New Hampshire 2024 Regular Session

New Hampshire House Bill HB1302

Introduced

12/6/23

Refer

12/6/23

Report Pass

2/27/24

Engrossed

3/13/24

Refer

3/13/24

Report Pass

4/16/24

Enrolled

5/9/24

Chaptered

5/21/24

Passed

5/21/24

Caption

Relative to elected conservation commissions in towns.

Impact

The adoption of HB 1302 will amend existing regulations concerning conservation commissions under RSA 36-A:3, providing a more democratic approach to the creation and management of these bodies. This change empowers local legislative bodies to decide how their commissions are structured, which could lead to increased accountability and responsiveness to local environmental issues. The elected commissions will also have the authority to appoint alternate members, further allowing for continuity and stability in leadership.

Summary

House Bill 1302 aims to empower towns in New Hampshire to elect their members of the conservation commission. Previously, these members were appointed by local authorities, but the new bill provides towns the option to change this through a majority vote at town meetings. The bill stipulates that towns may choose between two procedures for electing commission members, either at the next regular town elections or on a staggered basis as terms of appointed members expire. This shift to an elected body is designed to enhance local engagement and ensure that conservation efforts align with community values.

Contention

Discussions surrounding HB 1302 have raised questions about local governance and the management of conservation efforts. Proponents argue that allowing towns to elect their conservation commission members will lead to better alignment with community priorities and increased public participation in environmental decision-making. However, there may be concerns regarding the potential for politicization of environmental issues and the ability of elected officials to effectively manage conservation efforts, particularly if they lack expertise in environmental sciences.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

NH HB345

Enabling ranked-choice voting for state party primary elections and municipal elections.

NH HB75

Relative to the election of Strafford county commissioners.

NH HB270

Relative to the election of Strafford county commissioners.

NH HB115

Relative to changing the date of the state primary election.

NH HB46

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.

NH SB133

Relative to changing the date of the state primary election and creates runoff election for federal primary election.

NH SB166

Relative to electric grid modernization.

NH HB333

Relative to changing the date of the state primary election and adding a run-off election if necessary.

NH HB482

Requiring the use of ballots with embedded security, traceability, and relative to the chain of custody for ballots cast in elections.

NH HB495

Relative to counting votes.

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