We're Halfway Through the 2023 Legislative Session: Here's What We've Accomplished So Far!

The New Hampshire legislature has reached the half-way point of the 2023 session. Strong advocacy by AARP staff, volunteers, and activists has made an impact in advancing our priorities.  

Making it easier for people to age in their homes and communities

Senate Bill 36 would increase access to health care and supportive services in people’s homes and communities. Despite a bumpy journey, it passed the Senate unanimously. If enacted, this bill would create a framework for a comprehensive system of care for long-term services and supports and make it easier for family caregivers to access the information and resources they need.  

Next steps: This bill was “laid on the table” and will be discussed in the Senate as part of the budget.

Reining in prescription drug prices

A few years ago, AARP succeeded in our efforts to institute the Prescription Drug Affordability Board (PDAB). The intention of the Board is to create transparency around what big drug companies are charging the state for prescription drugs and recommending ways for the state – and therefore taxpayers – to save money. Two bills (HB 130 and HB 172) were filed this year that would have eliminated or seriously set back efforts of the PDAB. The bills were presented to the House Commerce Committee and were retained in Committee. This means no action can be taken on the legislation until January 2024.

Next steps: In September or October, the House Commerce Committee is likely to hold work sessions on both bills and will need to make a recommendation by late November. 

Ensuring people keep their health insurance

The Senate voted 24-0 to permanently extend the Granite Advantage Health Care Program. This program provides health insurance to low-income people who are in a job that does not offer it or who have lost their job. The unanimous vote is in large measure the result of widespread support from the business community, health care providers, and advocacy organizations such as AARP. With their greater likelihood of having health conditions, people ages 50 to 64 especially benefit from access to health insurance so that they can get earlier diagnoses, better outcomes, and less expensive treatment.

Next steps: The House Health, Human Services & Elderly Affairs Committee held a hearing last week. If the Committee votes in favor, the bill will move to the Finance Committee for further consideration.

Battling age discrimination

The House and Senate voted on CACR6, a proposed constitutional amendment that will raise the mandatory retirement age of judges in NH from 70 to 75 years old. AARP opposes mandatory retirement ages based on our firm conviction that workers should be evaluated on their abilities and job performance. This bill takes an important step forward in that regard. Because this bill seeks to amend the State Constitution, it requires support from at least 3/5 of Representatives and Senators. So far, the measure is well on its way, as it received votes of 321 – 27 in the House and 23-1 vote in the Senate.

Next step: The proposed constitutional amendment will appear on the ballot in November 2024.

Throughout the remainder of the 2023 Legislative Session and beyond, AARP NH will be laser focused on all of these priorities. We will continue to be a fierce defender on the issues that matter to Granite Staters 50-plus.

Interested in joining us in our advocacy efforts? Click here.