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Senate gives first readings to S 18–S 23, refers measures to committees and adjourns
Summary
The Senate read six bills for the first time—S 18 through S 23—referred each to the committee with jurisdiction, noted three gubernatorial appointments for committee referral and scheduled a joint briefing; the body then voted to adjourn until 1 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 23.
The Senate read six bills for the first time—S 18 through S 23—and referred each measure to the committee with jurisdiction during the floor session, then voted to adjourn until 1 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 23, according to the floor record.
The items moved by first reading included measures on licensure of freestanding birth centers, expanding the scope of hate-motivated crimes, raising the monetary threshold for certificates of need, a "cell-phone-free schools" proposal, prohibiting discharge of firearms within 500 feet of childcare facilities and schools, and rules related to the use of synthetic media in elections. Each bill was assigned to the committee that the presiding officer named after its first reading.
Why it matters: first readings and committee referrals are the procedural step that sends bills to committees for hearings, testimony and possible amendment. The referrals set which committees will schedule the bills for further consideration.
What the Senate did and where the bills went: - S 18, "An act relating to licensure of freestanding birth centers," introduced by Senator Gulick, was read for the first time and referred to the Senate Committee on Health and Welfare. - S 19, "An act relating to expanding the scope of hate-motivated crimes," was read for the first time and referred to the Senate Committee on Judiciary. - S 20, "An act relating to increasing the monetary thresholds for certificates of need," introduced by Senator Eulick, was read for the first time and referred to the Senate Committee on Health and Welfare. - S 21, "An act relating to cell phone free schools," introduced by Senator Williams, was read for the first time and referred to the Senate Committee on Education. - S 22, "An act relating to prohibiting discharge of firearms within 500 feet of a childcare facility or school," introduced by Senator Perchlik, was read for the first time and referred to the Senate Committee on Judiciary. - S 23, "An act relating to use of synthetic media in elections," introduced by Senator Hardy, was read for the first time and referred to the Senate Committee on Government Operations.
Other floor business and announcements: the clerk noted three appointments sent from the governor that were referred to the committees having jurisdiction and that those appointments will appear in the day's journal to be received tomorrow. Senators were told there will be a joint House–Senate briefing from the governor's education finance team at 3:45 p.m. in the House chamber; the leadership announced the briefing will be a presentation-only format with no questions on the floor and encouraged members to record questions for follow-up in the relevant committees. The Senate also heard routine committee meeting announcements and a reminder about an evening event, Farmers' Night, featuring the Upper Valley Community Band at 7:30 p.m.
The Senate's final action was a voice vote to adjourn. The presiding officer announced the ayes prevailed and the Senate stood adjourned until 1 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 23. No roll-call vote tally was recorded on the adjournment motion.
What comes next: each bill will await scheduling, hearings and any amendments by its assigned committee. The governor's education finance presentation is scheduled for later the same day in the House chamber; members were instructed to forward follow-up questions to relevant committees.
