This bill establishes a new advisory committee focused on the state procurement of agricultural products, aimed at reviewing and enhancing state procurement policies to promote local food production and conservation efforts. The committee will consist of three members from the House of Representatives, appointed by the Speaker, and one member from the Senate, appointed by the Senate President. Its responsibilities include assessing current procurement practices for locally produced food, evaluating the economic and environmental impacts of conservation-focused farming, developing recommendations for incentive mechanisms, and aligning its findings with state food system planning goals.

Additionally, the bill mandates that the committee elect a chairperson and hold its first meeting within 45 days of the effective date of the legislation. It also requires the committee to report its findings and recommendations for proposed legislation annually on November 1, starting in 2025, to various state officials. The new section is inserted into RSA 21-I as section 14-e, while no specific deletions from current law are noted in the text provided. The act will take effect upon its passage.

Statutes affected:
As Amended by the House: 21-I:14-d