Despite the fact that Part 1 Article 32 recognizes the right of the people to “give instructions to their representatives… by way of petition…” AND Part 1 Article 31 states, “The legislature shall assemble for the redress of public grievances…” The NH House of Representatives failed to act on the petition that called for the censure and impeachment of Rep. Cynthia Chase.
Speaker of the House Terie Norelli ruled that since no member of the House had sponsored the petition, no one could make a motion on it. Rep. Gary Richardson told the Union Leader that House Rules now require a legislative sponsor for petitions, over the past two years, such petitions were heard by the Redress of Grievances Committee which was eliminated at the beginning of the year.
Rep. George Lambert objected and asked to have the petition sent to a committee. He said a representatives’ job is to represent the public and uphold the constitution which allows the Legislature to address the grievances of citizens.
The House voted 276-77 to back the speaker. That vote included 87 Republicans.
The petition is now filed in a cabinet in the Clerk’s office, most likely, never to be seen again.