Bill > HB1233

This bill modifies New Hampshire's Right-to-Know law regarding nonpublic session minutes by clarifying and expanding transparency requirements. Specifically, the bill stipulates that only the exact portion of minutes or decisions directly covered by the original motion to enter a nonpublic session may be withheld from public disclosure, which is a more precise standard than previous law. The bill also requires that the list of withheld minutes include additional details such as the start and end times of the nonpublic session, in addition to the existing requirements like the date and specific exemption used. If a public body decides to withhold certain minutes, they must maintain a comprehensive list of those minutes that will be made publicly available as soon as practicable. The bill preserves existing provisions that allow minutes to be withheld if two-thirds of members present vote that disclosure could adversely affect a person's reputation, render a proposed action ineffective, or relate to terrorism and emergency preparedness. The new provisions aim to increase governmental transparency by narrowing the scope of what can be kept secret and providing more detailed information about nonpublic sessions. The bill will take effect 60 days after its passage.

Government Affairs, Justice

https://gc.nh.gov/bill_Status/billinfo.aspx?id=2219&inflect=2