This bill establishes the First Responders Support Fund, which will be administered by the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) to cover the costs of enrolling first responders from small communities—specifically those with no more than five full-time paid first responders—into the state-provided Employee Assistance Program (EAP). The fund will accept various revenue sources, including gifts, grants, donations, and fees, and is designed to ensure that these first responders have access to comprehensive support services, including those for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The bill also mandates the DHHS to develop guidelines for fund administration and requires an annual report to the legislature detailing fund usage and program outcomes.

Additionally, the bill appropriates $1 for the biennium ending June 30, 2027, to support the program, which is in addition to any other funds allocated to the DHHS. The bill amends RSA 6:12 to include the First Responders Support Fund as a new subparagraph, ensuring that funds deposited into it are recognized. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2026. Overall, the bill aims to enhance the mental health support available to first responders in small communities while establishing a framework for funding and program administration.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 6:12
HB1705 text: 6:12