ARBITRATION BOARD

c/o Department of Safety

10 Hazen Drive

Concord, NH  03301

 

CHAPTER Arb 100  ORGANIZATIONAL RULES

 

Statutory Authority:  RSA 357-D:5 and 21-G:10

 

PART Arb 101  DEFINITIONS OF TERMS

 

Arb 101.01  Definitions.

 

(a)  "Board" means "board" as defined in RSA 357-D:2, I.

 

(b)  "New Motor Vehicle" means "new motor vehicle" as defined in RSA 357-D:2, XIII.

 

(c)  "Nonconformity" means "nonconformity" as defined in RSA 357-D:2, XIV.

 

(d)  "Warranty" means "warranty" as defined in RSA 357-D:2, XV.

 

Source.  #5349, INTERIM, eff 3-10-92, EXPIRED 7-8-92

 

New.  #5461, eff 9-3-92, EXPIRED 9-3-98

 

New.  #6866, INTERIM, eff 10-7-98, EXPIRED 2-4-99

 

New.  #6993, eff 5-7-99

 

PART Arb 102  DESCRIPTION

 

Arb 102.01  Composition of the Board.  Pursuant to RSA 357-D:5, I, the board shall consist of 5 members and 3 alternate members appointed by the governor and council for a term specified by law.

 

Source.  #5349, INTERIM, eff 3-10-92, EXPIRED 7-8-92

 

New.  #5461, eff 9-3-92; ss by #6184, eff 2-15-96; ss by #6993, eff 5-7-99

 

Arb 102.02  Duties of the Board.  The responsibilities of the board include:

 

(a)  Adopting rules under RSA 357-D:5, III;

 

(b) Providing a speedy, impartial and less costly resolution to new motor vehicle warranty nonconformities through an arbitration procedure established under Arb 200.

 

Source.  #5349, INTERIM, eff 3-10-92, EXPIRED 7-8-92

 

New.  #5461, eff 9-3-92, EXPIRED 9-3-98

 

New.  #6866, INTERIM, eff 10-7-98, EXPIRED 2-4-99

 

New.  #6993, eff 5-7-99

 


CHAPTER Arb 200  MOTOR VEHICLE ARBITRATION

 

Statutory Authority:  RSA 357-D:5,III and 21-G:10.

 

PART Arb 201  SCOPE

 

          Arb 201.01  Applicability.

 

          (a)  These rules shall apply to consumers whose vehicle in dispute is:

 

(1)  Under the original manufacturer's warranty; and

 

(2)  Still in the legal possession of said consumer at the time of the filing of the Demand for Arbitration, form CPMVA-2, and throughout the arbitration process.

 

Source.  #5349, INTERIM, eff 3-10-92, EXPIRED 7-8-92

 

New.  #5461, eff 9-3-92, EXPIRED 9-3-98

 

New.  #6866, INTERIM, eff 10-7-98, EXPIRED 2-4-99

 

New.  #6994, eff 5-7-99; ss by #8882, INTERIM, eff 5-5-07, EXPIRES: 11-1-07; ss by #8996, eff 9-28-07

 

          Arb 201.02  Waiver.  The board shall not permit a waiver of these rules.

 

Source.  #7188, eff 1-5-00; ss by #8996, eff 9-28-07

 

PART Arb 202  DEFINITIONS

 

          Arb 202.01  "Board" means "board" as defined in RSA 357-D:2,I.

 

Source.  #5349, INTERIM, eff 3-10-92, EXPIRED 7-8-92

 

New.  #5461, eff 9-3-92; ss by #5730, eff 10-27-93; ss by #6994, eff 5-7-99; amd by #7188, eff 1-5-00; amd by #8882, INTERIM, eff 5-5-07, EXPIRES: 11-1-07; ss by 8996, eff 9-28-07

 

          Arb 202.02  "Consumer" means "consumer" as defined in RSA 357-D:2,III.

 

Source.  #8996, eff 9-28-07 (from Arb 202.01)

 

          Arb 202.03  “Gross weight” means “gross vehicle weight rating” as defined in RSA 259:38-b.

 

Source.  #8996, eff 9-28-07 (from Arb 202.01)

 

          Arb 202.04  "Hearing" means the arbitration procedure, established under RSA 357-D, in which the legal rights, duties, immunities and privileges of the parties are determined by the board.

 

Source.  #8996, eff 9-28-07 (from Arb 202.01)

 

          Arb 202.05  "Lessee" means "lessee" as defined in RSA 357-D:2,VIII.

 

Source.  #8996, eff 9-28-07 (from Arb 202.01)

 

          Arb 202.06  "Lessor" means a person who leases a motor vehicle to a lessee pursuant to a written agreement for a term of 2 or more years.

 

Source.  #8996, eff 9-28-07 (from Arb 202.01)

 

          Arb 202.07  "Manufacturer" means "manufacturer" as defined in RSA 357-D:2,IX.

 

Source.  #8996, eff 9-28-07 (from Arb 202.01)

 

          Arb 202.08  “Motor vehicle” means “motor vehicle” as defined in RSA 357-D:2,X.

 

Source.  #8996, eff 9-28-07 (from Arb 202.01)

 

          Arb 202.09  “Party” means “party” as defined in RSA 541-A:1,XII.

 

Source.  #8996, eff 9-28-07 (from Arb 202.01)

 

          Arb 202.10  “Working days” means days exclusive of Saturdays, Sundays, and state and federal holidays.

 

Source.  #8996, eff 9-28-07 (from Arb 202.01)

 

PART Arb 203  PREHEARING PROCEDURES

 

          Arb 203.01  Request for Hearing.

 

          (a)  A consumer or lessee shall request a hearing before the board on the demand for arbitration, form CPMVA-2, provided by the manufacturer as specified in RSA 357-D:4, I.

 

          (b)  A legible photocopy of the request for a hearing, together with legible photocopies of all supporting data filed with the board, shall be sent by the consumer or lessee to the manufacturer or lessor.

 

          (c)  All parties shall furnish the board with 6 legible photocopies, and all opposing parties with one legible photocopy, of any document they request to be entered as part of the record, no later than 5 working days prior to the date of the scheduled hearing.

 

Source.  #5349, INTERIM, eff 3-10-92, EXPIRED 7-8-92

 

New.  #5461, eff 9-3-92, EXPIRED 9-3-98

 

New.  #6866, INTERIM, eff 10-7-98, EXPIRED 2-4-99

 

New.  #6994, eff 5-7-99; amd by #7188, eff 1-5-00; amd by #8882, INTERIM, eff 5-5-07, EXPIRES: 11-1-07; ss by 8996, eff 9-28-07

 

          Arb 203.02  Filing Fee.

 

          (a)  Pursuant to RSA 357-D:4, III, a filing fee shall be paid by the consumer or lessee and the manufacturer as follows:

 

(1)  The consumer or lessee shall submit the fee, upon filing the demand for arbitration, form CPMVA-2; and

 

(2)  The manufacturer shall submit the fee, upon receipt of notice that the demand for arbitration has been accepted by the board.

 

Source.  #5349, INTERIM, eff 3-10-92, EXPIRED 7-8-92

 

New.  #5461, eff 9-3-92, EXPIRED 9-3-98

 

New.  #6866, INTERIM, eff 10-7-98, EXPIRED 2-4-99

 

New.  #6994, eff 5-7-99 EXPIRED: 5-7-07; ss by #8882, INTERIM, eff 5-5-07, EXPIRES: 11-1-07; ss by 8996, eff 9-28-07

 

          Arb 203.03  Manufacturer's Response.

 

          (a)  The manufacturer shall:

 

(1)  Comply with all requests for documents specified by the consumer or lessee in section 6 of Demand for Arbitration, form CPMVA-2;

 

(2)  Provide the board 6 legible photocopies, and all opposing parties, one legible photocopy, of dealer generated work orders, reports or other similar documents including notes or notations made thereon regarding maintenance or other work performed on the vehicle subject to arbitration; and

 

(3)  Provide the board 6 legible photocopies, and all opposing parties one legible photocopy of any recall notice, policy bulletin or technical service bulletin issued by the manufacturer which reasonably relates to the condition of the make, model or type of vehicle which is the subject of the consumer's demand for arbitration.

 

          (b)  Upon a demand for arbitration by the consumer or lessee to the board, the board shall mail or electronically transmit a manufacturer's response form to the manufacturer named in the demand or its representative.

 

          (c)  The manufacturer shall provide the following on the manufacturer's response form:

 

(1)  An acknowledgment of the date on which the manufacturer received the consumer or lessee's demand for a hearing;

 

(2)  Any assertion of a defense(s) pursuant to RSA 357-D:3,VI, if any;

 

(3)  A statement as to why the consumer or lessee should not be entitled to the requested relief; and

 

(4)  The signature of a representative of the manufacturer.

 

          (d)  The manufacturer's response shall be mailed or hand-delivered to the consumer or lessee and the board, no later than 5 working days prior to the date of the scheduled hearing.

 

          (e)  If the manufacturer settles with the consumer or lessee within 10 days of the date the demand for arbitration, form CPMVA-2, is accepted by the board, the manufacturer shall be relieved of filing the manufacturer's response form.

Source.  #5349, INTERIM, eff 3-10-92, EXPIRED 7-8-92

 

New.  #5461, eff 9-3-92, EXPIRED 9-3-98

 

New.  #6866, INTERIM, eff 10-7-98, EXPIRED 2-4-99

 

New.  #6994, eff 5-7-99; amd by #7188, eff 1-5-00; amd by #8882, INTERIM, eff 5-5-07, EXPIRES: 11-1-07

 

Arb 203.04  Manufacturer's Final Repair Opportunity.  The manufacturer's final repair opportunity shall occur between the date the demand for arbitration is accepted by the board and the date of the scheduled hearing.

 

Source.  #5349, INTERIM, eff 3-10-92, EXPIRED 7-8-92

 

New.  #5461, eff 9-3-92, EXPIRED 9-3-98

 

New.  #6866, INTERIM, eff 10-7-98, EXPIRED 2-4-99

 

New.  #6994, eff 5-7-99; ss by #8882, INTERIM, eff 5-5-07, EXPIRES: 11-1-07; ss by 8996, eff 9-28-07

 

          Arb 203.05  Notice of Hearing.

 

          (a)  The board shall schedule the date, time and place of the hearing.  The date shall be scheduled within the time period permitted by RSA 357-D:4, IV.

 

          (b)  The notice shall:

 

(1)  Comply with RSA 541-A:31, III;

 

(2)  Include information regarding continuances pursuant to Arb 203.06;

 

(3)  Be in writing; and

 

(4)  Be delivered to all parties by mail, in hand or by electronic transmission.

 

Source.  #5349, INTERIM, eff 3-10-92, EXPIRED 7-8-92

 

New.  #5461, eff 9-3-92, EXPIRED 9-3-98

 

New.  #6866, INTERIM, eff 10-7-98, EXPIRED 2-4-99

 

New.  #6994, eff 5-7-99; ss by #8882, INTERIM, eff 5-5-07, EXPIRES: 11-1-07; ss by 8996, eff 9-28-07

 

          Arb 203.06  Continuances.

 

          (a)  The board shall grant up to a 30-day extension of time to schedule a hearing pursuant to RSA 357-D:4, IV if a party demonstrates exigent circumstances.

 

          (b)  Exigent circumstances shall include:

 

(1)  Hospitalization;

 

(2)  Serious illness;

 

(3)  Incarceration;

 

(4)  Death of a family member; or

 

(5)  Any other unforeseeable circumstances beyond the party’s control that requires the party’s absence from the scheduled hearing.

 

          (c)  All requests for continuances shall:

 

(1)  Be in writing;

 

(2)  Be received by the board no later than 5 working days prior to the date of the scheduled hearing; and

 

(3)  Include:

 

a.  The reason for the request; and

 

b.  Optional dates when the party shall be available.

 

Source.  #5349, INTERIM, eff 3-10-92, EXPIRED 7-8-92

 

New.  #5461, eff 9-3-92, EXPIRED 9-3-98

 

New.  #6866, INTERIM, eff 10-7-98, EXPIRED 2-4-99

 

New.  #6994, eff 5-7-99; ss by #8882, INTERIM, eff 5-5-07, EXPIRES: 11-1-07; ss by 8996, eff 9-28-07

 

          Arb 203.07  Legal Representation.

 

          (a)  Parties may be represented:

 

(1)  Pro se;

 

(2)  By legal counsel; or

 

(3)  Pursuant to RSA 311:1 by any citizen of good character.

 

          (b)  If an attorney files an appearance on behalf of a party, all subsequent correspondence from the board and all other parties shall be forwarded to the attorney.

 

          (c)  In the event an attorney withdraws, the party that had been represented by the attorney shall notify the board in writing, allowing subsequent correspondence from the board and all other parties to be forwarded directly to the party.

 

Source.  #5349, INTERIM, eff 3-10-92, EXPIRED 7-8-92

 

New.  #5461, eff 9-3-92, EXPIRED 9-3-98

 

New.  #6866, INTERIM, eff 10-7-98, EXPIRED 2-4-99

 

New.  #6994, eff 5-7-99; amd by #7188, eff 1-5-00; amd by #8882, INTERIM, eff 5-5-07, EXPIRES: 11-1-07; ss by 8996, eff 9-28-07

 

          Arb 203.08  Public Access.

 

          (a)  All arbitration hearings shall be open to the public.

 

Source.  #5349, INTERIM, eff 3-10-92, EXPIRED 7-8-92

 

New.  #5461, eff 9-3-92; amd by #6202, eff 3-13-96; ss by #6866, INTERIM, eff 10-7-98, EXPIRED 2-4-99

 

New.  #6994, eff 5-7-99; ss by #8882, INTERIM, eff 5-5-07, EXPIRES: 11-1-07; ss by 8996, eff 9-28-07

 

          Arb 203.09  Election of a Remedy.

 

          (a)  If a consumer or lessee has elected to use the dispute settlement mechanism or the arbitration provisions established by the manufacturer, pursuant to RSA 357-D:4, I, the consumer shall be precluded from raising those particular defects before the board.

 

          (b)  A consumer or lessee who has discontinued financing or lease payments shall not be eligible to pursue a remedy under this chapter pursuant to RSA 357-D:4,II.

 

Source.  #6202, eff 3-13-96; ss by #6994, eff 5-7-99; ss by #8882, INTERIM, eff 5-5-07, EXPIRES: 11-1-07; ss by 8996, eff 9-28-07

 

          Arb 203.10  Withdrawal of Request for Hearing.

 

          (a)  A consumer or lessee may withdraw his/her request for a hearing in writing to the board.

 

          (b)  Pursuant to RSA 357-D:4, V, if a consumer or lessee withdraws his/her request for a hearing due to corrective work done by the manufacturer, the consumer or lessee may recommence his/her request for a hearing, if the corrective work is unsatisfactory.

 

Source.  #6994, eff 5-7-99; ss by #8882, INTERIM, eff 5-5-07, EXPIRES: 11-1-07; ss by 8996, eff 9-28-07

 

          Arb 203.11  Discovery.

 

          (a)  All parties shall be provided with all documents and records requested relative to the issues raised in the demand for arbitration no later than 5 working days prior to the date of the scheduled hearing.

 

          (b)  All discovery requests shall be in writing and shall be honored unless the board rules that the request is not relevant to an issue subject to arbitration.

 

          (c)  All documents provided by the manufacturer pursuant to Arb 203.03 shall be presumed to be relevant to any claim for arbitration considered by the board.

 

Source.  #6994, eff 5-7-99; amd by #7188, eff 1-5-00; amd by #8882, INTERIM, eff 5-5-07, EXPIRES: 11-1-07; ss by 8996, eff 9-28-07

 

          Arb 203.12  Prehearing Conferences. 

 

          (a)  A prehearing conference shall:

 

(1)  Be scheduled on the motion of the board or at the request of a party;

 

(2)  Consider the topics under RSA 541-A:31, V(c); and

 

(3)  Be conducted by a member of the board designated by the chair of the board.

 

Source.  #6994, eff 5-7-99; ss by #8882, INTERIM, eff 5-5-07, EXPIRES: 11-1-07; ss by 8996, eff 9-28-07

 

          Arb 203.13  Computation of Time Periods.

 

          (a)  In computing any period of time prescribed or allowed by these rules or RSA 357-D:

 

(1)  The day of the act, event, or default after which the designated period of time begins to run shall not be included; and

 

(2)  The last day of the period so computed shall be included unless it is a Saturday, Sunday, or legal holiday, in which event the period shall extend until the end of the next day that is not a Saturday, Sunday, or legal holiday as specified in RSA Ch. 288.

 

Source.  #7188, eff 1-5-00; ss by 8996, eff 9-28-07

 

          Arb 203.14  Burden of Proof.  Unless otherwise specified by law or these rules, the burden of proof shall be on the moving party.

 

Source.  #7188, eff 1-5-00; ss by 8996, eff 9-28-07

 

          Arb 203.15  Intervenors.  Unless permitted pursuant to RSA 541-A:32, intervenors shall not be allowed in any action before the board.

 

Source.  #7188, eff 1-5-00; ss by 8996, eff 9-28-07

 

          Arb 203.16  Agency Staff.  At the request of the board, department of safety staff may be present at any board meeting or proceeding.

 

Source.  #7188, eff 1-5-00; ss by 8996, eff 9-28-07

 

PART Arb 204  HEARING PROCESS

 

          Arb 204.01  Conduct of Hearing.

 

          (a)  The board shall conduct a hearing on all issues for decision.

 

          (b)  Each party shall have the opportunity to:

 

(1)  Examine all documents and records used at the hearing;

 

(2)  Have witnesses and cross examine adverse witnesses;

 

(3)  Express all relevant facts through oral, written and demonstrative evidence; and

 

(4)  Present and refute any testimony and evidence.

 

          (c)  All oral testimony shall be presented under oath or affirmation.

 

          (d)  At the opening of a hearing, the presiding chair of the board shall:

 

(1)  Determine the identities of the parties, their representatives and witnesses;

 

(2)  Obtain the correct spelling and pronunciation of the names and addresses of the parties, their representatives and witnesses;

 

(3)  Identify the board members and their official title; and

 

(4)  Summarize the:

 

a.  Purpose of the hearing;

 

b.  Issues involved;

 

c.  Procedural rights of the parties; and

 

d.  Possible consequences of the determination of the issues.

 

          (e)  The board shall inspect and test drive the motor vehicle subject to arbitration, as it deems appropriate.

 

Source.  #6994, eff 5-7-99; ss by #8882, INTERIM, eff 5-5-07, EXPIRES: 11-1-07; ss by 8996, eff 9-28-07

 

          Arb 204.02  Rules of Evidence.

 

          (a)  Arbitration hearings shall not be bound by the rules of evidence.

 

          (b)  All evidence may be introduced, and may include but not be limited to:

 

(1)  Depositions;

 

(2)  Affidavits;

 

(3)  Official documents; and

 

(4)  Testimony or witnesses.

 

          (c)  Applicable statutory and constitutional privileges and immunities requiring exclusion of evidence in civil proceedings shall be recognized, provided however, that nothing contained herein shall prohibit a party from waiving his/her privilege or immunity.

 

          (d)  Pursuant to RSA 541-A:33, II, the board may exclude any irrelevant, immaterial or unduly repetitive or cumulative evidence.

 

Source.  #6994, eff 5-7-99; ss by #8882, INTERIM, eff 5-5-07, EXPIRES: 11-1-07; ss by 8996, eff 9-28-07

 

          Arb 204.03  Affirmative Defenses.  Pursuant to RSA 357-D:3, VI, the manufacturer may assert any affirmative defenses.  The consumer or lessee may then introduce evidence to rebut the manufacturer's case.

 

Source.  #6994, eff 5-7-99; ss by #8882, INTERIM, eff 5-5-07, EXPIRES: 11-1-07; ss by 8996, eff 9-28-07

 

          Arb 204.04  Motions.

 

          (a)  All motions shall be written unless presented orally at the hearing.

 

          (b)  The board shall rule on a motion when made or take the motion under advisement.

 

Source.  #6994, eff 5-7-99; ss by #8882, INTERIM, eff 5-5-07, EXPIRES: 11-1-07; ss by 8996, eff 9-28-07

 

          Arb 204.05  Official Notice.  The board shall take official notice pursuant to RSA 541-A:33, V.

 

Source.  #6994, eff 5-7-99; ss by #8882, INTERIM, eff 5-5-07, EXPIRES: 11-1-07; ss by 8996, eff 9-28-07

 

          Arb 204.06  Record of Hearing.

 

          (a)  Oral and written evidence and testimony presented at the hearing shall constitute the record for the purpose of rendering the board's decision and appeal pursuant to RSA 357-D:6.

 

          (b)  The board shall record all hearings and shall so notify the parties.

 

          (c)  The board shall:

 

(1)  Retain hearing recordings, and written decisions and orders, for at least 60 days from the date of the final decision;

 

(2)  Provide copies of the information set forth in (1) above, to any person, as required by RSA 91-A; and

 

(3)  Make available a true and accurate audio record of the hearing upon receipt of a  $25.00 check or money order,  accompanied by a blank CD or similar item compatible to the type of recording made. All checks shall be made payable to the State of New Hampshire.

 

          (d)  Any person attending a hearing may tape or otherwise record the hearing. The board, upon being advised of any person's intention to make such a recording, shall notify all parties present of the fact that this record is in addition to the official recording being made by the board.

 

          (e)  Any party may request, in writing, a transcript of the hearing no later than 60 days from the date of the final decision.  Pursuant to RSA 91-A:4, IV, the party shall pay the cost of providing the transcript.

 

Source.  #6994, eff 5-7-99; amd by #7188, eff 1-5-00; amd by #8882, INTERIM, eff 5-5-07, EXPIRES: 11-1-07; ss by 8996, eff 9-28-07

 

          Arb 204.07  Board Member Withdrawal.

 

          (a)  Each board member shall, at any stage of the hearing process, withdraw from a case if he/she:

 

(1)  Presently, or in the past, has had a personal or business relationship with a party, witness or representative that may hinder him/her from arriving at an impartial decision on the issue(s); or

 

(2)  Cannot render an impartial decision for any other reason.

 

Source.  #6994, eff 5-7-99; ss by #8882, INTERIM, eff 5-5-07, EXPIRES: 11-1-07; ss by 8996, eff 9-28-07

 

          Arb 204.08  Decision of the Board.

 

          (a)  For the purpose of rendering a decision, 3 members of the board shall constitute a quorum.

 

          (b)  The board shall determine whether the consumer or lessee is entitled to a refund or replacement pursuant to RSA 357-D:4,VI.

 

          (c)  All decisions shall be reached on the basis of a preponderance of the evidence.

 

          (d)  The decision shall be in writing and set forth findings of fact, conclusions of law and a final disposition.

 

          (e)  The decision of the board shall be rendered within 30 days of the conclusion of the hearing pursuant to RSA 357-D:5,IV.

 

          (f)  In those cases in which a vehicle is determined to have a serious safety defect pursuant to RSA 357-D:12, the board shall state in its decision that the vehicle shall not be resold in New Hampshire, pursuant to RSA 357-D:12, II.

 

          (g)  If a vehicle is determined to have a serious safety defect pursuant to (f) above, the board shall notify the department of safety, division of motor vehicles, title bureau, by forwarding it a copy of the board’s decision.

 

          (h)  The decision shall be mailed to the parties.

 

Source.  #6994, eff 5-7-99; ss by #8882, INTERIM, eff 5-5-07, EXPIRES: 11-1-07; ss by 8996, eff 9-28-07

 

          Arb 204.09  Reopening of Cases.

 

          (a)  A case shall be reopened when:

 

(1)  A party alleges the existence of newly-discovered evidence which due diligence would not have discovered prior to the hearing; or

 

(2)  A party alleges any material error, omission, misconstruction of applicable statutes or rules or misrepresentation of applicable precedents.

 

          (b)  A request to reopen a case shall be in writing and filed no later than 30 days from the date of the board’s written decision. The request shall outline newly-discovered evidence or an allegation and specific references of material error, omission or misconstrued statutes or rules, or misrepresentation of applicable precedents.

 

          (c)  A request to reopen a case shall be denied if it is determined that the request:

 

(1)  Is made solely to obtain a delay in the disposition of the case; or

 

(2)  Is not in compliance with this section.

 

Source.  #6994, eff 5-7-99; ss by #7188, eff 1-5-00; ss by 8996, eff 9-28-07

 

          Arb 204.10  Appeals.  Any appeal shall be filed with the superior court pursuant to RSA 357-D:6.

 

Source.  #7188, eff 1-5-00 (from Arb 204.09); ss by 8996, eff 9-28-07

 

PART Arb 205  RULEMAKING

 

Arb 205.01  Petition for Rulemaking.

 

(a)  Any person may request the board to commence a proceeding for the purpose of adopting, amending or repealing a rule.

 

(b)  All petitions for rulemaking pursuant to (a) above shall be in writing.

 

(c)  The petition for rulemaking shall include the following:

 

(1)  Petitioner’s name, address and telephone number;

 

(2)  Reason(s) for the proposed rule;

 

(3)  If the petitioner seeks to amend or repeal an existing rule, an identification of the particular rule sought to be amended or repealed; and

 

(4)  Signature of petitioner and date signed.

 

(d)  All petitions shall be submitted to the motor vehicle arbitration board, department of safety, division of motor vehicles, 23 Hazen Drive, Concord, NH 03305.

 

(e)  The board shall use the following criteria to determine whether a petition for rulemaking will be granted or denied:

 

(1)  Whether the board has rulemaking authority pursuant to RSA 357-D or RSA 541-A;

 

(2)  Whether the petition clearly identifies issues that require rulemaking;

 

(3)  Whether there is an existing rule that addresses the issues raised in the petition; and

 

(4)  Whether the petition is consistent with RSA 357-D and any applicable case law.

 

Source.  #9116-A, eff 3-27-08

 

 

Arb 205.02  Board Action Upon Petition for Rulemaking.

 

(a)  Within 30 days of the filing of the petition for rulemaking, the board shall notify the petitioner, in writing, whether the petition is granted or denied.

 

(b)  If the petition is granted, the board shall commence a rulemaking proceeding in accordance with the requirements of  RSA 541-A:4.

 

(c)  If the petition is denied, the board shall notify the petitioner, in writing, of the reason(s) for the denial.

 

(d)  The denial of a petition for rulemaking shall not entitle the petitioner to a hearing.

 

Source.  #9116-A, eff 3-27-08

 

PART Arb 206  DECLARATORY RULING

 

Arb 206.01  Petition for Declaratory Ruling.

 

(a)  Any person may request the board to issue a declaratory ruling on the following matters:

 

(1)  Any statutory provision that vests authority in the board;

 

(2)  Any rule of the board; or

 

(3)  Any order of the board.

 

(b)  All petitions for a declaratory ruling pursuant to (a) above shall be in writing.

 

(c)  The petition for a declaratory ruling shall include the following:

 

(1)  The specific statute, rule or order of the board in question, including the factual basis for the request and any supporting documentation;

 

(2)  The interest of the petitioner;

 

(3)  Petitioner’s name, address and telephone number; and

 

(4)  The name(s) and mailing address(es), if reasonably available, of persons whose interest would be affected by the proposed ruling.

 

(d)  All petitions shall be submitted to the motor vehicle arbitration board, department of safety, division of motor vehicles, 23 Hazen Drive, Concord, NH 03305.

 

(e)  Any petition for a declaratory ruling that does not contain the information set forth in (c) above shall be rejected as inadequate.

 

Source.  #9116-A, eff 3-27-08

 

Arb 206.02 Board Action Upon Petition for Declaratory Ruling.

 

(a)  Within 30 days of the filing of the petition for declaratory ruling, the board shall notify the petitioner, in writing, whether the petition is granted or rejected.

 

(b)  If the petition is granted, the board shall issue a declaratory ruling in accordance with the requirements of RSA 541-A:16, II(b).

 

(c)  The board shall reject the petition if it is inadequate or beyond the scope of the board’s authority set forth in RSA 357-D.

 

Source.  #9116-A, eff 3-27-08

 

PART Arb 207  PUBLIC COMMENT HEARINGS.

 

Arb 207.01  Purpose.  The purpose of this part is to provide uniform procedures for the conduct of public comment hearings held pursuant to RSA 541-A:11.

 

Source.  #9116-A, eff 3-27-08

 

Arb 207.02  Notice.

 

(a)  A public comment hearing concerning rulemaking shall be commenced by placing notice of the hearing in the “Rulemaking Register” pursuant to the requirements of RSA 541-A:6, I.

 

(b)  Nothing in these rules shall prohibit the board from giving greater notice than the minimums set forth in RSA 541-A:6, I.

 

Source.  #9116-A, eff 3-27-08

 

Arb 207.03  Public Participation.

 

(a)  Public comment hearings shall be open to the public and members of the public shall be entitled to testify, subject to the limitations set forth in Arb 207.04.

 

(b)  Any person who wishes to speak on the issue(s) that are the subject of the hearing shall submit the following on the speaker’s list:

 

(1)  Complete name and address; and

 

(2)  Name and address of organization, entity or other individuals the person represents, if any.

 

(c)  Written comments, which may be submitted in lieu of or in addition to oral testimony, shall be accepted for 10 days after the adjournment of a hearing or after the adjournment of a postponed or continued hearing.

 

Source.  #9116-A, eff 3-27-08

 

Arb 207.04  Limitations on Public Participation.

 

(a)  The chair of the board or the chair’s designee shall:

 

(1)  Refuse to recognize any person who fails to provide a complete name and address;

 

(2)  Revoke the recognition of any person who speaks or acts in an abusive or disruptive manner;

 

(3)  Revoke the recognition of any person who refuses to deliver comments relevant to the issue(s) that are the subject of the hearing; or

 

(4)  Revoke the recognition of any person who continues to restate matters already addressed.

 

(b)  The chair of the board or the chair’s designee shall limit spokespersons on behalf of the same organization or entity to no more than 3, provided that all individuals representing such an organization or entity may enter their names and addresses into the record as supporting the position of the organization or entity.

 

Source.  #9116-A, eff 3-27-08

 

Arb 207.05  Media Access.

 

(a)  Public comment hearings shall be open to the print and electronic media, subject to the limitations set forth in (b) below.

 

(b)  The chair of the board or the chair’s designee shall, if necessary to allow the hearing to go forward:

 

(1)  Limit the number of media representatives when their number, together with the number of the members of the public who are present, exceeds the capacity of the hearing room or causes members of the public to be excluded from the hearing;

 

(2)  Limit the placement of cameras to specific locations within the hearing room; or

 

(3)  Prohibit interviews from being conducted within the hearing room before or during the hearing.

 

Source.  #9116-A, eff 3-27-08

 

Arb 207.06  Conduct of Public Comment Hearings.

 

(a)  Public comment hearings shall be presided over by the chair of the board or the chair’s designee.

 

(b)  The chair of the board or the chair’s designee shall:

 

(1)  Call the hearing to order;

 

(2)  Identify the proposed rules that are the subject of the hearing and provide copies of those rules, upon request;

 

(3)  Cause a recording of the hearing to be made;

 

(4)  Recognize those who wish to be heard and the order in which they will be heard;

 

(5)  Remove or have removed any person who is disruptive or abusive during the hearing;

 

(6)  If necessary, establish limitations, as set forth in Arb 207.04 and Arb 207.05(b);

 

(7)  If necessary, postpone or move the hearing;

 

(8)  Adjourn or continue the hearing; and

 

(9)  Provide opportunity for the submission of written comments.

 

(c)  A hearing shall be postponed in accordance with RSA 541-A:11, IV or when postponement will facilitate greater participation by the public.

 

(d)  A hearing shall be moved to another location in accordance with RSA 541-A:11, V when the original location is not able to accommodate the number of persons who wish to attend the hearing.

 

(e)  A hearing shall be continued past the scheduled time or to another date in accordance with RSA 541-A:11, III when:

 

(1)  The time available for the hearing is not sufficient to allow each person who wishes to speak an opportunity to do so; or

 

(2)  The capacity of the hearing room does not accommodate the number of persons who wish to attend and it is not possible to move the hearing to another location.

 

Source.  #9116-A, eff 3-27-08

 

PART Arb 208  REQUEST FOR RULE EXPLANATION

 

          Arb 208.01  Request for Rule Explanation.

 

(a)  Within 30 days after the adoption of a rule, any interested person may request the board to issue an explanation of the following:

 

(1)  The principle reason(s) for and against the adoption of the rule in its final form; and

 

(2)  The reason(s) why the board overruled arguments and considerations pertaining to the rule.

 

          (b)  All requests for a rule explanation shall be submitted to the motor vehicle arbitration board, department of safety, division of motor vehicles, 23 Hazen Drive, Concord, NH 03305.

 

          (c)  Within 30 days of the filing of the request for a rule explanation, the board shall issue a written statement explaining the rule, including the information set forth in (a) above.

 

Source.  #9116-B, eff 3-27-08

 


APPENDIX

 

Rule

Specific State or Federal Statutes Which the Rule Implements

Arb 201.01

RSA 357-D:5

Arb 201.02

RSA 357-D:5, III; RSA 541-A:30-a, III(j)

Arb 202.01

RSA 357-D:2, I

Arb 202.02

RSA 357-D:2, III

Arb 202.03

RSA 259:38-b

Arb 202.04

RSA 541:7

Arb 202.05

RSA 357-D:2, VIII

Arb 202.06

RSA 541:7

Arb 202.07

RSA 357-D:2, IX

Arb 202.08

RSA 357-D:2, X

Arb 202.09

RSA 541-A:1, XII

Arb 202.10

RSA 541:7

Arb 203.01

RSA 357-D:4, I; RSA 357-D:5, III

Arb 203.02

RSA 357-D:4, III; RSA 357-D:5, III

Arb 203.03

RSA 357-D:3; RSA 357-D:4; RSA 357-D:5, III

Arb 203.04

RSA 357-D:4, V; RSA 357-D:5, III

Arb 203.05 – 203.08

RSA 357-D:5, III; RSA 541-A:30-a, III(b)(h); RSA 541-A:31, III

Arb 203.09 - 203.10

RSA 357-D:4, I; II; V; RSA 357-D:5, III

Arb 203.11-203.12

RSA 357-D:5, III; RSA 541-A:30-a, III(c); RSA 541-A:31, V(c)

Arb 203.13

RSA 357-D:5, III; RSA 541-A:30-a, III(f)

Arb 203.14

RSA 357-D:5, III; RSA 541-A:30-a, III(d)

Arb 203.15-203.16

RSA 357-D:5, III; RSA 541-A:30-a, III(g)

Arb 204.01 – 204.05

RSA 357-D:5, III; RSA 541-A:30-a, III; RSA 541-A:31; RSA 541-A:33

Arb 204.06

RSA 91-A:4, IV; RSA 357-D:5, III;  RSA 541-A:30-a(l); RSA 541-A:31, VI

Arb 204.07-204.08

RSA 357-D:5, III; RSA 541-A:30-a, III(k); RSA 541-A:35

Arb 204.09-204.10

RSA 357-D:5, III, RSA 357-D:6; RSA 541-A:30-a, III, (I)

Arb  205.01-205.02

RSA 541-A:16, I(c)

Arb 206.01-206.02

RSA 541-A:16, I(d)

Arb 207.01-207.06

RSA 541-A:11; RSA 541-A:16, I(b)(3)

Arb 208.01

RSA 541-A:11, VII