New Hampshire Senate Bill SB68

New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/15/25
• Refer: 1/15/25
• Report Pass: 1/22/25
• Engrossed: 3/28/25
• Refer: 3/28/25
• Report Pass: 4/21/25
• Enrolled: 6/3/25
• Chaptered: 6/11/25
• Passed: 6/11/25

Caption

Adding a member to the governor's commission on disability.

Impact

The addition of the program coordinator as a non-voting member to the commission is expected to bring critical insights and perspectives from the deaf and hard of hearing community. This change may result in more tailored policies and programs that better address the needs and challenges faced by individuals with hearing impairments. By elevating these voices to the commission level, the bill intends to align disability policy more closely with the realities of those it impacts most directly.

Summary

Senate Bill 68 aims to enhance the representation of individuals with disabilities in state governance by adding a new member to the Governor's Commission on Disability. Specifically, the bill provides for the inclusion of the coordinator of the program for the deaf and hard of hearing as an ex officio member of the commission. This action recognizes the need for dedicated advocacy and oversight for the deaf and hard of hearing community within state affairs, thus aiming to foster a more inclusive environment.

Contention

While the bill is likely to be supported for its inclusive intent, there may be points of contention related to how the commission's effectiveness will be measured with this addition. Critics might argue regarding the implications of having a non-voting member and whether that is sufficient representation. Further, discussions around the capacity of existing commission members to effectively engage with and prioritize the needs of the deaf and hard of hearing community could emerge, as existing members might have varying degrees of familiarity or expertise in these areas.