New Hampshire

Five years later, New Hampshire’s community power law is reshaping the electricity market

The statewide community power coalition will become the state’s second-largest electrical supplier this spring after it adds another 29 communities to the program.

As state sues Meta, it also urges social media literacy instruction for kids

The key is making sure that children understand the difference between harmful screen time and quality screen time, one observer says.

Sununu’s ‘Recovery Friendly Workplace’ serves as model for new national institute

A new national institute will provide training and resources for companies willing to hire and help people in substance-abuse recovery, and the White House's model legislation will help states create recovery-ready workplaces.

The parent-child bond is critical–even when prison walls separate them

In New Hampshire, a program helps incarcerated parents maintain relationships with their children. Data suggests it reduces recidivism, helps break the cycle of incarceration in families and improves resident behavior.

The New Hampshire governor's decision not to run leaves 2024 field wide open

But Republican Chris Sununu’s exit gives Democrats their best pickup opportunity in a year when only a few governorships seem to be in play. Plus, more news to use from around the country in this week's State and Local Roundup.

Investors are buying mobile home parks. Residents and governments are pushing back.

Amid an affordable housing crisis, some states are looking to help low-income residents stay in their homes by helping them purchase the land their manufactured housing sits on.

Digital Atlas Could Reveal Zoning's Social Impact

An initiative to map out states’ zoning codes could help policymakers and citizens address urgent challenges in their communities.

A Campaign to Counter Christian Nationalism in State Politics

At a time when many Republicans appear increasingly willing to blur the lines between church and state, the Freedom From Religion Foundation wants to convince politicians that secular voters constitute a large and growing bloc.

The States and Counties Taking Russian Vodka Off Liquor Store Shelves

Removing Russian-made products from government-run stores “is just the right thing to do,” one official said.

Best States to Save for Retirement

New Hampshire tops the list of best states to save, offering a more affordable housing market and lower taxes, according to a recent report. Other top states are in the West.

Voters Have No Clue How Much Money State Lawmakers Make

Registered voters overshot their lawmakers’ annual pay by large margins in a recent survey. When given the correct salaries, respondents were more likely to support pay increases for legislators.

Repeat Drunk Drivers in This State Can Now Face Life in Prison

Drunk drivers with previous impaired-driving convictions who kill or injure others will be subjected to increased sentencing guidelines, including the possibility of life in prison, under a new law in New Hampshire.

Me-OW: One State’s Plan to Demand Justice for Run-Over Cats

A bill in New Hampshire would require residents who hit cats with their cars to report the collisions or face a $1,000 fine, similar to laws in other states.

Vaccination Outreach Shifts as Demand Drops in Some States

Nationwide, state and local health agencies are coming up with a variety of new strategies to persuade people to get vaccinated against Covid-19

Customers Won't Wear a Mask? One State Says to Call the Police.

Updated guidance from the New Hampshire Attorney General's office instructs businesses to call local law enforcement for assistance if customers simply refuse to comply with a statewide mask mandate.

New Hampshire Sued Over Treatment of Foster Youth with Mental Health Issues

Civil and children’s rights groups allege that the state has been negligent in its treatment of older foster youth and those with mental health issues.

As Coronavirus Continues, State Lawmakers Debate How to Meet Safely

Some state legislative bodies have convened outside, while others anticipate hybrid sessions of in-person and virtual hearings and votes. And at least some states will only be holding typical sessions, with adjustments.

States Overpaid Millions in Unemployment and Now Demand People Pay It Back

States rushed to get unemployment benefits approved when the pandemic struck. Reviews are now identifying millions of dollars in overpayments that they want workers to repay.

Few Big Changes—But Lots of Newcomers—In State Legislative Elections

Voters elected roughly 1,500 new state lawmakers in last week's election, but only one state legislature flipped party control.

College Students in One State Will Still Get to Vote There, Even if They’re Learning Remotely in a Different State

New Hampshire will allow some college students who attend school in the Granite State to cast ballots there, even if remote learning has them living in their home states.