Bill > HB1313

This bill repeals existing New Hampshire laws (RSA 132:37 through 132:40) that established buffer zones around reproductive health care facilities, effectively eliminating restrictions on entering or remaining on public ways or sidewalks adjacent to these facilities. The bill, titled "The Sidewalk Free Speech Act," argues that the previous buffer zone laws infringe upon First Amendment rights to free speech, citing a Supreme Court precedent (McCullen v. Coakley) that suggests such buffer zones unconstitutionally limit one-on-one communication and leafleting. The bill's sponsors contend that the existing laws serve no public purpose and would likely be struck down if challenged in court, emphasizing that free speech protections extend to controversial, unpopular, or inconvenient viewpoints. By repealing these laws, the bill would allow individuals to approach and communicate with people near reproductive health care facilities without legal restrictions, taking effect immediately upon passage. The fiscal note indicates that the bill may have indeterminable impacts on judicial and correctional systems due to potential changes in criminal penalties.

Justice

https://gc.nh.gov/bill_Status/billinfo.aspx?id=2112&inflect=2