Current Issues & Legislation
Current Issues & Legislation
Hearing Aid Bill Signed By The Governor!
H.B. 561 requires private insurers to cover a portion of hearing aid costs.
On July 23rd, 2010 Governor John Lynch signed H.B. 561 into law. This means that as of January 1st, 2011 private insurance companies (the law does not apply to the policies of companies that “self insure” or to Medicaid) in NH are required to provide $1500 coverage for hearing aids, servicing, and fitting every 5 years. It means that many people who could not afford an effective hearing aid will now get a boost, thanks to your letters and calls. Stay tuned for information on a ceremonial signing later in the summer. THANKS AGAIN TO ALL OF YOU WHO WROTE LETTERS, MADE PHONE CALLS, AND TESTIFIED IN SUPPORT OF THIS BILL ! !
The text of H.B. 561 can be found at: http://www.gencourt.state.nh.us/legislation/2010/HB0561.html
Autism Bill Signed By The Governor!
Connor’s Law (H.B. 569) requires insurance coverage for children with an Autism Spectrum Disorder.
On July 26th, 2010 Governor John Lynch signed H.B. 569 into law. Also known as Connor’s Law, this bill will help end insurance discrimination against children with an autism spectrum disorder who are seeking treatment in accordance with a treatment plan approved by their physician. The law takes effect January 1st, 2011 and applies to all group policies that are regulated by New Hampshire law. H.B. 569 does not apply to policies of companies that "self insure" (these are regulated by Congress), nor does it impact children on the NH Healthy Kids program.
More information on H.B. 569 can be found at: http://www.connorslaw.info
Recap of the New Hampshire ADA 20th Anniversary Celebration
ADA Awards given in individual, business, government, & municipal categories.
July 23rd, 2010 saw a spirited New Hampshire celebration of the 20th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act! Hosted by the Department of Transportation and organized by the Governor’s Commission on Disability, the heart of the festivities was a moving keynote speech by NH native Andrew Washburn of the US Department of Justice. The celebration included information from service providers, non-profit organizations, and vendors supporting the Independent Living movement, including GSIL. Many advocates and members of the public came together to celebrate the ADA, swap stories of the past, and look towards to the future of the Independent Living Movement.
A number of ADA Awards were given to members of the community who have contributed so much to implementing the ADA and supporting Independent Living. Award winners included:
Donna Marie Sorrentino: For “Exemplary Disability Advocacy” during her long career of work at the University of New Hampshire. She served students at UNH with disabilities as early as 1986, as then-Director of Services for Students with Disabilities. She later served as the ADA Coordinator for the University, and most recently as the Director of Affirmative Action and Equity. She was also responsible for the creation of the University’s Commission on the Status of People with Disabilities.
Alex Ray: For “Exemplary Business Practices” as proprietor of The Common Man restaurant chain located throughout New Hampshire since 1971. His avid participation in New Hampshire communities and his support of a broad range of NH organizations has had tremendous impact and touched the lives of many, including people with disabilities and the elderly.
The NH Secretary of State’s Office: For “Exemplary Accessible Voting Advocacy”. Under the leadership of Secretary of State William Gardner, and with implementation by Assistant Secretary of State Thomas Manning, the Secretary of State’s Office has tirelessly assisted municipalities in implementing the ADA. In addition to improving overall accessibility in our state’s cities and towns, the Secretary of State’s Office has focused on insuring the accessibility and placement of accessible voting systems as required by the Help America Vote Act.
Police Chief David DuBois and the Rochester Police Department: For “Exemplary Hidden Disability Advocacy”. With the successful implementation of Chief DuBois’ Crisis Intervention Teams, Rochester has seen a positive shift in the treatment of persons with mental disabilities. Including training in how to identify and respond to individuals with mental disabilities, these CI Teams help keep those with mental disabilities out of criminal courts and prisons and instead direct them towards various health facilities to receive the treatment and attention they need.
The following nominees did not receive awards but were recognized for their contributions to implementation of the ADA and their support of Independent Living:
Cheryl L. Killam: For her 25 years of work as a professional and volunteer for a number of agencies, municipalities, businesses, and residents.
Representative Trinka Russell: For her tireless advocacy in the NH General Court for the understanding of the access needs of NH citizens with disabilities.
Northern New England Real Estate Network: For their wonderfully accessible website and accessibility information located within.
NH Department of Transportation: For its promotion of implementation of the Americans with Disabilities Act in its facilities and throughout NH's transportation system, and for its strong support of the ADA 20th Anniversary Celebration.
New Open D0or Policy in N.H.
Powered Door Opener Requirement Upheld by NH Building Code Review Board!
Recently, Granite State Independent Living staff members Jessica Forbes, Gladi Hartford, Lauren Silva, and Jeff Dickinson, along with staff and volunteers from the Central New England Chapter of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, and other partners testified at a public hearing in front of the New Hampshire State Building Code Review Board in support of maintaining a recently adopted amendment to the State Building Code that requires powered door openers at one entrance of most newly constructed or newly renovated publically used structures.
Some members of the Board had requested reconsideration of the amendment after concerns arose over how the requirement would be applied. Most of the concerns revolved around the cost burden the requirement of a powered door opener would place on small businesses. Those who testified did a great job of explaining that whether a business is small or large everyone who wishes to access it should be able to do so independently. A number of folks pointed out that the cost of a powered door opener and installation is much more reasonable than is commonly believed (roughly $1,200 to $1,500 per door) and made the point that a business should look at it as a good business investment to install one because it will make that business accessible to a greater number of people. The case was also made that powered door openers do not only benefit people with disabilities, but also those who are aging, mothers with baby carriages, delivery people, and those who may temporarily have trouble opening a manual door due to a temporary illness or injury.
This past Friday, the NH State Building Code Review Board voted unanimously to maintain the amendment to the State Building Codes. This basically means that most newly built or substantially renovated commercial buildings will now be required (with very few exceptions) to have a minimum of one public entrance that is equipped with a powered door opener. In doing so, NH maintained its distinction of being one of the first (if not the first) states in the country to make this access modification a requirement. The Board is to be commended for their progressive thinking in approving the requirement for powered door openers and its commitment to promoting independent access to the community for all.
Contact info:
Commissioner’s Office
Department of Safety
33 Hazen Drive
Concord, NH 03305
E-mail can be sent to: bldgcodebrd@dos.nh.gov
The Advocacy Program has been following 71 bills in the NH General Court during its 2010 session. The status of these bills is tracked weekly. High priority bills include:
| Bill # | Topic/Analysis/Comments | Status (as of 8/06/2010) |
| HB1355 | Bans DHHS from transferring $ between nursing home & home-care budget lines. GSIL opposed this bill and testified against it. | Bill died on table |
| HB1526 | Requires DHHS to develop a methodology to calculate the cost of "high cost" long term care cases. GSIL neutral on this bill –provided input to the Committee and DHHS. | Bill passed. |
| HB1429 | Establishes a committee to study the inclusion of universal design requirements in the state building code. GSIL supported this bill and testified in favor of it. | Bill passed. |
| HB1440 | Would allow towns and cities to establish property tax exemptions for people with disabilities who qualify. GSIL supported this bill and testified in favor of it. | Bill killed. |
| HB1664 | Making appropriations reductions in the operating budget for fiscal year 2011. Deep cuts to both DD and ABD services in 2011, zeroes out waitlist $ for DD & ABD waivers, Eliminates CIP, reduces $ for Adult Day Services & HIV programs. GSIL opposed this bill. | Bill died on table. |
| SB316 | Establishes a statewide transportation policy. Includes a focus on transportation needs of people with disabilities and elders. GSIL supported this bill and testified in favor of it. | Referred for Interim Study. |
| SB343 | Would require DHHS to enter into a contractual agreement with one or more managed care organizations to provide managed care services for all Medicaid recipients. GSIL opposed this bill. | Bill killed. |
| SB417 | Prohibits the expansion of the Medicaid program if Congress passes a national health insurance plan. GSIL opposed this bill. | Bill killed. |
| SB450 | Bill would attempt to fill budget gap by adding modest revenues and making big cuts to DHHS and other departments. GSIL opposed this bill and testified against it. | Bill killed. |
| HB1499 | Would have reduced the number of area agencies in the state from 10 to 4. GSIL opposed this bill and testified against it. | Bill killed. |
| HB1562 | Would have instituted registration requirements for service dogs. GSIL neutral on this bill. | Bill killed. |
| HB1599 | Would have established an emergency mental health and developmental disabilities database within the division of state police. GSIL opposed this bill. | Bill killed. |
| HB1683 | Would have required random drug testing of cash assistance and Medicaid recipients. GSIL opposed this bill. | Bill killed. |
| HB1587 | Proposed the elimination of non-federally mandated benefits. GSIL opposed this bill. | Withdrawn by sponsor. |