HB1518

Thank you for this opportunity to submit my testimony on this bill remotely. My name is Lucy Weber and I represent Cheshire 05, the towns of Surry and Walpole. In my county, Cheshire, remote participation in County Delegation meetings is allowed under the terms of RSA 91-A. The process has been working well. As required, the members state the reasons for their remote participation. With a nearly unpaid citizen legislature, remote participation opens the possibility of more people being able to fulfill their legislative duties, while also attending to other aspects of their lives--child care, elder care, business travel, and illness or injury, to name but a few. As one who spent this past year dealing with several different treatments for breast cancer, including radiation, which was only supposed to make me "a little tired," but which completely flattened me for far longer than I had expected, I know there are times that the opportunity to participate remotely is critical to performing our duties as State Representatives. I believe the we should adopt more strategies that ensure that service in our legislature is possible for more folks. so that we are truly representative of all the citizens of NH. ~Representative Lucy Weber.

Luckily, here in Cheshire County, we have this choice for any member who is unable to attend in person. And yes, some have had the need to utilize this tool. This is 2026, we should all be able to take advantage of the technology out there. I urge a "yes" vote on this bill. Thank you

People with barriers that prevent them from attending civic meetings should have the opportunity to engage in civic life. In 2026, we need to expand our idea of what attendance means, as our population ages and still wants to have a voice in their community.