New Hampshire House Bill HB127

New Hampshire 2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 12/23/22
• Refer: 12/23/22
• Report Pass: 3/16/23
• Report DNP: 3/16/23
• Engrossed: 3/24/23
• Refer: 3/24/23
• Report DNP: 4/6/23

Caption

Relative to the declaration of a state of emergency.

Impact

This legislation has significant implications for emergency management in New Hampshire, as it streamlines the authority of the Governor while also ensuring that the legislature remains involved in the oversight process. The bill stipulates that a state of emergency automatically terminates after 21 days if declared by the Governor or 90 days if declared by the General Court unless a renewal is properly executed. This provision aims to prevent indefinite extensions without appropriate legislative scrutiny, enhancing democratic oversight during emergencies.

Summary

House Bill 127 amends the process by which the Governor of New Hampshire can declare a state of emergency and sets forth the roles of the General Court in the emergency declaration process. The bill allows the Governor to declare a state of emergency either in response to natural, technological, or man-made disasters and requires notification to both the Speaker of the House and the Senate President when an emergency declaration is imminent. In addition, the bill outlines the specific details that must be included in a declaration, such as the nature of the emergency, areas affected, and the expected duration of the emergency.

Contention

Discussions surrounding HB 127 centered on concerns over the balance of power between the executive branch and the legislature. Supporters of the bill argue that it provides a necessary framework for efficient disaster response, enabling swift action during critical times. However, some critics argue that it may inadvertently centralize too much power in the executive branch, potentially undermining the legislative role in emergency management. The renewal limits were a particular point of contention, with discussions focused on how they could affect responsiveness in longer-term emergencies.