Senate Republicans Reject Inclusive Outdoors Act
Contact Name: Marina Altschiller
Phone: (603) 271-3207
CONCORD – Today, in a party line vote of 14-10, Senate Republicans voted down sections I-IV of SB 114, also known as the Inclusive Outdoors Act. Sections I-IV created specific enforcement protocols for the department of natural and cultural resources and fish and game officers to ensure the use and enjoyment of New Hampshire’s cultural and natural resources on all publicly-accessible and publicly-funded areas of the state for all people without fear or threat of verbal or physical violence based on color, race, age, ability, gender identity, national origin, religion, creed, sexual orientation, sex, or any other individual characteristic protected under RSA 354-B.
After the vote, prime sponsor Senator Becky Whitley (D-Hopkinton) issued the following statement:
“The Inclusive Outdoors Act was a public safety bill to ensure that everyone who uses and enjoys New Hampshire’s public cultural and natural resources can do so without fear or threat of discrimination or violence. Sections I-IV, which were voted down by my Republican colleagues, simply required the state agencies who patrol public areas to establish a protocol for addressing incidents of racial discrimination and bigotry and record and log incidents. While I am disappointed that my Republican colleagues voted against this measure to promote inclusivity and acceptance here in New Hampshire, I am extremely proud of the work done in conjunction with Chief Scippa of the New Hampshire Police Standards and Training Council on Section V which passed unanimously. This work ensured that the language in the bill was consistent with their already-in-motion plans to provide ethics, diversity, and de-escalating training, and that the language was consistent with a key recommendation of the LEACT Commission.”
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