Committee recommends ITL on bill requiring remote participation at county delegation meetings

Summary

After debate on verification, quorum, and scope, the committee recommended ITL on HB 1518, which would require county delegations to allow delegates to participate remotely (audio) when attendance is 'not reasonably practical.' Several counties already permit remote participation, but members raised concerns about expanding a statutory 'shall' requirement.

The committee recommended ITL on HB 1518, a bill that would require county delegations to permit remote participation by delegates when it is "not reasonably practical" to attend in person, allowing audible participation and roll‑call votes.

Prime sponsor Representative Hope Damon said the bill's goal is to increase participation and noted seven counties already allow remote participation. The bill would require only audible participation (no video) to reduce technological barriers; the sponsor said she was open to amendments for audio‑visual options.

Members questioned verification (how to confirm the remote participant's identity), quorum and RSA 91‑A compatibility, and whether a statutory mandate is necessary since many counties already permit remote participation. Representative Stavis moved ITL, arguing most counties already do this and a statewide mandate is unnecessary. Executive session recorded an ITL recommendation of 12–2.

Committee staff were directed to provide a side‑by‑side comparison of the bill text and RSA 91‑A for possible amendment by the committee.