Update to Lake Related Legislation

[Descant]

Originally Posted by tummyman

Got all that and have had all the info, but cannot see where it has been scheduled for action by the committee, which is important to send comments along.

Tummyman: sorry for the long answer.

Sending your comments should be done without delay. Controversial bills will generate emails in large numbers, including many from "auto-maii" websites from lobbying groups across the country. Waiting 'til the end means your email may get lost in the flood. Important to put for/against and 2-3 words about topic in the subject line. A phone call is more effective than an email and you may learn that your rep is already supporting your position. If so, send a "thank-you" confirming that support.

Knowing how to read the calendar is helpful, as it uses many unique terms like executive session, early bill, crossover, etc. Many committees will say in the calendar that the committee may meet in Executive session at any time, as time allows. This could mean a vote, or simply discussion, a report from a sub-committee or a proposed amendment. An "early bill" usually means one that goes to a second committee, such as Finance. Since the bill has already had a public hearing, the second committee may or may not have a second public hearing, but they will likely hear from the prime sponsor and somebody to represent the vote(s) of the first committee. There has to be an affirmative vote on the floor (OTP or OTP/A) before the scheduling with the second committee.

Last point: Reps have lives and families too. That means dinners and Boy Scouts, etc. S/he may not be home or read email the night before a hearing or a floor session. If you wait until the day/night before, you're too late. Things move very quickly at this time of year.

[John Mercier]

When writing the email.
Attach one name at a time... multiples may end up in a SPAM folder.
You can copy and paste the field, but don't use a form letter as that has less impact.
Send to the email address of each of the sponsors of the bill, and to each of the committee members.

If you have the time, attend the public hearing and sign in either in support or opposition... and fill out the card if you feel the need to speak.

Keep any testimony on track, you can even read it from a paper if that helps.

[Sue Doe-Nym]

My husband has tried to reach one of the sponsors of the bill, a Mr. Griffin, I believe, and has had no response from him. We both shudder at the thought of more lake pollution. Unfortunately, some people are ignorant about the importance of keeping our waterways clean, and some just don’t give a healthy damn just as long as they are having fun and the keg doesn’t run dry. Hopefully, the bill will be defeated.

[John Mercier]

Usually a sponsor of a bill cannot be swayed from their support of the bill... so really not someone the opposition should try to contact.

It is up to the members of the House when it hits the floor. Most often, an ITL from the committee will signal its defeat.

[Major]

Irwin Marine has weighed in. I received this email message today.


TOMORROW! Public Hearing for SB 431:
Support the Wake Responsibly Campaign

SB 431, the bill that codifies the 200 ft setback distance for wake surfing promoted by the Wake Responsibly campaign, is scheduled for a public hearing on TUESDAY, JANUARY 30TH AT 1:00pm before the Senate Transportation Committee in Room 101 of the Legislative Office Building in Concord.

The NH Marine Trades Association, Water Sports Industry Association, National Marine Manufacturer Association, USA Waterski & Wake Sports, Lakes Region Tourism Association and many boating families support SB 431 as a reasonable regulation for wake surfing that DOES NOT define any boat type or ban the sport. The 200 ft setback has passed in a couple of other states to date (TN, SC, GA) and is backed by a peer-reviewed scientific study. This bipartisan effort promotes the “Buffer NOT Ban” approach. We will continue to oppose HB 1301 & HB 1390, which would severely limit or potentially eliminate the ability to wake surf, but support SB 431. http://gencourt.state.nh.us/remotecommittee/senate.aspx

How Can Boaters Support SB 431?
1. Testify in Support. We are pleased that we already have a number of boaters able to testify in favor of SB 431. All of the Senate Transportation Committee members are co-sponsors of the bill, so we hope it is a good hearing.
2. Attend and Stand in Support of SB 431. There will be sign-in sheets for those who want to support SB 431 but not testify. If you are able to attend the hearing, please do. The more people that stand in support, the better!
3. Register Support on SB 431 through the On-Line Sign-In Portal: See below for directions. We were very successful in the sign-in against HB 1301. Let’s do the same to SUPPORT SB 431:
- Utilize the sign-in form located on the General Court website: CLICK HERE TO ACCESS FORM.
- You are encouraged to sign-in well in advance of the hearing. This online form will allow you to sign in on a bill as soon as it has been scheduled for a hearing.
1. Click on the date that the bill you are interested in is being heard: January 30th.
2. Under the drop-down menus:
Select the committee that is hearing the bill: Senate Transportation.
Select the bill you are interested in: Senate Bill 431.
Select a category: Member of the Public.
3. If you are representing an entity or someone other than yourself, enter that information.
4. Indicate that you SUPPORT the bill by checking the appropriate circle.
5. Click continue.
6. Enter your name and contact information.
7. Click continue.
8. Carefully review that the information you have entered is correct. If it is correct, check the box and click continue. This completes the sign in process.
** Note – there is an option to email the full Committee with a statement. If you decide to email them, be positive – note that all of the members are co-sponsors of SB 431! Thank them! **

[Biggd]

I'm sure that any marina that sells wake boats is going to be against any legislation that will affect sales.