ShareThisNHMA Policy-Setting Process
NHMA’s legislative policies originate with its members and the Committee on Government Affairs (CGA). The CGA consists of 75 elected and appointed local officials, including the 31 members of the Municipal Advocacy Committee (MAC), who represent all regions of the state, and all sizes of towns and cities. In the spring, before each new legislative biennium, the CGA solicits legislative policy proposals from member municipalities. Three policy sub-committees review these proposals and make recommendations to NHMA’s Legislative Policy Conference, held during the fall of the same year. At the Conference, NHMA members consider and vote on the policies recommended by the CGA sub-committees. Every member, regardless of size, is entitled to one vote at the conference.
Policies adopted at the Conference guide the actions of the Government Affairs staff in addressing legislation during the ensuing legislative biennium. For the highest-priority policies—identified by the Legislative Policy Conference as action positions—the Government Affairs staff will draft legislation to implement the policies, identify and work with sponsors to introduce the bills, and support them through the legislative process. View the 2009-2010 NHMA Legislative Policy Positions.
NHMA also uses a set of guiding Legislative Principles, which are reviewed and reaffirmed as appropriate by the Legislative Policy Conference, to develop positions on legislation that have not been expressly addressed in the biennial Policy Positions. Examples of legislative principles include: opposing unfunded mandates; working to maintain existing revenue streams to municipalities; and advocating to maintain existing local authority.
During the legislative session, the Government Affairs staff regularly reports to MAC on legislative developments. During any legislative session, new issues arise which were not contemplated by the current Policy Positions. MAC has the authority to establish legislative policy positions between Legislative Policy Conferences, in order to provide timely, continuing guidance to the Government Affairs staff.
NHMA Policy Process for the 2011-2012
The NHMA Policy Process for the 2011-2012 biennium is well under way. The three three legislative policy committees have completed review and preparation of policy proposals to be presented for a member vote at the Legislative Policy Conference on Friday, September 17. Policy proposals have been mailed to key officials for review; policy proposals are also available for review online in PDF format.
The governing body of a member municipality may also submit floor policies for consideration at the Legislative Policy Conference. Floor policies must be received no later than August 13 so they can be distributed to all members for consideration before the conference. To submit a floor policy proposal, download the floor policy form (Word document) and complete the form following the instructions provided. Submit completed forms via e-mail to governmentaffairs@nhlgc.org or fax to 603.224.5406.