This bill mandates annual training, competency testing, and certification for members of planning boards and zoning boards of adjustment. It establishes the Office of Planning and Development's responsibility to develop and provide this training, which must be completed within 60 days of a member being seated and annually thereafter. Members are required to pass an open-book test with a minimum score of 65% to obtain a certificate of completion. The bill also includes provisions for public reporting of training completion, enforcement for noncompliance, and sets minimum qualifications for board membership. Additionally, it requires that vacancies for appointed or alternate members be publicly posted and that interested candidates submit a letter of interest detailing their qualifications.

To support the implementation of these requirements, the bill appropriates $25,000 from the General Fund for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2027, aimed at developing training content and necessary technology infrastructure. However, the estimated ongoing costs to maintain the training and certification system are projected to exceed this initial appropriation, with potential increases in state expenditures ranging from $100,000 to $500,000 starting in FY 2027. The bill also includes a carryforward provision for any unexpended balance, ensuring that funds can be utilized in subsequent fiscal years. The effective date of the bill is set for July 1 following its passage, although there is some ambiguity regarding the timing of the appropriation in relation to the effective date.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 9-A:2
HB1802 text: 9-A:2