Update on HB 1659, introduced earlier this year in the New Hampshire House: this assisted suicide bill was sent to interim study. That’s the good news: it won’t become law in 2020.
Now for the other news: its originating committee can still recommend whether such legislation should be considered in the future. The House Judiciary Committee will have a public work session online on Tuesday, September 1, at 10:00 a.m. to consider that question.
While this is not a public hearing, it is a public meeting. Anyone is free to listen. Anyone wishing to send the committee comments, or re-send them, can email them to HouseJudiciaryCommittee@leg.state.nh.us.
How to access the work session
This information is from the House Calendar. The note at the end about an executive session simply means that the committee can vote on its recommendation at any time. Remember that this cannot be a vote to pass HB 1659, but rather to give future legislators a non-binding recommendation on whether a similar bill should be considered in the future.
Full committee work session on HB 1659-FN, relative to patient directed care and patient’s rights with regard to end-of-life decisions.
Committee members will receive secure Zoom invitations via email.
Members of the public may attend using the following links:
1. To join the webinar: https://www.zoom.us/j/94261411599
2. Or Telephone: Dial (for higher quality, dial a number based on your current location): 1-312-626-6799, or 1-929-205-6099, or 1-253-215-8782, or 1-301-715-8592, or 1-346-248-7799, or 1-669-900-6833
3. Or iPhone one-tap: US: +13126266799, 95408968840# or +19292056099, 95408968840#
4. Webinar ID: 942 6141 1599
5. To view on YouTube, click here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCxqjz56akoWRL_5vyaQDtvQ
The following email will be monitored throughout the meeting by someone who can assist with and alert the committee to any technical issues: hcs@leg.state.nh.us or call (603-271-3600). Pursuant to House Rule 43 (b), executive session may take place throughout the committee deliberations.
Previous coverage of HB 1659
Leaven for the Loaf has covered the assisted suicide bill since its introduction in early 2020.
Assisted suicide bill to get House hearing
Pushing back: testimonies against assisted suicide, part 1 and part 2
Life issue votes from March 12 (including House vote on HB 1659)
Leaven for the Loaf 