The_Granite_Slate_Page-4-Jun04

State Legislative Liaison –June 04
Submitted by John Graham

As can be seen by the table below we had modest success in this session of the NH Legislature. Thanks to the hard work of Paul Bernard and a few others we were able to pass a version of HB 1372, defining the term “veteran.” We also were able to enact a bonus program for those currently engaged in combat around the world. Next session (i.e. 2005-2006) our emphasis should be on finishing the work on HB 1372, and on expanding the eligibility for the veterans’ property tax credit.

Bill Number	Title
HB 1260	This bill names the new Route 9 bridge over the Connecticut River between Chesterfield, NH and Brattleboro, VT the United States Navy Seabees Bridge. Passed and signed by the Governor April 5, 2004.
HB 1372	This bill defines the term “veteran” and certain other terms related to military service. Signed by the Governor May 7, 2004.
HB 1189-FN-LOCAL	Bill increases both the tax credit and the optional tax credit for veterans who have service connected disabilities. House voted to kill on February 19, 2004.
HB 1378-FN-A	This bill establishes New Hampshire service medals for veterans of World War II, the Korean Conflict, and the Vietnam Conflict. Awaiting Governor’s signature.
HB 1207-FN-A	This bill establishes a bonus payment ($100) for New Hampshire veterans of Operation Iraqi Freedom. Changed to read War on Global Terrorism. Awaiting Governor’s signature.
HB 1276-FN	This bill establishes special number plates for veterans who were awarded the Bronze Star or the Silver Star. Changed to a study.
HB 1302	This bill allows a member of the armed services reserve or national guard, who is called to active duty, or a member of the military on active duty who is transferred to another state, to terminate a real estate lease or rental agreement, without penalty, after giving 7 days notice. Signed by the Governor on May 19, 2004.
HB 1331	This bill adds recipients of the National Defense Service Medal to persons eligible for the veterans' property tax credit. House voted to kill this bill on February 19, 2004.
HB 1333-LOCAL	This bill changes the eligibility for persons receiving the veterans' property tax credit to include all veterans who have been honorably discharged or officers honorably separated from service. House voted to kill this bill on February 19, 2004.
SB 322	This bill provides that disabled veterans with special license plates shall be exempt from paying tolls on the New Hampshire turnpike system. Killed in the House April 15, 2004.
SCR 5	This resolution commends the United States Congress for supporting concurrent receipt of disability and retirement benefits by disabled veterans., and urging them to do more. Passed both House and Senate, copies being prepared for all members of Congress.
HR 23	Urges the President and Congress to amend federal selective service and immigration laws to grant the right of citizenship to all immigrants honorably discharged from United States military service. Passed the House January 29, 2004, and copies sent to the President and Congress
SJR 2	This joint resolution designates the portion of NH Route 4 from the Lebanon border due east, southeast to the junction of Interstate 95 and the entire length of Interstate 95 in New Hampshire as the Purple Heart Trail. Approved by both the Senate and the House
HB 65	This bill eliminates the consideration of Montgomery GI Bill benefits in the formula for the tuition waiver for national guard members. Passed House 7 January. Passed Senate March 4, 2004. Signed by the Governor April 5, 2004.