New Hampshire Bill Repealing the Buffer Zone Law (HB 403)

HB 403 would repeal current New Hampshire law that allows for a buffer zone of up to 25 feet around abortion clinics.  The legislation, SB 319, was signed into law June 10, 2014.

HB 403 seeks to repeal the law on the argument that it violates free speech and is similar to the Massachusetts law that was struck down by the U.S. Supreme Court in McCullen v. Coakley.  HB 403 states that this statute would cause the state of New Hampshire to expend considerable sums defending a law which the U.S. Supreme Court found unconstitutional.

STATUS

Passed House.  Pending in Senate Committee.

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