Contact Name: Sara Persechino

Phone: (603) 271-3479

Email: Sara.Persechino@leg.state.nh.us

CONCORD – Today, the Senate passed HB 1240 in a vote of 23-1. As amended, HB 1240 incorporates text from HB 1599, creating a special marriage officiant license, and HB 1491 as amended by the Senate, updating licensing and policy and fees. The amendment comes following a statement from the House of Representatives that they will not concur on HB 1491, an omnibus licensing bill previously passed by the Senate on a voice vote.

After the vote, Senator Martha Hennessey (D-Hanover) and Senator Cindy Rosenwald (D-Nashua) issued the following statements:

“For over a year we have been working across the aisle to close the ‘Howie Leung Loophole’ to ensure a safe education for our students,” stated Senator Martha Hennessey (D-Hanover). “When a teacher or a coach engages in sexual contact with a student, that is a gross misuse of power. HB 1240, as amended, not only closes the loophole used by Howie Leung to abuse his position of authority, but creates a funding avenue for domestic violence programs through the incorporated language of HB 1599. Our students, our victim-survivors of domestic and sexual violence, need our support. I’m grateful for the bipartisan support of this important issue and look forward to sending it to the governor’s desk.”

“Earlier this month, the Senate passed HB 1491, a bipartisan omnibus bill on occupational licensure and the office of professional licensure and certification, on a voice vote,” added Senator Cindy Rosenwald (D-Nashua). “One critical measure taken in HB 1491, now included in HB 1240, regarding pharmacy licensing fees will prevent a $700,000 negative budget impact. I am grateful to my Senate colleagues for their continued persistence on this issue and encourage our colleagues in the House to concur on these significant, cost saving measures.”

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