Here is a look at various and sundry pieces of legislation that have either rotted on the vine or come to glorious fruition at the hands of state lawmakers in the last week.

Two pieces of legislation previously reported on here met with varying degrees of success last week. The House Science, Technology and Energy Committee voted to hold on to a bill that would have cut mercury emissions at the state's two coal-burning power plants to 24 pounds per year by 2013. Public Service of New Hampshire, the state's largest electric utility, opposed the bill because of its deadlines and the high expenses associated with mercury reduction methods. PSNH spokesman Martin Murray previously told The Wire the company is making efforts to reduce emissions, including converting one of three coal boilers to burn wood at Schiller Station in Newington. The company also plans to test a $500,000 program at its Merrimack Station power plant later this year that might be able to separate mercury from coal before it is emitted.

Though the effort to curb mercury emissions was stymied, the Senate moved forward with plans to overhaul the state's controversial new automotive emissions testing program. The tests, which would check a car's onboard diagnostic (OBD) system for emissions leaks, were slated to begin April 1, but drivers responded with an outcry over the huge increase in car inspection costs, which would have increased from around $20 to as much as $40, as well as potential repair costs should a car fail the test. The Senate passed an amended version of HB 513, which establishes an "advisory period" for the test, meaning vehicles can't fail inspection simply for not passing the OBD test. The advisory period expires on May 1, 2006. The bill also excludes vehicles made before 1996 from the tests. Lawmakers removed a provision from the bill that would have set a cap on repair costs for cars that fail the test. However, the bill does ask the state Department of Safety to help motorists who can't afford repairs by granting waivers for the work.

The Senate killed the buzz for industrial hemp boosters this week when the Environment and Wildlife Committee rejected HB 55, Rep. Derek Owen's (D-Hopkinton) latest attempt to get a hemp industry started in the state. Rep. Owen has introduced bills that would authorize the production of industrial hemp four times since 2000. This year was the first time the bill was approved by the House.

However, a few actual vices fared well with lawmakers. The House Ways and Means Committee approved a bill that would introduce new $20 scratch tickets into the state's lottery. The House will vote on the bill on Wednesday, May 11.

In upcoming committee meetings, on May 11 the Senate Ways and Means Committee will look at HB 522, which would establish a committee to look at gaming options for the state. If passed, the committee would be comprised of 10 members (five from the Senate and five from the House) who would, among other tasks, look at various gaming models and solicit testimony from various officials on the effects of legalized gambling. The Senate last month killed a bill sponsored by Sen. Lou D'Allesandro (D-Manchester) that would have allowed slot machines at the state's racetracks and grand hotels.

If gambling ever does make it to the Granite State, you may need those slot machine winnings to buy a pack of cigarettes. On Wednesday, May 18, the Senate Ways and Means Committee will take a look at HB 563, a measure to up the tax on tobacco to 80 cents a pack. Supporters believe the increase will raise $87 million for education funding over the next two years.

For a full meeting schedule and the low-down on all voting results, visit the N.H. General Court's Web site: http://gencourt.state.nh.us.