June 10, 2010

No. 24

 

 

STATE OF NEW HAMPSHIRE

WEB SITE ADDRESS:

www.gencourt.state.nh.us

 

 

 

 

 

 

Second Year of 161st Session of the New Hampshire General Court

 

Legislative

 

SENATE CALENDAR

HEARINGS, MEETINGS AND NOTICES

 

 

 

 

 

LAID ON THE TABLE

CACR 34, relating to funding of public education. Providing that the general court shall define an adequate education and distribute state funds for public education in a manner that alleviates local disparities. 3/17/10, pending motion ITL, Judiciary, SJ 10, pg. 158

 

SB 94, relative to the creation of express trusts for payment of claims for materials and services rendered in building projects. 1/21/10, pending motion Interim Study, Commerce, Labor and Consumer Protection, SJ 3, pg. 33

 

SB 345-FN, relative to automatic renewal of contracts. 3/3/10, pending motion ITL, Commerce, Labor and Consumer Protection, SJ 8, pg. 96

 

SB 386-FN, extending the pilot program for chartered public schools approved by the state board of education. 3/3/10, pending motion Committee Amendment (0774s) Education, SJ 8, pg. 99

 

SB 389-FN-A, relative to the interest and dividends tax on certain distributions to investors in investment organizations. 3/24/10, pending motion OTP, Finance, SJ 11, pg. 213

 

SB 446, relative to the governance of the Concord school district. 3/10/10, pending motion OTP, Public and Municipal Affairs, SJ 9, pg. 144

 

SB 467-FN-A, establishing job creation incentives under the business profits tax and the business enterprise tax. 3/10/10, pending motion OTP, Ways and Means, SJ 9, pg. 147

 

SB 468, relative to tort reform. 3/24/10, pending motion ITL, Commerce, Labor and Consumer Protection, SJ 11, pg. 191

 

SB 473-FN, making distributions from limited liability companies, partnerships, and associations subject to the interest and dividends tax only if they have transferable shares, and requiring a reduction in general fund appropriations for the biennium ending June 30, 2011. 3/10/10, pending motion ITL, Ways and Means, SJ 9, pg. 148

 

SB 474-FN-A-L, changing the rate of the meals and rooms tax, repealing the meals and rooms tax on campsites, and requiring a reduction in general fund appropriations for the biennium ending June 30, 2011. 3/10/10, pending motion Committee Amendment (0890s), Ways and Means, SJ 9, pg. 148

 

SB 476-FN, clarifying the business profits tax deduction for reasonable compensation. 3/10/10, pending motion ITL, Ways and Means, SJ 9, pg. 149

 

SB 479, relative to administrative review by the commissioner of safety of decisions by the bureau of hearings. 3/24/10, pending motion Floor Amendment (1155s), Executive Departments and Administration, SJ 11, pg. 212

 

SB 482, relative to bullying and cyberbullying in schools. 3/17/10, pending motion Interim Study, Education, SJ 10, pg. 161

 

SB 487-L, relative to charter limitations on the growth of budgets and taxes and to the validity of certain city and town charter provisions.  3/24/10, pending motion ITL, Public and Municipal Affairs, SJ 11, pg. 240

 

SB 488, relative to the adoption of local spending caps. 3/24/10, pending motion ITL, Public and Municipal Affairs, SJ 11, pg. 241

 

HB 50, (New Title) relative to proceedings of medical injury claims screening panels. 5/5/10, pending motion OTP, Judiciary, SJ 17, pg. TBA

 

HB 314-L, (New Title) relative to the assessment of certain costs associated with proposed large groundwater withdrawals from wells. 1/27/10, pending motion ITL, Energy, Environment and Economic Development, SJ 4, pg. 55

 

HB 1201, (New Title) including loaded muzzleloaders in the prohibition of hunting from a vehicle. 4/28/10, pending motion Committee Amendment (1502s), Wildlife, Fish and Game and Agriculture, SJ 16, pg. TBA

 

HB 1324, relative to staffing exceptions for geographically isolated small schools. 5/5/10, pending motion ITL, Education, SJ 17, pg. TBA

 

HB 1355-FN, relative to certain Medicaid appropriations. 4/7/10, pending motion Interim Study, Finance, SJ 13, pg. 282

 

HB 1367-FN, (New Title) relative to political advertising and campaign expenditures and contributions by business organizations and labor unions. 4/28/10, pending motion Committee Amendment (1340s), Election Law and Veterans’ Affairs, SJ 16, pg. TBA

 

HB 1469, relative to the required number of instructional days and instructional hours in a school district's calendar. 5/5/10, pending motion ITL, Education, SJ 17, pg. TBA

 

HB 1484, relative to residency restrictions for sex offenders. 4/28/10, pending motion OTP, Judiciary, SJ 16, pg. TBA

 

HB 1491, relative to the child support calculation in cases of shared parenting. 5/12/10, pending motion OTP, Judiciary, SJ 18, pg. TBA

 

HB 1543, relative to the annual rate of interest on judgments. 5/12/10, pending motion Committee Amendment (1945s), Judiciary, SJ 18, pg. TBA

 

HB 1579-FN, relative to electioneering by public employees. 4/14/10, pending motion ITL, Executive Departments and Administration, SJ 14, pg. 290

 

HB 1628, establishing guidelines for neighborhood notification upon release of a sexual offender. 5/12/10, pending motion Interim Study, Judiciary, SJ 18, pg. TBA

 

HCR 22, (New Title) urging Congress to develop and pass a comprehensive immigration reform program. 5/5/10, pending motion OTP, Judiciary, SJ 17, pg. TBA

 

HCR 29, requiring the Congress of the United States of America to reaffirm its adherence to the Constitution of the United States regarding international agreements and treaties. 5/5/10, pending motion ITL, Election Law and Veterans' Affairs, SJ 17, pg. TBA

HEARINGS

MONDAY, JUNE 14, 2010

JOINT SENATE AND HOUSE COMMERCE HEARING, Rooms 302-304, LOB

Sen. Hassan (C), Sen. DeVries (VC), Sen. Reynolds, Sen. Cilley, Sen. Bragdon, Sen. Roberge

9:00 a.m.          REGARDING THE STATE’S REGULATORY OVERSIGHT OF FINANCIAL RESOURCES MORTGAGE, INC. AND SIMILAR COMPANIES.

thursday, june 17, 2010

JOINT SENATE AND HOUSE COMMERCE HEARING, Rooms 302-304, LOB

Sen. Hassan (C), Sen. DeVries (VC), Sen. Reynolds, Sen. Cilley, Sen. Bragdon, Sen. Roberge

9:00 a.m.          REGARDING THE STATE’S REGULATORY OVERSIGHT OF FINANCIAL RESOURCES MORTGAGE, INC. AND SIMILAR COMPANIES.

monday, june 21, 2010

JOINT SENATE AND HOUSE COMMERCE HEARING, Rooms 302-304, LOB

Sen. Hassan (C), Sen. DeVries (VC), Sen. Reynolds, Sen. Cilley, Sen. Bragdon, Sen. Roberge

9:00 a.m.          REGARDING THE STATE’S REGULATORY OVERSIGHT OF FINANCIAL RESOURCES MORTGAGE, INC. AND SIMILAR COMPANIES.

MEETINGS

FRIDAY, JUNE 11, 2010

ENERGY EFFICIENCY AND SUSTAINABLE ENERGY BOARD (RSA 125-O:5-a)

9:00 a.m.                      NH Public Utilities Commission            Regular Meeting

                                    Hearing Room A

                                    21 South Fruit Street, Suite 10

                                    Concord, NH

TASK FORCE TO DEVELOP A PERFORMANCE-BASED SCHOOL ACCOUNTABILITY SYSTEM (RSA 193-E:3-c)

9:00 a.m.                      Department of Education                       Regular Meeting

                                    State Board Room

                                    101 Pleasant Street

                                    Concord, NH

STATE SUGGESTION AND EXTRAORDINARY SERVICE AWARD EVALUATION COMMITTEE (RSA 99-E:1,I)

9:30 a.m.                      Room 101, LOB                                     Regular Meeting

NH LAND AND COMMUNITY HERITAGE AUTHORITY BOARD OF DIRECTORS (RSA 227-M:4)

10:00 a.m.                    Church Landing                                   Regular Meeting

                                    Meredith, NH

ESTABLISHING A COMMISSION TO DEVELOP A LEGISLATIVE PLAN TO MEET THE NEEDS OF CERTAIN ADULTS WITH DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES (SB 112, Chapter 255:1, Laws of 2009)

Cancelled                      Room 100, SH                                       Regular Meeting

MONDAY, JUNE 14, 2010

COUNCIL ON THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN PUBLIC HEALTH AND THE ENVIRONMENT (RSA 125-P:1)

9:30 a.m.                      Room 205, LOB                                     Regular Meeting

HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES OVERSIGHT COMMITTEE (RSA 126-A:13)

1:00 p.m.                      Room 205, LOB                                     Regular Meeting

tuesday, june 15, 2010

COMMITTEE TO STUDY WATER INFRASTRUCTURE SUSTAINABILITY FUNDING (SB 60, Chapter 245:1, Laws of 2009)

Cancelled                      Room 103, SH                                       Regular Meeting

LONG RANGE CAPITAL PLANNING AND UTILIZATION COMMITTEE (RSA 17-M:1)

2:00 p.m.                      Room 201, LOB                                     Regular Meeting

wednesday, june 16, 2010

CITIZEN-FUNDED ELECTION TASK FORCE (HB 513, Chapter 237:1, Laws of 2009)

3:00 p.m.                      Room 103, SH                                       Regular Meeting

thursday, june 17, 2010

FISCAL COMMITTEE OF THE GENERAL COURT (RSA 14:30-a)

9:00 a.m.                      Rooms 210-211, LOB                             Regular Meeting

friday, june 18, 2010

COMMISSION TO STUDY THE DEATH PENALTY IN NEW HAMPSHIRE (HB 520, Chapter 284:1, Laws of 2009)

9:00 a.m.                      Rooms 206-208, LOB                             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.                      Rooms 305-307, LOB                             Regular Meeting

GUARDIAN AD LITEM BOARD (RSA 490-C:1)                     

10:00 a.m.                    Room 102, LOB                                     Non-Public Session of the Complaint

                                                                                                Review Committee

GUARDIAN AD LITEM BOARD (RSA 490-C:1)

1:00 p.m.                      Room 102, LOB                                     Regular Meeting

MONDAY, JUNE 21, 2010

INTERAGENCY COORDINATING COUNCIL FOR WOMEN OFFENDERS (RSA 21-H:14-c)

9:00 a.m.                      Room 100, SH                                       Regular Meeting

AUTOMATED EXTERNAL DEFIBRILLATOR ADVISORY COMMISSION (RSA 195-I:2)

1:00 p.m.                      Room 303, LOB                                     Regular Meeting

COMMISSION TO STUDY LAND DEVELOPMENT REGULATIONS AND THE EFFECTS OF LAND DEVELOPMENT WITHIN UPLAND AREAS THAT MAY AFFECT WETLANDS AND SURFACE WATERS OF THE STATE (HB 1579, Chapter 294:1, Laws of 2008)

1:00 p.m.                      Room 305, LOB                                     Regular Meeting

COMMISSION TO STUDY FUTURE SUSTAINABLE REVENUE SOURCES FOR FUNDING IMPROVEMENTS TO STATE AND MUNICIPAL HIGHWAYS AND BRIDGES (HB 2, Chapter 144:291, I, Laws of 2009)

2:00 p.m.                      Room 201, LOB                                     Presentation from The Road

                                                                                                Information Program (TRIP) and

                                                                                                NH Department of Transportation

                        Presentation on Bonding and Turnpikes

tuesday, june 22, 2010

COMMITTEE TO STUDY WATER INFRASTRUCTURE SUSTAINABILITY FUNDING (SB 60, Chapter 245:1, Laws of 2009)

9:00 a.m.                      Room 103, SH                                       Regular Meeting

JOINT LEGISLATIVE PERFORMANCE AUDIT AND OVERSIGHT COMMITTEE (RSA 17-N:1)

1:00 p.m.                      Room 201, LOB                                     Regular Business

Wednesday, june 23, 2010

PERMISSIBLE FIREWORKS REVIEW COMMITTEE (RSA 160-C:13)

9:00 a.m.                      Richard M. Flynn Fire Academy            Informational Session on New

                                    98 Smokey Bear Blvd.                           Legislation for the Current Year

                                    Concord, NH

friday, june 25, 2010

JOINT LEGISLATIVE COMMITTEE ON ADMINISTRATIVE RULES (RSA 541-A:2)

9:00 a.m.                      Rooms 306-308, LOB                             Continued Meeting

WORKERS' COMPENSATION ADVISORY COUNCIL (RSA 281-A:62)

9:00 a.m.                      Room 307, LOB                                     Regular Meeting

ASSESSING STANDARDS BOARD (RSA 21-J:14-a)

9:30 a.m.                      New Hampshire Department                 Regular Meeting

                                    of Revenue Administration

                                    109 Pleasant Street

                                    Concord, NH    

NEW HAMPSHIRE RAIL TRANSIT AUTHORITY (RSA 238-A:2)

10:00 a.m.                    Room 201, LOB                                     Regular Meeting

ESTABLISHING A COMMISSION TO DEVELOP A LEGISLATIVE PLAN TO MEET THE NEEDS OF CERTAIN ADULTS WITH DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES (SB 112, Chapter 255:1, Laws of 2009)

11:00 a.m.                    Room 100, SH                                       Regular Meeting

monday, june 28, 2010

OIL FUND DISBURSEMENT BOARD (RSA 146-D:4)

9:00 a.m.                      Room 305, LOB                                     Regular Meeting

friday, july 9, 2010

ENERGY EFFICIENCY AND SUSTAINABLE ENERGY BOARD (RSA 125-O:5-a)

9:00 a.m.                      NH Public Utilities Commission            Regular Meeting

                                    Hearing Room A

                                    21 South Fruit Street, Suite 10

                                    Concord, NH

monday, july 12, 2010

ADVANCED MANUFACTURING EDUCATION ADVISORY COUNCIL (RSA 188-E:21)

3:00 p.m.                      Department of Education                       Regular Meeting

                                    Walker Building, Room 100

                                    21 South Fruit Street

                                    Concord, NH

thursday, july 15, 2010

JOINT LEGISLATIVE COMMITTEE ON ADMINISTRATIVE RULES (RSA 541-A:2)

9:00 a.m.                      Rooms 306-308, LOB                             Regular Meeting

COMMISSION TO EVALUATE THE LONG-TERM USES OF THE LAKES REGION FACILITY LOCATED IN LACONIA (HB 2, Chapter 144:282, Laws of 2009)

3:00 p.m.                      Room 100, SH                                       Regular Meeting

thursday, july 29, 2010

JOINT LEGISLATIVE COMMITTEE ON ADMINISTRATIVE RULES (RSA 541-A:2)

9:00 a.m.                      Rooms 306-308, LOB                             Continued Meeting

 

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ENROLLED BILL AMENDMENTS ARE AVAILABLE IN THE SENATE CLERK'S OFFICE FOR 2010 BILLS:

SENATE BILLS: 166, 314, 325, 339, 352, 367, 370, 378, 380, 382, 394, 404, 405, 409, 449, 457, 460, 463, 477, 495, 499, 501, 505, 514, 517, 518, SCR 3, SJR 1, SJR 3

HOUSE BILLS: 160, 191, 271, 379, 410, 587, 615, 630, 660, 1139, 1164, 1193, 1224, 1235, 1245, 1271, 1279, 1281, 1291, 1292, 1293, 1301, 1304, 1314, 1318, 1334, 1353, 1363, 1366, 1376, 1384, 1387, 1393, 1399, 1427, 1436, 1520, 1524, 1526, 1533, 1534, 1541, 1544, 1548, 1553, 1634, 1649, SS HB 1

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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 2010 BILLS:

SENATE BILLS: 72, 73, 157, 166, 313, 344, 346, 359, 361, 365, 370, 382, 383, 390, 392, 393, 394, 397, 402, 425, 450, 452, 456, 457, 463, 465, 470, 471, 474, 483, 485, 486, 489, 495, 497, 500, 501, 502, 505, 511, 513, 517, 519, 520.

HOUSE BILLS: 213, 232, 507, 558, 561, 564, 569, 626, 629, 660, 1149, 1155, 1166, 1168, 1239, 1240, 1279, 1281, 1291, 1292, 1293, 1334, 1335, 1367, 1378, 1380, 1452, 1508, 1513, 1515, 1516, 1519, 1541, 1544, 1569, 1572, 1606, 1607, 1609, 1610, 1620, 1651, 1655, 1688.

NOTICES

LEGISLATIVE ETHICS COMMITTEE

 

 

At its meeting on May 17, 2010, the Legislative Ethics Committee voted to issue the following advisory opinions, which are printed below in their entirety.

 

Advisory Opinion 2010-1

Response to a Request for an Advisory Opinion

from Representative John B. Hunt

(May 17, 2010)

 

Representative Hunt has requested an Advisory Opinion whether, consistent with applicable statutes and the Ethics Guidelines, it would be permissible for him to accept a prize he won at a raffle conducted at an event to which he was invited as a legislator, and attended in that capacity.

 

According to the facts supplied by Rep. Hunt and other facts elicited by the Committee, the event was the 8th Annual St. Patrick’s Day Roast, sponsored by a lobbying group for the benefit of a charitable hospital.  The event was attended by legislators and others.  Legislators were invited to attend admission free, through notices published in legislative Calendars.  Members of the public attending the event were charged an admission fee.

 

At the event, raffle tickets were offered to all attendees, at a separate charge of $5.00 each.  Raffle prizes had been donated by various sponsors.  All proceeds of the raffle were donated to the chartable beneficiary.  Raffle ticket purchase was optional.  Rep. Hunt purchased a ticket and, at the drawing, won a computer valued at $300.00.

 

The Committee responds as follows.

 

Relevant provisions of statute and the Ethics Guidelines are:

            RSA 15-B:3, III which provides in part: “III. No elected official…shall knowingly accept, directly or indirectly, any gift, as defined in this chapter.” 

            RSA 15-B:2, V(a)(2) which includes in the definition of “gift,”  “Any other tangible thing…having more than insignificant economic value. Any such item with a value of less than $25 is presumed to be of insignificant economic value.”

 

Ethics Guidelines, Section 4, Prohibited Activities, Paragraph I, which states in part: “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***(g) In violation of RSA 15-B.”

 

The Committee advises that under the specific circumstances of this case, the raffle prize won by Rep. Hunt is not a prohibited gift.  He paid substantial consideration to participate in the raffle in which participation was optional and open to all attendees, legislators and non-legislators alike, on the same basis.  The raffle was conducted for the benefit of a charitable beneficiary in accordance with RSA 287-A.

 

While the free admission to the event accorded to Rep. Hunt by the sponsors was not a prohibited gift pursuant to RSA 15-B:2, V(b)(9)(C), that fact does not determine whether a prize from a raffle conducted at the event is not a prohibited gift.  Rather, the Committee has previously interpreted the relevant statutes as prohibiting legislators’ acceptance of “door prizes” having significant economic value, awarded by lot or otherwise at such events.  See Interpretive Ruling 2007-1 (October 29, 2007), Issue C.  In context, that ruling assumed that eligibility for a door prize was part of a free or reduced price admission accorded to legislators, which does not appear to be the case here.

 

To be clear, the Committee’s conclusion here is based on the following facts:

(1)     The raffle in question was open to all attendees at the event, legislators and non-legislators alike;

(2)     Participation in the raffle was optional, and separate substantial consideration was required of all participants, at the same price;

(3)     The raffle was conducted in accordance with RSA 287-A.

 

We appreciate the opportunity to be of assistance.

 

Martin L. Gross, Chairman

For the Committee

 

Advisory Opinion 2010-2

Response to a Request for an Advisory Opinion

from Senator Sharon M. Carson

(May 17, 2010)

 

Senator Carson has requested an Advisory Opinion whether, consistent with applicable statutes and the Ethics Guidelines, it would be permissible for her to accept  from a third party a free ticket with a face value of $50.00 to attend a political event.

 

According to the facts supplied by Senator Carson, the event was the Lincoln-Reagan Dinner sponsored by the Manchester Republican Committee, and proceeds from the event would be reported by the Manchester Republican Committee to the Secretary of State.

 

Relevant provisions of statute and the Ethics Guidelines are:

            RSA 15-B:3, III which provides in part: “III. No elected official…shall knowingly accept, directly or indirectly, any gift, as defined in this chapter.” 

            RSA 15-B:2, V(a)(2) which includes in the definition of “gift,” “Any other tangible thing…having more than insignificant economic value. Any such item with a value of less than $25 is presumed to be of insignificant economic value.”

            RSA 15-B:2, V(b) which states in part: "Notwithstanding subparagraph (a), 'gift' shall not include***(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****."

 

Ethics Guidelines, Section 4, Prohibited Activities, Paragraph VII, which states in part: “Nothing in this section on prohibited activities should be construed to prohibit the following***(h) Acceptance of anything permitted to be accepted pursuant to RSA 15-B, except that [exception not applicable here].”

 

We advise as follows:  The ticket you have described is not itself a prohibited “gift,” because based on the facts you have supplied, it qualifies for the exemption provided under RSA 15-B:2, V(b)(9)(A), and is therefore permitted to be accepted under RSA 15-B.

 

We appreciate the opportunity to be of assistance.

 

Martin L. Gross, Chairman

For the Committee

 

Advisory Opinion 2010-3

Response to a Request for an Advisory Opinion

from Representative Frank R. Holden

(May 17, 2010)

 

Representative Holden has requested an Advisory Opinion whether, consistent with applicable statutes and the Ethics Guidelines, it would be permissible for him to accept an award of hotel accommodations and airline tickets as a result of a drawing for which he qualified in attending an event at a commercial sports facility.

 

According to information provided to the Committee by Representative Holden, the event he attended was at New Hampshire Motor Speedway and he attended as a general admission patron, not as a legislator or in connection with any legislative event.

 

Relevant provisions of statute and the Ethics Guidelines are:

            RSA 15-B: 3, III which provides in part: “III. No elected official… shall knowingly accept, directly or indirectly, any gift, as defined in this chapter.”

            RSA 15-B:2, V(a)(2) which includes in the definition of “gift,” “Any other tangible thing… having more than insignificant economic value. Any such item with a value of less than $25 is presumed to be of insignificant economic value.”

RSA 15-B:2, V(b) which states in part: "Notwithstanding subparagraph (a), 'gift' shall not include***(6)*** any tangible or intangible thing or service of economic value, where the donor's act of giving is purely private and personal in nature and the … tangible or intangible thing or service of economic value would have been given and received even if the person were not an elected official****."

 

Ethics Guidelines, Section 4, Prohibited Activities, Paragraph VII, which states in part: “Nothing in this section on prohibited activities should be construed to prohibit the following*** (h) Acceptance of anything permitted to be accepted pursuant to RSA 15-B, except that [exception not applicable here].”

 

We advise as follows:  Under the circumstances Rep. Holden has described, accepting the items would not constitute acceptance of a prohibited “gift.”  On the facts, he was attending the event as a private citizen, was a paid general admission patron, and qualified for the award under the same circumstances as any other patron of the event would have qualified.  Proceeds of the drawing he has described would not be a prohibited “gift,” because based on the facts he supplied, they would qualify for the exemption provided under RSA 15-B:2, V(b)(6) and therefore are permitted to be accepted under RSA 15-B.

 

We appreciate the opportunity to be of assistance.

 

Martin L. Gross, Chairman

For the Committee

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LEGISLATIVE ETHICS COMMITTEE

The Legislative Ethics Committee has recently issued a Letter of Caution and would like to remind the members of the General Court that the first “Principle of Public Service” set forth in the General Court’s Ethics Guidelines requires members to treat their office as a public trust, using the powers and resources of public office only to “advance public interests and not to attain personal benefits….”

 

The Committee believes it is particularly important to comply with this Principle of Public Service where members have private contractual relationships with the State and other outside commercial relationships. Such members must be continually mindful of, and make special efforts to avoid, any conduct that could be perceived as use of the member’s official position to advance personal interests, in violation of the Ethics Guidelines.

 

Also, Section 5 of the Ethics Guidelines requires members to prepare and submit a Declaration of Intent to the Clerk of their chamber, when an official activity involves a potential conflict of interest not adequately disclosed in the member’s Financial Disclosure Form. For all members who have substantial private business interests, the better practice would be to avoid concerns by filing a Declaration of Intent whenever a bill or other official activity involves such business interests.

 

Finally, best ethical practices should indicate to members that their private business relationships with the State of New Hampshire must be conducted with utmost probity and circumspection, in precise compliance with whatever rules and terms that govern the relationship. This would avoid provoking concerns about use of a member’s official position to gain preferred treatment in the relationship.

 

If members are in doubt about the applicability of a provision of the ethics statutes or Guidelines to a specific factual situation, they are, of course, entitled to submit to the Committee a request for an Advisory Opinion, in accordance with RSA 14-B:3, I (c). Also, members are reminded that the Committee’s website contains current information about the ethics statutes and Guidelines, and actions the Committee has taken to interpret, apply and enforce them.  The website is viewable at http://gencourt.state.nh.us/ethics/default.htm.

 

For the Committee,
Martin L. Gross, Chairman

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TUESDAY, JUNE 15, 2010

Members of the Senate Energy, Environment and Economic Development, Health and Human Services, and Wildlife, Fish and Game and Agriculture Committees are invited to attend a reception for Dr. Alex Lu, the Mark and Catherine Winkler Assistant Professor of Environmental Exposure Biology, Harvard School of Public Health, Department of Environmental Health.

 

His primary research involves assessing human exposures to environmental chemicals – including children’s pesticide exposures – in order to identify risk factors and health effects. Dr. Lu will participate in a discussion on the use of lawn care pesticides with the Environment and Agriculture Committee at 1:00 p.m.

 

The reception will be held on Tuesday, June 15, from 4:00-6:00 p.m. at the Sulloway and Hollis Law Firm conference room, 29 Green Street, in Concord. For more information and to RSVP, please call 225-2925 x7 or email  sjohnson@ppnne.org

Senator Deborah R. Reynolds

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FRIDAY, JUNE 18, 2010

The 37th Annual Bill White & Junie Blaisdell Ceremonial & Memorial Legislative Golf Tournament for the benefit of the American Heart Association is scheduled for Friday, June 18 at the Beaver Meadow Golf Club, Concord, NH. The entry fee for this annual tournament is $50 per legislator and legislative staff and $100 for all others if paid by June 2nd. The entry fee increases to $75 per legislator and legislative staff and $125 for all others if paid from June 3rd to June 11th. A continental breakfast and barbeque lunch will be provided.

 

Registration begins at 7:15 a.m. and the shotgun start is scheduled for 8:30 a.m. The format is “Captain and Crew.”

 

Sign-up as a foursome or sign-up by yourself in order to be placed in a foursome.

 

Please note that, for planning purposes, payment must be made no later than June 11th. There will be no exceptions to this rule! Cancellation must occur two weeks prior to the tournament date to receive a refund.

 

Return your entry and payment no later than June 2nd to Bob Blaisdell to receive the discounted rate and reserve your spot or no later than June 11th to reserve your spot at the regular rate.

 

Checks should be made payable to: NH Legislative Golf Committee. Mailed to: Bob Blaisdell, The Demers Group, 72 North Main Street, Suite 301, Concord, NH 03301

 

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37th Annual Bill White & Junie Blaisdell Ceremonial & Memorial Golf Tournament

Beaver Meadow Golf Course

Concord, NH

 

Name: 1. _________________________________________________________

 

            2. _________________________________________________________

 

            3. _________________________________________________________

 

            4. _________________________________________________________

 

Telephone: _________________________ Amount Enclosed: ____________

 

Senator Michael W. Downing

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SENATE SCHEDULE

Monday, July 5, 2010                                        Fourth of July (State Holiday)

 

Monday, September 6, 2010                               Labor Day (State Holiday)

 

Thursday, November 11, 2010                           Veterans' Day (State Holiday)

 

Thursday, November 25, 2010                           Thanksgiving Day (State Holiday)

 

Friday, November 26, 2010                               Day after Thanksgiving (State Holiday)

 

Friday, December 24, 2010                                Christmas Day (State Holiday)

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VISITORS' CENTER SCHEDULE – june

State House Visitation Schedule

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 June. 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 school year and subject to changes.

Please contact the Visitors’ Center concerning school tour booking information. Legislators planning to meet with students should notify the Visitors’ Center. Thank you for your continued participation with your School Visitation Program.

 

Virginia J. Drew, Director                Deborah Rivers, Public Information Administrator

 

DATE

TIME

GROUP

Group#/Grade

June 11

9:00/10:15

SH/SC

Riddle Brook School- Bedford

65/4

June 11

11:30

Andover Middle School

20/4

June 14

9:30/11:00 SH/HM

Seabrook Elementary School

85/3

June 15

10:00/11:30

SH/HM

Interlakes School – Meredith

60/4

June 16

10:30

Red Hatters-Manchester/Goffstown

15

June 17

9:45

New Leadership Group-

NH Institute of Politics

25

June 18

9:30

Ellis SchoolFremont

55/7