Bill > HB1616

This bill prohibits all state agencies and political subdivisions in New Hampshire from advertising vaccines or spending any funds to advertise vaccines within the state. Specifically, the legislation prevents state entities from directly advertising vaccines and also bars them from paying any person, contractor, or other entity to advertise vaccines on their behalf. The bill will take effect 60 days after its passage, and while it does not provide new funding or create new positions, it is expected to have some fiscal implications. According to the fiscal note, the Department of Health and Human Services anticipates an initial reduction of $61,000 in federal immunization grant spending. The department also warns of potential long-term consequences, such as decreased vaccination rates potentially leading to disease outbreaks, which could cost between $100,000 to $350,000 to manage, and a potential risk of losing $3.5 million in federal funding if grant requirements related to vaccine education and communication cannot be fulfilled. The New Hampshire Municipal Association suggests there might be minimal savings for municipalities, but cannot definitively assess the long-term impacts of the legislation.

Government Affairs

https://gc.nh.gov/bill_Status/billinfo.aspx?id=1854&inflect=2