Revision: Feb. 16, 2023, 2:32 p.m.
Senate Executive Departments and Administration
February 16, 2023
2023-0570s
08/05
Amendment to SB 146
Amend the bill by replacing all after section 2 with the following:
3 Advisory Board; Duties. Amend RSA 425:23 to read as follows:
425:23 Advisory Board; Duties. The board shall consult with and advise the commissioner of agriculture, markets, and food with respect to the laws, policies, programs, and operations of the department on a continuing basis and for such purposes shall meet with the commissioner not less than semi-annually at the call of the chairperson or 3 board members. [The board shall designate and advertise at least one] Each meeting shall be advertised with a portion designated for public input [annually as a public hearing] at which interested persons may appear and be heard regarding matters affecting agriculture, markets, and food and related laws. [The board shall review and make biennial recommendations relative to administrative, legal, and regulatory factors affecting the viability of the agricultural economy. The board shall promote close coordination of the activities of the department with activities of the United States Department of Agriculture, Environmental Protection Agency and other federal agencies; the University of New Hampshire, including cooperative extension work; other state agencies; and farm organizations of the state.] Any member of the board or public may request that the commissioner be excused for any portion of public input at which time the commissioner shall leave the meeting. Upon expiration of the term of office of the commissioner of agriculture, markets, and food, or upon the occurrence of a vacancy in such office, it shall be the duty of the board to submit advisory recommendations to the governor and council concerning such new appointment or the filling of such vacancy.
4 Effective Date. This act shall take effect upon its passage.
2023-0570s
AMENDED ANALYSIS
This bill removes certain requirements for the terms of members of the agricultural advisory board.
This bill also requires public notice of a meeting of the agricultural advisory board and requires the commissioner of the department of agriculture, markets, and food to leave the room if requested to do so by a member of the board.