This bill aims to enhance the New Hampshire National Guard Enlistment and Reenlistment Incentive Program by broadening the eligibility criteria for cash incentives and increasing the financial benefits for service members. Specifically, it allows any current or former members of the New Hampshire national guard, as well as any currently serving service member to receive a cash incentive of up to $1,000 for each new or prior service recruit they bring into the National Guard. Additionally, the bill raises the reenlistment or reclassification incentive from $6,000 to $8,000 for current members who are not eligible for a federal reenlistment bonus. Furthermore, it introduces a reimbursement program for expenses related to achieving or recertifying credentials, allowing for up to $4,000 in reimbursements for members who do not receive federal reimbursement for such costs. The fiscal impact of this bill is projected to be indeterminable initially, as the program has only been in effect for one year. However, the Department of Military Affairs and Veterans Services anticipates that the current operating budget of $75,000 for FY 2026 and $115,000 for FY 2027 will require an additional appropriation of up to $125,000 starting in FY 2027 to support the expanded program. The bill does not provide specific funding but outlines the potential need for increased expenditures as the program grows.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 110-B:60
SB566 text: 110-B:60