NH State Representative Steven Smith

On Wednesday, during a Special Session, we authorized a task force to work on legislation to address the growing opiate addiction crisis in NH. We heard speeches chastising us for “feel good” legislation, and passing this just so that we can say “we did something”. We also heard that the situation is hopeless, and that what people need is hope. I get that. Nonetheless, this task force should give us hope. Will they come up with solutions? I have no idea. Nonetheless, this task force has a better chance than the normal legislative process, so let’s encourage them rather than throw stones.

Normally, bills are directed to any relevant policy committees, and then if there is fiscal impact, to Finance and/or Ways and Means. Let me give you a practical example of what that means based on what could happen in my committee (Transportation). Consider a bill to create a violation for not slowing down on a state highway when there is a disabled car in the shoulder. Here is what could happen:

Transportation – This committee decides that is good policy and should move forward, votes to pass.
Criminal Justice and Public Safety – Because a violation has been created, this committee hears the bill next. They could reject it based on the penalty, even if they like the policy. Instead, let’s assume that they amend the bill to establish a fine and also to create an education program to warn drivers about the new law.
Finance – Because of the previous committee’s action, there is now expense associated with the bill. Even if Finance likes the bill, if it isn’t clear how to pay for it, they can reject the bill.
Senate – Let’s say that all the above succeeds. the bill now goes to the Senate where it has yet another opportunity to fail.

That is a lot of opportunities for failure for a bill. Whether you’re talking about software systems development, manufacturing, or even complex military operations, it is good practice to assemble cross-functional teams to make sure that a good idea is implemented correctly. You can imagine how many areas of policy laws relating to drug abuse could touch (Health and Human Services, Criminal Justice and Public Safety, Judiciary, etc.). The task force puts all those folks in one room at the outset, so that they can draft bills that will avoid all those potential stumbling blocks throughout the process. This is the best hope for finding workable solutions. Will they succeed? I have no idea. The drug epidemic is a huge problem, and a tough nut to crack. I do know that this bipartisan task force, with the policy leaders from all those committees in both the House and Senate, is the best hope for doing something that works.

Rep. Steven Smith

Senate, House announce plan to address substance abuse epidemic
Parameters to be established during special session on Nov. 18

Concord, NH – Today, Legislative leadership laid out their plan to combat the substance abuse epidemic as part of the Special Session on Nov. 18.

During the Special Session, the House will introduce a Special Session House Concurrent Resolution which, if passed, will go into effect immediately to establish a joint Substance Abuse Task Force.

The Task Force will be made up of 26 House and Senate members representing a wide range of committees and will fully vet and debate a specific set of issues including:

• Updating penalties for fentanyl distribution to be consistent with penalties for heroin
• Requiring insurance companies to adhere to same substance abuse treatment evaluation criteria; removing prior authorization requirements
• Updating prescription drug monitoring program technology, increase statewide usage
• Expanding Drug Courts
• Increasing law enforcement prevention and interdiction measures
• Increasing prescriber educational standards

A final report will be presented on January 6, 2016 which will serve as the basis for filing legislation.

“During the Special Session, we will introduce a Substance Abuse Task Force that will be charged with carefully addressing each of the major issues surrounding the heroin and opioid epidemic. We look forward to working with both our House and Senate colleagues in a way that allows us to lead on addressing these issues, while also ensuring that we appropriately review them to best serve the State of New Hampshire,” said Senate President Chuck Morse (R-Salem).

“This Task Force will allow us the time to work on these bills appropriately but in an expedited manner to combat this crisis. It will allow legislative action to be taken in an open and transparent process in order to vet all proposals. House and Senate members have continuously heard from local leaders related to how this crisis is affecting their communities. We know that a process without their input could result in less effective results and create more problems. We believe this is the most effective way to come up with a solution which benefits the citizens of New Hampshire,” said House Speaker Shawn Jasper.

“The joint Substance Abuse Task Force will provide the foundation for the Legislature to take an effective approach to curbing the substance abuse epidemic by allowing a comprehensive, inclusive, and transparent deliberative process. House and Senate members will properly vet and debate proposals, listen to input from experts and community members, while ensuring that by seeking a solution to one crisis, we are not inadvertently creating another crisis,” said Senate Majority Leader Jeb Bradley (R- Wolfeboro).

“We believe this Task Force is the best approach to coming up with a comprehensive set of solutions. These are complex issues with huge consequences,” said House Majority Leader Richard Hinch (R-Merrimack). “By assembling this group of legislators who are experts in their respective policy areas, and putting together a process by which they work with external stakeholders, we believe we have a better chance of not just having good legislation, but having the best legislation we can, given what we know at this time. This is an evolving issue that the legislature is prepared to deal with throughout the coming months. This Task Force will be on the front lines of the legislative process, and their work will help our state respond in a swift, but measured manner.

As we head towards Thanksgiving, it is important to think of those less fortunate than ourselves. One of the things that I love about New Hampshire, is that there is always someone willing to help you have a Thanksgiving dinner. I am grateful to have been chosen from the 424 members of the NH Legislature to represent both the House and Senate on the Inter Agency Council on Homelessness. I was appointed earlier this year by Governor Hassan. This council is composed of agency heads, business leaders, representatives of shelter providers, advocacy groups, business leaders, and one member from the Legislature. Addressing this problem is the most worthwhile opportunity that I have been offered since being elected.

I also serve as the Chairman of the House Transportation Committee. In addition, I have been appointed to the following:

• New Hampshire Rail Transit Authority
• Committee To Study The Use Of Motorized Scooter Chairs On Roadways And Sidewalks
• Committee To Study Issues Concerning Parking For Those With Walking Disabilities
• Committee To Study The Adequacy And Safety Of Services To The Public Through Uber And Existing Taxi Services
• Commission To Study Recommendations Of The National Transportation Safety Board
• New Hampshire Conservation Number Plate Advisory Committee

I’m grateful that you have put me in a position to make a real difference in all these areas.

Steve