Revision: Feb. 10, 2025, 12:13 p.m.
Rep. Kuttab, Rock. 17
January 30, 2025
2025-0170h
05/09
Amendment to HB 111-FN
Amend the title of the bill by replacing it with the following:
AN ACT extending the position of right-to-know ombudsman for 2 years and exempting individuals who assist in the preparation of a right-to-know complaint at no charge from the unauthorized practice of law.
Amend the bill by inserting after section 1 the following and renumbering the original section 2 to read as 4:
2 New Paragraph; Complaint Process; Assistance. Amend RSA 91-A:7-b by inserting after paragraph I the following new paragraph:
I-a. A person who, for no compensation of any kind, assists a petitioner with the preparation of a complaint shall not be acting in violation of RSA 311:7, and shall not be subject to a petition for injunctive relief pursuant to RSA 311:7-a or an investigation pursuant to RSA 311:7-b.
3 Ombudsman; Fee Awards. Amend RSA 91-A:7-b, III(f) to read as follows:
(f) Make any finding and order any other remedy to the same extent as provided by the court under RSA 91-A:8, except that the ombudsman is prohibited from awarding or ordering reimbursement for attorney's fees.
2025-0170h
AMENDED ANALYSIS
This bill extends the office of the right-to-know ombudsman, complaint process, appeal and enforcement, and rulemaking for 2 years, and exempts a person who assists a petitioner with a right-to-know complaint at no charge from the unauthorized practice of law.