HB 1227, relative to disqualification of certain members of the general court. MAJORITY: OUGHT TO PASS WITH AMENDMENT. MINORITY: INEXPEDIENT TO LEGISLATE.
Rep. J. Michael Ball for the Majority of Legislative Administration: The New Hampshire General Court is a true citizen legislature, comprised of members who work in a wide variety of professions while simultaneously performing their legislative duties. Our state benefits from the expertise our members bring to the state house by virtue of their respective work experiences. Unfortunately, there are some professions that are incompatible with service as a legislator. This bill clarifies that no member of the general court can hold their seat while simultaneously in the employment of a political party, a committee of a political party or a lobbyist. This bill harkens back to the earliest days of the general court when issues arose about legislators serving while being paid advocates for a cause. It is one thing for a legislator to be employed in their civilian career and another thing entirely for a legislator to be employed as an advocate for causes before the general court. This bill will enable our citizens to be secure in the knowledge that their representatives have a primary allegiance to the public and are not beholden to the directives of a particular party or special interest by virtue of their employment. Vote 10-2.
Rep. Mary Jane Wallner for the Minority of Legislative Administration: The bill carves out one group of people who are excluded from serving in the New Hampshire legislature. The bill appears in conflict with our constitution. The voter knows when they are voting if the person who is running has a conflict. The voters will make their decision.
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