Paul Henkel

I strongly urge you to vote against the Amendment to HB 686-FN. This bill poses a direct threat to public information access and the First Amendment rights of public employees. By restricting the ability of libraries, schools, and municipal governments to provide vital information, it undermines both civic participation and local control. This proposal is no different than SB 213, which was previously vetoed by Governor Ayotte. The amendment simply replaces language with a reference to RSA 652:16-h on “electioneering,” thereby obscuring what is at stake and making it less likely that legislators will fully understand the far-reaching consequences. Core Concerns • Overly broad definition of “electioneering”: Neutral activities such as hosting candidate forums or conducting public surveys could be considered violations, even though they are essential for informed public discourse. • Suppression of public information: The bill would prevent libraries and municipalities from fulfilling their mission to provide unbiased, factual information to the public. • Conflict with existing law: This amendment directly contradicts RSA 98-E, the Public Employee Freedom of Expression statute, thereby weakening long-standing protections for public employees. Harmful Consequences The bill’s extreme breadth means ordinary actions could be criminalized as misdemeanors, including: • Informing the public about proposed legislation affecting institutions, municipalities, or voting rights • Public employees warning of dangerous consequences of bills under consideration (e.g., police, fire, or library staff) • A library staff member alerting trustees that the NH State Library was slated for closure • Displaying or distributing neutral flyers in public spaces of municipal buildings Conclusion This bill represents an overreach of government power that will chill free speech, restrict intellectual freedom, and silence public employees whose voices are vital to protecting communities. Such restrictions pose a grave danger to democratic participation and deny citizens the open communication they deserve. I urge you to reject the amendment to HB 686-FN and prevent this harmful legislation from becoming law. Paul Henkel