This bill establishes a Free Speech Advisory Commission within the Department of Justice, aimed at addressing complaints related to coercive conduct that may inhibit free speech. The commission will be responsible for receiving complaints, conducting preliminary reviews, and referring potential violations of state law to the Department of Justice. The commission will consist of various members, including representatives from the House and Senate, experts in First Amendment law and civil liberties, a law enforcement officer, a professional victim's advocate, and representatives from higher education and state municipalities. Notably, the bill specifies that no commission member shall receive mileage for attending meetings.
Additionally, the commission is tasked with publishing research and educational materials on lawful speech protections, conducting outreach and training programs for public entities, and reviewing its effectiveness every five years. The commission will also be required to report its findings, recommendations for proposed legislation, and statistics on complaints and referrals annually to key legislative and state officials. The bill amends RSA 21-M by inserting a new section (21-M:16-b) to formalize the establishment and functions of the commission, while no deletions from current law are noted in the text provided.