Crossover Day for NH House and Senate

Crossover Day is the last chance for the House and Senate to vote on bills before they cross over to the other chamber.

It’s a little like Groundhog Day for legislation. If a bill gets voted down, it has to hibernate until the next year before it gets another day in the sun. If a bill passes, it gets to enjoy spring in the other chamber.

This year Crossover Day was April 4 in the House and March 28 in the Senate. Here’s a rundown of which bills have survived the first round of votes and which bills get a whole lot more winter.

Voter residency laws

FORECAST: Some change possible

The New Hampshire House passed HB 105 and HB 106 to undo laws from the previous Legislature that generally add restrictions for college students and other temporary residents who wish to vote.

The Senate passed a bill with a more moderate approach. Instead of repealing the laws, SB 67 would allow college students and other temporary residents to vote without also requiring them to register any cars in New Hampshire.

It remains to be seen which approach the House and Senate can agree on, and if Gov. Sununu will get on board.

Learn more about the debate over voter residency laws in New Hampshire

Gun laws

FORECAST: Unlikely to get past the governor

The New Hampshire House passed several new gun control bills:

• HB 109 – expanding background checks
• HB 514 – adding a waiting period for handgun purchases
• HB 564 – banning firearms on school grounds
• HB 696 – adding a protective order for vulnerable adults, including the ability to take firearms from someone who is the subject of an order

The Senate hasn’t made gun control a priority this session – in fact, no senators introduced gun control bills. However, Democrats have a majority in the Senate, so at least some of these gun control bills will probably make their way to Gov. Sununu’s desk. However, Sununu is likely to veto the bills, and none of the bills passed the House with a veto-proof majority.

Learn more about the debate over gun laws in New Hampshire

Minimum wage increase

FORECAST: Be ready for an increase to $12/hour

The House and Senate both passed bills to raise the minimum wage, HB 186 and SB 10. The consensus seems to be forming around $12/hour.

In the past Sununu said he believes any increase in the minimum wage should happen at the federal level, not the state level. However, he has not pledged to veto a state increase, so the door is open.

Learn more about the debate over the minimum wage in New Hampshire

Marijuana legalization

FORECAST: Probably not this year

The House passed marijuana legalization, but without a veto-proof majority. Sununu has pledged to veto marijuana legalization. That means the bill probably won’t become law, even if it passes the Senate.

Learn more about the debate over marijuana legalization in New Hampshire

Death penalty repeal

FORECAST: Say goodbye to the death penalty

The New Hampshire House passed HB 455 to repeal the death penalty. The Senate followed suit on April 11. Last year Sununu vetoed a death penalty repeal, but it looks like there are enough votes to override that veto.

Learn more about the debate over the death penalty in New Hampshire

Family and medical leave

FORECAST: Not likely

The New Hampshire House and Senate have both already passed the Democrats’ plan for statewide family and medical leave, SB 1. Sununu will certainly veto that plan - which differs significantly from the version he proposed - because he argues it creates an income tax. House Democrats recently upped the ante by adding the family and medical leave plan to their draft of the state budget – although Sununu is also likely to veto that budget, unless the Senate makes significant changes. Ultimately, it will be difficult for Democrats to push family and medical leave past Republicans unless they propose a new compromise plan.

Learn more about the debate over family and medical leave in New Hampshire

Gambling

FORECAST: Odds are sports betting will pass

The House passed a bill to regulate legal sports betting, HB 480. The Senate passed a bigger, bolder bill: SB 310, authorizing two casinos. Sununu included sports betting in his budget proposal, so it’s safe to assume New Hampshire will have more gaming this year – although probably not casinos like the Senate wants.

Learn more about the debate over gambling in New Hampshire

Net metering increase

FORECAST: Sunny skies ahead for bigger solar projects

The House and Senate have both passed bills to increase the size of solar panel projects that are eligible for net metering rebates, HB 365 and SB 159. Sununu vetoed a similar bill last year, but it looks like the House and Senate might have the votes this year to override a veto.

Learn more about the debate over net metering in New Hampshire

Restricting single use plastic

FORECAST: Put it in the trash bin

The House passed a bill to ban single-use plastic bags and a bill to ban plastic straws (unless a customer asks for one). These bills may pass the Senate, but there’s no way they’ll get past Gov. Sununu’s desk.

Gender on official documents

FORECAST: Fairly good chance of passing

The House passed two bills that would make it a little easier to change gender marked on drivers’ licenses and birth certificates, including the option to mark “other” or “non-binary.” These bills have a fairly good chance of passing the Democrat-controlled Senate.

Last year Gov. Sununu did sign a bill to prohibit discrimination based on gender identity, so he may sign one or both bills into law.

Learn more about the debate over gay and transgender rights in New Hampshire

Gas tax/road use fee

FORECAST: Wait until next year

The House Public Works and Highway Committee is keeping two bills over the summer for further study: one that would raise the gas tax, the other to add a road usage fee.

The Senate passed a bill to study alternatives to the gas tax for electric and hybrid vehicles.

Learn more about the debate over a road usage fee in New Hampshire

The budget

FORECAST: Expect big changes after the House

On April 11 the House will vote separately on the state budget, which addresses issues such as the school funding formula, tax changes (particularly business taxes and a capital gains tax), and funding for a secure psychiatric hospital. Right now Gov. Sununu is clear he does not support the House budget bill. Given past experience, the Senate is likely to make significant changes. If it doesn’t, a veto is likely, and the House and Senate will have to forge a new compromise with Republicans.

Learn more about the debate over New Hampshire's budget