Today, I was sworn in to serve my second term in your house, the NH House.  This session will be a little different for me personally, because I have at least some idea of what I’m doing now, and how things work.  This week is the last week to submit legislation for next year.  I thought I’d share what I’ve submitted.

1 – I am trying to establish rules of evidence for unemployment compensation appeals hearings.  Believe it or not, there really aren’t any.  If someone is going to be denied their unemployment benefits, there should be at least a minimum burden of proof required.  This bill arose from a constituent in this district.

2 and 3 – I want to de-politicize Town Meeting.  Current election law does not make a distinction between town meetings and regular elections.  Consequently, the political parties are permitted to send “Inspectors of Election” to work during the voting.  I have submitted one bill to clarify the duties of Inspectors of Election.  Another bill would exempt Town Meetings from being influenced by the parties altogether.  Let’s keep Town Meetings completely non-partisan, and keep the state out of our businbess.  This was also a request from a constituent.

4 – Another bill addresses a technical problem with license suspensions.  Currently, license suspensions that result from sentencing are required to begin immediately.  This means that if you’ve done something bad enough to be sent to jail for a year, your suspension may run while you are incarcerated.  This doesn’t make any sense at all.  My bill would have the suspension begin when the inmate is released from incarceration.

5 – I have submitted a bill that will establish a study committee to look at Personal Rapid Transit.  There are builders interested in coming to NH.  There are some businesses interested in the systems.  There just isn’t a means to get all these people together.  This committee will provide that venue, determine the viability of the systems, and make recommendations as to what body should establish uniform standards for New Hampshire.  This is a big topic, and you will hear more on this over the next two years.

Thank you for giving me the opportunity to serve you again.  I will continue to do my best to serve the fine people of Acworth, Charlestown, Goshen, Langdon, Lempster, and Washington.

Steve