NH
New Hampshire Senate Bill SB496

New Hampshire 2024 Regular Session

New Hampshire Senate Bill SB496

Introduced
12/13/23  
Refer
12/13/23  
Report Pass
2/22/24  
Engrossed
3/12/24  
Refer
3/12/24  
Report DNP
4/25/24  

Caption

Directing the department of health and human services to establish a climate and health protection program.

Impact

If signed into law, SB496 will significantly enhance the state’s ability to respond collaboratively to environmental health challenges. The program intends to develop educational resources for residents to protect themselves from climate-related health threats and integrate these efforts with the state health improvement plan. This initiative aligns existing programs with strategic planning to ensure efficient use of resources and the provision of timely information on health threats linked to climate changes.

Summary

Senate Bill 496 (SB496) aims to establish a Climate and Health Protection Program under the New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services. The initiative is designed to address health threats arising from environmental changes, focusing on various impacts such as high heat index days, climate-sensitive illnesses, flooding, rising sea levels, and air quality issues. The bill mandates the collection and analysis of data related to these environmental factors to inform policies and actions to protect public health in New Hampshire.

Contention

Despite the bill’s intent to safeguard public health, concerns regarding funding have been raised. The proposed program is contingent upon securing sufficient non-state funding, as no general funds are designated for its administration. This has led to questions about the feasibility and sustainability of the program without guaranteed financial support. Moreover, debate may arise concerning the annual report requirement to inform legislators and executive officers about environmental health policy recommendations, which may be perceived as burdensome for the Department of Health and Human Services if resources are limited.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

NH SB234

Directing the department of health and human services to develop a public awareness campaign on brain health, Alzheimer's disease, and related dementias and making an appropriation therefor.

NH HB614

Making an appropriation to the department of health and human services to fund the Merrimack, New Hampshire Kidney Cancer Incidence Phase 3 Feasibility study.

NH HB91

Relative to privacy obligations of the department of health and human services.

NH HB208

Establishing greenhouse gas emission reduction goals for the state and establishing a climate action plan.

NH SB115

Relative to making an appropriation to the department of health and human services for the purpose of funding vaccine administration through public health departments.

NH SB127

Relative to certain programs administered by the department of health and human services.

NH HB353

Establishing an interstate compact for universal healthcare.

NH SB263

Extending the New Hampshire granite advantage health care program and reestablishing the commission to evaluate the effectiveness and future of the New Hampshire granite advantage health care program.

NH HB282

Relative to including certain children and pregnant women in Medicaid and the children's health insurance program.

NH HB368

Relative to protections related to receiving gender-affirming health care or gender-affirming mental health care.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.