Between now and when the General Court reconvenes in January 2010, New Futures will be participating in the following study committees:

• Section 175 of HB 2 transfers the Liquor Commission Bureau of Enforcement to the Department of Safety effective on July 1, 2010, unless a study committee created by HB 2 recommends legislation to undo the transfer and such legislation passes before that date.  New Futures is strongly opposed to the transfer and will be working with our Partners and the study committee to ensure that legislation is introduced to undo the transfer.  New Futures is joined in its opposition to the transfer by the New Hampshire Association of Chiefs of Police, the New Hampshire Lodging and Restaurant Association and various community organizations and coalitions. It appears that the study committee will begin its work after Labor Day.  
• HB 410 would authorize appropriately qualified Master Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselors (MLADCs) to provide integrated treatment for co–occurring substance use and mental health disorders.  This bill was retained by the House Executive and Administration Committee for further work.  New Futures supports this bill and will be working with the committee to bring forth legislation in the 2010 session.  The first meeting of the committee is scheduled for August 6, 2009

The summer, when Legislators are not driving back and forth to Concord, is a good time to invite them to meetings and events.  Help them learn more about alcohol, tobacco and other drug problems in our state, so that they understand the bills they are likely to see.

Please contact New Futures’ Policy Director Tricia Lucas if you have questions or wish additional information.