New Hampshire House Bill HB275

New Hampshire 2022 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/9/21
• Refer: 1/9/21
• Report Pass: 11/16/21
• Report DNP: 11/16/21
• Engrossed: 1/18/22
• Refer: 1/18/22
• Report Pass: 4/20/22
• Report Pass: 5/3/22
• Enrolled: 5/18/22
• Vetoed: 6/1/22

Caption

Relative to the declaration of a state of emergency.

Impact

The bill introduces important changes to RSA 4:45, particularly in terms of the duration and renewal of emergency powers. Notably, a state of emergency declared by the governor will automatically last for 21 days unless renewed, while a declaration by the legislative body will last for 90 days. This structure seeks to allow for quicker response times during crises while also providing mechanisms for legislative oversight to prevent potential overreach by the executive.

Summary

House Bill 275 focuses on the authority surrounding the declaration of a state of emergency in New Hampshire. The bill modifies existing statutes to clarify the governor's powers and to outline the processes for declaring, renewing, and terminating states of emergency. In particular, it stipulates that the governor can declare a state of emergency when faced with significant disasters, such as natural or technological threats, and mandates that the legislature be notified promptly of such decisions.

Contention

Some contentious points surrounding HB 275 include discussions on the balance of power between the executive and legislative branches during emergencies. Proponents argue that the bill establishes necessary checks on the governor's powers to prevent prolonged states of emergency without adequate legislative consent. Critics, however, may contend that the renewal limits could hinder the state’s ability to respond swiftly to ongoing emergencies, highlighting concerns over public safety and welfare during extended crises.