Relative to creating a commission to study the feasibility and structure of a legislative office to provide longitudinal cost-benefit analysis of significant proposed legislation and of budgetary revenue estimates.
Impact
If passed, HB 1219 would introduce a new layer of analysis to the legislative process in New Hampshire. The proposed commission would consist of various members, including representatives from the House and Senate, economists, and other experts, tasked with assessing proposed legislation that has fiscal implications. The expectation is that this initiative could lead to more accurate revenue estimates and evaluations of the cost-effectiveness of new laws, thereby improving the state's financial management. The commission's findings, which are to be reported by November 15, 2024, are anticipated to provide critical insights into the long-term implications of legislative actions.
Summary
House Bill 1219 proposes the establishment of a commission charged with studying the feasibility and structure of a legislative office that would provide longitudinal cost-benefit analyses of significant proposed legislation and budgetary revenue estimates. The bill aims to enhance the capacity of the legislative process through independent economic analysis, ultimately supporting more informed decision-making for budgetary and legislative proposals. By ensuring that significant legislation is subject to rigorous economic scrutiny, the bill seeks to improve the fiscal stability of the state's budgetary planning.
Sentiment
The overall sentiment surrounding HB 1219 appears to be positive, particularly among legislators focused on improving transparency and accountability in the budgeting process. Supporters view the bill as a proactive step towards enhancing informed governance, while ensuring that economic impacts are given due consideration when introducing new legislation. However, some skeptics may express concerns regarding the potential bureaucratic expansion and whether the commission would effectively utilize resources or provide timely analyses for the legislative process.
Contention
Notable points of contention may arise concerning the scope of the commission's analysis and the independence of its evaluations. Critics could argue that such a commission may lead to delays in the legislative process if it requires extensive reviews before new proposals can be acted upon. Additionally, discussions could focus on ensuring a balanced representation within the commission to avoid any biases in economic analysis. Ultimately, the establishment of this commission invites debate about the appropriate balance between thorough analysis and the need for expediency in legislative actions.
Relative to building a new legislative parking garage and making an appropriation therefor, renaming the capital project overview committee, and establishing the joint legislative parking garage oversight commission.
Making an appropriation to the department of health and human services to fund the Merrimack, New Hampshire Kidney Cancer Incidence Phase 3 Feasibility study.
Extending the public employees labor relations act to employees of the general court and relative to the duties of the joint committee on legislative facilities.
Relative to eligibility criteria for the therapeutic cannabis program and establishing a commission to study state-controlled sales of cannabis and relative to the prohibition on the sale of hemp products containing certain levels of THC.
Creating a commission to study charitable gaming and historical horse races and relative to the moratorium on licensed historical horse racing facilities.
Establishing a committee to study replacement of bail commissioners with court magistrates and relative to delinquent payment of accounts by on premises and off premises licensees and relative to electronic payments to employee debit cards.