New Hampshire House Bill HB1655

New Hampshire 2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 12/15/23
• Refer: 12/15/23
• Report Pass: 2/6/24
• Refer: 2/15/24
• Report Pass: 3/15/24
• Engrossed: 3/26/24
• Refer: 3/26/24
• Report Pass: 4/10/24
• Enrolled: 6/27/24
• Chaptered: 7/22/24
• Passed: 7/22/24

Caption

Including in the commissioner of the department of education's rulemaking authority the authority to make rules regarding collection of fees for criminal background check processing.

Impact

The implications of HB 1655 could be significant for educational institutions and individuals undergoing background checks for employment or credentialing purposes. By establishing a standardized approach to fee collection, the bill is expected to improve transparency and foster a more predictable financial environment for those impacted by these checks. Fees collected will be earmarked specifically for the associated costs, meaning they cannot be redirected to other funding uses, thus ensuring accountability in fee management.

Summary

House Bill 1655 aims to enhance the regulatory framework surrounding the collection of fees for processing criminal background checks within the realm of education. Specifically, the bill extends the rulemaking authority of the commissioner of the department of education, enabling the establishment of rules that govern the fees associated with the administration of proficiency exams, competence evaluations, and criminal history record checks. By clearly defining the parameters for fee collection, the bill seeks to ensure that charges are closely aligned with the actual costs associated with these services.

Contention

While the summary does not mention explicit points of contention surrounding HB 1655, one can infer that any changes to fee structures are often met with scrutiny. Stakeholders may express differing views on whether the fees are appropriately set, particularly in light of concerns about accessibility and affordability for potential educators and professionals subject to these checks. Additionally, ensuring that the fees remain reasonable and in line with actual costs could lead to discussions about the adequacy of funding and resource allocation within the department of education.