CHAPTER 260

SB 151 – FINAL VERSION

04/08/09 1163s

20May2009… 1585h

2009 SESSION

09-0316

05/04

SENATE BILL 151

AN ACT relative to quorum requirements for public bodies for which a quorum is not expressly declared.

SPONSORS: Sen. Cilley, Dist 6; Sen. Downing, Dist 22; Sen. Odell, Dist 8; Sen. Reynolds, Dist 2; Rep. Spang, Straf 7; Rep. Harding, Graf 11; Rep. S. Harvey, Hills 21; Rep. R. Holden, Hills 7

COMMITTEE: Judiciary

AMENDED ANALYSIS

This bill requires that, unless otherwise specified, a quorum be calculated based on a majority of the number of filled positions, rather than the total number of positions created by statute.

This bill is a request of the department of justice.

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Explanation: Matter added to current law appears in bold italics.

Matter removed from current law appears [in brackets and struckthrough.]

Matter which is either (a) all new or (b) repealed and reenacted appears in regular type.

04/08/09 1163s

20May2009… 1585h

09-0316

05/04

STATE OF NEW HAMPSHIRE

In the Year of Our Lord Two Thousand Nine

AN ACT relative to quorum requirements for public bodies for which a quorum is not expressly declared.

Be it Enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives in General Court convened:

260:1 Joint Authority. Amend RSA 21:15 to read as follows:

21:15 Joint Authority. Unless otherwise expressly declared:

I. Words purporting to give a joint authority to 3 or more public officers shall give such authority to a majority of them[, unless otherwise expressly declared].

II. The authority of any board, commission, or other body whose members are approved by the governor and council to conduct official business shall be vested in a majority of those members who have been approved by the governor and council.

260:2 Effective Date. This act shall take effect 60 days after its passage.

Approved: July 16, 2009

Effective Date: September 14, 2009