HB 399 would protect NH citizens from the unconstitutional sections of federal National Defense Authorization Act that grant the President the authority to indefinitely detain US citizens without due process. One of these sections of NDAA asserts President Obama’s authority to arrest suspected (not convicted) terrorists and gives him the option to choose whether or not they even get a trial, and if so, what kind of trial. The language includes “any person who has committed a belligerent act or has directly supported such hostilities in aid of such enemy forces.” Who is “any person?” What does Obama consider a “belligerent act?” What does he consider “direct support?”
This bill violates the writ of habeas corpus. The House Republican Alliance released a statement saying it “did not believe the federal government can lock up our citizens without just cause. By passing HB 399, we are asserting our duty as a State to protect our citizens”
There is a public hearing of the Senate Judiciary Committee on this bill on Tuesday April 16, at 9:00 AM at the State House in room SH 100. If you are able to do so, please come testify on behalf of this bill. If you are unable to attend the hearing, call the committee members and personHouse Republican Alliance released a statementally speak with them. The committee roster is located here. Live testimony and telephone calls are always preferable, but if you insist on emailing, be sure to use each legislator’s name in your salutation. Your message will get a lot more attention. Also provide your name and address, especially if one of the senators represents your district; anonymous email is seldom appreciated.