Text to be removed highlighted in red.
1 New Subdivision; Department of State; Office of Ombudsman. Amend RSA 5 by inserting after section 51 the following new subdivision:
OFFICE OF OMBUDSMAN
5:52 Office of Ombudsman Established.
I. There is hereby established in the department of state an independent office of ombudsman. The secretary of state, with the approval of the house of representatives and the senate convened in joint session, shall appoint the ombudsman who shall serve for a term of 2 years. Any vacancy in the position shall be filled in the same manner as the original appointment for the unexpired term.
II. The ombudsman shall:
(a) Receive and investigate criminal complaints from the public or the New Hampshire general court against officers, employees, and contractors of the government of the state of New Hampshire and its political subdivisions and refer the results of investigations to the attorney general or, at the direction of the attorney general, to the appropriate county attorney.
(b) Execute investigations requested by the house of representatives in support of bills of address and impeachment.
(c) Request the house of representatives to subpoena such documents as may be necessary to conduct investigations.
III. The ombudsman shall be available no less than 2 days per week at the state house to receive complaints.
IV. The ombudsman shall receive an honorarium at the same rate as the members of the legislature and shall receive mileage compensation at the federal rate for travel to the state house and for investigations.
2 Effective Date. This act shall take effect 60 days after its passage.
Text to be added highlighted in green.
1 New Subdivision; Department of State; Office of Ombudsman. Amend RSA 5 by inserting after section 51 the following new subdivision:
OFFICE OF OMBUDSMAN
5:52 Office of Ombudsman Established.
I. There is hereby established in the department of state an independent office of ombudsman. The secretary of state, with the approval of the house of representatives and the senate convened in joint session, shall appoint the ombudsman who shall serve for a term of 2 years. Any vacancy in the position shall be filled in the same manner as the original appointment for the unexpired term.
II. The ombudsman shall:
(a) Receive and investigate criminal complaints from the public or the New Hampshire general court against officers, employees, and contractors of the government of the state of New Hampshire and its political subdivisions and refer the results of investigations to the attorney general or, at the direction of the attorney general, to the appropriate county attorney.
(b) Execute investigations requested by the house of representatives in support of bills of address and impeachment.
(c) Request the house of representatives to subpoena such documents as may be necessary to conduct investigations.
III. The ombudsman shall be available no less than 2 days per week at the state house to receive complaints.
IV. The ombudsman shall receive an honorarium at the same rate as the members of the legislature and shall receive mileage compensation at the federal rate for travel to the state house and for investigations.
2 Effective Date. This act shall take effect 60 days after its passage.