New Hampshire 2024 Regular Session

New Hampshire House Bill HB1518

Introduced

12/11/23

Refer

12/11/23

Report DNP

2/21/24

Caption

Relative to the legislative ethics committee.

Impact

The passage of HB 1518 would significantly alter the dynamics in legislative ethics oversight. By expanding the committee’s membership and specifying who can be appointed, the bill aims to mitigate conflicts of interest and enhance transparency in legislative activities. This reform is viewed as necessary to ensure that ethical standards are maintained and that there are mechanisms for accountability in cases of alleged misconduct. Consequently, these changes could lead to stricter adherence to ethical guidelines among legislators.

Summary

House Bill 1518 aims to enhance the structure and function of the Legislative Ethics Committee in New Hampshire. The bill proposes to increase the membership of the committee, which is responsible for developing standards related to legislative ethics and handling complaints regarding lawmakers’ conduct. It delineates clear qualifications for committee members and sets restrictions on individuals who can serve, particularly excluding current and former lobbyists, elected officials, and state employees from participation in the committee. This move is intended to foster greater integrity and public trust within the legislative process.

Sentiment

Overall sentiment around HB 1518 appears to be positive among proponents who believe that increasing oversight and transparency in government is vital for fostering public trust. Supporters argue that the measures outlined will not only enhance the integrity of the legislative process but also reassure constituents that their representatives are held to high ethical standards. However, there may be some concern regarding the implications for political representation, especially if the eligibility criteria for committee members are perceived to limit diverse perspectives.

Contention

While there is broad support for the intentions behind HB 1518, there are notable concerns regarding its practical implications. Critics might argue that the stringent eligibility rules could hinder the appointment of qualified individuals from various backgrounds, raising questions about the committee’s effectiveness. Furthermore, there is an ongoing debate about how the increased oversight will impact the legislative process and whether it could lead to overreach, where every minor infraction is scrutinized under the ethical lens, potentially discouraging open dialogue among lawmakers.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

NH SB84

Relative to legislative study committees and commissions.

NH HB384

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.

NH HB157

Relative to the joint committee on legislative facilities and sexual harassment policies.

NH HB323

Relative to establishing a committee on emerging medical technologies.

NH HB536

Relative to the chartered public school joint legislative oversight committee, and relative to chartered public school use of unused district facilities.

NH HB322

Relative to establishing a committee to study the New Hampshire board of medicine.

NH HB134

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.

NH HB655

Relative to the office of professional licensure and certification.

NH HB220

Establishing a committee to study the regulatory structure of charitable gaming.

NH HB632

Relative to the cooperative school district budget committee.

Similar Bills

NJ AR96

Changes membership of Budget and Labor Committees; clarifies that bill or resolution may be listed on committee agenda for purposes of amendment.

MI HB4326

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MI HB4870

Campaign finance: contributions and expenditures; funds donated to a candidate for recall efforts; require candidate to establish a separate account used for recall purposes. Amends secs. 3, 11, 12, 21, 24 & 52 of 1976 PA 388 (MCL 169.203 et seq.) & adds sec. 21b.

MN HC6

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