This bill mandates the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) to establish administrative rules concerning laboratory services and fees for water supply testing. It repeals and reenacts RSA 131:4, which now requires the commissioner to adopt rules for a list of laboratory services and a fee schedule, with the option to waive fees in the interest of public health. The bill also stipulates that fees for analyses required by the federal Safe Drinking Water Act will be determined based on a cost allocation method from EPA grants. Additionally, it establishes a lab equipment and replacement fund, where fees collected from non-state entities will be split between the general fund and this special fund for laboratory improvements.

Furthermore, the bill amends existing references in the law, replacing RSA 131:3-a with the newly enacted RSA 131:4 in various sections, including those related to public bathing facilities. It repeals RSA 131:3-a entirely, streamlining the legal framework governing laboratory services and fees. The implementation of these changes is contingent upon the DHHS commissioner certifying that the necessary rules have been adopted, with certain sections taking effect upon this certification and the remainder of the act set to take effect on July 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 6:12, 485-A:26, 131:3-a
As Amended by the House: 6:12, 485-A:26, 131:3-a
Version adopted by both bodies: 6:12, 485-A:26, 131:3-a
CHAPTERED FINAL VERSION: 6:12, 485-A:26, 131:3-a