CHAPTER 5
SB 48 - FINAL VERSION
03/09/2017 0275s
03/09/2017 0817s
9Jan2018... 2474h
01/18/2018 0270EBA
2018 SESSION
17-0298
10/09
SENATE BILL 48
AN ACT establishing a commission to study the efficiency and effectiveness of fish and game department operations.
SPONSORS: Sen. Bradley, Dist 3; Sen. Avard, Dist 12; Sen. Fuller Clark, Dist 21
COMMITTEE: Energy and Natural Resources
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This bill establishes a commission to study the efficiency and effectiveness of fish and game department operations.
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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Matter which is either (a) all new or (b) repealed and reenacted appears in regular type.
03/09/2017 0275s
03/09/2017 0817s
9Jan2018... 2474h
01/18/2018 0270EBA 17-0298
10/09
STATE OF NEW HAMPSHIRE
In the Year of Our Lord Two Thousand Eighteen
AN ACT establishing a commission to study the efficiency and effectiveness of fish and game department operations.
Be it Enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives in General Court convened:
5:1 Declaration of Purpose. The duties of the fish and game department include management of the state’s fish, wildlife, and habitat; off-highway recreational vehicle training and enforcement; conducting search and rescue operations; and administrating the statewide public boat access program. Over the past several years, the department has seen declining revenue from license fees and an increase in operating expenses, including information technology, retiree health insurance, employee benefits, utility costs, and search and rescue costs. While the number of the department’s hunting, fishing, and trapping constituents has been declining, nonconsumptive users who benefit from the department’s efforts to conserve and protect wildlife species and habitats have been on the rise. It was noted in the January 2008 audit of the department that this broader user base has not been well integrated into the governance, policy making, and financial support of the department. It is in the best interests of both wildlife and the people of New Hampshire that the financial operations of the department are structured in a way that is representative, efficient, effective, and financially secure.
5:2 New Section; Fish and Game; Study Commission Established. Amend RSA 206 by inserting after section 1-c the following new section:
206:1-d Commission Established.
I. There is established a commission to study the efficiency and effectiveness of fish and game department operations.
II. The members of the commission shall be as follows:
(a) One member of the senate, appointed by the president of the senate.
(b) Three members of the house of representatives, at least one of whom shall be from the fish and game and marine resources committee, and one of whom shall be from the finance committee, appointed by the speaker of the house of representatives.
(c) The executive director of the fish and game department.
(d) One member of the fish and game commission, appointed by the chairperson of the fish and game commission.
(e) One person representing hunting, fishing, or trapping, appointed by the speaker of the house of representatives.
(f) One person representing a land conservation organization, appointed by the governor.
(g) One member representing the New Hampshire Guides' Association, appointed by the association.
(h) One member representing recreational interests, appointed by the president of the senate.
(i) One member representing the general public with a background in agricultural interests, appointed by the governor.
(j) One member of the general public, appointed by the senate president.
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 senate member. The first meeting of the commission shall be held within 45 days of the effective date of this section. Seven members of the commission shall constitute a quorum.
IV. Legislative members of the commission shall receive mileage at the legislative rate when attending to the duties of the commission.
V. The commission shall make recommendations to improve the management and long-term financial health of the fish and game department, the department's name, new revenue sources, and other organizational and structural improvements that will better enable the department to carry out its statutory responsibilities. In developing recommendations, the commission shall:
(a) Review the findings of the 2008 legislative budget assistant’s performance audit of the fish and game department.
(b) Solicit input from the fish and game department, the fish and game commission, and the public.
(c) Review governance structures and long-term funding mechanisms of other states' wildlife agencies.
(d) Review additional reports and studies it deems appropriate to its purpose.
VI. Appropriate legislative research entities shall provide assistance and support to the commission as necessary and as requested by the chairperson.
VII. The commission may form subcommittees or appoint technical committees composed of commission members and nonmembers to advance the goals of this section.
VIII. The commission shall report its findings and recommendations to the president of the senate, the speaker of the house of representatives, the senate clerk, the house clerk, the governor, the chairperson of the house fish and game and marine resources committee, the chairperson of the senate energy and natural resources committee, and the state library on or before January 1, 2019.
5:3 Repeal. RSA 206:1-d, relative to the commission to study the efficiency and effectiveness of fish and game department operations, is repealed.
I. Section 3 of this act shall take effect January 1, 2019.
II. The remainder of this act shall take effect upon its passage.
Approved: February 15, 2018
Effective Date:
I. Section 3 effective January 1, 2019.
II. Remainder effective February 15, 2018