Bill > HB1360

This bill establishes a legislative commission on municipal association oversight specifically targeting the New Hampshire Municipal Association (NHMA), a private nonprofit organization primarily funded by municipal dues. The commission will consist of 7 members, including representatives from the House and Senate, a public member, and a municipal official, and will be responsible for overseeing NHMA's finances, activities, and use of public funds. The commission will have the power to review NHMA's annual financial statements, require detailed expenditure reports covering areas such as salaries, lobbying expenses, legal services, and administrative costs, and hold public hearings to examine NHMA's finances and legislative priorities. If NHMA fails to submit required reports within 90 days after its fiscal year, it will be automatically prohibited from engaging in lobbying or legislative advocacy activities. The commission can also suspend NHMA's lobbying operations for up to one year if it determines that the organization has materially failed to comply with reporting requirements or is acting contrary to the best interests of its member municipalities. Before imposing such a suspension, the commission must provide NHMA with written notice, an opportunity to respond, and hold a public hearing. The bill aims to increase transparency and accountability for an organization that significantly influences public policy while being funded by taxpayer money.

Government Affairs

https://gc.nh.gov/bill_Status/billinfo.aspx?id=2283&inflect=2