Text to be removed highlighted in red.
1 New Section; The State and Its Government; Department of Justice; Free Speech Advisory Commission. Amend RSA 21-M by inserting after section 16-a the following new section:
21-M:16-b Free Speech Advisory Commission.
I. There is established a standing commission to receive complaints, conduct preliminary reviews, and refer potential violations of state law regarding coercive conduct that chills speech to the department of justice.
II. Notwithstanding RSA 14:49, II(c), the members of the commission shall be as follows:
(a) One member of the house of representatives, appointed by the speaker of the house of representatives, who shall be from the majority party.
(b) One member of the minority party of the senate, appointed by the president of the senate, who shall be from the minority party.
(c) An expert on first amendment law, appointed by the governor.
(d) The attorney general, or designee.
(e) A law enforcement officer, appointed by the governor.
(f) A professional victim's advocate, appointed by the governor.
(g) An expert in civil liberties, appointed by the governor.
(h) A representative from an institution of higher-education, appointed by the governor.
(i) A representative of a state municipality, appointed by the governor.
III. No member of the commission shall receive mileage when attending to the duties of the commission.
IV. The commission shall:
(a) Hear complaints and conduct preliminary reviews regarding coercive conduct that chills speech.
(b) Refer potential violations of state law regarding coercive conduct that chills speech to the department of justice.
(c) Publish research and educational materials on lawful speech protections and unlawful coercion.
(d) Conduct outreach and training programs for public entities that request education on avoiding coercive practices that chill speech.
(e) Conduct a review of its efficacy and recommend any modifications to its structure or assigned duties every 5 years.
V. The members of the study commission shall elect a chairperson from among the members. The first meeting of the commission shall be called by the house member. The first meeting of the commission shall be held within 45 days of the effective date of this section. Five members of the commission shall constitute a quorum.
VI. The commission shall annually report the following 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 on or before November 1:
(a) Its findings and any recommendations for proposed legislation.
(b) Statistics regarding complaints and referrals filed to or by the commission, and any patterns or trends the commission has noticed.
2 Effective Date. This act shall take effect upon its passage.
Text to be added highlighted in green.
1 New Section; The State and Its Government; Department of Justice; Free Speech Advisory Commission. Amend RSA 21-M by inserting after section 16-a the following new section:
21-M:16-b Free Speech Advisory Commission.
I. There is established a standing commission to receive complaints, conduct preliminary reviews, and refer potential violations of state law regarding coercive conduct that chills speech to the department of justice.
II. Notwithstanding RSA 14:49, II(c), the members of the commission shall be as follows:
(a) One member of the house of representatives, appointed by the speaker of the house of representatives, who shall be from the majority party.
(b) One member of the minority party of the senate, appointed by the president of the senate, who shall be from the minority party.
(c) An expert on first amendment law, appointed by the governor.
(d) The attorney general, or designee.
(e) A law enforcement officer, appointed by the governor.
(f) A professional victim's advocate, appointed by the governor.
(g) An expert in civil liberties, appointed by the governor.
(h) A representative from an institution of higher-education, appointed by the governor.
(i) A representative of a state municipality, appointed by the governor.
III. No member of the commission shall receive mileage when attending to the duties of the commission.
IV. The commission shall:
(a) Hear complaints and conduct preliminary reviews regarding coercive conduct that chills speech.
(b) Refer potential violations of state law regarding coercive conduct that chills speech to the department of justice.
(c) Publish research and educational materials on lawful speech protections and unlawful coercion.
(d) Conduct outreach and training programs for public entities that request education on avoiding coercive practices that chill speech.
(e) Conduct a review of its efficacy and recommend any modifications to its structure or assigned duties every 5 years.
V. The members of the study commission shall elect a chairperson from among the members. The first meeting of the commission shall be called by the house member. The first meeting of the commission shall be held within 45 days of the effective date of this section. Five members of the commission shall constitute a quorum.
VI. The commission shall annually report the following 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 on or before November 1:
(a) Its findings and any recommendations for proposed legislation.
(b) Statistics regarding complaints and referrals filed to or by the commission, and any patterns or trends the commission has noticed.
2 Effective Date. This act shall take effect upon its passage.