SunapeeNews.com

“There are very clear signs when it is a big day in the State Senate,” NH State Senator Bob Odell (R-Lempster) wrote in this week’s column Capital Comments. “An early signal is a staff member who tells you observers are already taking seats in the Senate’s public gallery an hour or more before the scheduled session.  Another is the unfamiliar state troopers.  They are in there in addition to the two who are on regular assignment in the State House.  And last week there was unusually large press contingent including a reporter from The New York Times and many TV cameras to record the historic day.”

The Senate voted last week on five controversial bills. A bill to allow marijuana for medical purposes (HB 648) passed 14-10. The transgender non-discrimination bill (HB 415) was defeated 24-0. Legalization of same sex marriage (HB 436) passed 13-11. The Senate voted 13-11 to table two bills, the repeal of the death penalty bill (HB 556) and the mandatory seat belt bill (HB 383).

Proponents feel that individuals with very serious illnesses should have access to marijuana if it helps them deal with their illnesses.  The bill passed 14-10 and if differences between the House and Senate versions can be worked out it will go to the Governor for signature. – Senator Bob Odell

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Filed under: Capital Comments, Government, Politics & Public Policy