This bill mandates that all members of planning boards and zoning boards of adjustment undergo annual training, competency testing, and certification. Specifically, it requires members to complete training developed by the Office of Planning and Development within 60 days of being seated and to pass an open-book test with a minimum score of 65% to receive 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 appropriates $25,000 from the General Fund for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2027, to support the development of training content and administrative support, while establishing a process for filling board vacancies.

Furthermore, the bill proposes the creation of a statewide online training and testing platform for certified members, which is expected to incur ongoing costs between $100,000 to $500,000 starting in FY 2027. This includes a one-time implementation cost of $300,000 to $500,000 for the Department of Information Technology to develop and maintain the platform. Municipalities may face minor administrative costs related to tracking certifications, but these are expected to be minimal. The bill's effective date is set for July 1 following its passage, but if enacted after July 1, 2026, it may shift to July 1, 2027. Additionally, there is a reference to a non-existent "Paragraph VIII," indicating a need for clarification in the legal language.

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