Bill establishing penalties for human trafficking passes NH Senate

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Sharon_atsenatedeskConcord, NH -Today, the Senate passed HB 1628, which makes it a crime for a person to engage in sexual contact with a person under the age of 18 in New Hampshire.

Senator Sharon Carson (R-Londonderry) issued a statement following the Senate vote.

“One of the most important duties of government is to protect our citizens and the bill passed by the Senate today addresses the gap that has existed in our state’s ability to prosecute human trafficking by establishing felony convictions for individuals who pay for sexual activities with underage persons.”

“Human trafficking has firmly planted roots right here in New Hampshire, and testimony shared with the committee explained that one of the first cases of sex trafficking to be charged federally came out of Litchfield. This issue is prevalent in our state and nationwide, and by strengthening the ability to prosecute would-be offenders, we are acting to eliminate the horrific reality of human trafficking taking place right here in New Hampshire.”

“As legislators, it is our duty to take common sense steps like this bill does, to prevent these crimes from being perpetuated by holding the individuals involved accountable for their actions and I thank the Senate for their support of this measure.”

Carson disappointed by sustained veto of voter residency bill

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CarsonConcord, NH – Today, the Senate was unable to overturn the veto on SB 179, which would have required a 30-day residency for voting purposes in New Hampshire.

Senator Sharon Carson (R-Londonderry) released a statement following the vote.

“I am disappointed that the Senate was unable to come together to override legislation that would have restored meaningful elections to the citizens of New Hampshire. Requiring a 30-day residency for voting purposes would work to clarify and ensure that legal residents, invested in their communities can affect change. This legislation was also designed to reduce incidences of voter fraud in the form of drive-by-voting without infringing on an individual’s right to vote in open and free elections in New Hampshire,” said Senator Sharon Carson (R- Londonderry).

“This legislation, which passed both the House and the Senate, was crafted alongside New Hampshire’s Secretary of State William Gardner, who was fully supportive of implementing a residency requirement because it would strengthen the meaning of the votes cast in the state.”

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.

Sen. Carson Applauds House Passage of Infrastructure Bank Legislation

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Senator Sharon Carson, R-Londonderry, today applauded the House of Representatives’ passage of Senate Bill 372, which would authorize the creation of a state infrastructure bank.

“A state infrastructure bank would create real opportunities for infrastructure development and expansion throughout the state and I applaud the House for their overwhelming support of Senate Bill 372,” said Sen. Carson, the bill’s prime sponsor. “By creating a mechanism to bring together state, federal, and private dollars the legislature will be encouraging important public-private partnerships that will benefit our economy for years to come.”

Senator Carson was joined earlier this month by U.S. Senator Kelly Ayotte at the site of the proposed Pettengill Road project in Londonderry, which could be funded by a the state infrastructure bank contemplated by the bill. A recent report by the Londonderry Housing and Redevelopment Authority noted that the project is the most attractive business park development opportunity in the state and could create 10,000 jobs in the region. Senator Ayotte recently introduced companion federal legislation that would reauthorize the initial capitalization of infrastructure banks with federal funds.

“Residents, communities, and businesses in the 38 other states are benefiting from the unique financing options made available by infrastructure banks. It’s time for New Hampshire to catch-up and create similar opportunities for job creation here in the Granite State.”

Senator Carson Applauds Decision That Voter ID Law is Constitutional

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Sen. Sharon Carson, R-Londonderry, issued the following statement following the decision issued by the U. S. Department of Justice finding the state’s new Voter ID law to be constitutional:

“Our right to vote is fundamental, but it also needs to be protected. That’s why we worked so hard to carefully craft our Voter ID law (SB 289) in a way that ensures the integrity of our election process. I am thankful the U.S. Department of Justice found our Voter ID law to be constitutional after giving it a full review. When New Hampshire citizens head to the polls next week and then again in November, they can cast a ballot feeling confident that our voting process has been strengthened and that their vote truly counts.”

The Voter ID Law, as it’s been properly called, will require that during any election prior to September 1, 2013, voters will be asked to provide a form of photo ID. Between November 1, 2012 and September 1, 2013, voters without proper ID will be permitted to vote after executing a “challenged voter affidavit.”

Voters who fill out the affidavit will receive a letter of verification from the Secretary of State requesting confirmation of voting in the election. If the voter does not respond in writing within 30 days of the date it was mailed, the Attorney General will conduct an investigation to determine if fraudulent voting occurred.

Proper identification that will be accepted prior to September 1, 2013, includes the following:

  • Driver’s license issued by any state (even if expired);
  • ID card issued by NH DMV (Division of Motor Vehicles);
  • U.S. Armed Services ID card;
  • U.S. Passport (even if expired);
  • Valid photo ID card issued by either the federal government or a state, county or municipal government;
  • Valid student ID card
  • Other photo ID deemed legitimate by the supervisors of the checklist, the moderator, or the clerk; or
  • Verification of identity by a supervisor of the checklist, the moderator or the clerk.

Read the original story in the Londonderry Hometown Online News for the full ruling and quite a bit of conversation in the comments.