The House, Wednesday, March 19, 2008

The House took up 24 bills, listed below by bill.

Journal
House Journal 29
Assembled
10:00 AM
Votes Taken
13 roll calls, 10 divisions10 voice votes
Cite this page

Granite Record indexes the General Court’s record; it is not that record. Where a citation allows only one source, cite the General Court — every page here links to what it is drawn from. The date below is the day the page was read.

MLA
“The House, Wednesday, March 19, 2008.” Granite Record, https://graniterecord.org/session/H/2008-03-19. Accessed 19 Oct. 2026.
APA
Granite Record. (n.d.). The House, Wednesday, March 19, 2008. Retrieved 19 Oct. 2026, from https://graniterecord.org/session/H/2008-03-19
Chicago
Granite Record. “The House, Wednesday, March 19, 2008.” Accessed 19 Oct. 2026. https://graniterecord.org/session/H/2008-03-19.
BibTeX
@misc{session-H-2008-03-19, title = {The House, Wednesday, March 19, 2008}, howpublished = {Granite Record}, url = {https://graniterecord.org/session/H/2008-03-19}, note = {Accessed 19 Oct. 2026} }

How the Day Began

The House assembled at 10:00 AM, a prayer was offered and Rep. James MacKay (D - Merr 11) led the Pledge of Allegiance.

Presiding over the House during the day: Rep. Terie Norelli (D - Rock 26), Speaker of the House.

Excused for the Day

Show the 32 members excusedRepublican 15Democrat 14

The journal records 32 members as having leave of the House for the day, that is, permission to be away. A member on leave may still have voted on part of the day, and the roll call record does not always agree with the journal about who was excused.

Rep. Dennis Abbott (D - Rock 12) Rep. Peter Bergin (R - Hills 6) Rep. Mark Clark (R - Hills 18) Rep. Jane Clemons (D - Hills 24) Rep. Peter Cote (D - Hills 25) Rep. Robert Forsing (R - Rock 2) Rep. Vincent Greco (D - Merr 7) Rep. Virginia Heard (D - Carr 3) Rep. John Henson (D - Rock 13) Rep. Charlie Humphries (R - Merr 9) Rep. Juedy, Rep. Stephen Johnson (D - Hills 13) Rep. Mark Pearson (D - Rock 4) Rep. Matthew Quandt, Rep. David Welch (R - Rock 13) Rep. Franklin Bishop (R - Rock 3) Rep. C. Pennington Brown (D - Rock 9) Rep. Matthew Houde (D - Sull 1) Rep. Karen Hutchinson (R - Rock 3) Rep. Robert Matheson (D - Graf 4) Rep. McMahon, Rep. Karen McRae (R - Hills 7) Rep. Scott Merrick (D - Coos 2) Rep. Benjamin Moore (R - Rock 14) Rep. Edward Moran (R - Hills 18) Rep. Michael Reuschel (D - Hills 14) Rep. Jayne Spaulding (R - Hills 18) Rep. Nancy Stiles (R - Rock 15) Rep. Eric Stohl (R - Coos 1) Rep. Rick Wickson (R - Rock 5) Rep. Joseph Guthrie (R - Rock 8) Rep. Frank Tupper (D - Merr 6)

What the House Did That Day

The record does not say what order these came in: the journal page is cited on only a few of them, so they are listed by bill.

HB 1426-FN-A (2008)Became Law
relative to motor fuel import fees.
Rep. Anthony Simon (D - Hills 11) House Ways and Means Senate Ways and Means

House Ways and Means recommended Ought to Pass (OTP), 11–6; a minority, Inexpedient to Legislate (ITL).

Ought to Pass (OTP, Pass the bill)

Motion Passed: Bill Passed 169–152 on a roll call

Spoke for the motionRep. Christine Hamm (D - Merr 4)

Spoke against the motionRep. Peyton Hinkle (R - Hills 19)

✓IntroducedJan 2, 2008✓HouseMar 19, 2008✓SenateMay 15, 2008✓GovernorJun 24, 2008✓LawJul 1, 2008
HB 1427-FN-A (2008)Died
relative to the fuel oil import fee.
Rep. Anthony Simon (D - Hills 11) House Ways and Means Environment - Conservation

House Ways and Means recommended Ought to Pass (OTP), 11–6; a minority, Inexpedient to Legislate (ITL).

Ought to Pass (OTP, Pass the bill)

Motion Failed 158–163 on a roll call

Inexpedient to Legislate (ITL, Kill the bill)

Motion Passed: Bill Killed 184–137 on a roll call

Reconsider (Vote again on a decision)

Motion Failed: Earlier Vote Stands on a voice vote

In the record: Reconsideration (Rep Vaillancourt)

✓IntroducedJan 2, 2008✕HouseMar 19, 2008SenateGovernor✕LawMar 19, 2008
HB 1434 (2008)Became Law
relative to the regional greenhouse gas initiative and authorizing a cap-and-trade program for controlling carbon dioxide emissions.
Rep. Naida Kaen (D - Straf 7) House Science, Technology and Energy Senate Energy, Environment and Economic Development Energy and Utilities

Ought to Pass with Amendment (OTPA, Pass the bill with changes) 0770h

Motion Passed: Bill Passed with Changes 214–107 on a roll call

Spoke for the motionRep. Naida Kaen (D - Straf 5)

Spoke against the motionRep. John Thomas (R - Belk 5) Rep. James Garrity (R - Rock 6)

✓IntroducedJan 2, 2008✓HouseMar 19, 2008✓SenateMay 15, 2008✓GovernorJun 11, 2008✓Law
HB 1439 (2008)Died
relative to a moratorium on large groundwater withdrawals intended for commercial bottling use.
Rep. Thomas Buco (D - Carr 1) House Resources, Recreation and Development

House Resources, Recreation and Development recommended Inexpedient to Legislate (ITL), 14–4; a minority, Interim Study (IS).

Inexpedient to Legislate (ITL, Kill the bill)

Motion Passed: Bill Killed 252–64 on a roll call

Spoke for the motionRep. Christopher Ahlgren (R - Carr 6)

Spoke against the motionRep. Susan Kepner (D - Rock 15)

✓IntroducedJan 2, 2008✕HouseMar 19, 2008SenateGovernor✕LawMar 19, 2008
HB 1472 (2008)Died
relative to workforce housing.
Rep. Frances Potter (D - Merr 10) House Municipal and County Government Senate Public and Municipal Affairs Housing

Ought to Pass with Amendment (OTPA, Pass the bill with changes) 0711h

Motion Passed: Bill Passed with Changes 176–149 on a roll call

Spoke for the motionRep. Mary Cooney (D - Graf 8) Rep. Frances Potter (D - Merr 10)

Spoke against the motionRep. Neal Kurk (R - Hills 2) Rep. David Boutin (R - Merr 9) Rep. Cynthia Dokmo (R - Hills 6)

✓IntroducedJan 2, 2008✓HouseMar 19, 2008SenateMay 15, 2008Governor✕LawSep 24, 2008
HB 1496-FN (2008)Interim Study
establishing motor vehicle learners' permits and relative to youth operators' licenses.
Rep. Evalyn Merrick (D - Coos 2) House Transportation Senate Transportation and Interstate Cooperation Motor Vehicles

House Ways and Means recommended Ought to Pass (OTP), 14–2; a minority, Ought to Pass with Amendment (OTPA).

Uphold the Ruling of the Chair (Back the presiding officer)

Motion Passed 264–47 on a roll call

In the record: Uphold Ruling of Chair (Rep Vaillancourt)

Reconsider (Vote again on a decision)

Motion Failed: Earlier Vote Stands 77–242 on a division

In the record: Reconsideration (Rep Winters)

Ought to Pass (OTP, Pass the bill)

Motion Passed: Bill Passed 202–119 on a roll call

Also spoke during this billRep. Ron Mack (D - Hills 1) Rep. Steve Vaillancourt (R - Hills 15)the record does not say which of the day's motions

✓IntroducedJan 2, 2008✓HouseMar 19, 2008SenateMay 8, 2008Governor✕LawSep 24, 2008
HB 1545-FN-A (2008)Died
establishing a waiver option for live-racing tracks.
Rep. Fran Wendelboe (R - Belk 1) House Executive Departments and Administration

House Ways and Means recommended Inexpedient to Legislate (ITL), 8–5; a minority, Ought to Pass (OTP).

Inexpedient to Legislate (ITL, Kill the bill)

Motion Passed: Bill Killed 159–154 on a division

Spoke for the motionRep. Dennis Vachon (D - Straf 3)

Spoke against the motionRep. Fran Wendelboe (R - Belk 1) Rep. Mary Cooney (D - Graf 8)

Reconsider (Vote again on a decision)

Motion Failed: Earlier Vote Stands 125–180 on a division

In the record: Reconsideration (Rep Ingbretson)

✓IntroducedJan 2, 2008✕HouseMar 19, 2008SenateGovernor✕LawMar 19, 2008
HB 1572-FN (2008)Died
establishing cancer research number plates.
Rep. Susan Kepner (D - Rock 15) House Transportation Motor Vehicles

House Transportation recommended Inexpedient to Legislate (ITL), 7–6; a minority, Interim Study (IS).

Inexpedient to Legislate (ITL, Kill the bill)

Motion Passed: Bill Killed 246–71 on a division

Spoke for the motionRep. Robert Williams (D - Merr 11) Rep. Jim Ryan (D - Merr 2)

Spoke against the motionRep. Susan Kepner (D - Rock 15) Rep. Carole Estes (D - Graf 7)

✓IntroducedJan 2, 2008✕HouseMar 19, 2008SenateGovernor✕LawMar 19, 2008
HB 1583-FN (2008)Interim Study
requiring the bureau of emergency communications to develop and maintain a statewide emergency notification system.
Rep. John Thomas (R - Belk 5) House Science, Technology and Energy Senate Executive Departments and Administration

House Science, Technology and Energy recommended Ought to Pass with Amendment (OTPA) with amendment 0772h, 11–3.

Ought to Pass with Amendment (OTPA, Pass the bill with changes) 0772h

Motion Passed: Bill Passed with Changes on a voice vote

✓IntroducedJan 2, 2008✓HouseMar 19, 2008SenateMay 1, 2008Governor✕LawSep 24, 2008
HB 1594-FN (2008)Became Law
establishing a commission to study the current methods of funding the hazardous waste and hazardous materials programs in New Hampshire.
Rep. Richard Snow (D - Rock 1) House Environment and Agriculture Senate Energy, Environment and Economic Development Study Committees and Commissions

Lay on the Table (Set the bill aside)

Motion Failed 115–192 on a division

In the record: Lay On Table (Rep Lund)

Ought to Pass with Amendment (OTPA, Pass the bill with changes) 1025h

Motion Passed: Bill Passed with Changes 179–128 on a roll call

Spoke for the motionRep. Gilman Shattuck (D - Hills 1) Rep. Susan Almy (D - Graf 11)

Spoke against the motionRep. Peyton Hinkle (R - Hills 19)

✓IntroducedJan 2, 2008✓HouseMar 19, 2008✓SenateMay 15, 2008✓GovernorJul 11, 2008✓LawJul 11, 2008
HB 1644-FN-A (2008)Became Law
establishing a Coos county job creation tax credit.
Rep. Scott Merrick (D - Coos 2) House Ways and Means Senate Ways and Means Taxes - State

House Ways and Means recommended Ought to Pass with Amendment (OTPA) with amendment 1018h, 16–2; a minority, Inexpedient to Legislate (ITL).

Ought to Pass with Amendment (OTPA, Pass the bill with changes) 1018h

Motion Passed: Bill Passed with Changes 236–73 on a roll call

✓IntroducedFeb 6, 2008✓HouseMar 19, 2008✓SenateMay 15, 2008✓GovernorJun 9, 2008✓LawJun 9, 2008
HB 1646 (2008)Became Law
relative to the 10-year transportation improvement plan.
Rep. Candace Bouchard (D - Merr 11) House Public Works and Highways Senate Transportation and Interstate Cooperation Transportation and Highways

House Public Works and Highways recommended Ought to Pass with Amendment (OTPA) with amendment 1017h, 15–0.

Ought to Pass with Amendment (OTPA, Pass the bill with changes) 1017h

Motion Passed: Bill Passed with Changes on a voice vote

Spoke for the motionRep. David Campbell (D - Hills 33)

Spoke against the motionRep. Neal Kurk (R - Hills 2)

✓IntroducedFeb 6, 2008✓HouseMar 19, 2008✓SenateMay 15, 2008✓GovernorJun 25, 2008✓LawAug 24, 2008
HB 432-FN (2008)Died
relative to certain on-premises beverage and liquor licenses.
Rep. Hector Velez (D - Hills 12) House Commerce Senate Commerce, Labor and Consumer Protection Liquor and Beer

House Ways and Means recommended Ought to Pass with Amendment (OTPA) with amendment 0895h, 12–5; a minority, Inexpedient to Legislate (ITL).

Adopt the Amendment (Change the bill)

Motion Passed: Amendment Adopted 210–114 on a roll call

In the record: Adopt Amendment 0895h

Spoke for the motionRep. Michael Marsh (D - Rock 17)

Spoke against the motionRep. Steve Vaillancourt (R - Hills 15)

Ought to Pass with Amendment (OTPA, Pass the bill with changes) 0895h

Motion Passed: Bill Passed with Changes 219–107 on a division

✓IntroducedJan 4, 2007✓HouseMar 19, 2008✕SenateMay 21, 2008Governor✕LawMay 21, 2008
HB 781-FN (2008)Became Law
relative to the duties of the department of safety and relative to emergency lights and warning lights.
Rep. John Flanders (R - Rock 8) House Transportation Senate Transportation and Interstate Cooperation Motor Vehicles

House Ways and Means recommended Ought to Pass with Amendment (OTPA) with amendment 0859h, 13–3; a minority, Ought to Pass with Amendment (OTPA).

Adopt the Committee Amendment (Accept the committee's changes)

Motion Passed: Amendment Adopted 202–118 on a roll call

In the record: Adopt Majority Committee Amendment 0859h

Spoke for the motionRep. Ron Mack (D - Hills 1)

Spoke against the motionRep. Steve Vaillancourt (R - Hills 15)

Adopt the Committee Amendment (Accept the committee's changes)

Motion Failed 142–182 on a roll call

In the record: Adopt Minority Committee Amendment 0915h

Spoke for the motionRep. Steve Vaillancourt (R - Hills 15)

Spoke against the motionRep. Susan Almy (D - Graf 11)

Ought to Pass with Amendment (OTPA, Pass the bill with changes) 0859h

Motion Passed: Bill Passed with Changes 200–124 on a division

✓IntroducedJan 31, 2007✓HouseMar 19, 2008✓SenateMay 1, 2008✓GovernorJul 11, 2008✓LawSep 9, 2008
HR 21 (2008)Adopted by House
urging Congress to oppose any attempt to remove the phrases “In God We Trust” and “E Pluribus Unum” from United States currency and coinage.
Rep. Howie Lund (R) House State-Federal Relations and Veterans Affairs State Government

House State-Federal Relations and Veterans Affairs recommended Ought to Pass with Amendment (OTPA) with amendment 0177h, 10–2.

Special Order (Take the bill up at a set time)

Motion Passed: Rescheduled on a voice vote

In the record: Special Ordered to Next Session Day

✓IntroducedJan 2, 2008✓HouseApr 16, 2008