This bill proposes the repeal of the position of the northern county area industrial agent within the Department of Business and Economic Affairs (BEA). Instead, it grants the commissioner of the department the authority to reallocate the responsibilities of this position to other directors and employees within the department. The bill emphasizes that the commissioner must ensure that all areas of the state are served equally, taking into account their respective economic needs. New legal language inserted into the bill allows the commissioner to assign existing division directors or employees to focus on economic development in specific regions, assisting local political subdivisions and organizations in maintaining and expanding industries, as well as encouraging new industries to establish operations.

Additionally, the bill repeals RSA 12-O:23, which pertains to the northern county area industrial agent, resulting in an estimated annual budget savings of approximately $111,313 starting in FY 2027. The responsibilities of the repealed position will be absorbed by redistributing duties among existing staff, with no anticipated revenue impact. The bill is set to take effect 60 days after its passage.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 12-O:5, 12-O:23
SB424 text: 12-O:5