Revision: Jan. 29, 2025, 3:56 p.m.
Rep. Berry, Hills. 44
January 21, 2025
2025-0029h
08/05
Amendment to HB 340-FN
Amend the bill by replacing all after the enacting clause with the following:
1 Electioneering by Public Employees. RSA 659:44-a is repealed and reenacted to read as follows:
659:44-a Electioneering by Public Employees.
I. No public employee shall electioneer while in the performance of his or her official duties. For purposes of this section, "public employee" shall have the same meaning as in RSA 273-A:1, IX; except that, notwithstanding RSA 273-A:1, IX(b), a person appointed to office by the chief executive or legislative body of the public employer shall be included in the definition of public employee.
II. No public employee shall use any government property or equipment, including, but not limited to, telephones, facsimile machines, vehicles, and computers, for electioneering.
III. For the purposes of this section, "electioneer" means to act in any way designed or having the effect of influencing the vote of a voter on any question or office, including but not limited to:
(a) Distributing or displaying campaign materials for a campaign during an officially declared election period in an unbiased manner.
(b) Making public statements in favor of or against any candidate, political party, or measure.
(c) Organizing or conducting surveys, forums, or events that are expressly or primarily political.
(d) Using official authority or influence to interfere with or affect the vote of a voter.
IV. Nothing in this section shall prohibit:
(a) Lawful participation by candidates, political parties, or private groups in public parades, fairs, festivals, or similar events, including the display of campaign materials or the solicitation of voter support, provided such participation is conducted in accordance with applicable laws and regulations and does not intentionally favor one candidate, party, or measure over another.
(b) The use of public spaces or facilities by private individuals, groups, or organizations for lawful political activities, provided such use is not facilitated or promoted by public employees beyond standard administrative support necessary for access and use of the space and follows any relevant ordinance or law where applicable.
(c) Public employees engaging in strictly neutral voter registration drives or activities limited to general election awareness, such as announcing election dates or polling locations, without any reference to or discussion of candidates, parties, or measures, and provided such activities are authorized by law.
(d) Public employees providing factual information derived directly from official filing forms or other legally required public documents regarding candidates who have officially filed for office, provided such information is presented in an impartial and neutral manner without additional commentary, analysis, or inference.
V. Any person who violates this section shall be guilty of a misdemeanor.
2 Effective Date. This act shall take effect upon its passage.