We’re back to give you another round of what’s been happening in NH law. For the past few months we haven’t seen any ground-shaking bills signed by our governor into law or introduced into our congress, but here are a few that may interest you:
NH House Tables Law Against Sanctuary City Policies
The NH House voted to table a bill that would prohibit towns from adopting “sanctuary city” policies. This means that individuals who are not legal US citizens won’t feel they may be penalized for coming forward to law enforcement when a crime occurs. Sanctuary cities make it safer for immigrants in the US who are currently residing illegally to report when they have been victimized by or witnessed a crime, although those opposed to sanctuary cities believe that they “harbor illegal immigrants.” Read more on the Concord Monitor.
Recently Passed SB 255 Targets Online Privacy and Security
The New Hampshire Senate recently passed SB 255, a bill aimed at addressing privacy and security concerns for consumers and businesses operating in New Hampshire. SB 255 would require consumers to be informed about what information is collected about them, allow consumers to request copies of their personal information, and much more. Read more on NH Business Review.
Marital Freedom Act Guarantees Interracial Marriage
Just a few weeks ago, Gov. Chris Sununu signed the Martial Freedom Act into New Hampshire state law, protecting unions between interracial partners. Read more on NHPR.
HB 170 Requires Teaching Cursive and Multiplication Tables in Schools
Gov. Chris Sununu signed into law a house bill in May requiring the teaching of cursive handwriting and multiplication tables inside of NH public schools. Read more on Legiscan.
Committee Established to Study Unmarried Cohabitants, Domestic Partnership, and Common Law Marriage
Since NH does not recognize common law marriage like many other states (except RSA 457:39), a bill was introduced to establish a committee to study the considerations of married cohabitants, domestic partnerships, and common law marriage to determine “whether as a matter of public policy broader recognition of common law marriage is warranted.” Read more on Legiscan.
The legislative session is set to adjourn at the end of the month, so keep an eye out for lots more legal news in the next several weeks!
