The Legislature is weighing HB 372 and HB 1264. Both focus on closing current loop holes in the law.
Click here for a WMUR article on the status of these bills.
Click here for an earlier GST post on the status of these bills.
We need Definition of “Domicile” and “Resident” and “Inhabitant” in our Election Law.
HB1264 standardizes definitions of “resident,” “inhabitant,” “residence,” and “residency” in state law.
It eliminates “for the indefinite future,” enabling a residency requirement able to withstand court challenges.
HB1264 has been passed by the Senate Election Law Committee and will be voted upon by the full Senate.
A spokesman for the Governor stated that the governor’s position “has not changed. He has serious concerns with both House Bill 372 and House Bill 1264, and does not support either bill in their current form.”
HB 372 provides that residence, domicile, and inhabitant shall mean the same for all purposes in statute.
Also, that a person must be a resident of New Hampshire to vote or hold office in New Hampshire.
HB 372 also eliminates the four words “for the indefinite future.”
HB 372 passed the House, was amended by the Senate to include a preamble, and passed in January.
The content of the two bills is likely to be merged for final action before the session ends in May.
Click here to read HB1264 and HB372.
“The reforms in HB1264 and HB372 are reasonable and in fact implement expectations common in all other states” said GST Chairman Ray Chadwick. “We need to support and pass these bills into law.”
Click here to find your Legislators. Tell them to support HB 1264 and HB 372 for Election Law reform!
Click here to contact Governor Sununu. Tell him to sign legislation for Election Law reform!