New Hampshire Senate Bill SB84

New Hampshire 2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/18/23
• Refer: 1/18/23
• Report Pass: 3/8/23
• Engrossed: 3/21/23
• Refer: 3/21/23

Caption

Relative to legislative study committees and commissions.

Impact

By establishing clearer guidelines for the formation and operation of study committees and commissions, SB84 aims to improve the effectiveness of legislative investigations and projects. It mandates that all reports generated by these groups must be electronically filed and posted publicly, thereby increasing transparency in the legislative process. These changes are expected to enhance the oversight of such committees and their contributions to legislative initiatives.

Summary

Senate Bill 84 amends the requirements for legislative study committees and commissions in New Hampshire. The bill seeks to clarify the definitions and regulations surrounding these entities, ensuring that study committees consist only of members from the general court and that their membership is capped at 15 members. Additionally, it specifies that these committees will dissolve upon filing a final report or by a set deadline at the end of the biennial session, which could streamline legislative tasks and enhance accountability.

Contention

While the bill provides structural reforms to the legislative process, points of contention may arise from the limitations imposed on the membership of study committees and the stringent reporting requirements. Critics might argue that restricting membership to general court members only could eliminate valuable input from outside experts who could offer insights on complex issues. Furthermore, the fixed dissolution dates for study committees may prompt discussions on the adequacy of time allowed for thorough study, depending on the issues at hand.