2001 SESSION

01-0370

10/09

HOUSE BILL 244

COMMITTEE: Legislative Administration

ANALYSIS

This bill establishes a commission of legislators and other members to examine the size, compensation, and staff requirements of the legislature.

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Matter which is either (a) all new or (b) repealed and reenacted appears in regular type.

01-0370

10/09

STATE OF NEW HAMPSHIRE

In the Year of Our Lord Two Thousand One

Be it Enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives in General Court convened:

1 Commission Established. There is established a commission to examine the size, compensation, and staff requirements of the legislature.

2 Membership and Compensation.

I. The members of the commission shall be as follows:

(a) Four members of the house of representatives, appointed by the speaker of the house.

(b) Four members of the senate, appointed by the president of the senate.

(c) Three members appointed by the governor.

(d) Two members of the public appointed by the speaker of the house.

(e) Two members of the public appointed by the president of the senate.

II. Legislative members of the commission shall receive mileage at the legislative rate when attending to the duties of the commission.

3 Duties. The commission shall:

I. Solicit input from interested persons throughout the state, both within government and from the public, for proposals to:

(a) Reduce the number of members of the house of representatives.

(b) Change the compensation and reimbursement of the elected members of the house of representatives and the senate.

(c) Provide sufficient, qualified staff to the legislature.

II. Make recommendations, following an examination of proposals and other input, to improve the effectiveness of the legislature whether by reducing the size of the house of representatives, improving the system of compensation and reimbursement for expenses utilized in this state for members of the legislature, or enhancing the use and availability of staff so that legislators have sufficient staff for the tasks required.

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. Eight members of the commission shall constitute a quorum.

5 Report. The commission shall issue a report of its findings and any recommendations for proposed legislation to the speaker of the house of representatives, the senate president, the house clerk, the senate clerk, the governor, and the state library on or before November 1, 2001.

6 Effective Date. This act shall take effect upon its passage.