The Senate, Thursday, May 22, 1997

The Senate took up 47 bills, listed below by bill.

Journal
Senate Journal 20
Votes Taken
6 roll calls45 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 Senate, Thursday, May 22, 1997.” Granite Record, https://graniterecord.org/session/S/1997-05-22. Accessed 19 Oct. 2026.
APA
Granite Record. (n.d.). The Senate, Thursday, May 22, 1997. Retrieved 19 Oct. 2026, from https://graniterecord.org/session/S/1997-05-22
Chicago
Granite Record. “The Senate, Thursday, May 22, 1997.” Accessed 19 Oct. 2026. https://graniterecord.org/session/S/1997-05-22.
BibTeX
@misc{session-S-1997-05-22, title = {The Senate, Thursday, May 22, 1997}, howpublished = {Granite Record}, url = {https://graniterecord.org/session/S/1997-05-22}, note = {Accessed 19 Oct. 2026} }

The Senate journal does not record who spoke for or against a motion, so this is the vote record without the debate.

What the Senate 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 129 (1997)Became Law
relative to the definition of emergency services for health care insurance purposes.
Rep. Herman (Hills 13) House Commerce Senate Insurance Insurance

Senate Insurance recommended Ought to Pass (OTP), 7–0.

Ought to Pass (OTP, Pass the bill)

Motion Passed: Bill Passed on a voice vote

✓IntroducedJan 8, 1997✓HouseJan 29, 1997✓SenateMay 22, 1997✓GovernorJun 9, 1997✓LawJan 1, 1998
HB 130 (1997)Became Law
clarifying the authority of county commissioners to arrange for work by prisoners.
Rep. Noyes (Rock 26) House Criminal Justice and Public Safety Senate Public Institutions, Health and Human Services Crimes, Criminal Procedure and Corrections

Senate Public Institutions, Health and Human Services recommended Ought to Pass (OTP), 7–0.

Lay on the Table (Set the bill aside)

Motion Passed: Bill Tabled on a voice vote

In the record: Laid on Table

Lay on the Table (Set the bill aside)

Motion Passed: Bill Tabled on a voice vote

In the record: Laid on Table

✓IntroducedJan 8, 1997✓HouseFeb 5, 1997✓SenateMay 28, 1997✓GovernorJun 19, 1997✓LawAug 18, 1997
HB 154-LOCAL (1997)Became Law
defining "legal resident" for purposes of school attendance.
Rep. Spear (Straf 5) House Education Senate Education Education - General

Senate Education recommended Ought to Pass with Amendment (OTPA), 5–0.

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

Motion Passed: Bill Passed with Changes on a voice vote

✓IntroducedJan 8, 1997✓HouseFeb 12, 1997✓SenateMay 22, 1997✓GovernorJun 18, 1997✓LawJan 1, 1998
HB 202 (1997)Died
relative to the sale of air guns to minors and the use of air guns by minors and prohibiting the furnishing of arms to persons under 17.
Rep. Steere (Ches 11) House Criminal Justice and Public Safety Senate Judiciary Crimes, Criminal Procedure and Corrections

Senate Judiciary recommended Inexpedient to Legislate (ITL), 8–0.

Inexpedient to Legislate (ITL, Kill the bill)

Motion Passed: Bill Killed on a voice vote

✓IntroducedJan 9, 1997✓HouseMar 18, 1997✕SenateMay 22, 1997Governor✕LawMay 22, 1997
HB 211 (1998)Died
defining the terms "psychological injury" and related terms under the child protection act.
Rep. Hess (Merr 11) House Judiciary and Family Law Senate Judiciary

Senate Judiciary recommended Re-refer to Committee, 6–2; a minority, Inexpedient to Legislate (ITL).

Inexpedient to Legislate (ITL, Kill the bill)

Motion Failed 11–13 on a roll call

✓IntroducedJan 9, 1997✓HouseMar 18, 1997✕SenateJan 29, 1998Governor✕LawJan 29, 1998
HB 229-FN-A-LOCAL (1997)Became Law
establishing a reading recovery training program.
Rep. Guest (Graf 10) House Education Senate Education Education - General

Ought to Pass (OTP, Pass the bill)

Motion Passed: Bill Passed 18–6 on a roll call

✓IntroducedJan 9, 1997✓HouseMar 26, 1997✓SenateMay 22, 1997✓GovernorJun 19, 1997✓LawJul 1, 1997
HB 243 (1997)Became Law
relative to criminal penalties and license revocation following a conviction for shooting and wounding or killing a human being while hunting.
Rep. L'Heureux (Hills 18) House Wildlife and Marine Resources Senate Judiciary Fish & Game

Senate Judiciary recommended Ought to Pass with Amendment (OTPA), 8–0.

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

Motion Passed: Bill Passed with Changes on a voice vote

✓IntroducedJan 9, 1997✓HouseMar 5, 1997✓SenateMay 22, 1997✓GovernorJun 18, 1997✓LawJan 1, 1998
HB 246 (1997)Became Law
making technical corrections to property tax abatements, the business profits tax, the interest and dividends tax, and the legacies and successions tax and setting the biennial rate of the medicaid enhancement tax at 6 percent.
Rep. Weyler (Rock 18) House Finance Senate Ways and Means Taxes - State

Senate Ways and Means recommended Ought to Pass (OTP), 6–0.

Ought to Pass (OTP, Pass the bill)

Motion Passed: Bill Passed on a voice vote

✓IntroducedJan 9, 1997✓HouseApr 2, 1997✓SenateMay 22, 1997✓GovernorJun 18, 1997✓Law
HB 300 (1997)Became Law
establishing a study committee on judicial pensions.
Rep. Kurk (Hills 5) House Judiciary and Family Law Senate Executive Departments and Administration Study Committees and Commissions

Senate Executive Departments and Administration recommended Ought to Pass with Amendment (OTPA), 5–2.

Adopt the Floor Amendment (Change the bill from the floor)

Motion Failed 11–13 on a roll call

Moved by Sen. Podles.

In the record: Adopt Floor Amendment 1368

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

Motion Passed: Bill Passed with Changes on a voice vote

Reconsider (Vote again on a decision)

Motion Failed: Earlier Vote Stands on a voice vote

Moved by Sen. Roberge.

✓IntroducedJan 9, 1997✓HouseFeb 26, 1997✓SenateMay 22, 1997✓GovernorJun 18, 1997✓LawAug 17, 1997
HB 318 (1997)Became Law
making technical changes to the provisions relating to school administrative units.
Rep. Thulander (Hills 6) House Education Senate Education Education - General

Senate Education recommended Ought to Pass with Amendment (OTPA), 6–1.

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

Motion Passed: Bill Passed with Changes on a voice vote

✓IntroducedJan 9, 1997✓HouseFeb 26, 1997✓SenateMay 22, 1997✓GovernorJun 19, 1997✓LawAug 18, 1997
HB 334 (1997)Died
establishing guidelines for assessing the eligibility of certain providers for third party reimbursement.
Rep. B. Gage (Rock 26) House Commerce Senate Insurance Insurance

Senate Insurance recommended Inexpedient to Legislate (ITL), 7–1.

Inexpedient to Legislate (ITL, Kill the bill)

Motion Passed: Bill Killed on a voice vote

✓IntroducedJan 9, 1997✓HouseMar 18, 1997✕SenateMay 22, 1997Governor✕LawMay 22, 1997
HB 365 (1997)Died
providing that communications made during family mediation shall be privileged.
Rep. Wallin (Merr 15) House Judiciary and Family Law Senate Judiciary Courts and Procedure

Senate Judiciary recommended Inexpedient to Legislate (ITL), 6–2.

Inexpedient to Legislate (ITL, Kill the bill)

Motion Passed: Bill Killed on a voice vote

✓IntroducedJan 9, 1997✓HouseMar 19, 1997✕SenateMay 22, 1997Governor✕LawMay 22, 1997
HB 386 (1997)Died
relative to the definition of "suitable person" for purposes of licensing a suitable person to carry a loaded pistol or revolver.
Rep. Hunter (Hills 7) House Criminal Justice and Public Safety Senate Judiciary Crimes, Criminal Procedure and Corrections

Senate Judiciary recommended Inexpedient to Legislate (ITL), 6–2.

Inexpedient to Legislate (ITL, Kill the bill)

Motion Passed: Bill Killed on a voice vote

✓IntroducedJan 9, 1997✓HouseMar 12, 1997✕SenateMay 22, 1997Governor✕LawMay 22, 1997
HB 389 (1997)Became Law
relative to the water protection assistance program within the office of state planning.
Rep. Patten (Carr 9) House Resources, Recreation and Development Senate Environment Environment - Conservation

Senate Environment recommended Ought to Pass (OTP), 4–0.

Ought to Pass (OTP, Pass the bill)

Motion Passed: Bill Passed on a voice vote

✓IntroducedJan 9, 1997✓HouseMar 18, 1997✓SenateMay 22, 1997✓GovernorJun 18, 1997✓LawAug 17, 1997
HB 424 (1997)Became Law
postponing the implementation of alternative fuel motor vehicle fleet requirements for 2 years.
Rep. MacGillivray (Hills 21) House Science, Technology and Energy Senate Environment

Senate Environment recommended Ought to Pass (OTP), 4–0.

Ought to Pass (OTP, Pass the bill)

Motion Passed: Bill Passed on a voice vote

✓IntroducedJan 9, 1997✓HouseFeb 12, 1997✓SenateMay 22, 1997✓GovernorJun 9, 1997✓LawAug 8, 1997
HB 426 (1997)Became Law
establishing a committee to study the administration of medications and the management of personal care assistance personnel in long-term care facilities.
Rep. L. Foster (Hills 10) House Health, Human Services and Elderly Affairs Senate Public Institutions, Health and Human Services Study Committees and Commissions

Senate Public Institutions, Health and Human Services recommended Ought to Pass with Amendment (OTPA), 7–0.

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

Motion Passed: Bill Passed with Changes on a voice vote

✓IntroducedJan 9, 1997✓HouseMar 12, 1997✓SenateMay 22, 1997✓GovernorJun 18, 1997✓LawAug 17, 1997
HB 430 (1997)Died
relative to registration of political committees and to political expenditures and contributions.
Rep. Flanagan (Rock 14) House Election Law Senate Public Affairs Elections

Senate Public Affairs recommended Ought to Pass with Amendment (OTPA), 5–1.

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

Motion Passed: Bill Passed with Changes on a voice vote

✓IntroducedJan 9, 1997✓HouseMar 12, 1997✓SenateMay 22, 1997Governor✕Law
HB 431 (1997)Became Law
relative to the appointment of attorneys for delinquent or neglected or abused children.
Rep. J. Brown (Straf 17) House Judiciary and Family Law Senate Judiciary Children

Senate Judiciary recommended Ought to Pass with Amendment (OTPA), 7–1.

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

Motion Passed: Bill Passed with Changes on a voice vote

✓IntroducedJan 9, 1997✓HouseMar 5, 1997✓SenateMay 22, 1997✓GovernorJun 20, 1997✓LawJan 1, 1998
HB 442 (1997)Became Law
requiring insurers to cover certain costs associated with reconstructive surgery after a mastectomy.
Rep. Snyder (Straf 14) House Commerce Senate Insurance

Senate Insurance recommended Ought to Pass with Amendment (OTPA), 6–2.

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

Motion Passed: Bill Passed with Changes on a voice vote

✓IntroducedJan 9, 1997✓HouseMar 12, 1997✓SenateMay 22, 1997✓GovernorJun 20, 1997✓LawJan 1, 1998
HB 450 (1997)Became Law
relative to accessing directory information as defined by the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act.
Rep. Champagne (Ches 19) House Education Senate Education Education - General

Accede to the Request for a Committee of Conference (Agree to a conference)

Motion Passed: Conference Agreed on a voice vote

In the record: Accede to Request for Committee of Conference

✓IntroducedJan 9, 1997✓HouseMar 5, 1997✓SenateApr 3, 1997✓GovernorJun 19, 1997✓LawAug 18, 1997
HB 452 (1997)Became Law
establishing a legislative oversight committee on telecommunications restructuring and relative to approval by the public utilities commission of tariffs for new telephone services.
Rep. J. Bradley (Carr 8) House Science, Technology and Energy Senate Executive Departments and Administration Energy and Utilities

Senate Executive Departments and Administration recommended Ought to Pass (OTP), 5–0.

Ought to Pass (OTP, Pass the bill)

Motion Passed: Bill Passed on a voice vote

✓IntroducedJan 9, 1997✓HouseMar 18, 1997✓SenateMay 22, 1997✓GovernorJun 18, 1997✓LawJun 18, 1997
HB 454 (1997)Became Law
relative to food service establishments.
Rep. Haettenschwiller (Hills 29) House Health, Human Services and Elderly Affairs Senate Public Institutions, Health and Human Services

Senate Public Institutions, Health and Human Services recommended Ought to Pass with Amendment (OTPA), 6–1.

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

Motion Passed: Bill Passed with Changes on a voice vote

✓IntroducedJan 9, 1997✓HouseMar 5, 1997✓SenateMay 22, 1997✓GovernorJun 19, 1997✓LawAug 18, 1997
HB 468-LOCAL (1997)Became Law
eliminating a requirement that registers of deeds keep original copies of officers' returns of attachments and writs of execution on file permanently.
Rep. Noyes (Rock 26) House Municipal and County Government Senate Judiciary

Senate Judiciary recommended Ought to Pass (OTP), 8–0.

Ought to Pass (OTP, Pass the bill)

Motion Passed: Bill Passed on a voice vote

✓IntroducedJan 9, 1997✓HouseMar 12, 1997✓SenateMay 22, 1997✓GovernorJun 18, 1997✓LawJan 1, 1998
HB 472 (1997)Became Law
establishing the council for children and adolescents with chronic health conditions.
Rep. Nordgren (Graf 10) House Health, Human Services and Elderly Affairs Senate Public Institutions, Health and Human Services Public and Mental Health

Senate Public Institutions, Health and Human Services recommended Ought to Pass with Amendment (OTPA), 6–1.

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

Motion Passed: Bill Passed with Changes on a voice vote

✓IntroducedJan 9, 1997✓HouseMar 12, 1997✓SenateMay 22, 1997✓GovernorJun 20, 1997✓LawAug 19, 1997
HB 52 (1997)Became Law
authorizing the assignment of superior court judges to hear cases in the district court.
Rep. A. Merrill (Straf 8) House Judiciary and Family Law Senate Judiciary Courts and Procedure

Senate Judiciary recommended Ought to Pass (OTP), 6–0.

Ought to Pass (OTP, Pass the bill)

Motion Passed: Bill Passed on a voice vote

✓IntroducedMar 5, 1997✓HouseApr 2, 1997✓SenateMay 22, 1997✓GovernorJun 9, 1997✓LawAug 8, 1997
HB 536 (1997)Became Law
requiring certain dam owners to develop emergency action plans, prohibiting the construction of any dam without a permit and clarifying the process for issuing orders for dam repair.
Rep. Ziegra (Belk 5) House Resources, Recreation and Development Senate Environment Environment - Administration

Senate Environment recommended Ought to Pass with Amendment (OTPA), 4–0.

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

Motion Passed: Bill Passed with Changes on a voice vote

✓IntroducedJan 9, 1997✓HouseMar 12, 1997✓SenateMay 22, 1997✓GovernorJun 17, 1997✓LawAug 16, 1997
HB 544 (1998)Became Law
relative to dwellings which extend over public waters.
Rep. Dickinson (Carr 2) House Resources, Recreation and Development Senate Environment Environment - Administration

Senate Environment recommended Inexpedient to Legislate (ITL), 4–0.

Ought to Pass (OTP, Pass the bill)

Motion Failed 12–12 on a roll call

Moved by Sen. F King.

Inexpedient to Legislate (ITL, Kill the bill)

Motion Failed 12–12 on a roll call

Moved by Sen. Russman.

✓IntroducedJan 9, 1997✓HouseMar 19, 1997✓SenateJan 29, 1998✓GovernorApr 21, 1998✓LawJan 1, 1999
HB 554 (1997)Became Law
relative to damages in suits brought by administrators of an estate.
Rep. Keans (Straf 16) House Judiciary and Family Law Senate Judiciary

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

Motion Passed: Bill Passed with Changes 16–7 on a roll call

✓IntroducedJan 9, 1997✓HouseMar 18, 1997✓SenateMay 22, 1997✓GovernorJun 19, 1997✓LawJan 1, 1998
HB 575 (1997)Became Law
authorizing the commissioner of the department of environmental services to accept environmental standards developed by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) in place of certain permits and certification requirements.
Rep. Aranda (Rock 13) House Environment and Agriculture Senate Environment Environment - Administration

Senate Environment recommended Ought to Pass with Amendment (OTPA), 4–0.

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

Motion Passed: Bill Passed with Changes on a voice vote

✓IntroducedJan 9, 1997✓HouseMar 12, 1997✓SenateMay 22, 1997✓GovernorJun 20, 1997✓Law
HB 609-FN-LOCAL (1997)Became Law
enacting the Uniform Interstate Family Support Act (UIFSA) and relative to child support.
Rep. Clay (Hills 4) House Judiciary and Family Law Senate Interstate Cooperation Domestic Relations

Recommit (Send the bill back to committee)

Motion Passed: Sent Back to Committee on a voice vote

✓IntroducedJan 29, 1997✓HouseApr 10, 1997✓SenateMay 28, 1997✓GovernorJun 19, 1997✓Law
HB 636-LOCAL (1997)Became Law
relative to facilitating the transfer of contaminated property acquired by a municipality to a buyer eligible to participate in the brownfields program.
Rep. Melcher (Hills 11) House Local and Regulated Revenues Senate Ways and Means

Senate Ways and Means recommended Ought to Pass (OTP), 4–0.

Ought to Pass (OTP, Pass the bill)

Motion Passed: Bill Passed on a voice vote

✓IntroducedJan 29, 1997✓HouseMar 12, 1997✓SenateMay 22, 1997✓GovernorJun 19, 1997✓LawJun 19, 1997
HB 690 (1997)Became Law
establishing a long-term care institute.
Rep. Kurk (Hills 5) House Health, Human Services and Elderly Affairs Senate Public Institutions, Health and Human Services Public and Mental Health

Senate Public Institutions, Health and Human Services recommended Ought to Pass with Amendment (OTPA), 7–0.

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

Motion Passed: Bill Passed with Changes on a voice vote

✓IntroducedJan 29, 1997✓HouseMar 12, 1997✓SenateMay 22, 1997✓GovernorJun 23, 1997✓Law
HB 695 (1997)Became Law
establishing a committee to study the educational requirements of student drivers.
Rep. Gleason (Rock 13) House Transportation Senate Education Study Committees and Commissions

Senate Education recommended Ought to Pass (OTP), 4–2.

Ought to Pass (OTP, Pass the bill)

Motion Passed: Bill Passed on a voice vote

✓IntroducedJan 29, 1997✓HouseMar 12, 1997✓SenateMay 22, 1997✓GovernorJun 9, 1997✓LawAug 8, 1997
HB 711 (1997)Became Law
relative to post-termination commissions and reinstating the corporate charter of MultiProcess Computer Corporation, Inc.
Rep. Klemm (Rock 28) House Judiciary and Family Law Senate Judiciary

Senate Judiciary recommended Ought to Pass with Amendment (OTPA), 8–0.

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

Motion Passed: Bill Passed with Changes on a voice vote

✓IntroducedJan 29, 1997✓HouseMar 18, 1997✓SenateMay 22, 1997✓GovernorJun 18, 1997✓Law
HB 718 (1997)Became Law
changing that which constitutes the practice of medicine.
Rep. A. Torr (Straf 12) House Health, Human Services and Elderly Affairs Senate Public Institutions, Health and Human Services

Senate Public Institutions, Health and Human Services recommended Ought to Pass with Amendment (OTPA), 7–0.

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

Motion Passed: Bill Passed with Changes on a voice vote

✓IntroducedJan 29, 1997✓HouseMar 12, 1997✓SenateMay 22, 1997✓GovernorJun 18, 1997✓LawJun 18, 1997
HB 811 (1997)Became Law
legalizing, ratifying, and confirming actions, votes, and proceedings of the annual meetings of the North Walpole village district and the town of Bartlett and relative to authorizing the coordination of certain town and school district e
Rep. McGuirk (Ches 1) House Municipal and County Government Municipalities

Lay on the Table (Set the bill aside)

Motion Passed: Bill Tabled on a voice vote

In the record: Laid on Table

✓IntroducedMay 7, 1997✓HouseMay 20, 1997✓SenateMay 28, 1997✓GovernorJun 23, 1997✓LawJun 23, 1997
HJR 1 (1997)Became Law
urging the preservation and continued development of community services to people with developmental disabilities and their families.
Rep. Wallner (Merr 24) House Health, Human Services and Elderly Affairs Senate Public Institutions, Health and Human Services

Senate Public Institutions, Health and Human Services recommended Ought to Pass with Amendment (OTPA), 6–1.

Adopt (Approve the resolution)

Motion Passed: Resolution Adopted on a voice vote

✓IntroducedJan 9, 1997✓HouseMar 26, 1997✓SenateMay 22, 1997✓GovernorJun 19, 1997✓Law
SB 153 (1997)Died
requiring a check-off box on a driver's license application form relative to having the social security number indicated on the driver's license.
Sen. Larsen (SD15) House Transportation Senate Transportation Motor Vehicles

Nonconcur and Request a Committee of Conference (Ask for a conference to settle the differences)

Motion Passed: Conference Requested on a voice vote

In the record: Nonconcur and Request Committee of Conference

✓IntroducedJan 9, 1997✓SenateFeb 13, 1997✓HouseMay 14, 1997Governor✕Law
SB 159-FN (1997)Became Law
establishing a committee to study increased public access to data concerning physicians and surgeons licensed under RSA 329.
Sen. Hollingworth (SD23) House Health, Human Services and Elderly Affairs Senate Public Institutions, Health and Human Services Study Committees and Commissions

Nonconcur and Request a Committee of Conference (Ask for a conference to settle the differences)

Motion Passed: Conference Requested on a voice vote

In the record: Nonconcur and Request Committee of Conference

✓IntroducedJan 9, 1997✓SenateApr 3, 1997✓HouseMay 7, 1997✓GovernorJun 18, 1997✓LawJun 18, 1997
SB 163 (1997)Became Law
relative to the Uniform Anatomical Gift Act.
Sen. Gordon (SD2) House Health, Human Services and Elderly Affairs Senate Judiciary

Nonconcur and Request a Committee of Conference (Ask for a conference to settle the differences)

Motion Passed: Conference Requested on a voice vote

In the record: Nonconcur and Request Committee of Conference

✓IntroducedJan 9, 1997✓SenateFeb 20, 1997✓HouseApr 2, 1997✓GovernorJun 23, 1997✓LawJan 1, 1998
SB 41 (1997)Died
relative to the time for filing requests for a hearing with the department of labor concerning violations of the whistleblowers' protection act.
Sen. Blaisdell (SD10) House Labor, Industrial and Rehabilitative Services Senate Executive Departments and Administration Employment

Concur with the Amendment (Accept the other chamber's changes)

Motion Passed: Changes Accepted on a voice vote

In the record: Concur

✓IntroducedJan 8, 1997✓SenateJan 23, 1997✓HouseMay 14, 1997✕GovernorJun 21, 1997✕LawJun 25, 1997