This bill establishes a new recruitment and retention program for New Hampshire state troopers by amending RSA 21-P to include a new section, 21-P:4-a. The program allows the Department of Safety to develop incentives for recruitment and retention, including bonuses for newly hired applicants who have not been employed by the state for at least one year, and referral fees for current employees who assist in recruiting new hires. Additionally, any incentives received by state employees will not be classified as gifts under RSA 15-B, and the referral of applicants for fees will not be considered a misuse of position. The bill also stipulates that expenditures for these incentives will be considered a matter of public policy and will not be subject to collective bargaining agreements.

To fund this initiative, the bill appropriates $900,000 for the biennium ending June 30, 2027, to the Department of Safety for recruitment incentives. The governor is authorized to draw from the treasury for this amount, contingent upon the availability of highway funds as certified by the comptroller. If highway funds are unavailable, the appropriation will still take effect. The bill outlines specific uses for the funds, including recruitment materials, events, advertising, and sign-on bonuses for new recruits. The program is designed to enhance the recruitment and retention of qualified applicants for the state police force.