Bill > SB178

This bill updates the New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services' (DHHS) laboratory services regulations for water supply testing, primarily by shifting fee structures and fund management from statute to administrative rules. The bill directs the DHHS commissioner to establish a list of laboratory services and a corresponding fee schedule through administrative rulemaking, with the flexibility to waive fees in the public interest. For services related to the federal Safe Drinking Water Act, fees will be set using the EPA's cost allocation method. The bill establishes a special "lab equipment and replacement fund" where 50% of analysis fees from public or private clients will be deposited, which can be used for purchasing or replacing laboratory equipment, and potentially for unexpected personnel or supply expenses with gubernatorial approval. The legislation also updates cross-references in other statutes and repeals the previous statute governing water supply testing fees. The changes will take effect on July 1, 2025, with some sections contingent on the DHHS commissioner certifying the adoption of the new administrative rules. This bill aims to provide more administrative flexibility in managing laboratory services and equipment funding.

Government Affairs

https://gc.nh.gov/bill_status/legacy/bs2016/bill_docket.aspx?lsr=0918&sy=2025&sortoption=&txtsessionyear=2025&txtbillnumber=SB178