Senate Energy & Natural Resources Committee Adopts The Inclusive Outdoors Act Despite Pushback
Contact Name: Marina Altschiller
Phone: (603) 271-3207
CONCORD – Yesterday, the Senate Energy & Natural Resources Committee voted to pass SB 114-FN, known as The Inclusive Outdoors Act in a vote of 3-2 with Senator Bob Giuda (R-Warren) and Senator Kevin Avard (R-Nashua) voting against the bill. The Inclusive Outdoors Act requires that the department of natural and cultural resources and fish and game officers have public protocols and policies to handle civil rights violations, requires public and transparent reporting of all incidents, and requires that all law enforcement undergo the training recommended by the LEACT Commission.
After the vote, prime sponsor Senator Becky Whitley (D-Hopkinton) issued the following statement:
“Today’s vote to pass SB 114 was a vote to make New Hampshire a safer, more inclusive place to live and recreate for all Granite Staters. This bill seeks only to ensure that our beautiful public lands can be equally enjoyed by all, without fear of discrimination, harm, or threats of violence. This legislation was reached through a very collaborative process, has been fully vetted, and is entirely consistent with the LEACT Commission’s findings and recommendations. I am grateful for the support of my colleagues Senators Gray, Perkins Kwoka, and Watters, but deeply disappointed by the comments made by Senator Avard and Senator Giuda that reflected a lack of understanding of the experiences of the Granite Staters who testified about the discrimination they have experienced. I would like to thank Senator Gray in particular for his comments in support of promoting inclusivity and acceptance for all in our state, and I am glad this legislation will move forward.”
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