Governor Sununu Vetoes HB 1234

Contact Name: Sara Persechino

Phone: (603) 271-3479

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

CONCORD – Today, Governor Sununu vetoed HB 1234, an omnibus bill relative to state and local government administration.

Senate President Donna Soucy (D-Manchester) issued the following statement in response:

“Despite a global pandemic, the Legislature worked hard to complete the people’s work and to ensure public transparency throughout the entirety of our remote legislative activities. Every bill passed - including HB 1234 - was printed in the Senate calendar, had a public hearing and committee vote, and was voted on by the full Senate and House. For the Governor to suggest otherwise is inaccurate and frankly offensive.

HB 1234 was not a partisan bill; its contents were administrative bills essential to continuity of government. In vetoing it, Governor Sununu struck down requests from his own department heads in addition to prime sponsored legislation from Senate Minority Leader Chuck Morse, House Minority Leader Dick Hinch, and House and Senate Republican leaders Jeb Bradley and Sherm Packard.

While the issues this bill encompassed were not political, they were incredibly important to constituents, state agencies, and New Hampshire’s economy. Governor Sununu’s inclination to veto rather than engage in the legislative process has today thwarted critical efforts to increase sales opportunities for New Hampshire farmers, expand sports betting opportunities for New Hampshire cities, and expand renewable energy capacity.”

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