NH is a very odd state when it comes to legislation..... EVERY bill gets a hearing before a committee (sometimes several committees if the topic overlaps) and then a vote up or down in the FULL House and Senate based on the recommendation of the committee. In other states a powerful committee chairman or even the speaker can squash bills but not in NH. I think, with the make-up of this legislature, we would get a very fair hearing. There is not the back-room dealing that occurs in other states at least as far as I've witnessed in this session.
If we take the approach that this is a public resource (the lobsters) and everyone should have the opportunity to share in that public resource I think we have a powerful argument that would get positive consideration.
I'm told that last time it was brought up the Dept of Safety had no problem with it. The Fish and Game had no problem with it. It was only the Lobster fisherman that had a problem.
I already have 3 (other) Reps willing to sign on and one Senator. But you are absolutely correct that we need a strong bill with no loopholes to get this passed. We have till May 25th to submit it.