This bill mandates that the Department of Environmental Services (DES) employ certified personnel in each of its program areas that require licenses or certifications. Specifically, it introduces a new paragraph to RSA 21-O:1, stating that the DES must ensure at least one certified individual is available in each program area, either as a direct employee or through a contracted arrangement. The bill allows the department to utilize existing appropriations, federal grants, or program fees to cover the costs associated with training and certification. Additionally, it stipulates that certified individuals will not be required to meet certification maintenance requirements that could create conflicts of interest, nor will they be responsible for paying licensing or certification fees while employed by the DES. Furthermore, these individuals will not be liable for damages arising from their duties related to the department's statutory and regulatory requirements.

The bill is set to take effect on July 1, 2027, and is expected to result in an indeterminable increase in state expenditures, estimated between $100,000 to $500,000 annually starting in FY 2028. The DES plans to implement the bill by incorporating certification requirements into job postings, upskilling existing staff, and contracting certified individuals as needed. The fiscal impact will depend on various factors, including the number of program areas needing certified personnel and the costs associated with training and contracting. The bill does not provide specific funding, and the DES may seek funding through the operating budget process for FY 2028 and FY 2029.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 21-O:1
As Amended by the House: 21-O:1
HB1426 text: 21-O:1