Craig Meriwether | Oppose HB1499

I was chronically homeless 20 years after my service in Persian Gulf War, before moving to New Hampshire 12 years ago. Along my journey here in New Hampshire I rented rooms from several people where 3 strangers shared an apartment. One instance a vacant room was occupied by a couple who used Cannabis. They held down jobs, paid rent on time, cleaned behind themselves and shared food. Just as regular folks who consume alcohol they were responsible. After conversations with the couple I discovered the both had Medical Cannabis cards. I believe if this bill were to pass. An overzealous landlord could file eviction papers on all 3 of us by claiming we all use Cannabis. Without witnessing a tenant using Cannabis, Bias assumptions about Cannabis use will increase homelessness, in this case 4 working adults seek housing in a sparce market of affordable housing. Landlords already have just cause to evict when Cannabis use or sales and possession are discovered by the police or an authorized visit AGAINST THE TENANT WHO COMMITS THE CRIME. In the state of ' Live Free or Die' this bill is hysterical. In essence granting Landlords power to spy on tenants to gain proof in order to file express eviction s. Would this bill also cover alcohol abuse behavior? If a tenant got DUI and wrecked their car, will the entire household be evicted? Moreover, many leases contain no cigarette smoking indoors this is cause for eviction. Clearly spelled out it already existed in the lease. I contend that less than 5 eviction have been executed solely on use of cigarettes because Landlords want steady rent payments and not spending time in court when rent is being paid. Finally, no safety net exists for tenants evicted because of what another tenant residing in the home does. The current shelter system statewide is inadequate for the current homeless community. They will have eviction on their credit report and will have increased financial burden on the same income they earn. Young folks will exit New Hampshire faster than they are currently if this bill passes. Respectfully, Craig Meriwether, 64 Disabled war veteran Granite Leader, Homeless Advocate