SB336 (2024) Compare Changes


The Bill Text indicates a new section is being inserted. This situation is not handled right now, and the new text is displayed in both the changed and unchanged versions.

Unchanged Version

Text to be removed highlighted in red.

1 New Chapter; Public Officers and Employees; False Statements to the Public in the Course of Employment. Amend RSA by inserting after chapter 96 the following new chapter:

CHAPTER 96-A

FALSE STATEMENTS TO THE PUBLIC IN THE COURSE OF EMPLOYMENT

96-A:1 False Statement by Public Officer or Employee.

I. Any officer or employee of the state or any political subdivision thereof who knowingly makes a fraudulent statement or material misrepresentation to a member of the public in the course of his or her employment shall be subject to disciplinary action through the disciplinary procedures of his or her employer. If the officer or employee is licensed in New Hampshire for his or her profession, the officer or employee shall be subject to disciplinary procedures by the relevant licensing board or agency.

96-A:2 Exceptions. This chapter shall not apply:

I. In any case where the false statement or material misrepresentation would be deemed justified pursuant to the competing harms standard as defined in RSA 627:3.

II. In any case where the false statement or material misrepresentation was made by a law enforcement officer in the furtherance of a criminal investigation.

2 Effective Date. This act shall take effect 60 days after its passage.

Changed Version

Text to be added highlighted in green.

1 New Chapter; Public Officers and Employees; False Statements to the Public in the Course of Employment. Amend RSA by inserting after chapter 96 the following new chapter:

CHAPTER 96-A

FALSE STATEMENTS TO THE PUBLIC IN THE COURSE OF EMPLOYMENT

96-A:1 False Statement by Public Officer or Employee.

I. Any officer or employee of the state or any political subdivision thereof who knowingly makes a fraudulent statement or material misrepresentation to a member of the public in the course of his or her employment shall be subject to disciplinary action through the disciplinary procedures of his or her employer. If the officer or employee is licensed in New Hampshire for his or her profession, the officer or employee shall be subject to disciplinary procedures by the relevant licensing board or agency.

96-A:2 Exceptions. This chapter shall not apply:

I. In any case where the false statement or material misrepresentation would be deemed justified pursuant to the competing harms standard as defined in RSA 627:3.

II. In any case where the false statement or material misrepresentation was made by a law enforcement officer in the furtherance of a criminal investigation.

2 Effective Date. This act shall take effect 60 days after its passage.