HB-847 - The Fiscal Issue - Where do We get the $$?

Woodsy · 01-16-2008, 03:17 PM

Hola Guys & Gals!

I trust everyone is enjoying the snow? LOL!

Where is the money for HB-847 going to come from? There was no fiscal note attached. Inquiring minds want to know... especially given the current financial situation!

Yesterday, Gov. Lynch stated he will be looking for $50,000,000 in cuts from various state agencys and that he will veto any bill that requires spending $$$ from the general fund. I know the NHMP get most of thier funding $$$ from the Navigation fund, but where is the money for HB-847 going to come from? There is a signifigant cost associated with training and radar certifying the MP officers, purchasing and calibrating the equipment, deploying the MP resources (2 officers req'd to operate a radar patrol sortie) not to mention the court costs incurred when a person issued a speeding citation fights the citation in court. All of this costs money that as of now does not exist!

Is it really necessary to spend this money at all? The NHMP Recreational Boat Speed Survey report ( http://www.nh.gov/safety/divisions/s...rveyreport.pdf ) definitively showed that speed was NOT an issue on Lake Winnipesaukee. Out of 3852 boats clocked, only 36 were going faster than 45 MPH! Out of those 36, only 3 exceeded 60 MPH! Capt. Gallagher of the NHMP while testifying before the House Transportation Committee, when questioned about the radar units and thier use, repeatedly testified that meeting the burden of proof (beyond a reasonable doubt) as required by the NH courts for a successful speeding prosecution would be very difficult.

So if HB-847 is not really necessary to begin with given the NHMP reports (Boater Safety Report and Speed Survey Report), difficult at best to enforce, and costs some serious $$$...

Tell me again why we need HB-847?

Woodsy

01-16-2008, 03:17 PM	#1
Woodsy Senior Member Join Date: May 2004 Location: Weirs Beach Posts: 1,953 Thanks: 80 Thanked 971 Times in 433 Posts	HB-847 - The Fiscal Issue - Where do We get the $$? Hola Guys & Gals! I trust everyone is enjoying the snow? LOL! Where is the money for HB-847 going to come from? There was no fiscal note attached. Inquiring minds want to know... especially given the current financial situation! Yesterday, Gov. Lynch stated he will be looking for $50,000,000 in cuts from various state agencys and that he will veto any bill that requires spending $$$ from the general fund. I know the NHMP get most of thier funding $$$ from the Navigation fund, but where is the money for HB-847 going to come from? There is a signifigant cost associated with training and radar certifying the MP officers, purchasing and calibrating the equipment, deploying the MP resources (2 officers req'd to operate a radar patrol sortie) not to mention the court costs incurred when a person issued a speeding citation fights the citation in court. All of this costs money that as of now does not exist! Is it really necessary to spend this money at all? The NHMP Recreational Boat Speed Survey report ( http://www.nh.gov/safety/divisions/s...rveyreport.pdf ) definitively showed that speed was NOT an issue on Lake Winnipesaukee. Out of 3852 boats clocked, only 36 were going faster than 45 MPH! Out of those 36, only 3 exceeded 60 MPH! Capt. Gallagher of the NHMP while testifying before the House Transportation Committee, when questioned about the radar units and thier use, repeatedly testified that meeting the burden of proof (beyond a reasonable doubt) as required by the NH courts for a successful speeding prosecution would be very difficult. So if HB-847 is not really necessary to begin with given the NHMP reports (Boater Safety Report and Speed Survey Report), difficult at best to enforce, and costs some serious $$$... Tell me again why we need HB-847? Woodsy __________________ The only way to eliminate ignorant behavior is through education. You can't fix stupid.