NH HB1497

Establishes procedures for removing appointed, alternate, or elected members of local land use boards for malfeasance, misfeasance, inefficiency, or neglect of duty related to official duties

Defines specific grounds for removal including chronic absenteeism (missing 3+ consecutive meetings or over 25% of meetings in 12 months), violating rules of procedure or ethics codes, improper remote participation, and failure to review materials or participate in deliberations

Requires a public hearing within 45-60 days of receiving a written removal petition, with at least 30 days' written notice to the member; petitioner must prove grounds by clear and convincing evidence

Removed members may appeal to superior court within 30 days; members removed for cause are ineligible to serve on that board for the remainder of their term

Makes failure by governing bodies to comply with removal procedures in good faith a potential offense of official oppression under RSA 643:1