SB 302-FN mandates background checks for owners, partners, and managers of solid waste facilities as part of the permit application process, specifically requiring both New Hampshire and fingerprint-based criminal records checks. The bill repeals and reenacts RSA 147-A:4, II-c and II-d, defining key terms such as "owner," "officer," "director," "partner," "member," and "manager," and stipulating that all individuals associated with the permit application must submit to these checks. The Department of Environmental Services is responsible for maintaining the confidentiality of the criminal history records and may charge applicants for the costs associated with the background checks. Additionally, the bill amends RSA 147-A:4, IV-a to require prior written approval from the department for any transfer of permits, ensuring that all related individuals comply with the new criminal record provisions.

Furthermore, the bill modifies RSA 147-A:4-b, II to require corporations, partnerships, and other associations to disclose the names and addresses of their owners, directors, and officers. It also repeals and reenacts RSA 149-M:9, III, mandating that applicants and associated individuals undergo criminal records checks and clarifying the definitions of key terms. The previous requirement for the attorney general to conduct background investigations has been deleted, along with the stipulation that applicants bear the cost of such investigations, thereby reducing the financial burden on permit seekers. Overall, SB 302-FN aims to enhance transparency and accountability in the permitting process by ensuring thorough background checks and ownership disclosures, with an effective date set for 60 days after passage and a projected fiscal impact of less than $10,000 annually from 2025 to 2028.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 147-A:4, 147-A:4-b, 149-M:9, 149-M:10