New Hampshire House Bill HB1288

New Hampshire 2022 Regular Session

• Report Pass: 2/8/22
• Refer: 2/17/22
• Report Pass: 3/21/22
• Introduced: 4/5/22
• Refer: 4/5/22
• Report Pass: 4/13/22
• Report Pass: 4/26/22
• Enrolled: 5/27/22
• Chaptered: 6/8/22
• Passed: 6/8/22

Caption

Relative to the terms for certain officers and the names, duties, and funds of certain divisions within the department of administrative services.

Impact

The proposed changes to personnel terms and responsibilities are expected to enhance the operational efficiency of the DAS. The bill modifies the procedures related to position classifications by making them recommendations of a stakeholders group, overseen by the director of personnel, aiming for a more collaborative and transparent development process. Furthermore, it increases the carry-forward limit of funds in the nonlapsing personnel education and training fund from $20,000 to $100,000, which may allow for better resource management and financial planning within the department.

Summary

House Bill 1288 aims to reorganize certain functions within the New Hampshire Department of Administrative Services (DAS). It establishes defined terms for the deputy commissioner, the assistant commissioner, and each unclassified division director within the department, which is intended to bring clarity and stability to these high-level positions. Additionally, the bill renames the Division of Financial Data Management to the Division of Enterprise Applications Management, reflecting a shift towards focusing on the management of the state's enterprise application software systems.

Contention

One point of contention surrounding HB 1288 relates to the fiscal implications of increasing the funding limit for the education and training fund. While proponents argue it will facilitate better employee training and resource allocation, critics express concern that it may limit the revenue available for other state functions, particularly if the funds do not lapse into the General Fund. The net-zero impact on state finances remains a point of discussion as stakeholders analyze long-term effects on state budgeting and resource distribution.