HB1255: designating May 19 as a Day of Compassion.

HB 1255 - AS INTRODUCED

2016 SESSION

16-2195

01/06

HOUSE BILL 1255

AN ACT designating May 19 as a Day of Compassion.

SPONSORS: Rep. DeSimone, Rock. 14; Rep. Gargasz, Hills. 27; Rep. Friel, Rock. 14; Rep. Ford, Graf. 3; Rep. K. Rice, Hills. 37; Sen. Boutin, Dist 16; Sen. D'Allesandro, Dist 20

COMMITTEE: Executive Departments and Administration

ANALYSIS

This bill requires the governor to proclaim May 19 as a Day of Compassion. On this date, public schools and educational institutions are urged to conduct exercises that cultivate and encourage compassion.

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Explanation: Matter added to current law appears in bold italics.

Matter removed from current law appears [in brackets and struckthrough.]

Matter which is either (a) all new or (b) repealed and reenacted appears in regular type.

16-2195

01/06

STATE OF NEW HAMPSHIRE

In the Year of Our Lord Two Thousand Sixteen

AN ACT designating May 19 as a Day of Compassion.

Be it Enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives in General Court convened:

1 Statement of Purpose.

I. The general court hereby finds that:

(a) Compassion is a fundamental human virtue that allows people to connect with those who are suffering, and motivates people to take action to prevent and alleviate that suffering.

(b) Compassion is vital to well-adjusted individuals, organizations, and the broader society. It promotes altruism, volunteerism, kindness, empathy, and a society enlivened by the golden rule.

(c) Adults and children who practice compassion develop positive social skills and self-confidence and are less likely to engage in aggressive, violent, or anti-social behavior.

(d) Compassion is the antidote to bullying behavior in schools.

II. Therefore, the general court hereby establishes a Day of Compassion to cultivate compassion in the community by teaching children to practice compassion.

2 New Section; Day of Compassion. Amend RSA 4 by inserting after section 4:13-u the following new section:

4:13-v Day of Compassion. The governor shall annually proclaim May 19 as a Day of Compassion. Public schools and educational institutions are urged to observe such day and to conduct exercises that cultivate and encourage compassion. If May 19 occurs on a weekend, schools may designate the Friday before or Monday after May 19 as the Day of Compassion.

3 Effective Date. This act shall take effect 60 days after its passage.