2017 bills aren't dead yet

The New Hampshire House and Senate voted on most 2017 bills by the end of June, but committees kept a few bills over the summer for more work. Those bills will get vote from the full House and Senate in 2018. Here are some of the most significant 2017 bills that are still alive:

Conversion therapy

Both HB 587 and SB 224 would ban conversion therapy for minors. Conversion therapy attempts to change a person's sexual orientation. Bill supporters argue that conversion therapy increases the risk of depression, anxiety, and self-harm among youth. Bill opponents argue a ban would have a chilling effect on the ability of therapists to help patients work through issues with sexual orientation. The majority of the House Health, Human Services and Elderly Affairs committee is recommending the full House kill both bills.

Click here to learn more about debates over gay and transgender rights in New Hampshire. 

School choice

SB 193 would give parents the power to take the state education funding for their student and spend that money for private school, home school, or other education-related expenses. The House Education committee is recommending an amendment to the bill that would limit the scholarships to certain students, such as low income students or those with special needs. School choice advocates argue students should be able to use state funds to pursue the best possible education. Opponents argue the bill will weaken state support for public schools.

Click here to learn more about debates over school funding. 

Bet limits

HB 169 increases the single bet limit at charitable gaming locations, from $4 to $10. The Lottery Commission estimates this will increase state charitable gaming revenue by roughly $800,000 per year. Opponents are concerned this will increase problem gambling at New Hampshire's charitable poker rooms. The House Ways and Means committee is recommending the full House pass the bill.

Click here to learn more about the debate over gambling laws in New Hampshire.

Abortion statistics

HB 471 requires health care providers to report data about abortions, so the state can track abortion statistics. Supporters note that almost every other state tracks abortion statistics and reports them to the Centers for Disease Control. Opponents argue the bill invites further intrusion into a woman's private reproductive health care decisions. The House Health, Human Services and Elderly Affairs committee is recommending the full House pass the bill.

Click here to learn more about the debate over abortion laws in New Hampshire.

Ratepayer rebates

HB 592, as originally written, would repeal the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI). The House Science, Technology and Energy committee is recommending an amendment to the bill that would instead direct all of the revenue from RGGI to ratepayer rebates, ending RGGI funding for energy efficiency programs. This bill is the latest attempt of many to restructure the RGGI cap-and-trade program.

Click here to learn more about the debate over RGGI. 

Do you have an opinion on any of these bills? Share your thoughts in the comment section below.