New Hampshire Senate Bill SB339

New Hampshire 2022 Regular Session

• Introduced: 12/15/21
• Refer: 12/15/21
• Report Pass: 2/10/22
• Engrossed: 3/23/22
• Refer: 3/23/22
• Report DNP: 4/22/22
• Report Pass: 4/22/22

Caption

Relative to meetings of boards and commissions in the department of safety.

Impact

The bill's enactment will notably exempt specific boards and commissions within the Department of Safety from strict physical quorum requirements. Entities such as the fire standards and training commission, emergency medical services boards, and the trauma medical review committee will have the flexibility to conduct meetings with members participating electronically. This shift corresponds with contemporary practices that seek to improve governmental accessibility and public engagement, particularly in circumstances where physical attendance poses challenges.

Summary

Senate Bill 339 proposes amendments to the access and conduct of meetings held by certain boards and commissions within the New Hampshire Department of Safety. The bill modifies the traditional quorum requirements outlined in RSA 91-A:2, specifically allowing certain entities to meet without having a physical quorum present if it is deemed impractical due to an emergency situation. This legislative action aims to enhance participation by enabling members to attend via electronic means when necessary, thereby increasing accessibility to government meetings.

Contention

Despite its intentions, SB 339 may raise concerns regarding transparency and accountability. Critics could argue that allowing electronic participation without physical presence could diminish the public's ability to engage directly with their government representatives. The reliance on technology for participation may create disparities for those with limited access to digital resources, potentially undermining the inclusivity the bill aims to achieve. Thus, the balance between modernizing public meeting protocols and maintaining robust avenues for citizen participation may incite discussion among policymakers and constituents alike.