This bill establishes a First Responders Support Fund to facilitate the enrollment of first responders from small communities into the state-provided Employee Assistance Program (EAP). The fund will be administered by the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) and will cover costs for first responders from communities with volunteer fire departments or those with no more than five full-time paid responders. The bill outlines eligibility criteria, enrollment processes, and mandates the DHHS to submit an annual report detailing fund usage and program outcomes. Additionally, it includes an appropriation of $150,000 for the biennium ending June 30, 2027, to support these initiatives.

The bill amends RSA 281 by inserting new sections that establish the First Responders Support Fund and define the eligibility and enrollment processes for first responders. It also adds a new subparagraph to RSA 6:12, I(b) to include moneys deposited in the newly established fund. The effective date for this act is set for July 1, 2025. The fiscal impact indicates that while no new positions are authorized, the DHHS anticipates needing an additional Employee Assistance Program Field Representative to manage the expected increase in service utilization, with estimated costs for this position outlined for the upcoming fiscal years.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 6:12