April 3, 2008
No. 14
STATE OF
WEB SITE ADDRESS:
www.gencourt.state.nh.us
Legislative
SENATE
CALENDAR
REPORTS,
AMENDMENTS, HEARINGS,
MEETINGS AND NOTICES
THE SENATE WILL MEET IN SESSION ON THURSDAY, APRIL 10, 2008 AT 10:00 A.M.
LAID ON THE TABLE
CACR 20, relating to funding of public education. Providing that the local political subdivision shall provide public education and determine curriculum and the amount of funding thereof, and the legislature shall have the authority to make reasonable determinations as to public education, provide supplemental funding, and determine the amount and allocation of such state funds. 1/17/08, pending motion ITL, Judiciary, SJ 2, pg. 60
CACR 31, relating to the funding of public education. Providing that the legislature shall make a reasonable determination of the content, extent, funding, which shall include targeting, and delivery of public education. 2/21/08, pending motion ITL, Judiciary, SJ 7, pg. 152
CACR 32, relating to local public education. Providing that the local political subdivision responsible for public education shall have the power to determine curriculum, set standards, and determine funding, and that the legislature may provide supplemental funding. 2/21/08, pending motion ITL, Judiciary, SJ 7, pg. 153
CACR 33, relating to funding a public education. Providing that the legislature shall define standards for education, determine the level of state funding thereof, establish standards of accountability, and allocate state funds in a manner that mitigates disparities in educational opportunity and fiscal capacity, provided that every school district receives a reasonable share of the state funds on a per pupil basis. 2/21/08, pending motion ITL, Judiciary, SJ 7, pg. 153
SB 163-FN, relative to housing assistance for families in the Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF) program. 1/17/08, pending motion Committee Amendment (0054s), Health and Human Services, SJ 2, pg. 59
SB 248, relative
to ethical standards for volunteers in the executive branch. 1/2/08, pending motion ITL, Election Law
and Internal Affairs, SJ 1, pg. 16
SB 302-FN, relative to parental notification. 3/20/08, pending motion ITL, Judiciary, SJ 10, pg. 91
SB 304-FN-L, repealing a fee charged by the registry of deeds. 3/20/08, pending motion ITL, Finance, SJ 10, pg. 74
SB 306-FN, relative
to allowing video gaming in Coos county, building a casino in
SB 307-FN-L, exempting Purple Heart plate recipients from number plate and registration fees. 3/13/08, pending motion OTP, Transportation and Interstate Cooperation, SJ 9, pg. 228
SB 330-FN, relative to video lottery machines at certain pari-mutuel facilities. 3/20/08, pending motion ITL, Ways and Means, SJ 9, pg. 230
SB 343-FN, (New Title) making school building aid grants available to charter schools as reimbursement for annual lease costs. 3/20/08, pending motion ITL, Finance, SJ 10, pg. 77
SB 380, relative to petitions for boating rules. 3/20/08, pending motion Committee Amendment (0990s), Transportation and Interstate Cooperation, SJ 10, pg. 121
SB 393, allowing dental hygienists to engage in independent practice. 2/14/08, pending motion ITL, Executive Departments and Administration, SJ 6, pg. 131
SB 411, relative to the confidentiality of health care records during the investigation of child abuse and neglect cases. 3/20/08, pending motion OTP, Judiciary, SJ 10, pg. 96
SB 417, relative to changes to the shoreland protection act. 3/20/08, pending motion Committee Amendment (0967s), Energy, Environment and Economic Development, SJ 10, pg. 34
SB 424, relative to prohibiting ATV and trail bike use on state-owned rail trails acquired using federal funds. 3/13/08, pending motion ITL, Transportation and Interstate Cooperation, SJ 9, pg. 229
SB 427, requiring hospitals to report on their standards and criteria for organ donations and transplants. 2/14/08, pending motion ITL, Health and Human Services, SJ 6, pg. 132
SB 441, relative to collective bargaining by judicial employees. 3/6/08 pending motion OTP, Executive Departments and Administration, SJ 8, pg. 180
SB 456, establishing
a committee to study the impact of the research and development tax credit and
the current cap on the credit on high technology industries and
SB 469, allowing fish and game license agents to collect an additional convenience fee. 1/23/08, pending motion Committee Amendment (0134s), Wildlife, Fish and Game and Agriculture, SJ 3, pg. 79
SB 491, excluding the value of a view from property tax assessment. 2/14/08, pending motion ITL, Ways and Means, SJ 6, pg. 137
HB 456, (New
Title) limiting liability for town health officers and overseers of public
welfare when acting in the course of their official duties. 1/2/08, pending motion Committee Amendment (2495s), Public and
Municipal Affairs, SJ 1, pg. 20
HB 539-FN, relative to manslaughter. 1/17/08, pending motion ITL, Judiciary, SJ 2, pg. 61
REPORTS
COMMERCE, LABOR AND CONSUMER PROTECTION
HB 399, (New Title) relative to the minimum hourly rate of compensation.
Ought to Pass, Vote 4-2.
Senator Cilley for the committee.
HB 1245, relative to insurance department records, investigations, and enforcement.
Ought to Pass, Vote 3-0.
Senator DeVries for the committee.
ELECTION LAW AND INTERNAL AFFAIRS
HB 233-FN-A, specifying compensation for ballot law commissioners.
Ought to Pass, Vote 3-1.
Senator Burling for the committee.
HB 1239, relative to the legislative youth advisory council.
Ought to Pass, Vote 5-0.
Senator DeVries for the committee.
ENERGY, ENVIRONMENT AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
HB 295, (New Title) relative to fuel quality standards and testing requirements for combustion of biomass and biomass fuel.
Ought to Pass with Amendment, Vote 5-0.
Senator Fuller Clark for the committee.
HB 415-FN, establishing a geothermal assessment project.
Ought to Pass, Vote 5-0.
Senator Barnes for the committee.
HB 1186, reducing the membership of 2 legislative oversight committees.
Ought to Pass, Vote 4-0.
Senator Fuller Clark for the committee.
HB 1215, relative to the New Hampshire-Vermont interstate waste compact.
Ought to Pass, Vote 4-0.
Senator Odell for the committee.
HB 1584-FN-A, (New Title) creating a commission to study the recycling and disposal of electronic waste.
Ought to Pass with Amendment, Vote 5-0
Senator Fuller Clark for the committee.
HCR 17, encouraging the use of reusable shopping bags.
Ought to Pass, Vote 5-0.
Senator Fuller Clark for the committee.
EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENTS AND ADMINISTRATION
HB 1153, relative to physician assistants and physicians regulation by the board of medicine.
Ought to Pass, Vote 3-0.
Senator Downing for the committee.
HB 1394-FN, relative to procedures for approvals of nursing education programs.
Ought to Pass, Vote 5-0.
Senator Kenney for the committee.
HB 1607-FN, (New Title) relative to firefighter services leave for state employees.
Ought to Pass with Amendment, Vote 5-0.
Senator Kelly for the committee.
FINANCE
HB 1155-FN-A, making an appropriation of certain revenues to the board of nursing.
Ought to Pass, Vote 3-0.
Senator D'Allesandro for the committee.
HB 1341-FN-A, making an appropriation to the department of administrative services for an energy audit and system evaluation of the state house.
Ought to Pass, Vote 4-0.
Senator Janeway for the committee.
HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
HB 678-FN, (New Title) establishing a committee to study issues related to cochlear implants.
Ought to Pass with Amendment, Vote 2-0.
Senator Janeway for the committee.
HB 740-FN, relative to mental health services.
Ought to Pass, Vote 2-0.
Senator Estabrook for the committee.
HB 1167, relative to substituting generically equivalent drug products.
Ought to Pass, Vote 2-0.
Senator Janeway for the committee.
HB 1231, repealing the advisory panel on cancer and chronic diseases and the tobacco use advisory committee.
Ought to Pass, Vote 2-0.
Senator Estabrook for the committee.
HB 1388, (New Title) establishing a commission to study practices relative to medications prescribed to children in out-of-home placements.
Inexpedient to Legislate, Vote 3-0.
Senator Gallus for the committee.
PUBLIC AND MUNICIPAL AFFAIRS
HB 315, (New Title) relative to criminal background checks of prospective municipal employees through the division of state police.
Ought to Pass with Amendment, Vote 4-0.
Senator Burling for the committee.
TRANSPORTATION AND INTERSTATE COOPERATION
HB 211-FN, (New Title) requiring that driver’s license applicants be informed of and examined on laws relating to blind pedestrians.
Ought to Pass, Vote 2-0.
Senator DeVries for the committee.
HB 1141, establishing a committee to study parking for wheelchair-lift vans.
Ought to Pass with Amendment, Vote 4-0.
Senator DeVries for the committee.
HB 1220, establishing a commission to study the taxation of alternative fuel and electric-powered motor vehicles for the purpose of funding improvements to the state's highways and bridges.
Ought to Pass with Amendment, Vote 3-0.
Senator DeVries for the committee.
HB 1235, relative to motorist duties when approaching highway emergencies.
Ought to Pass with Amendment, Vote 3-0.
Senator Letourneau for the committee.
HB 1377, (New
Title) relative to
Ought to Pass, Vote 3-0.
Senator Burling for the committee.
AMENDMENTS
Energy, Environment and Economic Development
April 3, 2008
2008-1239s
08/09
Amendment to HB 295
Amend the title of the bill by replacing it with the following:
AN ACT relative to fuel quality standards and testing requirements for combustion of biomass and biomass fuel and clarifying a definition of provider of electricity.
Amend the bill by replacing section 1 with the following:
1 New Paragraph; Biomass Defined. Amend RSA 125-C:2 by inserting after paragraph III the following new paragraph:
III-a. “Biomass” means organic matter used as a fuel, not including wood derived from construction and demolition debris, as defined in RSA 149-M:4, IV-a; wood which has been chemically treated; or agricultural crops or aquatic plants or byproducts from such crops or plants, which have been used to rehabilitate a contaminated or brownfields site through a process known as “phytoremediation.”
Amend the bill by replacing section 4 with the following:
4 New Paragraph; Standards and Testing Requirements for Biomass and Eligible Biomass Fuel. Amend RSA 125-C:6 by inserting after paragraph XIV the following new paragraph:
XIV-a. Establishing fuel quality standards and testing requirements for biomass other than round wood and wood chips derived from round wood or waste wood such as limbs, branches, brush, slash, bark, stumps, sawdust, saw mill trimmings, clean pallets, and untreated wood scraps from furniture and other manufacture and eligible biomass fuel related to the combustion of such materials at stationary sources. The commissioner may establish such standards as necessary to maintain statewide compliance with Clean Air Act standards and RSA 125-I.
Amend the bill by inserting after section 4 the following and renumbering the original section 5 to read as 6:
5 Providers of Electricity; Municipal Suppliers. Amend RSA 362-F:2, XIV to read as follows:
XIV. “Provider of electricity” means a distribution company providing default service or an electricity supplier as defined in RSA 374-F:2, II but does not include municipal suppliers.
2008-1239s
AMENDED ANALYSIS
This bill authorizes the commissioner of the department of environmental services to establish fuel quality standards and testing requirements for biomass and eligible biomass fuel, as defined in the bill, related to the combustion of such materials at stationary sources.
This bill also clarifies the definition of “provider of electricity” under RSA 362-F, relative to electric renewable portfolio standard, by excluding municipal suppliers.
Public and Municipal Affairs
April 1, 2008
2008-1192s
06/09
Amendment to HB 315
Amend RSA 41:9-b, II as inserted by section 1 of the bill by replacing it with the following:
II. A candidate for employment in a position which the governing body or town manager determines requires a background investigation and a criminal history records check shall submit to the town a notarized criminal history records release form, as provided by the division of state police, which authorizes the release of the person's criminal records, if any. The candidate shall submit with the release form a complete set of fingerprints taken by a law enforcement agency as directed by the governing body or town manager. In the event that the first set of fingerprints is invalid due to insufficient pattern and a second set of fingerprints is necessary in order to complete the criminal history records check, the conditional offer of employment shall remain in effect. If, after 2 attempts, a set of fingerprints is invalid due to insufficient pattern, the town may, in lieu of the criminal history records check, accept police clearances from every city, town, or county where a candidate has lived during the past 5 years.
Amend the bill by replacing section 2 with the following:
2 Effective Date. This act shall take effect September 1, 2008.
Health and Human Services
April 1, 2008
2008-1181s
04/05
Amendment to HB 678-FN
Amend subparagraph I(b) as inserted by section 2 of the bill by replacing it with the following:
(b) One member of the senate, appointed by the president of the senate.
Transportation and Interstate Cooperation
April 2, 2008
2008-1214s
06/09
Amendment to HB 1141
Amend subparagraph I(b) as inserted by section 2 of the bill by replacing it with the following:
(b) One member of the senate, appointed by the president of the senate.
Amend the bill by replacing sections 3 and 4 with the following:
3 Duties. The committee shall:
I. Study parking for wheelchair-lift vans.
II. Communicate and coordinate with the governor’s commission on disabilities.
4 Chairperson; Quorum. The members of the study committee shall elect a chairperson from among the members. The first meeting of the committee shall be called by the first-named house member. The first meeting of the committee shall be held within 45 days of the effective date of this section. Three members of the committee shall constitute a quorum.
Senate Transportation
March 26, 2008
2008-1126s
09/10
Amendment to HB 1220
Amend the title of the bill by replacing it with the following:
AN ACT establishing a commission to study the taxation of motor vehicles for the purpose of funding improvements to the state’s transportation system.
Amend the bill by replacing section 1 with the following:
1 Commission Established. There is established a commission to study the taxation of motor vehicles for the purpose of funding improvements to the state’s transportation system.
Amend paragraph I(b) of section 2 of the bill by replacing it with the following:
(b) One member of the senate, appointed by the president of the senate.
Amend the bill by replacing sections 3 and 4 with the following:
3 Duties. The commission shall study the taxation of motor vehicles for the purpose of funding improvements to the state’s transportation system, in particular relative to the impact of reduced funding due to fuel economy improvements and use of alternative fuels.
4 Chairperson; Quorum. The members of the commission shall elect a chairperson from among the members. The first meeting of the commission shall be called by the first-named house member. The first meeting of the commission shall be held within 45 days of the effective date of this section. Five members of the commission shall constitute a quorum.
2008-1126s
AMENDED ANALYSIS
This bill establishes a commission to study the taxation of motor vehicles for the purpose of funding improvements to the state’s transportation system.
Transportation and Interstate Cooperation
April 2, 2008
2008-1215s
03/09
Amendment to HB 1235
Amend the bill by replacing all after the enacting clause with the following:
1 Motorist Duties When Approaching Highway Emergencies; Emergency Road Service Vehicles. Amend RSA 265:37-a, IV to read as follows:
IV. Give a wide
berth, without endangering oncoming traffic, to public safety personnel,
[and] any persons in the roadway, and stationary vehicles displaying blue,
red, or amber emergency or warning lights.
2 Effective Date. This act shall take effect 60 days after its passage.
2008-1215s
AMENDED ANALYSIS
This bill requires drivers to give wide berth to stationary vehicles displaying emergency or warning lights when approaching highway emergencies.
Energy, Environment, and Economic Development
April 3, 2008
2008-1240s
08/09
Amendment to HB 1584
Amend the bill by replacing section 4 with the following:
4 Chairperson; Quorum. The members of the commission shall elect a chairperson from among the members. The first meeting of the commission shall be called by the first-named house member. The first meeting of the commission shall be held within 45 days of the effective date of this section. Three members of the commission shall constitute a quorum.
Senate Executive Departments and Administration
March 26, 2008
2008-1130s
05/10
Amendment to HB 1607-FN
Amend RSA 227-L:5-a, III as inserted by section 1 of the bill by replacing it with the following:
III. All funds reimbursed for services provided under this section shall be deposited in the appropriate pay or overtime account of the agency for whom the state employee works.
IV. This section shall not apply to employees of the department of resources and economic development.
Amend the bill by replacing section 2 with the following:
2 Effective Date. This act shall take effect upon its passage.
HEARINGS
MONDAY, APRIL 7, 2008
EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENTS AND ADMINISTRATION, Room 103, SH
Sen. Burling (C), Sen. Fuller Clark (VC), Sen. Kelly, Sen. Cilley, Sen. Kenney, Sen. Downing
1:00 p.m. HB 1278, relative to the purchase of computer services and supplies for state agencies.
1:20 p.m. HB 1313, relative to voting by the chairman of the retirement system board of trustees.
1:40 p.m. HB 1374, establishing a division of homeland security and emergency management in the department of safety.
2:00 p.m. HB 1643-FN, relative to medical benefits payment by the retirement system for eligible group I teachers and political subdivision employees in the retirement system.
EXECUTIVE SESSION MAY
FOLLOW
TUESDAY, APRIL 8, 2008
COMMERCE, LABOR AND CONSUMER PROTECTION, Room 102, LOB
Sen. Gottesman (C), Sen. DeVries (VC), Sen. Reynolds, Sen. Cilley, Sen. Barnes, Sen. Roberge
10:15 a.m. HB 759-FN, relative to administration and enforcement of banking laws.
(the previous hearing for HB 759-FN was recessed on March 18th)
10:25 a.m. HB 1286-FN, relative to the licensing of mortgage bankers, mortgage brokers, and mortgage originators.
10:40 a.m. HB 1591-FN, relative to vehicles traded to automobile dealers.
10:55 a.m. HB 1382, adopting the uniform prudent management of institutional funds act.
11:10 a.m. HB 1174, relative to condominium association meetings.
EXECUTIVE SESSION MAY
FOLLOW
EDUCATION, Room 103, SH
Sen. Estabrook (C), Sen. Foster (VC), Sen. Fuller Clark, Sen. Kelly, Sen. Bragdon, Sen. Letourneau
8:30 a.m. HB 766-FN, making changes to the laws relating to special education.
(the previous hearing for HB 766-FN was recessed on April 1st)
9:00 a.m. HB 679-FN-L, relative to delivery of special education services.
EXECUTIVE SESSION MAY
FOLLOW
ENERGY, ENVIRONMENT AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT, Room 101, LOB
Sen. Fuller Clark (C), Sen. Hassan (VC), Sen. Cilley, Sen. Sgambati, Sen. Barnes, Sen. Odell
2:00 p.m. HB 1538, relative to mineral
extraction, mining, and reclamation in
2:45 p.m. HB 1594-FN, relative to hazardous material reporting requirements and establishing fees for hazardous materials facilities and employees.
3:30 p.m. HB 1635-FN, relative to permits for motor vehicle salvage facilities and motor vehicle crushers.
EXECUTIVE SESSION MAY
FOLLOW
HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES, Room 100, SH
Sen. Estabrook (C), Sen. Sgambati (VC), Sen. Fuller Clark, Sen. Janeway, Sen. Gallus, Sen. Kenney
10:15 a.m. HB 1502-FN, relative to disposal of used needles.
10:30 a.m. HB 1396-FN, relative to requiring prescriptions to be ordered pursuant to a practitioner-patient relationship.
10:45 a.m. HB 1513-FN, relative to an evidence-based prescription drug education program.
11:00 a.m. HB 1447-FN, relative to Medicaid for employed adults with disabilities.
EXECUTIVE SESSION MAY
FOLLOW
JUDICIARY, Room 103, SH
Sen. Foster (C), Sen. Gottesman (VC), Sen. Reynolds, Sen. Clegg, Sen. Letourneau
2:00 p.m. HB 1437, establishing a committee to study whether the state of New Hampshire shall establish a policy that victims of negligent or intentional tortious acts shall recover losses incurred as a result of such acts.
2:15 p.m. HB 1414-FN, increasing the fee for bail commissioners.
2:30 p.m. HB 1622-FN-A, allowing counties to implement a first-time offender alcohol and substance treatment program, requiring the department of justice to administer grants to counties for such program, and making an appropriation therefor.
2:45 p.m. HB 1596-FN-L, (New Title) relative to fees charged by the motor vehicle division and drivers’ license suspension or revocation for failure to register as a sexual offender.
3:00 p.m. HB 1568-FN, relative to endangering the public water supply.
EXECUTIVE SESSION MAY
FOLLOW
PUBLIC AND MUNICIPAL AFFAIRS, Room 101, LOB
Sen. Hassan (C), Sen. Burling (VC), Sen. DeVries, Sen. Sgambati, Sen. Roberge, Sen. Barnes
8:30 a.m. HB 1259, (New Title) authorizing communities to establish municipal housing commissions and affordable housing revolving funds.
8:45 a.m. HB 1247, relative to revolving accounts for public, educational, and governmental access to cable.
9:00 a.m. HB 1191, relative to environmental investigations in tax lien and tax sale proceedings.
9:15 a.m. HB 1442-FN-A-L, relative to the taxation of farm buildings and land under farm buildings.
EXECUTIVE SESSION MAY
FOLLOW
WAYS AND MEANS, Room 100, SH
Sen. Odell (C), Sen. D'Allesandro (VC), Sen. Janeway, Sen. Reynolds, Sen. Downing
8:30 a.m. HB 1309-FN-A, relative to the definition of "cigarette".
(the previous hearing for HB 1309-FN-A was recessed on March 25th)
8:40 a.m. HB 1426-FN-A, relative to motor fuel import fees.
8:50 a.m. HB 1479-FN, relative to sale of tobacco products and the appeals process concerning the seizure of illegal tobacco products.
9:00 a.m. HB 1480, authorizing the commissioner of revenue administration to deny certain tobacco licenses.
9:10 a.m. HB 1585-FN, relative to regulation of fuel gas fitters by the state fire marshal.
EXECUTIVE SESSION MAY
FOLLOW
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 9, 2008
ELECTION LAW AND INTERNAL AFFAIRS, Room 103, SH
Sen. Burling (C), Sen. Cilley (VC), Sen. DeVries, Sen. Gallus, Sen. Letourneau
8:30 a.m. HB 1508-FN, (New Title) relative to prohibited influence of voters and persons intending to vote and relative to the applicability of political advertising and push polling restrictions.
8:45 a.m. HB 1554-FN, relative to challenges of voters.
9:00 a.m. HB 1576-FN, (New Title) relative to the employment of veterans on Veterans’ Day.
9:15 a.m. HB 1240, relative to disqualification of certain election officers and relative to arrangement of polling places.
9:30 a.m. HB 1371, extending certain studies.
9:45 a.m. HB 1335, establishing a commission to study the effects of post-traumatic stress disorder and traumatic brain injury suffered by New Hampshire soldiers and veterans returning from Iraq and Afghanistan.
EXECUTIVE SESSION MAY
FOLLOW
EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENTS AND ADMINISTRATION, Rooms 301-303, LOB
Sen. Burling (C), Sen. Fuller Clark (VC), Sen. Kelly, Sen. Cilley, Sen. Kenney, Sen. Downing
1:00 p.m. HB 1645-FN-L, relative to
administration of the
FOR DISCUSSION:
· How do I compute my retirement benefit?
· Who pays for it: Employee or Employer?
· How old do I have to be to get it?
EXECUTIVE SESSION MAY
FOLLOW
FINANCE, Room 100, SH
Sen. D'Allesandro (C), Sen. Janeway (VC), Sen. Larsen, Sen. Hassan, Sen. Sgambati, Sen. Odell, Sen. Gallus
10:15 a.m. HB 1485, relative to state reimbursement under the housing security guarantee program.
10:30 a.m. HB 1652-FN-A, relative to the state obligation for payment of the non-federal share of FEMA public assistance and making an appropriation therefor.
10:45 a.m. HB 1533, relative to the office of the state treasurer.
11:00 a.m. HB 1618-FN-A, relative to motor vehicle fees and motor vehicle violation fines and relative to appropriations from the highway fund.
EXECUTIVE SESSION MAY
FOLLOW
TRANSPORTATION AND INTERSTATE COOPERATION, Room 101, LOB
Sen. Letourneau (C), Sen. Burling (VC), Sen. Kelly, Sen. DeVries, Sen. Clegg
10:15 a.m. HB 1345, (New Title) establishing a commission to study vehicle dealer licenses, dealer plates, and temporary plates.
10:30 a.m. HB 1404-FN, relative to liability insurance for passenger rail service.
10:45 a.m. HB 1595-FN, relative to driver's license renewals by persons engaged in overseas government service.
11:00 a.m. HB 1631-FN, relative to the state purchase of biodiesel fuels.
EXECUTIVE SESSION MAY
FOLLOW
WILDLIFE, FISH AND GAME AND AGRICULTURE Room 103, LOB
Sen. Gallus (C), Sen. D'Allesandro (VC), Sen. Janeway, Sen. Estabrook, Sen. Gatsas
1:00 p.m. HB 173-FN-A, (New Title) relative to the promotion, acquisition, and retention of a large animal veterinarian in those areas of the state where there is a need, and making an appropriation therefor.
1:05 p.m. HB 1232, relative to the regulation by the fish and game department of baiting of game birds.
1:10 p.m. HB 1451, relative to the transportation of deer by certain persons not issued a deer tag.
1:15 p.m. HB 1458, relative to milk producers and hauling and stop charges.
1:20 p.m. HB 1537, relative to the definition of milk.
1:25 p.m. HB 1569-FN, relative to the use of drugs on wildlife.
1:30 p.m. HB 1648-FN, relative to search and rescue response expenses of the fish and game department.
1:35 p.m. HB 1348, relative to the milk producers emergency relief fund.
EXECUTIVE SESSION MAY
FOLLOW
TUESDAY, APRIL 15, 2008
HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES, Room 100, SH
Sen. Estabrook (C), Sen. Sgambati (VC), Sen. Fuller Clark, Sen. Janeway, Sen. Gallus, Sen. Kenney
10:15 a.m. HB 1505-FN, establishing the
10:30 a.m. HB 1615-FN-A, (New Title) establishing the state office of rural health in the department of health and human services and establishing a commission to recommend policies and programs to increase the number of persons in health professions servicing New Hampshire’s rural and underserved areas.
10:45 a.m. HB 1395-FN, establishing the AIDS drug assistance program fund.
EXECUTIVE SESSION MAY
FOLLOW
PUBLIC AND MUNICIPAL AFFAIRS, Room 101, LOB
Sen. Hassan (C), Sen. Burling (VC), Sen. DeVries, Sen. Sgambati, Sen. Roberge, Sen. Barnes
8:30 a.m. HB 1573-FN-L, relative to hazardous and dilapidated buildings.
8:45 a.m. HB 1581-FN-L, relative to the formation of stormwater utility districts.
9:00 a.m. HB 1338, (New Title) establishing an arboviral illness task force and relative to mosquito control and abatement.
9:15 a.m. HB 1468, relative to mosquito control policy for lands managed by the fish and game department.
EXECUTIVE SESSION MAY FOLLOW
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 16, 2008
ELECTION LAW AND INTERNAL AFFAIRS, Room 103, SH
Sen. Burling (C), Sen. Cilley (VC), Sen. DeVries, Sen. Gallus, Sen. Letourneau
8:30 a.m. EXECUTIVE SESSION ON PENDING LEGISLATION
HB 91-FN, (New Title) relative to lobbyist registration and statements, repealing the restriction on simultaneous employment and public service, and relative to regulation of volunteer public service.
9:15 a.m. HB 1305-FN-L, relative to filing for election to town offices.
9:30 a.m. HB 1551-FN, relative to fees for special number plates for veterans.
9:45 a.m. HB 1526, (New Title) relative to the
use of images of
EXECUTIVE SESSION MAY
FOLLOW
MEETINGS
FRIDAY, APRIL 4, 2008
JOINT LEGISLATIVE COMMITTEE ON ADMINISTRATIVE RULES (RSA 541-A:2)
9:00 a.m. Rooms 210-211, LOB Continued Meeting
COMMISSION TO STUDY REQUIREMENTS FOR SAFE AND SECURE LANDFILLS (HB 672, Chapter 252:1, Laws of 2007)
1:00 p.m. DES Office Regular Meeting
MONDAY, APRIL 7, 2008
WORKERS' COMPENSATION ADVISORY COUNCIL (RSA 281-A:62)
9:00 a.m. Room 307, LOB Regular Meeting
COUNCIL ON THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN PUBLIC HEALTH AND THE ENVIRONMENT (RSA 125-P:1)
9:30 a.m. Room 205, LOB Regular Meeting
TASK FORCE ON WORK AND FAMILY (HB 306, Chapter 373:2, Laws of 2007)
1:15 p.m. Room 206, LOB Regular Meeting
HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES OVERSIGHT COMMITTEE (RSA 126-A:13)
2:00 p.m. Room 100, SH Regular Meeting
STATEWIDE INTERAGENCY COMMISSION ON HUMAN TRAFFICKING (SB 194, Chapter 122:1, Laws of 2007)
2:00 p.m. Room 304, LOB Regular Meeting
TUESDAY, APRIL 8, 2008
JOINT LEGISLATIVE HISTORICAL COMMITTEE (RSA 17-I:1)
3:00 p.m. Room 104, LOB Regular Meeting
THURSDAY, APRIL 10, 2008
COMMISSION TO STUDY
THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE PROCEDURE FOR
11:00 a.m. Rooms 210-211, LOB Regular Meeting
friday, april 11, 2008
COMMISSION TO STUDY
CHILDHOOD LEAD POISONING PREVENTION LAWS, POLICIES, AND STANDARDS IN
9:30 a.m. Room 100, SH Regular Meeting
EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT SYSTEM JOINT LEGISLATIVE OVERSIGHT COMMITTEE (RSA 21-P:51)
10:00 a.m. Room 307, LOB Regular Meeting
COMMISSION TO STUDY
THE FEASIBILITY OF TIDAL POWER GENERATION UNDER THE LITTLE BAY AND GENERAL
SULLIVAN BRIDGES, IN
1:00 p.m. NH DES field Office Regular Meeting
Pease International Tradeport
GUARDIAN AD LITEM BOARD (RSA 490-C:1)
1:00 p.m. Room 102, LOB Regular Meeting
NH COMMISSION ON DEAFNESS AND HEARING LOSS (RSA 125-Q)
1:30 p.m. Room 205, LOB Regular Meeting
MONDAY, APRIL 14, 2008
COMMISSION TO STUDY ISSUES RELATIVE TO GROUNDWATER WITHDRAWALS (SB 155, Chapter 305:1, Laws of 2003)
10:00 a.m. Room 100, SH Regular Meeting
TUESDAY, APRIL 15, 2008
EXOTIC AQUATIC WEEDS AND SPECIES COMMITTEE (RSA 487:30)
10:00 a.m. Room 308, LOB Regular Meeting
THURSDAY, APRIL 17, 2008
PUBLIC HEALTH IMPROVEMENT SERVICES COUNCIL (HB 491, Chapter 250:2, Laws of 2007)
2:00 p.m. Department of Health & Regular Meeting
Human Services
FRIDAY, APRIL 18, 2008
INTERNATIONAL TRADE ADVISORY COMMITTEE (RSA 12-A:30)
9:00 a.m. Nixon Peabody LLP Regular Meeting
JOINT LEGISLATIVE COMMITTEE ON ADMINISTRATIVE RULES (RSA 541-A:2)
9:00 a.m. Rooms 306-308, LOB Regular Meeting
GOVERNOR'S COMMISSION ON ALCOHOL AND DRUG ABUSE PREVENTION, INTERVENTION, AND TREATMENT (RSA 12-J:1)
9:30 a.m.
NH RAIL TRANSIT AUTHORITY (RSA 238-A:2)
10:00 a.m. Rooms 305-307, LOB Regular Meeting
CURRENT USE BOARD (RSA 79-A:3)
1:00 p.m. NH Department of Revenue Public Rule Hearing
Administration Training Room
2:30 p.m. NH Department of Revenue Regular Board Meeting
Administration Training Room
MONDAY, APRIL 21, 2008
COMMISSION TO DEVELOP
A
10:00 a.m. Room 205, LOB Subcommittee Work Session on Corrections
INTERAGENCY COORDINATING COUNCIL FOR WOMEN OFFENDERS (RSA 21-H:14-c)
Cancelled Room 100, SH Regular Meeting
TUESDAY, APRIL 22, 2008
3:00 p.m. Room 201, LOB Regular Meeting
Friday, APRIL 25, 2008
OSTEOPOROSIS ADVISORY COUNCIL (RSA 126-I:3)
9:00 a.m. Room 205, LOB Regular Meeting
ASSESSING STANDARDS BOARD (RSA 21-J:14-a)
9:30 a.m. NH Department of Revenue Regular Meeting
Administration Training Room
MONDAY, APRIL 28, 2008
INTERAGENCY COORDINATING COUNCIL FOR WOMAN OFFENDERS (RSA 21-H:14-c)
9:00 a.m. Room 100, SH Regular Meeting
OIL FUND DISBURSEMENT BOARD (RSA 146-D:4)
9:00 a.m. Room 305, LOB Regular Meeting
TUESDAY, APRIL 29, 2008
FISCAL COMMITTEE OF THE GENERAL COURT (RSA 14:30-a)
9:00 a.m. Rooms 210-211, LOB Regular Business
COMMISSION TO STUDY ISSUES RELATIVE TO THE PRACTICE OF LEASING STATE-OWNED REAL ESTATE ON THE SHORES OF PUBLIC WATERS (HB 710, Chapter 254:1, Laws of 2007)
1:00 p.m. Room 203, LOB Regular Meeting
FRIDAY, MAY 2, 2008
JOINT LEGISLATIVE COMMITTEE ON ADMINISTRATIVE RULES (RSA 541-A:2)
9:00 a.m. Rooms 306-308, LOB Continued Meeting
MONDAY, MAY 5, 2008
DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITY WAITLIST FUND ALLOCATION OVERSIGHT COMMITTEE (RSA 171-A:1-c)
10:00 a.m. Room 103, SH Regular Meeting
WELLNESS AND PRIMARY PREVENTION COUNCIL (RSA 126-M:3)
10:00 a.m. Room 201, LOB Subcommittee Work Session
FRIDAY, MAY 9, 2008
COMMISSION TO STUDY
CHILDHOOD LEAD POISONING PREVENTION LAWS, POLICIES, AND STANDARDS IN
9:30 a.m. Room 100, SH Regular Meeting
GUARDIAN AD LITEM BOARD (RSA 490-C:1)
1:00 p.m. Room 102, LOB Regular Meeting
NH COMMISSION ON DEAFNESS AND HEARING LOSS (RSA 125-Q)
1:30 p.m. Room 205, LOB Regular Meeting
MONDAY, MAY 12, 2008
BOARD OF MANUFACTURED HOUSING (RSA 205-A:25)
1:00 p.m. Room 201, LOB Complaint Hearing
EQUALIZATION STANDARDS BOARD (RSA 21-J:14-c)
1:00 p.m. NH Department of Revenue Regular Meeting
Administration Training Room
THURSDAY, MAY 15, 2008
PUBLIC HEALTH IMPROVEMENT SERVICES COUNCIL (HB 491, Chapter 250:2, Laws of 2007)
2:00 p.m. Department of Health & Regular Meeting
Human Services
FRIDAY, MAY 16, 2008
INTERNATIONAL TRADE ADVISORY COMMITTEE (RSA 12-A:30)
9:00 a.m. International Trade Regular Meeting
JOINT LEGISLATIVE COMMITTEE ON ADMINISTRATIVE RULES (RSA 541-A:2)
9:00 a.m. Rooms 306-308, LOB Regular Meeting
MONDAY, MAY 19, 2008
INTERAGENCY COORDINATION COUNCIL FOR WOMEN OFFENDERS (RSA 21-H:14-c)
9:00 a.m. Room 100, SH Regular Meeting
TUESDAY, MAY 20, 2008
CAPITAL BUDGET OVERVIEW COMMITTEE (RSA 17-J:2)
2:00 p.m. Room 201, LOB Regular Business
FRIDAY, MAY 23, 2008
ASSESSING STANDARDS BOARD (RSA 21-J:14-a)
9:30 a.m. NH Department of Revenue Regular Meeting
Administration Training Room
********
FISCAL NOTE ADDITIONS
AND UPDATES HAVE BEEN AMENDED TO THE BILLS ON THE WEB SITE AND ARE AVAILABLE IN
THE SENATE CLERK'S OFFICE FOR THE FOLLOWING 2008 BILLS:
SENATE BILLS: 63,
94, 103, 117, 146, 166, 173, 210, 212, 301, 303, 305, 306, 312, 314, 317, 318, 321,
323, 324, 325, 329, 330, 331, 332, 337, 344, 348, 354, 356, 376, 378, 402, 410,
435, 437, 439, 463, 490, 500, 501, 502, 507, 508, 509, 515, 516, 519, 520, 522,
530, 536.
HOUSE BILLS: 91,
173, 185, 211, 285, 315, 352, 359, 399, 415, 563, 581, 595, 666, 678, 679, 754,
765, 766, 794, 781, 837, 841, 901, 1127, 1152, 1168, 1293, 1341, 1343, 1348,
1394, 1405, 1436, 1457, 1472, 1502, 1505, 1509, 1579, 1584, 1590, 1594, 1604, 1607,
1615, 1619, 1622, 1640, 1645.
********
NOTICES
Disability Resource for Legislators and Senators
Many of you may know Carol Nadeau, Executive Director of the
Governor’s Commission on Disability. Carol will be at the State House/LOB on
Wednesdays (after January 1, 2008) throughout this legislative session as a
resource/consultant to Legislators and Senators on a variety of
disability-related issues. With more than 28 years of experience working for
the Commission, Carol has a wealth of information about disability services,
programs, laws, organizations, etc. in
Senator Lou D’Allesandro
********
LEGISLATIVE ETHICS COMMITTEE
Proposed Amendments to Ethics Guidelines
At its meeting on March 31, 2008, the Committee unanimously voted to amend the Ethics Guidelines, subject to approval by the General Court in accordance with RSA 14-B:3, II. The amendments, in their entirety, are printed below.
Senator Peter Hoe Burling
Senator Sheila Roberge
LEGISLATIVE ETHICS COMMITTEE
Proposed Amendments to the Ethics Guidelines
At its meeting on March 31, 2008,
the Legislative Ethics Committee unanimously voted to propose the following
amendments to the Ethics Guidelines.
These proposed amendments are necessitated by the legislative changes
made by Senate Bill 206, which was enacted as Chapter 21 of the
Legislative
Ethics Committee
Explanation:
Matter added to the current guidelines appears in bold italics.
Matter
removed from the current guidelines appears [in brackets and struckthrough.]
ETHICS GUIDELINES
2
DEFINITIONS.
I. "Anything Of Value" includes but is not limited to the following:
(a) A pecuniary item, including money, or a bank bill or note;
(b) A promissory note, bill of exchange, order, draft, warrant, check, or bond given for the payment of money;
(c) A contract, agreement, promise, or other obligation for an advance, conveyance, forgiveness of indebtedness, deposit, distribution, loan, payment, gift, pledge, or transfer of money;
(d) A stock, bond, note, or other investment interest in an entity;
(e) A receipt given for the payment of money or other property;
(f) A cause of action;
(g) A gift, tangible good, chattel, or an interest in a gift, tangible good, or chattel;
(h) A loan or forgiveness of indebtedness;
(i) A work of art, antique, or collectible;
(j) An automobile or other means of personal transportation;
(k) Real property or an interest in real property, including title to realty, a fee simple or partial interest, present or future, contingent or vested within realty, a leasehold interest, or other beneficial interest in realty;
(l) A promise of employment or continued employment;
(m) A rebate or discount in the price of anything of value unless the rebate or discount is made in the ordinary course of business to a member of the public without regard to that person's status as a public official or public employee, or the sale or trade of something for reasonable compensation that would ordinarily not be available to a member of the public.
II.
"Conflict Of Interest" is the
condition in which a legislator has a financial interest in any official activity.
III. "Expense Reimbursement'' shall
mean any price, charge, fee, expense, or other cost which is waived, forgiven,
reduced, prepaid, or reimbursed in any form for the reasonable expenses of
attendance, registration, travel, meals, or lodging related to a bona fide
conference, meeting, seminar or educational or informational program, when
the source of such reimbursement is other than the state, a county, or the
United States of America.
III. "Family
Member" shall mean any person related to and living in the same domicile
as a legislator, legislative officer, or legislative employee who shares a
common economic interest in the expenses of daily living, including, but not
limited to, a spouse, child, or parents.
[III.] V. "Financial Interest" is
a reasonably foreseeable direct material financial effect [, distinguished
from its effect on the public generally, on the legislator or his or her
spouse] arising from a change in law, a
change in administrative rule, a decision whether or not to award a contract,
grant a license or permit, discipline a licensee or permittee, or other
decision by government affecting a business, profession, occupation, group, or
matter enumerated in RSA 15-A:5, I(d) that results in a greater financial
effect on you or a family member than it would on the general public.
VI. (a)
"Gift'' shall mean:
(1)
Money in any amount, whether in the form of cash, check or any other negotiable
or non-negotiable instrumentality for the transfer of money.
(2) Any other tangible thing,
intangible thing, service, or the use thereof having more than insignificant
economic value. Any such item with a value of less than $25 is presumed to be
of insignificant economic value.
(b)
Notwithstanding subparagraph (a), "gift'' shall not mean:
(1)
A political contribution as defined in RSA 664.
(2)
A commercially reasonable loan, made in the ordinary course of business.
(3)
Repayment to an elected official, public official, public employee,
constitutional official, or legislative employee of a bona fide loan made by
such a person.
(4) A ceremonial plaque,
award, or other commemorative object, which is personally inscribed to the
recipient and which has inconsequential economic value. A ceremonial object or
award with a value of $150 or less is presumed to be of inconsequential
economic value.
(5)
Objects which primarily serve an informational purpose provided in the ordinary
course of business, such as reports, books, maps, or charts.
(6)
Money in any form, an object, or any tangible or intangible thing of economic
value, where the donor's act of giving is purely private and personal in nature
and the money, object, or thing of economic value would have been given and
received even if the person were not an elected official, public official,
public employee, constitutional official, or legislative employee.
(7)
Wages, salary, benefits, mileage, or payment for expenses received by the
person in his or her regular course of employment or business which is
unrelated to the government position held.
(8)
Wages, salary, benefits, mileage, or payment for expenses paid to the person by
the state, a county, or the
(9)
Tickets or free admission to a charitable, ceremonial, or political event
provided that:
(A)
The proceeds of the event are subject to the political contributions and
expenditure reporting law, RSA 664; or
(B)
The event is sponsored by a charitable organization that is registered with the
division of charitable trusts, department of justice, or which is a charitable
organization pursuant to section 501(c)(3) of the federal tax code; or
(C)
The event is published as an event open for attendance by any member of the
general court in the calendar of the senate or the house.
(10)
Meals, beverages, lodging, or transportation associated with attendance at:
(A)
Any event for which the primary significance is ceremonial or celebratory,
provided the event is public or, if by invitation only, is planned to have an
attendance greater than 50 people; or
(B)
Any event where the person is attending in an official capacity representing
the state and/or the senate, house, or the agency of which the person is a
member.
(11)
Expense reimbursement or an honorarium.
(12)
Meals and beverages consumed at a meeting or event, the purpose of which is official
business.
VII. "Honorarium'' means a payment in
any form to a legislator, legislative officer, or legislative employee for an
appearance, speech, written article or other document, service as a consultant
or advisor, or participation in a discussion group or similar activities . Honorarium does not include a payment for
such activities for which the person is being compensated by the state, a
county, the United States of America, or by any other employer or client, where
the activity giving rise to the honorarium is not related to or associated with
any public office or government employment.
[IV.] VIII. "Immediate Family"
includes a spouse, guardian, parent, sibling, child or dependent.
[V.] IX. “Legislation" is a bill,
resolution or constitutional amendment.
[VI.] X. "Official Activities"
is the conduct of activities which relate to official responsibilities
including the introduction of legislation, testifying before any legislative
committee or state agency, voting in committee or in house or senate session or
otherwise participating in, influencing, or attempting to influence any
decision of the legislature, county delegation or any state agency.
XI. “Official Business” means, for legislators, legislative officers, and legislative employees, the discussion or transaction of legislative business, namely, any official action or non-action with regard to any potential pending or existing bill, resolution, amendment, report, or study, any other matter pending or proposed in a committee or in either house of the general court, or an issue of public policy which is or may be the subject of legislative attention, or any other matter which is within the official jurisdiction or cognizance of the general court.
3 LEGISLATOR'S FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE FORM.
Every representative, senator, and officer of the House and Senate, shall file with the Legislative Ethics Committee the following financial disclosure form on or before January 31 of each year.
FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE FORM
FOR STATE SENATORS, STATE
REPRESENTATIVES AND OFFICERS OF THE GENERAL COURT
Required by the Legislative Ethics Committee (RSA 14-B)
Name of Legislator/Officer ____________________________________________________________________________
(print name)
Address _____________________________________________________________________________________________
street town/city zip code
Office
_________________ County/District
________________ Telephone
Number __________________
I. Sources of Income
Identify below the
name, address, and type of any professional, business, or other organization
(including any unit of government) in which you or your spouse are or
were an employee, officer, director, associate, partner, proprietor, [employee,]
or member, or served in any professional or advisory capacity,
from which you or your spouse derived any income (including retirement
benefits other than federal retirement and/or disability benefits) in excess of
$10,000 during the preceding calendar year.
1) a) Name
of organization____________________________________________________________________________
b) Address of organization__________________________________________________________________________
c) Type of organization ____________________________________________________________________________
2) a) Name
of organization____________________________________________________________________________
b) Address of organization__________________________________________________________________________
c) Type of organization_____________________________________________________________________________
3) a) Name
of organization____________________________________________________________________________
b) Address of organization__________________________________________________________________________
c) Type of organization_____________________________________________________________________________
(attach additional sheets if necessary)
[Please note: every State Senator,
State Representative, and Officer of the General Court is required to file this
form.] If you feel that your income
during the preceding calendar year does not qualify for disclosure according to
the criteria stated above, signify by [checking] writing your initials on
the line below.
My income does not qualify _____
[COMPLETION
OF THIS SECTION IS OPTIONAL.]
[Disclosure and description below of your financial
interest may eliminate the need to follow the conflict of interest procedure
established in Section 5 of the Ethics Guidelines. If your participation in an official activity
creates a conflict of interest not disclosed by the information on this form,
you must complete and file a Declaration of Intent Form in accordance with
Section 5 of the Ethics Guidelines. See
Section 5 of the Ethics Guidelines for information regarding particular
conflicts of interest that you may have.]
II.
Disclosure of Financial Interests
IDENTIFY
AND DESCRIBE BELOW ANY FINANCIAL INTEREST YOU OR YOUR SPOUSE MAY HAVE. FOR
THIS SECTION, “FINANCIAL INTEREST” MEANS THAT A CHANGE IN [THE] LAW,
A
CHANGE IN ADMINISTRATIVE RULE, A DECISION WHETHER OR NOT TO AWARD A CONTRACT,
GRANT A LICENSE OR PERMIT, DISCIPLINE A LICENSEE OR PERMITTEE, OR OTHER DECISION
BY GOVERNMENT AFFECTING THE BUSINESS, PROFESSION, OCCUPATION, GROUP, OR MATTER [DEALING
WITH ANY OF THESE SUBJECTS] LISTED BELOW WOULD POTENTIALLY HAVE A GREATER FINANCIAL EFFECT ON YOU OR YOUR
SPOUSE THAN IT WOULD ON THE GENERAL PUBLIC.
Do you or your spouse have a financial interest, as defined above, in any of the following businesses, professions, occupations, groups, or matters? Check any of the following which apply and describe the nature of your or your spouse’s financial interest:
(a)
any profession,
occupation, or business licensed or certified by the State of
_____________________________________________________________________
(b)
health
care
_____________________________________________________________________
(c)
insurance
_____________________________________________________________________
(d)
real
estate, including brokers, agents, developers, and landlords
_____________________________________________________________________
(e)
banking or
financial services
_____________________________________________________________________
(f)
State of
_____________________________________________________________________
(g)
the
_____________________________________________________________________
(h)
the current use
land assessment program
_____________________________________________________________________
(i)
restaurants
and lodging
_____________________________________________________________________
(j)
the sale and distribution of alcoholic beverages
_____________________________________________________________________
(k)
the practice of
law
_____________________________________________________________________
(l)
any business
regulated by the Public Utilities Commission
_____________________________________________________________________
(m)
horse or dog racing, or other legal forms of gambling
_____________________________________________________________________
(n)
education
_____________________________________________________________________
(o)
water resources
_____________________________________________________________________
(p)
agriculture
_____________________________________________________________________
(q)
Interest and Dividends Tax
_____________________________________________________________________
(r)
other
_____________________________________________________________________
I hereby swear or affirm that [T}the
foregoing information is true and complete to the best of my
knowledge and belief.
______________________________________
Signature of Legislator/Officer
Complete and return to the
Legislative Ethics Committee no later than January 31, ______ .
4
PROHIBITED ACTIVITIES.
I. Legislators shall not solicit, accept, or agree to accept anything of value from another for themselves or other persons, if the legislator receives such thing of value:
(a) Knowing or believing the other's purpose to be the influencing of an action, decision, opinion, recommendation, or other official activity.
(b)
Knowing or believing that the giver is or is
likely to become subject to or interested in any matter or action pending
before or contemplated by the [giver or another member of the legislature]
legislator
or
the
General Court.
(c) In return for advice or other assistance relating to a legislator's official activities.
(d) In return for introducing legislation, testifying before any legislative committee or state agency, voting in committee or in House or Senate session, or otherwise participating in, influencing, or attempting to influence any decision of the legislature, county delegation or any state agency.
(e) In return for an endorsement, nomination, appointment, approval or disapproval of any person for a position as, or advancement of, a public servant.
(f) In return for having given a decision, opinion, recommendation, nomination, vote, or other official activity.
(g) In
violation of RSA 15-B.
II. Legislators shall not:
(a) Reveal information which the legislator has obtained confidentially in the course of his official activities.
(b) Reveal information about state agency operations or decisions which the legislator would not reveal to any member of the general public requesting such information.
(c) Threaten reprisals or promise inducements of any kind to influence another so as to obtain special personal benefits for the legislator, the legislator's immediate family, or for certain constituents which would not be available to others under similar conditions.
(d) Conduct private negotiations with any governmental agency in an attempt to obtain a decision on a pending matter which would result in special personal benefit to the legislator, to the legislator's immediate family, or to certain constituents which would not be available to others under similar conditions.
III. Legislators shall not use their public position or office to obtain anything of value for the private benefit of the legislator or the legislator's immediate family.
IV. Legislators shall not use state-provided services or facilities for private gain.
V. Legislators shall not become involved in any official activity without complying with the conflict of interest procedure set forth in this document.
VI. Legislators shall not engage in conduct that constitutes sexual harassment as defined in RSA 14-B:1.
VII. Nothing in this section on prohibited activities should be construed to prohibit the following:
[(a) The giving or receiving of campaign contributions
made for the purpose of defraying the costs of a political campaign.]
[(b)] (a) Assistance to constituents in
their dealings with state agencies.
[(c)] (b) Advocacy of a particular outcome
on matters pending before a state agency when the legislator believes such a
decision would benefit the general public or the legislator's constituents
generally.
[(d)] (c) Submission by a legislator of
recommendations or references on behalf of a candidate for state employment
when the legislator believes the candidate is qualified to be a suitable public
employee.
[(e) Acceptance of awards, prizes or other honors of a
minimal value.]
[(f)] (d) Acceptance of anything of value the receipt of which would otherwise be a violation of this section where the value is less than $250.00 in aggregate from any single source during any calendar year.
[(g)] (e) Acceptance of expense
reimbursement [or underwriting of actual] for the reasonable expenses
for attendance,
registration, travel, meals, and lodging[, and
subsistence directly] related to [attendance at] a bona fide conference,
meeting, seminar, or educational or informational [or educational
conference, seminar, or meeting,] program related to the legislator's office so
long as disclosure of any such reimbursement [or underwriting, including the
identity of the primary sponsor or sponsors and including financial
contributors,] is made [within 15 calendar days of the legislator's
return from such conference (if expenses are underwritten) or, within 15
calendar days of reimbursement] no later than the last day of the month
following the month during which the expense reimbursement was received. This disclosure shall be filed in the Office
of the Secretary of State and shall be in the form prescribed in RSA 15-B. This provision shall not be construed to
require reporting of an expense reimbursement made by an organization to which
the general court pays dues, when the prepayment, underwriting or reimbursement
is provided because of the dues paid.
(f)
Acceptance of honoraria so long as disclosure is made no later than the last
day of the month following the month during which the expense reimbursement was
received. This disclosure shall be filed in
the Office of the Secretary of State and shall be in the form prescribed in RSA
15-B.
(g) Acceptance of meals or beverages with a
value of greater than $25 consumed at a meeting or event pertaining to official
business so long as disclosure is made no later than ten (10) days following
the meeting or event at which the meals or beverages were consumed. This disclosure shall be filed in a report in
the Office of the Secretary of State and shall be in the form prescribed in RSA
15-B.
{(h) Acceptance of anything permitted
under RSA 15-B.}
5 CONFLICT OF INTEREST PROCEDURE.
I. No declaration shall be required if no benefit or detriment could reasonably be expected to accrue to the legislator as a member of a business, profession, occupation, or other group, to any greater extent than to any other member of such business, profession, occupation, or other group, provided that disclosure of the legislator’s membership is made in the Financial Disclosure Form pursuant to section 3 of the Ethics Guidelines. For purposes of these guidelines, groups shall be limited to ones generally recognized and of a substantial size.
II. When a legislator becomes aware that a conflict of interest exists or may exist and the conditions set forth in paragraph I are not met, the legislator shall proceed in accordance with either subparagraph (a) or (b):
(a) Declare that the legislator will not participate in any official activity associated with the issue.
(b) Declare that the legislator intends to participate in the official activity and will provide a description the conflict of interest including:
* names of all entities, both public and private, which might be affected;
* the nature of any benefit which may accrue to the legislator;
* the nature of any financial interest in the issue;
* the nature of any relationship which existed, exists or may exist between the legislator and
any person or entity which might be affected;
* such additional information as may be required to permit clear public awareness and
understanding of the nature and extent of the conflict.
III. The declaration required in subparagraphs II (a) and (b) of this procedure shall be publicly announced prior to the legislator's initial participation in the official activity. The information required in subparagraph (b) shall be filed with the clerk of the member's respective body within 24 hours of the time of the official activity and be made available for public inspection during normal business hours.
6 LEGISLATIVE EMPLOYEE CODE OF CONDUCT.
I. General Principles of Conduct.
(a) A legislative employee or officer should view his or her work for the General Court as a public service and should strive to promote the common good of the citizens of the State of New Hampshire through the devotion of his or her professional talents and energies to the support of the General Court in its mission as the representative of the citizens of this state.
(b) A legislative employee or officer should act in a way that makes him or her worthy of the trust the General Court places in staff members and officers.
(c) A legislative employee or officer should provide objective advice, information, and alternatives to legislators, independent of the employee's or officer's personal beliefs or interests or the interests of third parties. A legislative employee or officer should avoid activities that conflict with this objectivity or give the appearance of conflict.
(d) A legislative employee or officer should treat all legislators with dignity and respect, and provide services of equal quality to the employee's or officer's appropriate legislative clientele.
II. Definitions.
(a) "Legislative Employee" includes all house, senate, and joint staff whether employed on a part-time, full-time, permanent or temporary basis.
(b) "Legislative Officer" includes those employees of the House and Senate who are elected by members of the General Court.
III. Prohibited Activities.
(a) A
legislative employee or officer shall not violate the provisions of RSA 15-B.
[(a)] (b) A legislative employee or
officer shall not accept any gift from givers who wish to influence the work
activities of the employee or officer.
(c) A legislative employee or officer shall not accept any employment or serve in any position, in addition to legislative employment, which would impair the employee's or officer's independence of judgment.
(d) Except within the scope of employment, a legislative employee or officer shall not provide any service to a lobbyist or any other person with a direct personal interest in any matter or action pending before the General Court.
(e) Nothing in this paragraph should be construed to prohibit the following:
(1) Acceptance of awards, prizes, honors, or gifts of a minimal value.
(2) Acceptance of informational material relevant to the employee's or officer's official function, such as books, pamphlets, reports, documents, periodicals, or other information that is recorded in a written, audio, or visual format.
(3) Acceptance
of expense
reimbursement [or underwriting of actual] for the reasonable expenses
for attendance,
registration, travel, meals, and lodging[, and
subsistence directly] related to [attendance at] a bona fide conference,
meeting, seminar, or educational or informational [or educational
conference, seminar, or meeting,] program related to the legislative
employee's or officer's employment so long as disclosure of any such
reimbursement [or underwriting, including the identity of the primary sponsor
or sponsors and including financial contributors,] is made [to the joint
committee on legislative facilities or the fiscal committee of the general
court as appropriate within 15 calendar days of the employee's or officer's
return from such conference (if expenses are underwritten) or within 15
calendar days of reimbursement] no later than the last day of the month
following the month during which the expense reimbursement was received. This disclosure shall be filed in the Office of the
Secretary of State and shall be in a form prescribed [by the
above-cited committees and shall be made available to the public upon request]
in
RSA 15-B. This provision shall not be
construed to require reporting of an expense reimbursement made by an
organization to which the general court pays dues, when the prepayment,
underwriting or reimbursement is provided because of the dues paid.
(4) Acceptance
of honoraria so long as disclosure is made no later than the last day of the
month following the month during which the expense reimbursement was received. This disclosure shall be filed in the Office
of the Secretary of State and shall be in the form prescribed in RSA 15-B.
(5)
Acceptance of meals or beverages with a value of greater than $25 consumed at a
meeting or event pertaining to official business so long as disclosure is made
no later than ten (10) days following the meeting or event at which the meals
or beverages were consumed. This
disclosure shall be filed in a report in the Office of the Secretary of State
and shall be in the form prescribed in RSA 15-B.
{(6) Acceptance
of anything permitted under RSA 15-B.}
[(b)](f) A legislative
employee or officer shall not use or attempt to use the employee's or officer's
official position to (a) personally obtain any privilege, exemption, special
treatment or any other thing of value, or (b) obtain any such benefit for
others except as required to perform duties within the scope of employment.
[(c)] (g) A
legislative employee or officer shall not accept or solicit anything of value
for the private benefit of the employee or officer or the employee's or
officer's immediate family under circumstances in which it can be reasonably
inferred that the legislative employee's or officer's independence of judgment
is impaired or is intended as a reward for any official action.
[(d)](h) A legislative employee or officer shall not use
state-provided services or facilities for private gain.
[(e)] (i) A legislative employee or officer shall
not disclose confidential information acquired by reason of the employee's or
officer's official position to any person or group not entitled to receive such
information, nor shall the employee or officer use such information for
personal gain or benefit or for the benefit of others.
[(f)] (j) A legislative
employee or officer shall not enter into any contract with a state agency
involving services or property, unless the contract is made after public notice
and competitive bidding; except in cases
where public notice and competitive bidding are not required, the contract or
agreement shall be filed with the employee's or officer's supervisory officer.
IV. Disclosure Procedure. When a legislative employee or officer becomes aware that his or her participation in a particular activity presents a conflict of interest or conflicts with his or her objectivity or gives the appearance of a conflict, the employee or officer shall immediately make disclosure of this fact to his or her supervisory officer. All such reports shall be forwarded to the Chief of Staff of the House, the Chief of Staff of the Senate, the Director of the Office of Legislative Services, or Legislative Budget Assistant, as appropriate.
********
FRIDAY, APRIL 4, 2008
Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) of
Modeling will be some of the most influential and recognizable women of our
state. Already confirmed are NH’s
First Lady Dr. Susan Lynch; NH Senate President Sylvia Larsen; Citizens
Bank President Cathy Schmidt; The Honorable Donnalee Lozeau, Mayor of
Nashua; and CASA President/CEO Marcia
Sink. Additionally, WMUR’s
News Anchor Sean MacDonald will emcee the festivities. For more info call 626-4600 or visit the
web-site at www.casanh.org
Sylvia B. Larsen, Senate President
********
TUESDAY, APRIL 8, 2008
All Legislators are invited to attend “Pros and Cons of
Expanded Gambling for
Senator Lou D'Allesandro
Senator John T. Gallus
********
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 9, 2008
The
Senator Iris W. Estabrook
********
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 9, 2008
An informational briefing for all Senators on House Bill
1434, authorizing the state's participation in the Regional Greenhouse Gas
Initiative, or RGGI, will be held Wednesday, April 9th at 3:00 p.m. in SH
100. RGGI is a flexible, market-based program for reducing greenhouse gas
emissions from the electric generation sector in cooperation with nine
other Northeastern and
Senator Martha Fuller
********
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 16, 2008
All Legislators and staff are welcomed to attend a breakfast reception sponsored by the Community Association Institute of NH on Wednesday, April 16th from 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. in the State House Cafeteria.
Sylvia B. Larsen, Senate President
********
TUESDAY, APRIL 22, 2008
"The NH Commission on the Status of Women and the NH Women's Policy Institute cordially invite members of the General Court to a policy luncheon titled, "Economic Security for Older Women and the Implications for Public Policy in NH," on Tuesday, April 22 at 11:30 a.m. at
Sylvia B. Larsen, Senate President
********
THURSDAY, APRIL 24, 2008
Health Services invites you to attend our health fair Thursday, April 24, 2008 from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. in the LOB. A list of programs will be posted at a later date. There will be some screening available, programs and much more. We look forward to seeing you there.
Sylvia B. Larsen, Senate President
********
SENATE SCHEDULE
Thursday, May 1, 2008 - Deadline for Policy Committees to ACT on all House money bills, except bills exempted pursuant to Senate Rule 26(b)
Thursday, May 15, 2008 - Last Day to ACT on all remaining House bills
Wednesday, May 21, 2008 - Last day to FORM Committees of Conference
Monday, May 26, 2008 - Memorial Day (State
Friday, May 30, 2008 at 12:00 p.m. - Last day to SIGN Committee of Conference Reports
Thursday, June 5, 2008 - Last day to ACT on Committee of Conference Reports
Friday, July 4, 2008 - Fourth of July (State
Monday, September 1, 2008 - Labor Day (State
Tuesday, November 11, 2008 - Veteran's Day (State
Thursday, November 27, 2008 - Thanksgiving Day (State
Friday, November 28, 2008 - Day after Thanksgiving (State
Thursday, December 25, 2008 - Christmas Day (State Holiday)
VISITORS CENTER SCHEDULE - APRIL
State House Visitation Schedule April 2008
As a convenience to the members of the NH General Court, the Visitors’ Center offers the following schedule of schools and other groups visiting the State House in April 2008. These listings are to ensure all members be notified in a timely manner of visitors from their district. Our schedule is tightly booked for the remainder of the school year and subject to changes. Please note that if your school is closed or has a delay, that their tour will be rescheduled. Please contact the Visitors’ Center concerning school tour booking information. Thank you for your continued participation with your School Visitation Program.
Virginia J. Drew. Director
Caitlin A. Daniuk, Public Information Administrator
|
Apr 4 |
9:45/11:00 SH/HM |
|
4/52 |
|
Apr 4 |
12:00 |
|
4/40 |
|
Apr 7 |
10:00/11:30 SH/HM |
|
4/80 |
|
Apr 8 |
9:30 |
|
4/48 |
|
Apr 8 |
11:00 |
|
4/26 |
|
Apr 8 |
11:00 |
|
(3&4)/10 |
|
Apr 9 |
9:30 |
|
4/48 |
|
Apr 9 |
11:00 |
|
4/50 |
|
Apr 9 |
1:00 |
|
(3,4,5,6)/28 |
|
Apr
10 |
9:30 |
|
4/48 |
|
Apr
10 |
11:00 |
|
4/25 |
|
Apr
11 |
8:30 |
|
HS/22 |
|
Apr
11 |
9:30 |
|
4/ |
|
Apr
11 |
11:00 |
|
4/50 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Apr
14 |
9:30/11:00 SH/HM |
|
4/65 |
|
Apr
14 |
10:00/11:30 SH/HM |
|
(3&4)/60 |
|
Apr
15 |
9:30/11:00 SH/HM |
|
4/90 |
|
Apr
15 |
12:30 |
St.
Patrick’s School – Jaffrey |
3&4/13 |
|
Apr
16 |
9:00 |
|
4/28 |
|
Apr
16 |
10:00/11:30 SH/HM |
|
4/100 |
|
Apr
17 |
9:00 |
|
Adult/15 |
|
Apr
17 |
9:30 |
|
4/45 |
|
Apr
17 |
11:00 |
|
4/50 |
|
Apr
18 |
9:30/10:30 SH/HM
|
DAR |
Adult/100 |
|
Apr
18 |
1:00 |
OLLIE |
Adult/25 |
|
Apr
21 |
10:00/11:30 SH/HM |
|
4/60 |
|
Apr
21 |
12:00 |
|
4/40 |
|
Apr
22 |
10:00/11:30 SH/HM |
|
4/78 |
|
Apr
22 |
12:00 |
|
4/40 |
|
Apr
23 |
9:30/11:00 SH/F&G |
|
4/60 |
|
Apr
23 |
12:00 |
|
4/20 |
|
Apr
24 |
10:00/11:30 SH/HM |
|
4/78 |
|
Apr
25 |
10:00 |
|
4/63 |
|
Apr
25 |
11:30 |
New |
4/39 |
|
Apr
25 |
12:30 |
|
HS/ |
|
Apr
28 |
8:30 |
|
(6-8)/30 |
|
Apr
29 |
9:30/11:00 SH/HM |
|
4/65 |
|
Apr
30 |
10:00 |
White
Birch Community – Henniker |
Adult/30 |
|
Apr
30 |
10:00 |
|
4/50 |