Amend the bill by replacing all after the enacting clause with the following:
1 Designation of Areas; Licenses. Amend RSA 21-I by inserting after section 14 the following new section:
21-I:14-a Designation of Areas of Expression.
I. In this section:
(a) "Expression" means any demonstration, protest, dissemination of information or solicitation of funds or support. This definition shall not include activity conducted during and incidental to the carrying on of business with the state in the public building.
(b) "Public building" means any building owned or leased by the state.
II. The commissioner of administrative services shall, upon the request of the head of any of the state agencies occupying a public building, designate areas in or around such public building which may be used by individuals or groups who desire to conduct political, religious, or charitable expression. Such expression shall be limited to these areas. In his designation of these areas, the commissioner shall advance the dual interests of protecting the safety and convenience of the public using the building, and providing the expressing individual or group with ample opportunity to communicate with the public.
III. Use of these areas shall be limited to individuals or groups who obtain a license for such use from the commissioner of administrative services. The commissioner may establish procedures for obtaining these licenses, which procedures shall provide, at a minimum, that:
(a) No regard be given to the content of the information to be conveyed or the thoughts, beliefs, opinions or goals of the applicant;
(b) The licenses shall be issued on a first-come, first-served basis.
IV. Notwithstanding RSA 21-I:14-a, III, the license shall be valid only so long as the licensee complies with all applicable statutes, rules, or court orders.
V. The commissioner of administrative services shall adopt rules, under RSA 541-A, relative to the designation of areas and [SJ 1157] licensing procedures for religious, political or charitable expression at public buildings, provided that such rules receive the attorney general's approval prior to submission to the legislative committee on administrative rules.
VI. Any person who conducts expression as defined in this section in an area designated by the commissioner of administrative services without having a license to do so shall be guilty of a violation for the first offense and a misdemeanor for any subsequent offense.
2 Rulemaking Added. Amend RSA 21-I:14 by inserting after paragraph XIV the following new paragraph:
XV. Areas and licensing procedures for religious, political or charitable expression at public buildings in accordance with RSA 21-I:14-a.
3 Effective Date. This act shall take effect upon its passage.