Mensactivism.org | Men's Committee Bill Passes NH House

AN ACT establishing a commission on the status of men, and making an appropriation therefor.

SPONSORS: Rep. Bickford, Straf 1; Rep. Jacobson, Merr 2; Rep. Dickinson, Carr 2; Rep. Gilmore, Straf 11; Rep. Zolla, Rock 13; Sen. Boyce, Dist 4

This bill establishes a commission on the status of men to address issues of cultural bias and stereotyping, health problems unique to men, and methods for encouraging personal growth.

An appropriation for each of the next 2 fiscal years is made from the general fund for the purposes of the commission.

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Matter which is either (a) all new or (b) repealed and reenacted appears in regular type.

Be it Enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives in General Court convened:

1 Purpose. The general court recognizes men as an important resource for their families and children and wishes to explore the causes and consequences of a variety of social, economic and health problems currently facing men, and make recommendations for relief. Specifically, the general court recognizes that fatherlessness is a severe social problem and New Hampshire children who have a poor or non-existent relationship with their father are the largest users of state-funded juvenile services. In addition, the health of men whose average life expectancy was formerly on a par with that of women are now dying 10 years sooner with much higher rates of suicide and mortality rates from the 15 leading causes of disease and accidents. And educationally, the general court recognizes the need to address the poor performance of boys in the areas of reading and language skills and increase the grade passage rate for boys while encouraging the pursuit of post-secondary degrees. Therefore, the general court recommends the establishment of a commission on the status of men.

2 New Chapter; State Commission on the Status of Men. Amend RSA by inserting after chapter 19-H the following new chapter:

I. There is hereby created a state commission on the status of men, hereinafter called the commission, consisting of 7 members.

II. All members of the commission shall be appointed by the governor and council for terms of 3 years each, provided that the initial appointees to the commission shall serve the following terms:

III. At least one member shall be invited from the university system of New Hampshire.

IV. If a vacancy occurs on the commission, the governor and council shall appoint a new member to fill the vacancy for the remainder of the term.

19-I:2 Compensation. The members of the commission shall receive no compensation and shall not be entitled to reimbursement for expenses but shall be entitled to reimbursement for mileage at the same rate provided for state employees.

19-I:3 Officers. The governor and council shall designate the chairperson, vice-chairperson, secretary, and treasurer of the commission.

19-I:4 Duties. The duties of the commission shall include, but not be limited to:

I. Examining issues and effects of cultural biases and stereotyping beginning with childhood experiences and progress in public schools, and extending to include a study of male suicide and adult concerns such as family relations, promoting education and policies which bring fathers and children closer together.

II. Studying health problems unique to men or which predominantly affect men, and making appropriate recommendations.

III. Promoting initiatives and programs that will enable men to develop career skills and continue their education so that they become productive and responsible citizens.

19-I:5 Cooperation. The commission shall cooperate with any state or federal agency or any private organization in conducting investigations and studies in the area of the status of men. All state agencies shall assist the commission in carrying out its duties.

19-I:6 Report. The commission shall submit a biennial report of its activities on or before November 1 to the governor and council, the commissioner of administrative services, the president of the senate, and the speaker of the house. The report shall include any recommendations the commission finds for the general court to consider.

19-I:7 Authority to Accept Gifts. The commission may accept any gifts, donations, or grants from any source whatsoever provided the gifts, donations, or grants so received shall be used exclusively in the furtherance of the duties of the commission.

19-I:8 Records. The commission shall file and keep its records in space and facilities made available for such purposes in the offices of the secretary of state by the secretary of state.

19-I:9 Administratively Attached. The commission shall be administratively attached to the department of administrative services.

3 Prospective Repeal of Chapter. RSA 19-I, relative to the state commission on the status of men, is repealed.

4 Appropriation. The sum of $69,561 is hereby appropriated to the department of administrative services for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2002 and $62,008 for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2003 for the purposes of this act. The governor is authorized to draw a warrant for said sums out of any money in the treasury not otherwise appropriated.

The Department of Administrative Services stated this bill would increase state general fund expenditures by $69,561 in FY 2002, $62,008 in FY 2003, $64,567 in FY 2004, and $67,237 in FY 2005. There will be no fiscal impact on state, county and local revenue or county and local expenditures.

This bill appropriates $50,000 each year in FY 2002 and FY 2003 in state general funds to the Department of Administrative Services for the purposes of this act.

The Department stated this bill would establish a commission on the status of men and appropriate $50,000 from the general fund in FY 2002 and FY 2003 for the purposes of the commission. The Department states in order for the commission to fulfill its mission, including the submission of a biennial report, an executive director position (LG 24), office space, equipment and supplies will be needed. In addition, commission members will receive mileage reimbursement (currently $.345 per mile). The Department assumes annual steps for the executive director, benefits at 32% of salary, mileage increases of $.005 annually, and a 3% annual increase for rent, telephone/fax services, and supplies. The costs are estimated as follows:

FY2002 FY2003 FY2004 FY2005

Salary (LG24) $35,334 $36,933 $38,610 $40,365

Benefits (32%) 11,307 11,819 12,355 12,917

Mileage 3,312 3,360 3,408 3,456

Rent 4,608 4,746 4,889 5,035

Supplies 4,000 4,120 4,244 4,371

Telephone/Fax 1,000 1,030 1,061 1,093

Office Equipment 5,000 0 0 0

Computer Equip. 5,000 0 0 0

Total Costs $69,561 $62,008 $64,567 $67,237