This bill proposes the establishment of a special nonlapsing fund, known as the Water Well Board Fund, to support the operations of the New Hampshire Water Well Board. The bill transfers funding from the general fund to this new fund, which will be continually appropriated and will receive all fees, fines, and civil penalties collected under RSA 482-B. Specifically, the bill amends RSA 6:12, I (b) to include the new subparagraph (411), which designates the Water Well Board Fund, and introduces a new section, RSA 482-B:4-a, that outlines the fund's purpose and management. Additionally, it modifies RSA 284-B:14 and RSA 482-B:16, VI to ensure that all revenues previously directed to the general fund will now be deposited into the Water Well Board Fund.

The bill is set to take effect on January 1, 2027, and is expected to generate approximately $242,600 in annual revenue from a newly implemented $100 fee for well completion reports, alongside existing revenue of about $43,480. This transition is anticipated to reduce general fund expenditures as the Water Well Board's operations, including a full-time position currently funded by the general fund, will be supported by the new Water Well Board Fund. The fiscal impact analysis indicates that the general fund will experience a decrease in revenue and expenditures starting in FY 2028, as all related financial activities will be managed through the Water Well Board Fund.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 6:12, 284-B:14, 482-B:16
As Amended by the Senate: 6:12, 284-B:14, 482-B:16
Version adopted by both bodies: 6:12, 284-B:14, 482-B:16
HB1088 text: 6:12, 284-B:14, 482-B:16