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CONCORD – House Speaker William O’Brien offered the following statement on the passage of Senate Bill 218, which, as amended, makes significant changes to New Hampshire’s renewable electric portfolio standards (RPS) law. It expands the potential number of eligible renewable generation facilities, giving slight preference to New Hampshire indigenous resources such as wood, wind and …

House Rewrites Electric Renewable Portfolio Standards to Lower Electric Rates Read More »

CONCORD – House Speaker William O’Brien today commented on the non-concurrence vote in the House with the Senate version of a constitutional amendment on education funding. Concurrence of CACR 12 was voted down by a 54 to 287 vote followed by a non-concur and a request for committee of conference vote of 295 to 48. …

House Speaker Comments on Non-Concurrence with Senate on Education Funding Bill Read More »

CONCORD– House Speaker William O’Brien (R-Mont Vernon) today offered the following comments relative to the passage of House Bill 1699.  The bill, sponsored by O’Brien, updates the definition of driving under the influence of drugs, by covering a number of new intoxicating substances into the definition of drugs. House Speaker William O’Brien “This is an …

House Speaker Comments on Passage of Bill to Protect Public Safety by Allowing Law Enforcement to Remove Drivers Impaired by New Drugs Read More »

CONCORD – House Speaker William O’Brien and Deputy House Speaker Pamela Tucker today released the following statement on the passing of Portsmouth legislator Jim Powers who Wednesday lost his battle with cancer. House Speaker William O’Brien “Jim was a well liked and respected legislator and advocate for his constituents. The sad news of his passing …

House Leaders Statement on Passing of Rep. Jim Powers Read More »

CONCORD – House Speaker William O’Brien offered the following statement on the passage of House Bill 1686, which requires that all state contracts awarded by RFP’s to be posted on the state website after the bid is awarded. The bill passed on a voice vote. House Speaker William O’Brien “This legislation will bring transparency to …

Speaker Comments on Passage of Bill to Put State Contracts Online Read More »

CONCORD – House Speaker William O’Brien offered the following statement on the passage of House Bill 1666, which would require legislative approval of any collective bargaining contract entered into by the state. HB 1666 passed 232 to 119. House Speaker William O’Brien “Oversight by elected officials in the collective bargaining process for the public sector …

Speaker Comments on Passage of HB 1666 Read More »

CONCORD – House Speaker William O’Brien offered the following comments on the passage of House Bill 1435, which establishes a committee to oversee the Department of Environmental Services (DES). House Speaker William O’Brien “This bill provides an avenue for legislative oversight and will ensure that the agency carefully considers the impact the Department of Environmental …

House Speaker Comments on Passage of Legislative Oversight Committee of Department of Environmental Services Read More »

CONCORD – House Speaker William O’Brien offered the following comments on the passage of House Bill 1354, which would standardizes the definition of domicile for voting purposes to the definition of domicile for other purposes, such as registering a car. The bill passed 248 to 101. House Speaker William O’Brien “This bill is a first …

House Speaker Comments on Passage of Domicile Bill Read More »

House Speaker William O’Brien “While we have not had too much bad weather this winter, the forecast for tomorrow indicates that we may have inclement conditions that could represent a threat to those coming to the State House.  Obviously, the safety of our members, legislative staff and those coming to our hearings is too important …

House Business Cancelled for Thursday, January 12 Due to Inclement Weather Read More »

CONCORD – House Speaker William O’Brien released the following statement on House Bill 618, which repeals the requirement for a maintenance budget while requiring the governor and all departments of the state to develop a budget that will continue to use forms furnished by the commissioner of administrative services.  HB 618 passed on a voice …

House Eliminates Department Maintenance Budgets Read More »

CONCORD – House Speaker William O’Brien released the following statement on House Bill 383, which passed the House 212 to 128. The bill prohibits the collection of certain agency fees from state employees who are not members of the state employees’ association. House Speaker William O’Brien “Union bosses should not be permitted to reach in …

House Prohibits Collection of Compulsory Agency Fees from Non-members of State Employees’ Union Read More »

CONCORD – House Speaker William O’Brien and House Ways and Means Chairman Stephen Stepanek today offered the following comments in response to the announcement of December state revenues figures, showing that while receipts were $4 million ahead of plan, this is only because $9.2 million in Medicaid Enhancement Tax receipts came in December, later than …

House Leaders Respond to December Revenue Figures Read More »