HB641

Rep. Lynn and Judiciary Committe, I am a fierce supporter of freedom and human rights. This bill supports my absolute feelings. In addition, as all of us came from the same source, I beg of you to pass this bill. Respectfully, Hon. Harvey Keye

As I understand it, this bill would open up access so more people could fight civil rights violations against them, without needing to go through the NH Attorney General's office. Seems like a good common-sense bill to me, what with all the hate crimes (including police brutality), and more and more discrimination in institutions, and the government getting more fascist by the minute.

Civil rights violations abound, and are on the rise in our current political climate. I support this bill on behalf of marginalized communities who are harmed by discrimination

Mary Ngwanda Georges State Representative District 23 Victory Women of Vision/ Executive Director 50 Bridge street, Suite 203 Manchester, NH 03101 Cell: (603)264-708 Office: (603)623-8968 To support this bill to protect the civil rights of all NH citizens House Bill HB 641-FN To the Chair and the Members of the Committee: Testifying in support of House Bill HB 641-FN, which aims to establish a private right of action for civil rights violations in New Hampshire, is a significant opportunity to advocate for civil rights protection. Here are some steps to help you prepare an effective Here’s a summary of House Bill HB 641-FN, along with key points and an emphasis on its importance: 1. Summary of House Bill HB 641-FN House Bill HB 641-FN is an act aimed at establishing a private right of action for individuals who are victims of civil rights violations in New Hampshire. This bill enables individuals, who believe their civil rights have been infringed upon, to file a lawsuit against the violators and seek punitive damages. 2. Key Points 1. Private Right of Action**: The bill provides individuals with the legal standing to sue for civil rights violations, thus closing a gap for those who may currently feel powerless to seek redress. 2. Punitive Damages**: The legislation allows courts to award punitive damages, which serve as a financial deterrent against future violations. This aspect emphasizes accountability for those who infringe upon civil rights. 3. Broader Definition of Civil Rights**: The bill encompasses a wide range of civil rights issues, ensuring protections for various groups and conditions. This could include discrimination based on race, gender, disability, sexual orientation, and more. 4. Empowerment of Citizens**: By allowing individuals to take legal action, the bill empowers citizens and encourages them to stand up against injustices. 5. **Community Trust**: Strengthening civil rights protections contributes to a more just society and fosters trust within communities, knowing there are legal avenues for redress. 3. Importance of the Bill 1) Protection and Justice**: The bill addresses an urgent need for protection against civil rights violations. It ensures that individuals are not subjected to discrimination without recourse, thereby promoting justice and equality. 2) Deterrence of Violations**: By providing the option for punitive damages, the bill serves as a deterrent against potential violators. Knowing that they could face significant financial consequences may encourage entities to adhere to civil rights laws more rigorously. 3) Promoting Equality**: The legislation plays a crucial role in reinforcing the principle of equal treatment under the law. It affirms that all individuals, regardless of their background, have the right to seek protection from discrimination and abuse. 4) Empowerment of Vulnerable Groups**: This bill is particularly important for marginalized and vulnerable groups who may otherwise face significant barriers in the pursuit of justice. It levels the playing field and reinforces their rights. 5) Fostering a Culture of Accountability**: The establishment of a private right of action sends a strong message that civil rights violations will not be tolerated and that accountability is essential for a healthy democracy. In summary, HB 641-FN is a critical piece of legislation that seeks to enhance civil rights protections in New Hampshire by allowing individuals to sue for violations and seek punitive damages. Its importance lies in its potential to empower citizens, promote justice, foster accountability, and ultimately contribute to a more equitable society. For the reasons presented above, I strongly urge the committee to support HB 641-FN Respectfully Mary N Georges

Republicans need to stop attacking the civil rights of others.

All Granite Staters have the right to seek redress for violations of their civil rights!

If we don’t have civil rights and the ability to protect ourselves, democracy is harmed.

I support this bill because is the right thing to do.

Civil Rights are more vital than ever for the people of New Hampshire. This NAACP-supported amendment to NH’s existing Civil Rights Law will help ensure that all NH citizens have the ability to seek redress for violations of their civil rights.

I support civil rights as advocated by NEAC NAACP.

With the massive rise in hate crimes, the Attorney General's office has become a bottleneck limiting the ability of people who've had their civil rights violated to seek redress via the courts. This would take the onus off of the Attorney General's office and allow those who have been wronged to seek justice.

Civil Rights are of vast importance, and the private rights of citizens must be protected and upheld

I support this effort to make New Hampshire a more welcoming place for ll of its residents. We must recognize our mutual and collective responsibility for and to each other.

I believe this Biill gives greater protection to protect an indiual from violations of their Civil Rights.This is very important given an increase of 400% in complaints in the last 6 years. Thank you for your consideration of this request. Yours, Bob Keating 5 Coburn Woods Nashua,NH 03063

I support civil rights as advocated by NEAC NAACP

As a supporting member of the community and NAACP, I support this bill.

Representation is fundamental to our legal system. Please support this bill.,

It is important for all NH residents to have representation as they defend their civil rights. I support the NAACP and other not for private legal representation.

I urge you to support civil rights as advocated by NEAC NAACP.

We need to be kind to all of God's creatures!

With the current political climate Civil rights are no longer a future guarantee. I support establishing a private right of action for civil rights violations. Allowing people to file for punitive damages when their civil rights are violated will help to discourage more civil rights violations and will give the victim the justice they deserve.

I support a person who is the subject of a civil rights violation being able to bring suit and receive punitive damages. There needs to be real consequences when someone violates someone else's civil rights.

Frank Edelblut has shown himself to be the most destructive, anti-public schools education secretary in recent history, and as a public school teacher, I do NOT want such a person to have the power to subpoena anyone. He cannot be trusted with that power to do anything but advance his anti-education agenda and harm those who support the right to a free, PUBLIC education for all NH children.

I am a member of the public in NH and have had personal need to bring a civil suit in the past on two occasions. It can be very difficult, and I want to support others who find themselves in the same situation. When I see all the areas of NH represented by Representatives in our state government that support this bill, I realize that it is a common problem of the people in New Hampshire, and they need this support of HB641-FN.

I believe these rights to be ghreatened and in need of further su9pport.