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 the existing statute RSA 131:3-a and enacts a new RSA 131:4, which outlines the responsibilities of the commissioner to adopt rules for laboratory services and fee schedules. The bill allows the commissioner to waive fees when deemed necessary for public health and specifies 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.

The bill also amends references in existing laws to align with the new RSA 131:4, specifically in RSA 6:12 and RSA 485-A:26, which pertain to the application of receipts and costs associated with public bathing facilities. Furthermore, it includes a contingency clause stating that certain sections of the act will only take effect once the commissioner certifies that the necessary rules have been adopted. The bill ultimately repeals the previous statute on water testing fees and sets a timeline for the implementation of its provisions, with some sections taking effect upon certification and the remainder 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