New Hampshire House Bill HB1355

New Hampshire 2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 12/6/23
• Refer: 12/6/23
• Report Pass: 1/24/24
• Refer: 2/1/24
• Report Pass: 3/26/24
• Engrossed: 4/16/24
• Refer: 4/16/24
• Report Pass: 5/7/24
• Report Pass: 5/21/24
• Enrolled: 7/23/24
• Chaptered: 8/7/24
• Passed: 8/7/24

Caption

Relative to the New Hampshire National Guard recruitment and reenlistment incentive program, and continuing a recruitment and retention incentive program and efforts within the department of transportation.

Impact

In terms of state law, HB 1355 amends existing statutes related to the National Guard enlistment incentive program and establishes a fund dedicated to these initiatives. This program aims to not only improve recruitment numbers but also ensure that there is adequate staffing for critical roles, particularly in the area of winter maintenance services within transportation. The bill's fiscal note indicates that the expected annual expenditure related to these incentives is projected to start increasing from fiscal year 2025, potentially leading to a total of $50,000 per year over the following years.

Summary

House Bill 1355 aims to enhance the recruitment and retention of members within the New Hampshire National Guard and workforce for the department of transportation. The bill specifically provides a structure for offering financial incentives to encourage enlistment and reenlistment in the National Guard. Individuals who reenlist and are not eligible for federal bonuses can receive a reenlistment bonus of up to $6,000. Additionally, it allows for a compensation of up to $1,000 for current members or former members who successfully recruit new members into the National Guard.

Contention

While the bill was designed to address identified challenges in recruitment and retention, potential points of contention may arise regarding the implications for budget allocations, as it might divert funds from other essential state programs or services. Additionally, concerns may be raised about the long-term effectiveness of recruitment bonuses in maintaining a robust workforce and whether the financial incentive structure can keep pace with the increasing demands of military and state service roles. Opponents might argue that reliance on monetary incentives does not address the underlying issues that impact retention, such as job satisfaction and working conditions.