Governor Hassan's Veto Message Regarding HB 151

Statement

Governor Maggie Hassan released the following message after vetoing HB 151 today:

"By the authority vested in me, pursuant to part II, Article 44 of the New Hampshire Constitution, on June 2, 2015, I vetoed House Bill 151, an act establishing a committee to study end-of-life decisions.

"In 2013, I vetoed almost identical legislation in the form of House Bill 403. The only difference between the two bills is that this year's version added duties, which failed to address any of my concerns from the previous veto, particularly a membership that lacks a broad cross-section of the individuals who understand these complex and emotional issues best: the medical community, patients, advocates for the elderly and people who experience disabilities, and the religious community. I continue to support strengthening New Hampshire's advance directive statute, relying on input from stakeholders across the Granite State, but I believe that the goals of this bill begin to take New Hampshire down a precarious path. As was the case in 2013, I do not see a need for the study committee outlined by this legislation, and I have therefore vetoed House Bill 151."

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