NOTES BETWEEN PRINTED EDITIONS
CONCORD, NH – Late last night, the New Hampshire House of Representatives passed HB 1709-FN, legislation prohibiting certain illegal aliens with prior felony convictions from occupying or renting residential property in New Hampshire. The bill passed on a vote of 181–154.
House Housing Committee Chairman Rep. Joe Alexander (R-Goffstown) praised the bill’s passage.
“New Hampshire is not going to be a safe haven for illegal alien felons. If you are in this country illegally and you have already been convicted of a felony, you should not expect to come to our state and secure housing like nothing happened. This bill sends a clear message that public safety comes first.”
Deputy Majority Leader Joe Sweeney (R-Salem) had the following to say, “Granite Staters expect common sense, yet only two House democrats supported this paramount public safety initiative. If someone has broken our immigration laws and committed serious crimes, they should not be given the privilege of living in our communities. Despite the democrats incessant desire to put non-citizens first, Republicans will always put Granite Staters first. HB 1709 restores accountability and gives law enforcement the tools they need to exact justice.”
Background
As amended, HB 1709-FN establishes a new provision in state law making it a criminal offense for an individual who is unlawfully present in the United States and previously convicted of a felony to occupy or rent real property in New Hampshire once their status is confirmed through federal immigration authorities. The legislation also authorizes county sheriffs to arrest such individuals when encountered during the service of a writ of possession.
