Judy LundahlSupportSurry, NHfor MyselfFeb 3, 2026
It is so important to support our first responders in this way.
HB1705
House · 2026 sessionDemocraticSigned into lawEmployee assistance for small-town responders
AIEstablishes a fund to cover the costs of enrolling small-town and volunteer first responders in the state employee assistance program and outlines eligibility, enrollment, and reporting requirements, contingent on funding.
(New Title) establishing an employee assistance program for small town and volunteer first responders.
EmploymentMunicipalitiesPublic and Mental Health
Status
Signed into law · July 10, 2026- ✓Introduced
- ✓House
- ✓Senate
- ✓Governor
- ✓Law
Division of testimony
33 submissionsSupport 24Oppose 9Neutral 0
IAN MACMILLANSupportSPRINGFIELD, NHfor MyselfFeb 3, 2026
First, I apologize that I cannot be there in person to address the committee, but I have a work commitment this afternoon. I would like to urge the committee to support this bill, as I strongly believe that it is long overdue. As Chief of the Springfield, NH Volunteer Fire and Rescue Department, I know firsthand the challenges and stresses that volunteer first responders face and the toll that they take on many volunteers. We face the same incidents and challenges as career first responders, but we are not currently offered the same services and protections. I believe that this bill is an excellent step toward providing much needed services to volunteers that may struggle with dealing with the pressures and stresses that our work for our communities places upon us. In today’s world, we have great difficulty in recruiting and retaining volunteer firefighters and EMS personnel and many volunteer departments, mine included, are understaffed. Anything that the Legislature can do to alleviate the concerns of volunteer first responders and their loved ones would be welcomed and strongly supported. I strongly believe that offering these services to the people that give of their time to help our communities will clearly demonstrate the Legislature’s commitment to supporting our volunteers. Thank you very much for your consideration of this bill, and I strongly urge your support for it. Ian MacMillan Chief, Springfield Fire and Rescue
Maryi LannonOpposeHenniker, NHfor MyselfFeb 3, 2026
The cost is unknown
Shirley MontgomerySupportHanover, NHfor MyselfFeb 3, 2026
I support this bill because I think that first responders may have to deal with some traumatic situations which may affect their mental health creating a need for services. They provide a critical service to our communities.
Janice OBrienSupportExeter, NHfor MyselfFeb 3, 2026
First responders deserve appropriate immediate support for mental health related to job trauma. Pass this measure.
Hannah MeiselmanSupportManchester, NHfor MyselfFeb 3, 2026
Providing mental health and support services for first responders ensures community safety and supports those who serve.
Sharon RacusinSupportHanover, NHfor MyselfFeb 3, 2026
Yes, support first responders.
Lisa St. HilaireOpposeLondonderry, NHfor MyselfFeb 3, 2026
Members of the committee, I urge you to oppose HB 1704. This bill attempts to carve out special status for certain public-sector workers, creating division within the workforce and undermining the collective bargaining process that ensures fair pay, safe working conditions, and basic respect on the job. By allowing discrimination and favoritism in representation, HB 1704 weakens the unified voice that employees rely on when negotiating with their employers. It is especially troubling that the bill exempts police and fire unions, using politics to pit public employees against one another rather than strengthening the systems that support them. I respectfully ask you to reject HB 1704 and protect the integrity of collective bargaining in New Hampshire.
Arnold ScottOpposeStratham, NHfor MyselfFeb 3, 2026
Unknown cost!!
Margaret KonzeSupportPembroke, NHfor MyselfFeb 3, 2026
Wiltrud Mott-SmithSupportLoudon, NHfor MyselfFeb 3, 2026
Position recorded without written comment.
Karen SebastianSupportWest Chesterfield, NHfor MyselfFeb 3, 2026
Position recorded without written comment.
Nancy BrooksSupportWest Chesterfield, NHfor MyselfFeb 3, 2026
Position recorded without written comment.
meredith morganSupporthanover, NHfor MyselfFeb 3, 2026
Position recorded without written comment.
Margaret JernstedtSupportHanover, NHfor MyselfFeb 3, 2026
Position recorded without written comment.
Stephanie VazzanoSupportConcord, NHfor MyselfFeb 3, 2026
Position recorded without written comment.
isabeth grossSupporthanover, NHfor MyselfFeb 3, 2026
Position recorded without written comment.
Linden RaytonOpposeHopkinton, NHfor MyselfFeb 3, 2026
Position recorded without written comment.
Karen ChaseSupportHanover, NHfor MyselfFeb 3, 2026
Position recorded without written comment.
William GeraghtySupportHanover, NHfor MyselfFeb 3, 2026
Position recorded without written comment.
Daniel RichardsonOpposeNashua, NHfor MyselfFeb 3, 2026
Position recorded without written comment.
Janet HurdSupportHanover, NHfor MyselfFeb 3, 2026
Position recorded without written comment.
Pierre DuPontOpposeManchester, NHfor MyselfFeb 3, 2026
Position recorded without written comment.
Bradley LouthOpposeHampton, NHfor MyselfFeb 3, 2026
Position recorded without written comment.
Nancy MilesSupportHanover, NHfor MyselfFeb 3, 2026
Position recorded without written comment.