New Hampshire Senate Votes on Immunization, Bitcoin, and Transportation Bills

CONCORD, N.H. – The New Hampshire Senate voted Thursday against modifications to school immunization requirements but approved a bill allowing state investment in Bitcoin.

The Senate discussed several pieces of legislation, including measures related to cannabis. Senator Regina Birdsell, R-Hampstead, commented that the governor would likely veto any cannabis bills that come forward.

The Senate also passed a bill making transportation for half-day kindergarten optional. House Bill 319 removed the requirement for schools to provide this service.

Deputy Senate Democratic Leader Cindy Rosenwald, D-Nashua, opposed the measure, stating, “The last thing working families need is more obstacles to caring for their children.” She expressed concerns that parents would face increased costs for transportation due to this change.

On immunizations, House Bill 357, which aimed to limit vaccination requirements to specified diseases, failed to pass. Senator Kevin Avard, R-Nashua, criticized the bill, saying it undermined legislative authority over vaccine mandates.

“I support the rights of parents to opt out of vaccines for their children,” Avard noted. “This bill would short-circuit the rules process that has been working very well,” he added.

A motion to table House Bill 190, which would have increased possession limits for therapeutic cannabis, was narrowly defeated in a 12-10 vote. Senators Murphy and Victoria Sullivan, both Republicans, joined Democrats in opposing the motion.

In regard to Bitcoin, House Bill 302, allowing state treasury investments in digital assets, was passed. Senator Tim Lang, R-Sanbornton, highlighted that this legislation allows up to 5 percent or $1.5 million of state funds to potentially be held in Bitcoin.

Senator Rosenwald raised concerns regarding the decision, warning that it might lead the state to “gamble with taxpayer money.”

Senate President Sharon Carson announced that Senators Daryl Abbas and Denise Ricciardi were excused from the session. Ricciardi experienced a health issue shortly before the session began.

Additionally, HB 571 passed, which requires schools to address Constitution Day as part of their civic education curriculum. The Senate also rejected a bill requiring public high schools to teach about communism, with supporters arguing that local districts should decide such matters.