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 Read the latest edition of the State House Bulletin! Each week, Granite State Progress compiles commentary, short articles and a calendar highlight of what is happening in the NH State House. This one-page, double-sided newsletter is intended for easy distribution and contains links to allied organizations with in-depth information and action steps on critical issues facing our state. Each State House Bulletin also provides links to the full legislative calendar. To recommend content for the State House Bulletin, email info (at) granitestateprogress.org. State House Bulletin, October 8, 2011 State House Bulletin, April 8, 2011 Special: House Bills Retained in Committee State House Bulletin, April 1, 2011 State House Bulletin, March 25, 2011 State House Bulletin, March 18, 2011 State House Bulletin, March 11, 2011 State House Bulletin, February 25, 2011 State House Bulletin, February 18, 2011 State House Bulletin, February 11, 2011
Legislative Lingo
Terminology in the State House can be confusing. Former Sen. Jackie Cilley explains common terms that you'll find on the General Court website and in the State House Bulletin: ITL means "Inexpedient To Legislate". If the full House or full Senate votes to ITL a bill, then the bill is defeated. OTP means "Ought to Pass" meaning that a committee is recommending that a bill be passed. Consent Calendar: If a bill receives a unanimous recommendation from a committee, the committee may place the bill on the Consent Calendar. When the full House meets, the first vote taken is to approve all recommendations on all bills in the consent calendar. This allows the House to quickly dispense with non-controversial bills and move on to topics that need discussion. If any legislator requests that a bill be removed from the consent calendar, then it will be removed and it will be brought up for discussion and a vote along with the other non-consent calendar bills. Resolutions: Sometimes the House, the Senate or both will pass resolutions. These are just public statements of opinion or interest, but they have no legal standing. It is similar to issuing a press release. HCR is a House resolution. HJR is a joint resolution (both House and Senate) that originates in the House. LOB refers to the Legislative Office Building, which is immediately behind the statehouse. Most committee hearings are held in this building. Reps Hall refers to Representatives Hall in the Statehouse where the House of Representatives meets. This room is used for hearings that are expected to be very large. It is also used on session days.  |