Josh Rogers

Last year, the GOP-dominated House twice passed bills to require women to wait 24 hours before receiving abortions. Neither ended up clearing the state senate.  But with Democrats now controlling the House, this measure, which critics called theologically driven, was voted down 229-121. Rep. Sylvia Gale (D-Nashua) spoke for many when she told colleagues lawmakers should butt out when it comes to abortion.

The deal ended the dispute between 17 states and tobacco companies over payment amounts under 1998's master settlement agreement that requires cigarette makers to help states cover the medical costs of sick smokers. At issue, is money tobacco companies had withheld on the grounds that states were not forcing non-participating companies to pay into escrow, as required under the 46-state settlement. The total value of the new agreement is $4b, but Deputy attorney general Ann Rice says NH's piece is small.

Voters in Salem will weigh in on a non-binding referendum on whether the town should host a Casino. The measure is expected to pass. Backers like Larry Belair, a former State Representative with the local pro- gambling group NH Casino now, expect well above majority support.

“I am hoping we can get a 2 to 1 vote, something we can take up to the legislature and say look we are clearly ready and willing to be a host community for this thing. “

The casino proposal faces its first major vote this week, is expected to pass in the Senate; the gas tax comes before the House Ways & Means Committee; medical marijuana legislation may have new life with Governor Hassan in the corner office; the House works on a revised budget.

The New Hampshire House has voted 207 to 163 to hike the tax on gas and diesel fuel 15 cents per gallon.

As the NH house readies to vote on a 15 cent increase to the state’s gas tax, Former house speaker Bill O’Brien is pushing to ensure all gas tax money pays for infrastructure.  

Former House speaker Bill O’Brien knows something about diverting gas tax revenue to pay for things other than roads. The state budget he passed as speaker did just that, as so have pretty much every state budget in memory.

But now, as the House stands ready to increase gas taxes for the first time since 1991, O'Brien says it’s time for the practice to stop.

Votes are expected in the House this week on whether the state will allow the building of one casino, as outlined in Governor Hassan's budget, and the proposed raise to the gas tax; The House Finance Committee gets to work on the budget.

Governor Maggie Hassan's latest pitch for a single casino along the Massachusetts border is that it's the logical next step in New Hampshire’s long history of state-sanctioned gambling.

New Hampshire has signed on to two amicus briefs to the United States Supreme Court defending the right for same-sex couples to marry.

The briefs encourage the U.S. Supreme Court to overturn the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA), and California’s Proposition 8.

“Because encouraging strong marriages for loving couples strengthens families and communities. We are urging the Supreme Court to strike down these discriminatory measures because all New Hampshire married couples should receive fair and equal treatment from the federal government,” said Governor Maggie Hassan.

As the New Hampshire House prepares to vote on a plan to increase the gas tax by 15 cents, the bill’s lead sponsor is working to undo the damage of an email he sent top Democrats where he called the gas tax increase “a gift that keeps on giving.”

Governor Maggie Hassan says her administration is still preparing budget documents state law required her to present to lawmakers 10 days ago.

At issue is what’s known as HB2, that’s the bill that implements the policies in any state budget. Governor Hassan says its in the works.

"We are working on the document, its being drafted."

Governor Maggie Hassan says the automatic budget cuts known as the sequester “may very well happen.”

The New Hampshire House votes this week on whether to raise the gas tax for the first time since 1991; considerations over this proposed tax and expanded gambling will affect implementation of the governor's budget.

A proposal to legalize medical marijuana went before a house committee today.  Lead Sponsor, Exeter Democrat Donna Schlachman promoted the plan as one that has profited from experiences -- good and bad -- of medical marijuana laws passed in other states.

"You cannot physician shop, and just start getting multiple prescriptions. You have to be a qualifying patient, and there is very strict definition of what qualifies you for this prescription._

A bill to increase the gas tax is headed for the floor of the N.H. House with the unanimous backing of the Public Works and Highways Committee, which voted 18-0 to raise N.H.’s gas tax by 15 cents over four years. The plan spreads the increase on diesel fuel over six years to ease the effect on truckers. The plan’s sponsor, Nashua Democrat David Campbell calls it prudent.

"This is not going to be an instant fix, but it’s going to be a lot of pressure in the right direction, and if we don’t do this we in the legislature will be negligent."