Alicia Jipson

Dear Members of the House Legislative Administration Committee, The Town of Belmont strongly opposes HB 314, a bill that would limit free speech, increase financial burdens, and restrict local control. We urge you to vote against it. Why HB 314 is Problematic: 1. Silences Local Officials – The bill prevents town officials from advocating for their communities, even when legislation directly affects them. It also restricts professional groups like the NH Municipal Association and emergency services organizations from speaking out. 2. Financial Burdens – It could block towns from using public funds for valuable memberships that provide legal guidance, education, and resources, ultimately costing taxpayers more. 3. Harsh Penalties for Speech – The bill makes advocacy a crime, with extreme fines and possible job termination for violations—an unfair attack on democratic participation. Additional Concerns: 1. Increases Costs for Taxpayers – By limiting advocacy, towns could lose funding and be stuck with costly mandates. 2. Weakens Local Control – New Hampshire values local decision-making, but this bill strips communities of financial independence. 3. Contradicts NH Values – In the "Live Free or Die" state, penalizing officials for discussing laws that impact them is undemocratic. Impact on Professional Groups: 1. Prevents officials from sharing expertise on legislation that affects their work. 2. Blocks funding for organizations that provide training and guidance to local governments. 3. Forces impractical financial tracking requirements for lobbying activities. HB 314 undermines local governance, transparency, and responsible advocacy. We urge the House Legislative Administration Committee to reject it.