Changes effective 16 Jun 2017 by session law 2016, 126.

Section 91-A:8-a

91-A:8-a Commission to Study Processes to Resolve Right-to-Know Complaints.

I.There is established a commission to study processes to resolve right-to-know complaints.

(a) The members of the commission shall be as follows:

(1) Three members of the house of representatives, appointed by the speaker of the house of representatives.

(2) One member of the senate, appointed by the president of the senate.

(3) The attorney general, or designee.

(4) One municipal official, appointed by the New Hampshire Municipal Association.

(5) One school board member, appointed by the New Hampshire School Boards Association.

(6) One county official, appointed by the New Hampshire Association of Counties.

(7) One member who shall have brought suit pro se under RSA 91-A:7, appointed by the governor.

(8) One member representing the New Hampshire Press Association, appointed by that association.

(9) One member representing Right To Know New Hampshire, appointed by that organization.

(10) One member of the New Hampshire Civil Liberties Union, appointed by that organization.

(11) One citizen member, appointed by the governor.

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

II. (a) The commission shall study alternative processes to resolve right-to-know complaints consistent with the following:

(1) Encouraging resolution of right-to-know complaints directly between citizens and public agencies and bodies.

(2) Reducing the burden and costs of right-to-know complaints on the courts.

(3) Reducing the burden and costs of right-to-know complaints on public agencies and bodies.

(4) Reducing the burden and costs of right-to-know complaints on citizens aggrieved by violations of RSA 91-A.

(5) Increasing awareness and compliance with the right-to-know law to minimize violations.

(b) The commission may solicit information from any person or entity the commission deems relevant to its study.

III. 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 30 days of the effective date of this section. Seven members of the commission shall constitute a quorum.

IV. The commission shall report its findings and any recommendations for proposed legislation to the speaker of the house of representatives, the president of the senate, the house clerk, the senate clerk, the governor, and the state library on or before November 1, 2017.