On Jun. 13, NH LEG passed bill on agencies' use of public comments.
NH LEG passed bill HB 1622 relative to administrative rulemaking and license renewals by the office of professional licensure and certification, use of public comments.
The bill amends NH Revised Statutes Ch 310 (NH LEG 310:8-II), on license renewals.
Several provisions under Ch 541 (NH LEG 541), concerning rehearings and appeals.
Document dated Jun. 13, 2024, received from NH LEG Jun. 18, summarized Jun. 21.
Bill Provisions
Require agencies to be more transparent in explaining how public comments are used.
Reports on public comments must describe how a comment was incorporated into the final rule; if it wasn’t, must justify that choice with facts, data, interpretations, policy.
Require that electronic public comments are uploaded to an agency’s website.
Agencies not be required to transcribe, upload comments made during public hearings.
Legislative History
On Dec. 15, 2023, bill was introduced in House; on Mar. 28, 2024, bill passed House.
On May 9, 2024, Senate passed with amendment; on May 24, House nonconcurrence.
On Jun. 12, 2024, House adopt conference committee report; Jun. 13, Senate adopts.
Effectiveness
Upon approval, this act shall take effect 60 days after its passage.
Aug. 2024 NH LEG Governor Veto
On Aug. 6, 2024, NH LEG reported governor Sununu vetoed bill HB 1622 on Aug. 2.
Oct. 2024 NH LEG Veto Overriden
On Oct. 11, 2024, NH LEG reported, on Oct. 10, notwithstanding governor's veto, HB 1622 enacted; veto overriden by necessary two-thirds vote by both House and Senate.
Enacted without signature of the governor, Chapter 379; effective on Dec. 9, 2024.
