New Hampshire 2023 Regular Session

New Hampshire Senate Bill SB153

Introduced
1/20/23  
Refer
1/20/23  
Refer
3/7/23  
Refer
3/16/23  

Caption

Establishing a law enforcement officers, professional firefighters, and emergency medical technicians career development, recruitment, and retention program and making an appropriation therefor.

Impact

The law mandates an appropriation of $2 million for the fiscal year 2024, with the allocation directed towards funding educational reimbursements for eligible first responders. Of this total, up to $1.75 million is earmarked for course reimbursement and around $250,000 for the New Hampshire Fire Academy cost reimbursement. By providing these financial resources, the bill intends to enhance the education and skill level of first responders, ultimately improving public safety and response capabilities during emergencies.

Summary

Senate Bill 153 establishes a career development, recruitment, and retention program specifically for law enforcement officers, professional firefighters, and emergency medical technicians in New Hampshire. The bill seeks to address the increasing need for qualified first responders and support for their professional development through educational opportunities. This initiative is created under the Community College System of New Hampshire, which will oversee the program's implementation and fund distribution. The bill includes a significant financial appropriation aimed at facilitating course reimbursements and supporting training costs associated with these critical professions.

Contention

Although the bill enjoys broad bipartisan support among its sponsors and advocates, potential areas of contention may arise regarding the program's execution, the adequacy of the appropriated funds over time, and the bureaucratic processes involved in reimbursement. Critics may voice concerns over the fund's sustainability and the administrative costs associated with monitoring and reporting its impact. The bill also emphasizes the importance of recruitment and retention, which could lead to debates on how effectively the program will address these workforce challenges amidst changing demographics and competition within the job market.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

NH SB59

Establishing a recruitment incentive program within the community college system for public safety communicators and dispatchers and making an appropriation therefor.

NH HB1049

Firefighters and emergency medical services personnel; recruitment and professional development.

NH SB21

Relative to establishing a New Hampshire state trooper recruitment loan debt relief program and making an appropriation therefor.

NH HB1672

Providing for Firefighter and Emergency Medical Service Provider Recruitment and Retention Tax Credit.

NH SB01492

An Act Concerning Law Enforcement Recruitment And Retention.

NH SB00403

An Act Requiring A Study Of The Barriers To Medical Professionals Becoming Volunteer Firefighters Or Volunteer Emergency Medical Technicians.

NH HB2235

Providing for Pennsylvania firefighter and emergency medical service provider recruitment and retention tax credit.

NH SB199

Relative to establishing a new recruitment and retention program for new New Hampshire state troopers.

NH A900

Concerns recruitment and retention of volunteer firefighters; appropriates $2 million.

NH HB06624

An Act Concerning Firefighter Recruitment And Retention.

Similar Bills

NH SB59

Establishing a recruitment incentive program within the community college system for public safety communicators and dispatchers and making an appropriation therefor.

NH SB421

(New Title) relative to the membership and duties of the trauma medical review committee and establishing a study committee to review the membership and duties of other boards and an appointment related to emergency medical services.

NH SB423

reestablishing the commission to study the incidence of post-traumatic stress disorder in first responders.

NH HB1735

(New Title) relative to the practice of pharmacy, the dispensing of certain medications by pharmacists, and permitting treatment of certain severe illness under the right to try act.

NH SB504

(New Title) relative to the practice of pharmacy and the dispensing of certain medications by pharmacists, authorizing the establishment of experimental treatment centers, and permitting treatment of certain severe illness under the right to try act.

NH HB243

Relative to relative to the penalty for false reports of suspected abuse and neglect made to the division for children, youth, and families, and relative to the maternal mortality review committee, electric vehicle charging stations and fees for annual testing by the division of weights and measures, and relative to the acceptance of portraits of Senator Sylvia Larsen and Senator Jeb Bradley for the state house.

NH SB667

relative to the assault of emergency room personnel.

OK HB2961

Higher education; TSgt Marshal Dakota Roberts Gold Star Survivor Act; career and technology education; waiver of tuition and fees for the spouse and children of a Gold Star recipient; effective date.