New Hampshire has long been known for its “New Hampshire Advantage,” often attributed to its low tax burden. However, a recent proposed rule change in the New Hampshire House of Representatives threatens to undermine the true advantage of the state: its unparalleled transparency and accountability to the people.
The proposed rule change would allow a House committee to table a bill before a public hearing with a three-fourths vote, a move that goes against the cornerstone of New Hampshire’s democratic process. Unlike other legislatures where bills are often quashed behind closed doors, New Hampshire ensures that every bill receives a public hearing, giving constituents the opportunity to make their voices heard and hold their government accountable.
Public hearings serve as an essential mechanism for lawmakers to gain new insights, consider perspectives they may not have otherwise, and for constituents to directly engage in the legislative process. Dismissing bills before a public hearing not only undermines this vital connection between the governed and the governing but also risks entrenching committee biases and concentrating power in a fundamentally undemocratic way.
Proponents of the rule change argue that it will save time, but critics argue that it is shortsighted and dismissive of the legislative process, which often requires years of persistence and refinement for meaningful, durable solutions to be reached.
The New Hampshire House of Representatives, long priding itself on accessibility and responsiveness, must reject this dangerous proposal and reaffirm its commitment to transparency and accountability. The people of New Hampshire deserve to have their voices heard on every bill, ensuring that the state’s unique commitment to democracy and good governance is upheld for generations to come.
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