CACR 14  - AS INTRODUCED

 

 

2024 SESSION

24-2386

02/08

 

CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT

CONCURRENT RESOLUTION 14

 

RELATING TO: the environment and natural resources.

 

PROVIDING THAT: the state shall maintain and improve a clean and healthful environment for present and future generations.

 

SPONSORS: Rep. Horrigan, Straf. 10

 

COMMITTEE: Environment and Agriculture

 

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ANALYSIS

 

This constitutional amendment concurrent resolution would require the state to maintain a clean and healthful environment and protect New Hampshire's natural resources.

 

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Explanation: Matter added to current law appears in bold italics.

Matter removed from current law appears [in brackets and struckthrough.]

Matter which is either (a) all new or (b) repealed and reenacted appears in regular type

 

24-2386

02/08

STATE OF NEW HAMPSHIRE

 

In the Year of Our Lord Two Thousand Twenty Four

 

CONCURRENT RESOLUTION PROPOSING CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT

 

RELATING TO: the environment and natural resources.

 

PROVIDING THAT: the state shall maintain and improve a clean and healthful environment for present and future generations.

 

Be it Resolved by the House of Representatives, the Senate concurring, that the

Constitution of New Hampshire be amended as follows:

 

I.  That the second part of the constitution be amended by inserting after article 83 the following new article:

[Art.] 83-a.  [Protection of the Environment and Natural Resources.]  The people of this state shall maintain and improve a clean and healthful environment in New Hampshire for present and future generations.  The legislature and magistrates shall provide adequate remedies for the protection of the environmental life support system and provide adequate remedies to prevent unreasonable depletion and degradation of natural resources.

II.  That the above amendment proposed to the constitution be submitted to the qualified voters of the state at the state general election to be held in November, 2024.

III.  That the selectmen of all towns, cities, wards and places in the state are directed to insert in their warrants for the said 2024 election an article to the following effect:  To decide whether the amendments of the constitution proposed by the 2024 session of the general court shall be approved.

IV.  That the wording of the question put to the qualified voters shall be:

“Are you in favor of amending the second part of the constitution by inserting after article 83 the following new article:

[Art.] 83-a.  [Protection of the Environment and Natural Resources.]  The people of this state shall maintain and improve a clean and healthful environment in New Hampshire for present and future generations.  The legislature and magistrates shall provide adequate remedies for the protection of the environmental life support system and provide adequate remedies to prevent unreasonable depletion and degradation of natural resources.”

V.  That the secretary of state shall print the question to be submitted on a separate ballot with other constitutional questions or on the official ballot.  The ballot containing the question shall include 2 ovals next to the question allowing the voter to vote “Yes” or “No.”  If no oval is marked, the ballot shall not be counted on the question.  The outside of the ballot shall be the same as the regular official ballot except that the words “Questions Relating to Constitutional Amendments proposed by the 2024 General Court” shall be printed in bold type at the top of the ballot.

VI.  That if the proposed amendment is approved by 2/3 of those voting on the amendment, it becomes effective when the governor proclaims its adoption.

VII.  Voters' Guide.

AT THE PRESENT TIME, the constitution does not mention the environment or natural resources.

IF THE AMENDMENT IS ADOPTED, the constitution will provide for the protection of the environment and New Hampshire's natural resources.