Representative Weber advocates for online tracking of enrolled bills in New Hampshire

A push for greater transparency in New Hampshire's legislative process took center stage during a recent Senate Executive Departments and Administration meeting. Representative Lucy Weber introduced House Bill 331, aimed at improving public access to the status of enrolled bills as they move through the legislative process.

Weber emphasized that while the bill does not alter existing procedures or timelines, it seeks to provide a clearer view of where bills are located after passing through the second chamber and before reaching the governor's desk. Currently, there is no straightforward way for the public to track this information online, which can lead to confusion and frustration. "It just seems to me that as an added step in our transparency going forward, we ought to be able to find a way to have that publicly facing," Weber stated.

The bill proposes that the Secretary of State's office develop a simple online tracking mechanism, allowing citizens to see the current status of bills without needing to contact the office directly. This initiative stems from past experiences where bills have been delayed, leaving both lawmakers and the public in the dark about their whereabouts.

Committee members engaged in a robust discussion about the feasibility of integrating this tracking information into existing legislative dockets. While some expressed support for the idea, others raised questions about the technical and procedural challenges involved. Deputy Secretary of State Erin Hennessy acknowledged the need for a more accessible tracking system but noted that any changes would require further clarification and could incur costs.

The meeting highlighted a broader desire among legislators to enhance transparency and accountability within the state's legislative process. As the bill moves forward, it could pave the way for a more informed public and a more efficient legislative system. The committee's next steps will determine whether this initiative gains the traction needed to become a reality.