Carson praises passage of “good Samaritan” bill into law

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Grants immunity to individuals seeking medical assistance for drug overdose victims

CarsonConcord, NH – Today, a law was adopted that grants immunity from arrest or conviction for individuals seeking medical assistance for drug overdose victims.

“This law, referred to as the “good Samaritan law,” is important because it encourages individuals present during an opioid or heroin overdose to call for life-saving medical assistance for overdose victims, granting them immunity from arrest in these instances,” said Senator Sharon Carson (R-Londonderry).

“The intent of this law is to save the lives of overdose victims and this legislation takes another step towards addressing the heroin and opioid crisis that has affected communities across the state,” Carson added.

“The legislative budget that was vetoed by Governor Hassan was another important step in addressing this epidemic as it would have increased funding by 75% for treatment and prevention of drug and alcohol addiction. It is unfortunate that this funding will not reach our communities until a budget is passed.”

“I hope the legislature will continue to bring forward long-term solutions to end this critical drug epidemic in our state,” concluded Carson.

Senator Carson supports passage of critical legislation for New Hampshire Veterans

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Sharon_atsenatedeskToday, the senate passed two critical bills in support of the State of New Hampshire’s Veterans. The first bill, SB 55, would provide private business employers with the ability to express a preference for hiring veterans and SB 75, which protects veterans from fraudulent trade practices that target our state’s veterans.

Senator Sharon Carson released a statement following the passage of these bills.

“I commend my Senate colleagues for their full support of our veterans by passing two important bills that help us fulfill our responsibilities to provide services for our veterans, “said Senator Sharon Carson (R-Londonderry).

“Veterans deserve the support of businesses in securing employment and companies should seek preference in hiring men and women who served our nation. I was prime sponsor for SB 55 which allows just that,” continued Carson

“In addition, I co-sponsored SB 75 which is critical in making sure our states Veterans, many of whom have been targeted by business scams, are protected from threats like these and are able to obtain the services they are entitled to.”

Senator Carson proposes updated voter residency requirements

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CarsonConcord, NH – Today the Public and Municipal Affairs Committee heard a bill that would clarify the residency requirement for voting purposes in New Hampshire.

The bill, SB 4, replaces the definition of domicile for voting purposes to more clearly identify New Hampshire residents who are legally able to vote in the state.

Senator Sharon Carson (R-Londonderry), the prime bill sponsor, released a statement following the hearing:

“The intention of this bill is to make sure legal residents of our state have meaningful elections so voters can affect change in the communities they are invested in,” said Senator Sharon Carson (R-Londonderry).

“New Hampshire’s current voting law does not clearly define the qualifications of a voting resident in the state. This bill, SB 4, serves to clarify the definition of a legal voting resident as 46 other states have done.”

“The Secretary of State Bill Gardner and I worked to produce a bill that would clarify the meaning of being a legal resident for voting purposes without infringing on an individual’s right to vote. Secretary Gardner is the state’s authority on elections and he has given his support of this bill,” Carson continued.

Sen. Carson statement on U.S. Supreme Court overturning Buffer Zone laws

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Concord, NH – Senate Judiciary Chairman Sharon Carson, issued the following statement today following the Supreme Court’s ruling in McCullen vs. Coakley:

“The Supreme Court’s unanimous decision today affirmed the concerns raised by lawmakers, Constitutional scholars, and others over this last session with regards to New Hampshire’s buffer zone bill. In siding with the plaintiffs in this case, the Court has agreed that these buffer zone laws pose an onerous burden to the free speech rights of those who wish to educate, protest, or otherwise exercise their Constitutional rights around these facilities.

“As the court noted in its ruling, there are steps lawmakers can take to ensure safe and open access for patients to reproductive clinics, but in crafting those laws we must be mindful of the First Amendment rights of all of our residents.”

As Chairman of the Judiciary Committee, Sen. Carson led the opposition to SB319 in the Senate.

Sen. Carson Honored as One of Greater-Nashua’s Extraordinary Women

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Senator Sharon Carson has been honored by the Nashua Telegraph as one of Greater Nashua’s 25 Extraordinary Woman. Carson was lauded for her constituent service and legislative work in support of New Hampshire’s military service members and their families.

Carson joined the 2014 honorees in receiving her award at the Telegraph’s Second Annual Extraordinary Women luncheon, held on April 24th at Nashua’s Crowne Plaza Hotel. Carson was selected from among hundreds of nominees, said the Telegraph, and was ultimately chosen for the award by a panel of business, community, and nonprofit leaders.

“It is a real honor to be a part of this distinguished group of professional women who are making invaluable contributions to their professions, communities, and the state of New Hampshire,” said Carson. “I am grateful to the residents of Senate District 14 who have placed their trust in me and given me the opportunity to serve them in the State Senate over the last six years.”

Carson is one of three female Senate Committee Chairs, and the only member of the Senate to Chair two committees (Judiciary and Executive Departments & Administration). She is a retired sergeant first class in the Army Reserve and an adjunct professor at Nashua Community College.

“These women and their stories are commendable and should serve as inspiration to young people on how to make a difference in your community,” said Jon Nevins of the Telegraph.