This bill establishes a First Responders Support Fund to facilitate the enrollment and support of volunteer and full-time first responders from small communities—specifically those with five or fewer full-time, paid responders—into the state-provided Employee Assistance Program (EAP). The fund will be administered by the Department of Health and Human Services and will cover costs associated with enrolling these first responders in the EAP, which provides comprehensive support services, including assistance for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The bill outlines eligibility criteria, enrollment processes, and mandates the department to submit an annual report detailing fund usage, the number of responders served, and program outcomes. Implementation of the program is contingent upon securing funding, which will be reported to the legislature.

Additionally, the bill amends RSA 6:12 to include a new subparagraph that allows for the deposit of moneys into the First Responders Support Fund. The fund is authorized to accept various revenue sources, including gifts, grants, donations, and unidentified fee revenue. The fiscal impact of the bill is projected to begin in FY 2028, with estimated expenditures of $114,000 in the first year and $119,000 in the second year for the costs associated with expanding EAP services. The bill is set to take effect on July 1, 2027.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 6:12
As Amended by the House: 6:12
As Amended by the House (2nd): 6:12
As Amended by the Senate: 6:12
Version adopted by both bodies: 6:12
HB1705 text: 6:12
As Amended by the Senate (2nd): 6:12