Revision: Dec. 19, 2019, 9:59 a.m.
SB 427 - AS INTRODUCED
2020 SESSION
20-2782
06/03
SENATE BILL 427
AN ACT establishing the New Hampshire youth climate and conservation council.
SPONSORS: Sen. Watters, Dist 4; Sen. Morgan, Dist 23; Sen. Sherman, Dist 24; Sen. Hennessey, Dist 5; Sen. Fuller Clark, Dist 21; Sen. Bradley, Dist 3; Sen. Dietsch, Dist 9; Sen. Levesque, Dist 12; Sen. Feltes, Dist 15; Sen. Chandley, Dist 11; Rep. Spang, Straf. 6; Rep. Backus, Hills. 19; Rep. Bixby, Straf. 17
COMMITTEE: Energy and Natural Resources
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ANALYSIS
This bill establishes the New Hampshire youth climate and conservation council.
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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Matter which is either (a) all new or (b) repealed and reenacted appears in regular type.
20-2782
06/03
STATE OF NEW HAMPSHIRE
In the Year of Our Lord Two Thousand Twenty
AN ACT establishing the New Hampshire youth climate and conservation council.
Be it Enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives in General Court convened:
1 New Hampshire Youth Climate and Conservation Council; Findings. New Hampshire youth rely on the benefits of a clean and healthy environment, including clean water, air, renewable energy, open spaces, recreational opportunities, and the economic growth and employment opportunities dependent on such features of New Hampshire's environment. New Hampshire youth and their families will be affected for decades to come by current and future decision making to conserve natural resources and wildlife, to develop renewable energy, to improve and protect clean water supplies, to prevent pollution, and to prevent and mitigate the effects of climate change, including warming, sea level rise, storm surge, and changing precipitation patterns. It is essential that New Hampshire youth have opportunities to deliberate on these matters and make recommendations to state policy makers regarding laws, rules, and practices of state agencies and local and state governments.
2 New Chapter; New Hampshire Youth Climate and Conservation Council. Amend RSA by inserting after chapter 19-P the following new chapter:
CHAPTER 19-Q
NEW HAMPSHIRE YOUTH CLIMATE AND CONSERVATION COUNCIL
19-P:1 Council Established.
I. There is established the New Hampshire youth climate and conservation council to advise the speaker of the house of representatives, the president of the senate, and the house and senate committees having jurisdiction over climate, energy, conservation, and recreation.
II. Members of the council shall be between the ages of 12 and 25 and shall be as follows:
(a) One resident of each county shall be appointed by the county delegation.
(b) Four middle school students nominated by their principals and appointed by the New Hampshire School Administrators Association.
(c) Four high school students nominated by their principals and appointed by the New Hampshire School Administrators Association.
(d) Four college or university students nominated by a student council, student senate, or other student governing body and appointed by the New Hampshire delegation of the New England Board of Higher Education.
III. Each member shall serve for a term of 2 years. Change of grade level shall not affect terms.
IV. The council shall:
(a) Consider current scientific reports on the conditions and challenges to a clean and healthy environment, including clean water, air, renewable energy, open spaces, recreational opportunities, and the economic growth and employment opportunities dependent on such features of New Hampshire's environment.
(b) Consult with state agencies, municipal officials, representatives of related policy advocacy groups, business, industry, educational leaders, and scientists. The council shall make recommendations on policies, laws, and practices to the legislature relative to these matters.
(c) Make recommendations on educational programs, in schools and for the general public, directed at youth and their families, concerning New Hampshire's climate and conservation of natural resources.
V.(a) The council shall meet at least every other month. Minutes once approved shall be submitted to the speaker of the house of representatives, the president of the senate, and the chairpersons of the house and senate standing committees having jurisdiction over climate, energy, conservation, and recreation.
(b) The council shall submit a report of activities and recommendations by June 30 of each year to the speaker of the house of representatives, the president of the senate, and the chairpersons of the house and senate standing committees having jurisdiction over climate, energy, conservation, and recreation.
(c) The chairpersons of such committees shall provide an opportunity for the council to personally report on its findings and recommendations.
(d) The first meeting of the council shall be called by the speaker of the house of representatives, or designee. A chairperson and clerk shall be elected at the first meeting of the council. A majority of council members shall constitute a quorum. The council may establish committees from its membership for the purpose of examining specific policy issues.
3 Effective Date. This act shall take effect upon its passage.