New Hampshire House Bill HB1622

New Hampshire 2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 12/15/23
• Refer: 12/15/23
• Report Pass: 3/20/24
• Engrossed: 4/2/24
• Refer: 4/2/24
• Report Pass: 5/7/24
• Enrolled: 7/23/24
• Vetoed: 8/6/24

Caption

Relative to administrative rulemaking and license renewals by the office of professional licensure and certification.

Impact

The legislation is expected to affect various state agencies by updating the rules governing the issuance and renewal of professional licenses. Additionally, it emphasizes the need for transparency and accountability in administrative processes. For instance, agencies will face penalties for enforcing expired rules, and they must issue refunds for any fines collected under those expired rules. This aspect addresses the financial ramifications of non-compliance and aims to minimize the enforcement of unenforceable regulations, thereby streamlining agency operations.

Summary

House Bill 1622 revolves around the processes related to administrative rulemaking and the renewal of licenses by the Office of Professional Licensure and Certification (OPLC). The bill seeks to introduce multi-faceted adjustments within existing administrative procedures, particularly focusing on the timeliness of rule reviews and the management of licensing terms. A key feature is the repealing and reenacting of specific language related to the validity and term of licenses, now to be valid for two years, unless stated otherwise for apprentices, aligning RTSA 541-A with the proposed changes.

Contention

One point of contention surrounding HB 1622 is the extent to which it modifies the existing framework of regulatory procedures. Critics may argue that imposing financial penalties on agencies could deter them from adequately enforcing rules, whereby the court could levy penalties for expired rules. Furthermore, there is possible apprehension regarding the operational capabilities of the OPLC and other agencies as they adjust to the new requirements for reporting public comments and managing rule approvals more cohesively. The bill's emphasis on public input and online transparency is designed to enhance community engagement but could also create challenges in implementation.