designating the funds account for donations and bequests received by the department of military affairs and veterans services to be non-lapsing funds.
Summary
HB 1152 amends RSA 110-B:1, III to clarify that donations and bequests received by the Department of Military Affairs and Veterans Services are to be held in a nonlapsing fund and are continually appropriated to the department. In practical terms, money given to support military service members, veterans, and their families would remain available for use beyond the end of a fiscal year instead of reverting to the general fund or otherwise lapsing.
The bill is a department-requested measure and is narrowly focused on the handling of charitable funds. It does not create a new program or expand eligibility for benefits; rather, it changes the fiscal treatment of existing donation and bequest accounts so the department can retain and spend those funds over time for their intended purposes. The effective date is July 1, 2026.
Impact
This bill would modify state law governing the Department of Military Affairs and Veterans Services by expressly making donations and bequests to the department nonlapsing and continually appropriated. That change affects the department’s financial administration and ensures donated funds remain available for veteran- and military-family-related purposes across fiscal years. It primarily impacts the department’s accounting and spending authority, rather than changing substantive veterans’ benefits law.
Sentiment
The available context suggests generally favorable sentiment. The bill is described as a request of the Department of Military Affairs and Veterans Services, which typically indicates administrative support from the agency most directly affected. No committee transcript or recorded votes were provided showing opposition, and the measure appears to have moved as a routine, technical fiscal clarification rather than a controversial policy change.
Contention
There is little evidence of substantive contention in the materials provided. The main issue addressed is whether donated and bequeathed funds should lapse at the end of a fiscal period or remain available to the department indefinitely. Any discussion would likely center on fiscal control and appropriation mechanics, but no specific objections, amendments, or opposing viewpoints are included in the record provided.
Relative to transferring statutory authority from the department of education to the department of military affairs and veterans services regarding educational support services.
Establishing the housing champion business loan program and making appropriations to the department of business and economic affairs and the business finance authority.
Enabling funds from the Pitman-Robertson Act to be spent by the fish and game department on threatened and endangered species in New Hampshire and allowing the fish and game department to collect donations at sites approved by the executive director.
Designating Coos county as a distressed place-based economy and requiring the department of environmental services to revise the rules for proposed new landfills.
Relative to the department of health and human services management of social security payments, supplemental security income payments, and veterans benefits for children in foster care.
Relative to extending hiring preferences for military members and their spouses to the state and private businesses, and establishing purchase preferences for disabled veterans and military spouses regarding state supply purchases.