HB211 (2015) Detail

Establishing a commission to study domestic affairs.


HB 211 – AS INTRODUCED

2015 SESSION

15-0696

05/01

HOUSE BILL 211

AN ACT establishing a commission for domestic affairs.

SPONSORS: Rep. Brewster, Merr 21; Rep. Ingbretson, Graf 15

COMMITTEE: Children and Family Law

ANALYSIS

This bill establishes a commission for domestic affairs.

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Matter which is either (a) all new or (b) repealed and reenacted appears in regular type.

15-0696

05/01

STATE OF NEW HAMPSHIRE

In the Year of Our Lord Two Thousand Fifteen

AN ACT establishing a commission for domestic affairs.

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

1 New Chapter; Commission for Domestic Affairs. Amend RSA by inserting after chapter 461-A the following new chapter:

CHAPTER 461-B

COMMISSION FOR DOMESTIC AFFAIRS

461-B:1 Commission For Domestic Affairs Established.

I. There is hereby established a commission for domestic affairs. The members of the commission shall be as follows:

(a) Nine public members with expertise in sociology, psychology, or medicine, 3 of whom shall be appointed by the speaker of the house of representatives, 3 of whom shall be appointed by the president of the senate, and 3 of whom shall be appointed by the governor.

(b) One member of the New Hampshire Bar Association, with expertise in family law, appointed by the association, who shall serve as a non-voting member of the commission.

II. The commission shall:

(a) Study state laws governing domestic affairs, including divorce, separation, child support, and parental rights and responsibilities, to determine their effectiveness and fairness.

(b) Provide oversight of family-related, domestic matters with the goal of creating more just and cost-effective outcomes for children and families involved in the New Hampshire court system.

(c) Solicit information and testimony from any individual or organization with experience or expertise deemed relevant to the commission.

III.(a) The members of the commission shall elect on an annual basis a chairperson from among the members. The first meeting of the commission shall be called by the first member appointed by the speaker of the house of representatives. The first meeting of the commission shall be held within 45 days of the effective date of this section. Five members of the commission shall constitute a quorum.

(b) Members of the commission shall serve 3-year terms and shall not be eligible for reappointment. The initial appointment of members shall be made for staggered terms of 1, 2, and 3 years. After the initial appointments, 3 members of the commission shall be appointed each year: one by the speaker of the house of representatives, one by the president of the senate, and one by the governor.

IV. Beginning on or before November 1, 2016 and each year thereafter, the commission shall make an annual report of its activities, 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.

2 Effective Date. This act shall take effect upon its passage.