Call to Action! HB1156 will be voted on Friday! Email the State-Federal Relations and Veterans Affairs Committee Now!

HB1156 AN ACT relative to public health, safety and state sovereignty

This bill provides that the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the World Health Organization shall have no jurisdiction in New Hampshire.

History and Context

• This Bill would prohibit all political subdivisions, including, but not limited to counties, cities, towns, precincts, water districts, school districts, school administrative units, or quasi-public entities, from engaging in the enforcement of, or any collaboration with the enforcement of, any requirements, mandates, recommendations, instructions, or guidance provided by either organization.
• Bill builds on legislation passed in 2021, Medical Freedom from Immunization Act, prohibiting public entities from requiring immunizations, and other efforts to prevent outside regulatory agencies (CMS, Federal Gov’t) from having authority over NH polices, practices and regulations.
• CDC’s role re: prevention of spread of communicable diseases is largely collaborative with state and local governments, and advisory in nature
• WHO’s role is entirely advisory and supportive of member countries in promoting and advocating for better global health.

NHNA Opposes this bill because it:

• Would hamper all NH towns, counties, schools etc. from having access to current advice and guidance.
• Would complicate access to federal funding for prevention of communicable diseases – e.g. surveillance, vaccines, outbreak investigation.
• Would put funding at risk for healthcare facilities caring for Medicare and Medicaid patients. CMS funding often requires compliance with CDC guidelines.         Click: State-Federal Relations and Veterans Affairs Committee