closely with the NH Attorney General and victims' lawyers to establish a victims' fund in HB 1677. See Finance Committee amendment here. The bill will be taken up by the full House this month. If this bill becomes law, notice to victims of the fund and its processes will start on November 1, 2022 with the claim filing period starting in January, 2023. As a member of the House Finance Committee, listening to the testimony on this bill was among the saddest I've heard in Concord. - HB 737 Commission on the Environmental and Public Health Impacts of Perfluorinated Chemicals: Each month the "HB 737 Commission" meets to discuss important issues related to PFAS pollution. Public comments are welcome are each meeting. Important Commission documents can be found here. The Commission also tracks legislation to address water, soil and air related issues. See 2022 Legislation Tracking Chart here. - Full House Sessions: The New Hampshire House has full sessions on March 15, 16, and 17, 2022. To view the full House Calendar for the sessions, click here. [Note: Amendments for the upcoming calendar are here]. - Community Happenings: Local Elections for the Town and School District are fast approaching on April 12, 2022. Polls are open from 7am-7pm. See polling locations here. Warrant articles and candidates for local office are up for election. Watch my Facebook page for endorsements. Rep. Maureen Mooney is in her fourth term as a NH State Representative serving Merrimack. She serves on the House Finance Committee, is co-chair of the Speaker's Advisory Group, and is an Assistant Majority Whip. Her website is: www.votemooney.com and Facebook page is: https://www.facebook.com/maureenmooneynh.