SB 173-FN (2024): relative to surprise medical bills.

SB 173-FN (2024)

relative to surprise medical bills.

• Status: Signed into law
• Term: 2023-2024
• House committee: Commerce and Consumer Affairs
• Senate committee: Health and Human Services
• Subject: Insurance
• Chapter law: 143

The Story

It was introduced on January 19, 2023 and referred to the Senate Health and Human Services committee. The committee held a public hearing on February 1, 2023. The committee voted unanimously, 5–0, to recommend that the Senate send it back to committee, and the report was placed on the consent calendar. On March 9, 2023 the Senate voted to send it back to committee on a voice vote. The committee voted unanimously, 5–0, to recommend that the Senate study it after the session ends. On January 3, 2024 the Senate failed “Refer to Interim Study” on a voice vote. A floor amendment (2024-0049s), offered by Sen. Regina Birdsell, was adopted on a voice vote on January 3, 2024, changing the text of the bill. On January 3, 2024 the Senate adopted the motion that it ought to pass with an amendment on a voice vote, but its third reading was left pending. On January 3, 2024 the Senate voted to lay it on the table on a voice vote, on a motion by Sen. Regina Birdsell. On March 21, 2024 the Senate ordered it to a third reading. On March 21, 2024 the Senate adopted “Remove From Table” on a voice vote, on a motion by Sen. Regina Birdsell. It crossed to the House on April 2, 2024 and was referred to the House Commerce and Consumer Affairs committee. The committee held a public hearing on April 23, 2024, with 3 people signed in online: 3 in support. The committee held a work session on May 7, 2024. The committee met in executive session on May 15, 2024 to vote on its recommendation. The committee voted unanimously, 18–0, to recommend that the House pass it, and the report was placed on the consent calendar. On May 23, 2024 the House voted to pass it on a voice vote. The bill was enrolled on June 13, 2024 — the final check of the text before it goes to the governor. The governor signed it on July 3, 2024, making it Chapter 143 of the session laws. It took effect on January 1, 2025.

Sponsors

• Sen. Sharon Carson (R - SD14) (prime sponsor)
• Sen. Jeb Bradley (R - SD3)
• Sen. Suzanne Prentiss (D - SD5)

Hearings and Sessions

• February 1, 2023, 1:15 PM: hearing, Senate Health and Human Services, LOB 101
• April 23, 2024, 10:00 AM: public hearing, House Commerce and Consumer Affairs, LOB 302-304
• May 7, 2024, 10:00 AM: subcommittee work session, House Commerce and Consumer Affairs, LOB 302-304
• May 15, 2024, 10:00 AM: executive session, House Commerce and Consumer Affairs, LOB 302-304

Votes

• March 9, 2023, Senate: Rereferred to Committee — voice vote, passed
• January 3, 2024, Senate: Refer to Interim Study — voice vote, failed
• January 3, 2024, Senate: Ought to Pass with Amendment 2024-0049s — voice vote, passed
• January 3, 2024, Senate: Laid on Table — voice vote, passed
• March 21, 2024, Senate: Remove From Table — voice vote, passed
• May 23, 2024, House: Ought to Pass — voice vote, passed

The Docket

Laws It Would Change

• RSA 358-A:2
• RSA 420-J:3
• RSA 420-J
• RSA 417:4
• RSA 417-F:1
• RSA 420-J:8-e
• RSA 329:31-b

From the General Court

• Bill text
• Bill status page
• Docket
• SC 8
• SC 12
• HC 20, page 5