New Hampshire House Bill HB391

New Hampshire 2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/9/23
• Refer: 1/9/23
• Report Pass: 2/9/23
• Engrossed: 3/7/23
• Refer: 3/7/23
• Report Pass: 4/6/23
• Enrolled: 5/17/23
• Chaptered: 5/24/23
• Passed: 5/24/23

Caption

Relative to the memorandum of understanding on data sharing between the department of health and human services and the department of environmental services.

Impact

One significant change brought by HB 391 is the modification of the reporting requirement. Previously mandated to occur every six months, the new regulation now requires annual reporting on data sharing practices between the two departments. This change is anticipated to reduce administrative burdens while still ensuring that essential data is communicated to relevant legislative bodies and commissions. The report will focus on data sharing initiatives, including collaboration on studies related to environmental health impacts, including those linked to arsenic in drinking water.

Summary

House Bill 391 facilitates a cooperative approach to data sharing between the Department of Health and Human Services and the Department of Environmental Services. This memorandum of understanding is aimed at enhancing communication and collaboration in addressing public health and environmental issues, particularly concerning the impacts of per- and polyfluorinated alkyl substances (PFAS). By streamlining the channels of information flow, the bill seeks to improve responses to health risks associated with environmental contaminants, thereby protecting public health more effectively.

Contention

While the bill aims to facilitate upgraded cooperation between key health and environmental agencies, there may be concerns regarding the potential for reduced oversight due to the annual reporting requirement. Critics might argue that less frequent reporting could hinder timely responses to emerging public health issues or environmental crises. The balance between effective data management and timely public health response remains a critical point of contention among stakeholders, including environmental advocates and public health officials.