SB 459-FN (2024): establishing a committee to study the child protection act; establishing a right to submit evidence and testimony in family court proceedings; relative to wage garnishment with child support payments; and relative to parenting coordinators in high-conflict cases.

SB 459-FN (2024)

establishing a committee to study the child protection act; establishing a right to submit evidence and testimony in family court proceedings; relative to wage garnishment with child support payments; and relative to parenting coordinators in high-conflict cases.

• Status: Died: the chambers did not agree on a version
• Term: 2023-2024
• House committee: Children and Family Law
• Senate committee: Judiciary
• Subject: Study Committees and Commissions

The Story

It was introduced on January 3, 2024 and referred to the Senate Judiciary committee. The committee held a public hearing on January 25, 2024. The committee voted 4–1 to recommend that the Senate pass it. On April 5, 2024 the Senate voted to pass it on a voice vote, then referred it on to the Senate Finance committee. The committee voted unanimously, 7–0, to recommend that the Senate pass it with changes (amendment 2024-1463s). The committee's amendment (2024-1463s) was adopted on a voice vote on April 11, 2024, changing the text of the bill. A floor amendment (2024-1471s), offered by Sen. Sharon Carson, was adopted on a voice vote on April 11, 2024, changing the text of the bill. On April 11, 2024 the Senate voted to pass it with changes on a voice vote and ordered it to a third reading. It crossed to the House on April 12, 2024 and was referred to the House Children and Family Law committee. The committee held a public hearing on April 23, 2024, with 15 people signed in online: 1 in support and 14 in opposition. The committee met in executive session on April 30, 2024 to vote on its recommendation. The committee voted unanimously, 13–0, to recommend that the House pass it with changes (amendment 2024-1688h), and the report was placed on the regular calendar. The committee's amendment (2024-1688h) was rejected on a voice vote on May 9, 2024. A floor amendment (2024-1759h), offered by Rep. Mark Pearson, was adopted on a voice vote on May 9, 2024, changing the text of the bill. On May 9, 2024 the House voted to pass it with changes on a roll call 270–94. On May 30, 2024 the Senate voted to reject the other chamber's changes on a voice vote, on a motion by Sen. Sharon Carson.

Sponsors

• Sen. Sharon Carson (R - SD14) (prime sponsor)
• Sen. Rebecca Whitley (D - SD15)
• Rep. Mark Pearson (R - Rock 34)
• Rep. Glenn Cordelli (R - Carr 7)

Hearings and Sessions

• January 25, 2024, 9:45 AM: hearing, Senate Judiciary, SH 100
• April 23, 2024, 11:00 AM: public hearing, House Children and Family Law, LOB 206-208
• April 30, 2024, 10:00 AM: executive session, House Children and Family Law, LOB 206-208

Votes

• April 5, 2024, Senate: Ought to Pass — voice vote, passed
• April 11, 2024, Senate: Ought to Pass with Amendment s 2024-1463s and 2024-1471s — voice vote, passed
• May 9, 2024, House: Ought to Pass with Amendment — yeas 270, nays 94, passed
• May 30, 2024, Senate: Nonconcur with the House Amendment — voice vote, passed

The Docket

Laws It Would Change

• RSA 490-D
• RSA 458-B:2
• RSA 458-B:3
• RSA 461-A

Related Bills

• HB 475 (2024): establishing a right to submit evidence and testimony in family court proceedings.
• HB 1263-FN (2024): relative to parenting coordinators in high-conflict cases.
• HB 213 (2025): relative to wage garnishment for child support.
• HB 1263-FN (2024): relative to parenting coordinators in high-conflict cases.
• HB 475 (2024): establishing a right to submit evidence and testimony in family court proceedings.

From the General Court

• Bill text
• Bill status page
• Docket
• SC 4
• SC 13
• SC 14A
• House Calendar 18, 2024, committee report