Home Staff Directory Search Site Map




Legislative Update

Contents


Current News

Legislative Alerts
Looking for info on pending NH legislation that will affect people with disabilities? Check out the NH Challenge's website: http://www.nhchallenge.org/articlebn.asp?ID=10

The Governor's Commission to study Area Agencies and their role in providing services to NH has submitted their report to Governor Lynch. You can view these documents by going to http://www.drcnh.org/AAstudycomm.htm

How a Bill becomes a law in New Hampshire

The same process holds for the House and the Senate. Note that a bill can become law without the Governor’s signature if the members of the legislature really believe the law is important and necessary!

  1. The bill is drafted by legislative services.
  2. The bill is filed by its sponsors (legislators) as a house or senate bill.
  3. The bill is assigned to a committee which reviews it.
  4. The committee holds public hearings.
  5. The committee makes a recommendation that the bill should or should not pass when it goes to the full house or senate for a final vote.
  6. The bill then goes to the house or senate body for the final vote.
  7. If the bill passes, it is sent on to the other body.
  8. The process then starts all over again, but in the other body.
  9. After another round of hearings, etc., the other body votes on the bill. If it is passed, the bill goes to the Governor for signature and then it becomes law.
  10. If the bill passes, but has changes, which makes it different from the original bill, then a special committee is set up to work out an agreement between the house and the senate so everyone is satisfied with the changes. This is called the Committee of Conference.
  11. Once the Committee of Conference has everything worked out, then the bill is sent back to both houses for their approval. Then it goes to the Governor for signature.
  12. The Governor then has three choices: (a) s/he can sign the bill and it becomes law; (b) s/he can choose not to sign it and it becomes law within five days without the signature; or (c) s/he can veto the bill and it goes back to the legislature for a vote to override the Governor’s veto. It takes a 2/3rd majority vote to do this or the bill dies.

Elected Officials: Where are they coming from?

Elected officials have some similarities that you should keep in mind to make your advocacy efforts effective no matter what the issue.

  • Most elected officials hold office to help others
  • Most elected officials like to be asked
  • Most elected officials are good learners
  • Most elected officials admit that they don’t know everything
  • Most elected officials respond to issues that they and their colleagues hear a lot about
  • Most elected officials respond to crises
  • Most elected officials are constantly running for office
  • Most elected officials respond differently when they know that they are being watched or monitored
  • Most elected officials do not have sufficient resources to meet the demands made on them
  • Most elected officials appreciate it when you respect the fact that they are busy and can keep this in mind when advocating
  • Elected officials like to be thanked!
  • Elected officials love good press!

How to testify before a Legislative Committee

Be sure to arrive a few minutes early the day of the hearing to sign a pink card.

Things to know or do when signing in:
  • The bill number
  • Sign in for or against the bill
  • If testifying, record the length of time you will need and check "YES" to "Wish to Speak"
  • Pass the pink card into the clerk or chair of the committee
Testimony procedures:
  • Keep your testimony as brief and personal as possible. Even though you are presenting testimony orally, provide a copy in writing for all committee members. Limit yourself to a single-spaced typewritten page.
  • Recognize the chairperson by name, then the members of the committee in general.
  • State your name and where you are from. Let them know that you are someone who as been impacted in some way by the issue at hand. Use photos, anecdotes, or personal experience to personalize your testimony.
  • Relate a personal story or experience if at all possible or one of someone you know. Don’t be afraid to let committee members know the concerns and frustrations this issue has caused you, your friends, your family members or your community.
  • If you have facts that show the benefits or cost effectiveness of what you are testifying about be sure to offer this information.
  • In your closing, thank the committee members for their time and ask them if they have any questions they would like to ask you. If none, return to general seating.

Who's My Representative?

If you are interested in finding out who your Representative and Senator in the legislature are, you can find out easily by going to http://www.gencourt.state.nh.us/ie/whosmyleg/ and selecting your town.  You can "click" on your representatives’ name and get specific information about them (home address, phone number and e-mail if they have it).  We live in a state that has the 3rd largest legislative body in the world (rivaled only by the United States legislative body and the United Kingdoms parliamentary body. This is a legislative body that is supposed to represent YOU, so feel free to write, call or e-mail them.

If you are interested in keeping informed about what legislation is doing that may affect the services that you (or someone you know) receive, either through Region 10 or through Medicaid, etc., then send your e-mail to tcadorette@region10nh.com and ask to be added to her list serve. She has 2 lists, one pertaining only to the Waiting List issue and the other everything that affects services (including the Waiting List). Let her know which list you’d like to be on.