Tell Your Reps To Oppose House Rule Change

The New Hampshire House is considering a rule change Wednesday that would allow committees to table bills without holding public hearings if three-fourths of the committee agrees. This proposal threatens our state’s tradition of transparency and accountability by silencing the voices of constituents and concentrating power in the hands of a few. We must act now to stop this attack on public participation.

New Hampshire’s greatest strength – the TRUE New Hampshire Advantage – lies in its citizen-focused government, where the People can make their voices heard on every issue, no matter how big or small. Public hearings are a cornerstone of this process, giving everyone an opportunity to engage directly with their representatives. Contact your representatives today and demand they oppose this attack on transparency and accountability!

Talking Points:

• Transparency Is Key: Public hearings are the foundation of New Hampshire’s open and accountable government. Removing them weakens public trust.
• Public Input Matters: Hearings often change legislators’ minds by revealing impacts and perspectives they hadn’t considered.
• Prevent Committee Bias: Stacked committees could silence bills that reflect public priorities but conflict with their own views.
• No Need to Save Time: First-year bill numbers have been stable for years. Cutting hearings won’t significantly reduce workload.
• Good Laws Take Time: Landmark legislation like constitutional carry and parental rights took years of public input and refinement to pass.
• Emails Aren’t Enough: With inboxes overflowing, public hearings ensure constituents’ voices rise above the noise.

Tell your representatives that public input is non-negotiable.