This bill mandates that the Department of Environmental Services (DES) employ certified personnel in each of its program areas that have regulatory, permitting, or enforcement responsibilities. Specifically, it introduces a new paragraph to RSA 21-O:1, stating that DES must ensure at least one certified individual is available on call for each program area, either as a direct employee or through a contracted arrangement. The bill allows DES 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 DES. Furthermore, these individuals will not be liable for damages arising from their duties.

The bill does not provide specific funding but anticipates an indeterminable increase in state expenditures, estimated to range from $100,000 to $500,000 annually starting in FY 2028. The DES plans to meet the bill's requirements by incorporating certification or licensing criteria into job postings, upskilling current staff, and contracting certified individuals as needed. The actual costs will depend on various factors, including the number of program areas requiring certified personnel and the availability of qualified applicants. The bill is set to take effect on July 1, 2027.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 21-O:1
HB1426 text: 21-O:1