Right to Know Law

Join Legal Services Counsel Christine Johnston and Jonathan Cowal to learn about New Hampshire’s Right-to-Know Law, RSA chapter 91-A. The workshop will cover both public meetings and governmental records, with discussion of all of the following topics:

Meetings:

Join NHMA’s Legal Services Counsel Christine Johnston and Jonathan Cowal who will share insights and strategies to assist law enforcement agencies in handling governmental record requests arising under the RSA 91-A, the Right-to-Know Law.  

Join Legal Services Counsel Stephen Buckley and Municipal Services Counsel Jonathan Cowal who will discuss the requirements for holding a proper public meeting, as well as the exceptions to the meeting requirement (the so-called "non-meeting").  The attorneys will also address managing virtual public access and allowing public body members to participate remotely when their physical attendance is not reasonably practical.  Consideration will also be directed at preparing meeting minutes and facilitating public comment through meeting rules of procedure.

Topics will include the Right-to-Know Law, town governance, ethics and conflicts of interest, removals, resignations and vacancies, running effective meetings, and more.  We will also have a presentation on volunteers and liability considerations provided by Primex as well as a presentation on hot topics pending before the New Hampshire State Legislature of concern to municipal officials.  Ample time allowed for questions, answers, and discussion.

Join NHMA’s Legal Services Counsel Stephen Buckley and Municipal Services Counsel Jonathan Cowal who will share insights and strategies to assist law enforcement agencies in handling governmental record requests arising under the RSA 91-A, the Right-to-Know Law. 

AGENDA

Introduction - 9:00 am—9:05 am

• Stephen Buckley, Legal Services Counsel, NH Municipal Association

Trustee of Trust Funds Case Study Session - 9:05 am—10:35 am

• Michael R. Haley, Esq., Director of Charitable Trusts, New Hampshire Department of Justice

• Amy J. Nichols, CPA, Financial Research Analyst, New Hampshire Department of Justice

Join Legal Services Counsel Stephen Buckley and Municipal Services Counsel Jonathan Cowal who will discuss the requirements for holding a proper public meeting, as well the exceptions to the meeting requirement (the so-called "non-meeting").  The attorneys will also address managing virtual public access and allowing public body members to participate remotely when their physical attendance is not reasonably practical.  Consideration will also be directed at preparing meeting minutes and facilitating public comment through meeting rules of procedure.

Join NHMA’s Legal Services Counsel Stephen Buckley and Municipal Services Counsel Jonathan Cowal who will share insights and strategies to assist law enforcement agencies in handling governmental record requests arising under the RSA 91-A, the Right-to-Know Law. 

Join NHMA’s Legal Services Counsel Stephen Buckley and Municipal Services Counsel Jonathan Cowal who will share insights and strategies to assist law enforcement agencies in handling governmental record requests arising under the RSA 91-A, the Right-to-Know Law.