Revision: Dec. 1, 2021, 2:28 p.m.
HB 1441 - AS INTRODUCED
2022 SESSION
22-2501
07/08
HOUSE BILL 1441
SPONSORS: Rep. Horrigan, Straf. 6; Rep. Wall, Straf. 6; Rep. M. Smith, Straf. 6; Sen. Watters, Dist 4
COMMITTEE: State-Federal Relations and Veterans Affairs
-----------------------------------------------------------------
ANALYSIS
This bill establishes a commission tasked with organizing the observance of the sestercentennial anniversary of the events leading up to, and including, the signing and ratification of the declaration of independence.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
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Matter which is either (a) all new or (b) repealed and reenacted appears in regular type.
22-2501
07/08
STATE OF NEW HAMPSHIRE
In the Year of Our Lord Two Thousand Twenty Two
Be it Enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives in General Court convened:
1 New Chapter; American Revolution Sestercentennial Commission. Amend RSA by inserting after chapter 17-R the following new chapter:
CHAPTER 17-S
AMERICAN REVOLUTION SESTERCENTENNIAL COMMISSION
17-S:1 Commission Created.
I. There is established an American revolution sestercentennial commission whose purpose is to plan and organize educational, cultural, and commemorative events to observe the sestercentennial anniversary of the events leading up to, and including, the signing of the declaration of independence on July 4, 2026 with particular attention to the ways in which New Hampshire was involved.
17-S:2 Commission Membership.
I. The members of the commission shall be as follows:
(a) The governor, or designee.
(b) Three members of the house of representatives, appointed by the speaker of the house of representatives, with at least one member being from the minority caucus.
(c) Three members of the senate, appointed by the president of the senate, with at least one member being from the minority caucus.
(d) The secretary of state, or designee.
(e) The commissioner of the department of natural & cultural resources, or designee.
(f) The chair of the university system of New Hampshire board of trustees, or designee.
(g) The chair of the community college system of New Hampshire board of trustees, or designee.
(h) The chair of the New Hampshire commission on Native American affairs, or designee.
(i) Three members of the public, appointed by the governor and approved by the executive council.
II. Members of the commission shall serve without compensation, except that legislative members shall receive mileage at the legislative rate when attending to the duties of the commission.
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 member of the joint legislative historical committee. The first meeting of the commission shall be held within 45 days of the effective date of this section. Eight members of the commission shall constitute a quorum.
17-S:3 Duties. The commission shall:
I. Cooperate with other United States sestercentennial commissions, on both the state and federal level, to accomplish like goals and coordinate activities.
II. Arrange for appropriate publication, notice, and observation of notable events of the revolution pertaining to this state including the capture of Fort William and Mary in December 1774, the adoption of the first state constitution in January 1775, New Hampshire's participation in the battles of Bunker Hill and Bennington, and other like events as the commission may determine.
III. Plan and organize educational, cultural, and commemorative events observing the sestercentennial of the events leading up to, and including, the signing and adoption of the declaration of independence on July 4, 2026.
IV. Solicit information and testimony from any individual or entity with information or expertise relative to the commission's charge.
17-S:4 Annual Report.
I. Beginning November 1, 2022, the commission shall submit an annual report by November 1 of its activities and 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 Prospective Repeal. RSA 17-S, relative to the American revolution sestercentennial commission, shall be repealed on December 31, 2027.
3 Effective Date. This act shall take effect upon its passage.