Legal Updates: Latest News from New Hampshire

The sponsors of the historical marker for Elizabeth Gurley Flynn are not giving up without a fight. Mary Lee Sargent and Arnie Alpert have asked a judge to reconsider his ruling that they lack the legal standing to sue the state over the removal of the marker. The marker, dedicated to Flynn, a prominent labor activist and civil libertarian, was removed two weeks after it was installed due to objections from some Executive Councilors.

In their appeal, attorney Andru Volinsky argued that the ruling sets a dangerous precedent, allowing markers to be removed based on ideological rather than historical grounds. Sargent, a former history and women’s studies teacher, emphasized the importance of educating the public about figures like Flynn.

Meanwhile, in the New Hampshire House, a bill has been passed that would help people cleanse their records of marijuana possession arrests and convictions. The bill, sponsored by Rep. Jonah Wheeler, aims to expedite the annulment process for those with cannabis violations, removing barriers to employment and loans.

However, not everyone is on board with the bill. Rep. Jennifer Rhodes raised concerns about the taxpayer costs and the legality of annulling records for marijuana possession. The bill will now move to the Senate for further consideration.

In other news, a Merrimack man has been charged with embezzling over $140,000 from a restaurant in Manchester. James Peretti allegedly created fake reimbursement claims over four years as the general manager of the restaurant. If convicted, Peretti could face up to 15 years in prison.