Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Local Government Commissions topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Subcommittee preserves Hampton Beach commission law but makes duties subject to available funds
Summary
Lawmakers voted to keep the enabling statute for the Hampton Beach Area Commission but to make the commission's required duties "subject to available funds," after the commission said it had operated without an appropriation for 25 years.
The subcommittee approved an amendment that leaves the Hampton Beach Area Commission in statute but changes its required duties to be performed "subject to available funds." The change was offered after the commissionchair -- former Representative Emmerich -- told lawmakers the commission had operated for decades without a statutory appropriation.
Representative Campbells moved the change to HB 2 (amendment 11-83-H) and Representative Griffin seconded the motion. Supporters said the amendment allows the commission to continue its duties but gives the commission discretion when state funds are not provided. "If you're not going to give me money, take away make it so my functions are optional," the commission chair told the committee, according to members who discussed the conversation.
A motion to adopt amendment 11-83-H passed on a recorded count of 8 in favor and 1 opposed. Committee members said the change preserves the statute while acknowledging funding constraints for an entity that had, until now, relied on volunteer support and small donations.
Lawmakers said the change leaves open the option for future appropriations, and the committee recorded the vote as 8-1 in favor of the amendment.
