reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title I - The State and Its Government › Chapter 12-O - Department of Business and Economic Affairs › Section 12-O:23 - Northern County Area Industrial Agent.

12-O:23 Northern County Area Industrial Agent. –
A special position shall be provided, in the division of economic development of the department of business and economic affairs, to be known as area industrial agent for the counties of Coos, Grafton, and Carroll. The commissioner shall, subject to the personnel laws of the state, employ such area industrial agent for said counties, who shall be fully qualified by specific training and experience and who shall work under the supervision of the director. She or he shall maintain a residence in one of said 3 counties and her or his duties shall be primarily concerned with, but not limited to, assisting the political subdivisions of the state, regional development organizations or groups, and individuals to maintain and expand existing industries and to encourage, assist, and aid new industries to establish operations in said Coos, Grafton and Carroll counties, and the agent's efforts shall be directed to the economic development of said 3 counties.
Source.
2017, 156:40, eff. July 1, 2017.
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title I - The State and Its Government › Chapter 12-O - Department of Business and Economic Affairs › Section 12-O:23-a - Office of Outdoor Recreation Industry Development Established.

12-O:23-a Office of Outdoor Recreation Industry Development Established. –
I. There is established in the department the office of outdoor recreation industry development. The office shall be under the supervision of a classified director of the office of outdoor recreation industry development, who shall serve under the supervision of the commissioner. The director shall provide administrative oversight and ensure that the responsibilities of the office described in this section are fulfilled.
II. The office of outdoor recreation industry development shall:
(a) Coordinate outdoor recreation policy, management, and promotion among state and federal agencies and local government entities.
(b) Promote economic development in the state by:
(1) Coordinating with outdoor recreation stakeholders.
(2) Using outdoor recreational infrastructure and industry to promote tourism and recruit members of the general workforce.
(3) Working with stakeholders and academic institutions to develop relevant training and curricula for members of the outdoor industry and manufacturing workforce.
(4) Improving motorized and nonmotorized recreational opportunities in cooperation with the department of natural and cultural resources.
(5) Recruiting outdoor recreation business and industry.
(c) Recommend policies and initiatives to enhance recreational amenities and experiences in the state and help implement those policies and initiatives.
(d) Develop outcome-driven data regarding the effect of outdoor recreation in the state.
(e) Promote the health and social benefits of outdoor recreation, especially to young people.
(f) Advance sustainable land stewardship initiatives recognizing the relationship between outdoor recreation and its economic benefit to the state.
III. Provided that any federally funded programs managed by the department of natural and cultural resources, division of parks on the effective date of this section shall continue to be managed by the division of parks, the office of outdoor recreation industry development may:
(a) Seek federal grants or loans.
(b) Seek private foundation partnerships.
(c) Seek to participate in federal programs.
(d) In accordance with applicable federal program guidelines, administer federally funded outdoor recreation programs.
Source.
2019, 346:271, eff. July 1, 2019.
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title I - The State and Its Government › Chapter 12-O - Department of Business and Economic Affairs › Section 12-O:24 - Economic Development Strategy and Plan.

12-O:24 Economic Development Strategy and Plan. –
The division of economic development, with input and assistance from the council of partner agencies established under RSA 12-O:7 and other public and private organizations with whom it chooses to work, shall develop a rolling 10-year economic development strategy and operating plan.
Source.
2017, 156:40, eff. July 1, 2017.
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title I - The State and Its Government › Chapter 12-O - Department of Business and Economic Affairs › Section 12-O:25 - Definitions.

12-O:25 Definitions. –
In this subdivision:
I. "Plan" means an ongoing management operating document that identifies strategies and activities, and the progress thereof, designed to expand the state's economic base and strengthen the economic health of New Hampshire, based on the needs of the state and of business and industry. The plan shall identify specific actions, and the responsibilities, rationales, timeframes, resources required, barriers if any, and the tracking and reporting of outcomes associated with those actions.
II. "Strategy" means an overall direction or course that identifies how the division will convey the state's value to the business and industry community, how it will leverage its strengths and assets, and the broad themes it will emphasize that are attractive to retaining and recruiting business and industry.
Source.
2017, 156:40, eff. July 1, 2017.
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title I - The State and Its Government › Chapter 12-O - Department of Business and Economic Affairs › Section 12-O:26 - Goals and Objectives.

12-O:26 Goals and Objectives. –
The plan shall identify both goals and objectives for the 10-year period and shall track measurable results so as to be able to assess the plan. Goals and objectives may be added, amended, or deleted as both existing and emerging economic conditions and opportunities warrant. The plan shall also benchmark key economic indicators.
Source.
2017, 156:40, eff. July 1, 2017.
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title I - The State and Its Government › Chapter 12-O - Department of Business and Economic Affairs › Section 12-O:28 - Annual Report.

12-O:28 Annual Report. –
The division of economic development shall complete the initial economic development strategy and plan by December 31, 2018, and submit the plan to the governor, senate president, senate majority leader, senate minority leader, speaker of the house of representatives, house majority leader, and house minority leader. On or before December 31 of each year thereafter, the division shall similarly provide results and validation from the previous fiscal year and a comprehensive update of the plan so that each annual report shall extend the time frame of the plan by one year, thereby ensuring that a 2-year plan is always in effect.
Source.
2017, 156:40, eff. July 1, 2017.
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title I - The State and Its Government › Chapter 12-O - Department of Business and Economic Affairs › Section 12-O:30 - to 12-O:37 Repealed by 2019, 346:190, I, eff. Sept. 26, 2019.

12-O:30 to 12-O:37 Repealed by 2019, 346:190, I, eff. Sept. 26, 2019. –
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title I - The State and Its Government › Chapter 12-O - Department of Business and Economic Affairs › Section 12-O:38 - International Trade Promotion.

12-O:38 International Trade Promotion. –
The commissioner of business and economic affairs shall plan, develop, and administer programs for international trade promotion and inward investment promotion in cooperation with the Pease development authority, division of ports and harbors, and the Small Business Development Center and other private organizations. The commissioner shall take a proactive role in targeting foreign trade shows and foreign trade missions and shall assist New Hampshire businesses desiring to participate in these shows and missions. In planning, developing, and administering programs under this section, the commissioner may draw on the fund created under RSA 12-O:39.
Source.
2017, 156:40, eff. July 1, 2017.
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title I - The State and Its Government › Chapter 12-O - Department of Business and Economic Affairs › Section 12-O:39 - International Trade Promotion Fund.

12-O:39 International Trade Promotion Fund. –
There is hereby established in the office of the state treasurer a fund to be known as the international trade promotion fund. The commissioner of business and economic affairs is authorized to accept public sector and private sector grants, gifts, or donations of any kind for the purpose of funding programs associated with the promotion of international trade. Such grants, gifts, and donations shall be deposited in the international trade promotion fund and may be expended by the commissioner of business and economic affairs to accomplish the purposes of RSA 12-O:38. The moneys in this fund shall lapse to the general fund at the end of each biennium.
Source.
2017, 156:40, eff. July 1, 2017. 2022, 25:3, eff. June 30, 2022.
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title I - The State and Its Government › Chapter 12-O - Department of Business and Economic Affairs › Section 12-O:40 - Review of Reports Required.

12-O:40 Review of Reports Required. –
The department of business and economic affairs, in consultation with the legislative budget assistant, shall periodically review reports issued under RSA 162-A:23-a at least once every 5 years and make recommendations to be utilized for an improved and consistent methodology for assessing the quantity and quality of jobs created and saved and the growth potential and environmental impacts of such programs. This section shall not apply to promotional literature.
Source.
2017, 156:40, eff. July 1, 2017.
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title I - The State and Its Government › Chapter 12-O - Department of Business and Economic Affairs › Section 12-O:41 - Limitation.

12-O:41 Limitation. –
The review under RSA 12-O:40 shall not apply to state loans or state loan guarantees of less than $250,000, or to state grants of less than $50,000.
Source.
2017, 156:40, eff. July 1, 2017.
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title I - The State and Its Government › Chapter 12-O - Department of Business and Economic Affairs › Section 12-O:42 - Workforce Development.

12-O:42 Workforce Development. –
The commissioner of business and economic affairs shall work with the director of the office of workforce opportunity to plan, develop, and administer workforce investment activities, programs, and grants under the federal Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act of 2014, as such may be amended, reauthorized, and in effect from time to time, and shall discharge the day-to-day operational responsibilities and obligations of the State Workforce Innovation Board established under RSA 12-O:44. The commissioner shall coordinate with the State Workforce Innovation Board to promote state and local investment systems that increase the employment, retention, and earnings of participants, and increase occupational skill attainment by participants, and, as a result, improve the quality of the workforce, reduce welfare dependency, and enhance the productivity and competitiveness of the nation.
Source.
2017, 156:40, eff. July 1, 2017. 2020, 37:32, eff. July 29, 2020. 2023, 79:244, eff. July 1, 2023.
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title I - The State and Its Government › Chapter 12-O - Department of Business and Economic Affairs › Section 12-O:43 - Workforce Development Director.

12-O:43 Workforce Development Director. –
There is established within the office of workforce opportunity the position of director, which shall be an administrator IV position, classified at labor grade 33. The director shall lead the office of workforce opportunity. The director shall perform all duties which the commissioner may assign.
Source.
2017, 156:40, eff. July 1, 2017. 2023, 79:245, eff. July 1, 2023.
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title I - The State and Its Government › Chapter 12-O - Department of Business and Economic Affairs › Section 12-O:44 - State Workforce Innovation Board.

12-O:44 State Workforce Innovation Board. –
I. There is established a State Workforce Innovation Board within the Office of Workforce Opportunity.
II. Membership of the board shall be as set forth in the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act of 2014 as such may be amended, reauthorized, and in effect from time to time. Members of the board shall be appointed by the governor and shall serve at the pleasure of the governor. The governor shall select a chairperson for the board from among the members of the board.
III. The board shall meet no less frequently than semi-annually, shall have the powers and responsibilities of the state workforce investment board under the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act of 2014.
Source.
2017, 156:40, eff. July 1, 2017. 2020, 37:33, eff. July 29, 2020. 2023, 79:246, eff. July 1, 2023.
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title I - The State and Its Government › Chapter 12-O - Department of Business and Economic Affairs › Section 12-O:46 - to 12-O:50 Repealed by 2023, 79:242, I, eff. July 1, 2023.

12-O:46 to 12-O:50 Repealed by 2023, 79:242, I, eff. July 1, 2023. –
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title I - The State and Its Government › Chapter 12-O - Department of Business and Economic Affairs › Section 12-O:51 - Repealed by 2021, 91:189, III, eff. July 1, 2021.

12-O:51 Repealed by 2021, 91:189, III, eff. July 1, 2021. –
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title I - The State and Its Government › Chapter 12-O - Department of Business and Economic Affairs › Section 12-O:51-a - Offshore Wind Industry Workforce Training Center Committee.

12-O:51-a Offshore Wind Industry Workforce Training Center Committee. –
I. The offshore wind industry workforce training center committee is established in the department of business and economic affairs. The committee shall consist of:
(a) The commissioner of the department of business and economic affairs, or designee.
(b) The commissioner of the department of education, or designee.
(c) The commissioner of the labor department, or designee.
(d) The executive director of fish and game department, or designee for marine programs.
(e) A representative of the university of New Hampshire, Sea Grant, appointed by the university.
(f) Two representatives of public utilities, selected by the utilities.
(g) Three representatives of organized labor, selected by the commissioner of labor upon recommendation by organized labor.
(h) The president of Great Bay community college, or designee.
(i) The department of education CTE director.
(j) The director of the New Hampshire port authority.
(k) The director of the office of offshore wind industry development under RSA 12-P:7-b.
(l) A representative of the Portsmouth Collaborative Chamber of Commerce.
(m) The President of Granite Shore Power, or designee.
II. The committee shall examine workforce needs of the Gulf of Maine offshore wind industry, and shall make recommendations on workforce training, including coordination of programs with union and other apprentice and workforce training programs. The committee shall study the need to build and staff an offshore wind industry workforce training center convenient to the Port of Portsmouth, including high need fields such as electricians and welders. The study shall include a plan for inclusion of the seacoast region career and technical education centers, Great Bay community college, and union apprenticeship and training programs. The study shall include a consideration of lease or capital expenditures for facilities, equipment, instructional costs, and transportation costs for students from seacoast region career and technical education centers. The committee shall study criteria for agreements of partners and for the use of any funding available from the career and technical education workforce development and innovation fund established in RSA 188-E:30, state appropriations, federal funding and grants, the offshore wind industry, unions, or other sources.
III. The committee shall report annually by November 1 to the governor, the chair of the New Hampshire offshore wind and port development commission under RSA 374-F:10, and the president of the Business and Industry Association.
Source.
2023, 99:3, eff. July 1, 2023.
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title I - The State and Its Government › Chapter 12-O - Department of Business and Economic Affairs › Section 12-O:52 - Repealed by 2021, 91:189, III, eff. July 1, 2021.

12-O:52 Repealed by 2021, 91:189, III, eff. July 1, 2021. –
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title I - The State and Its Government › Chapter 12-O - Department of Business and Economic Affairs › Section 12-O:53 - Office of Planning and Development.

12-O:53 Office of Planning and Development. –
I. There is established the office of planning and development within the department of business and economic affairs. The office of shall be under the supervision of a classified director of the office of planning and development, who shall serve under the supervision of the commissioner.
II. The office of planning and development shall:
(a) Plan for the orderly development of the state and the wise management of the state's resources.
(b) Compile, analyze, and disseminate data, information, and research services as necessary to advance the welfare of the state.
(c) Encourage and assist planning, growth management, and development activities of cities and towns and groups of cities and towns with the purpose of encouraging smart growth.
(d) Encourage the coordination and correlation of state planning by agencies of state government.
(e) Participate in interstate, regional, and national planning efforts.
(f) Administer federal and state grant-in-aid programs assigned to the office by statute or executive order.
(g) Participate and advise in matters of land use planning regarding water resources and floodplain management.
(h) Take a leadership role in encouraging smart growth and preserving farmland, open space land, and traditional village centers.
(i) Administer the following programs: the statewide comprehensive outdoor recreation plan, the national flood insurance program, and the land conservation investment program. The office shall employ necessary personnel to administer these programs.
(j) Perform such other duties as the commissioner may assign.
Source.
2021, 91:195, eff. July 1, 2021.
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title I - The State and Its Government › Chapter 12-O - Department of Business and Economic Affairs › Section 12-O:54 - State Development Plan.

12-O:54 State Development Plan. –
I. The office of planning and development, under the direction of the commissioner, shall:
(a) Assist the commissioner in preparing, publishing, and revising the comprehensive development plan required under RSA 9-A.
(b) Coordinate and monitor the planning efforts of various state agencies and departments to ensure that program plans published by such agencies are consistent with the policies and priorities established in the comprehensive development plan.
(c) Coordinate and monitor the planning efforts of the regional planning commissions to ensure that the plans published by the commissions are consistent, to the extent practical, with the policies and priorities established in the state development plan.
II. In preparing the state development plan, the office of planning and development shall consult with the chief executive officers of the various departments and agencies of state government. The office shall also consult with officials of regional planning commissions and regional and local planning and development agencies, local officials, representatives of the business and environmental community, and the general public.
III. All state agencies and departments shall provide the office of planning and development with information and assistance as required by the office to fulfill its responsibilities under paragraph I. The office shall maintain the confidentiality of any information which is protected by law.
Source.
2021, 91:195, eff. July 1, 2021.
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title I - The State and Its Government › Chapter 12-O - Department of Business and Economic Affairs › Section 12-O:55 - Data and Information Services.

12-O:55 Data and Information Services. –
The office of planning and development shall:
I. Gather, tabulate, and periodically publish information on the location and pace of development throughout the state, including, but not limited to, population, housing, and building permit data.
II. Initiate data coordination procedures as the state agency responsible for coordinating data collection and dissemination among the state, the private sector, and the various political subdivisions.
III. Gather information for storage in a data bank concerning the data which is currently available within all state agencies. This data shall be used to provide information which is useful in measuring growth and its impact and for statewide planning purposes in general. The data available for dissemination shall include, but shall not be limited to, information for determining future demands for state services and demographic and economic statistics. Any other state agency or department which initiates a data collection program shall inform the office of planning and development of its efforts so that the office may utilize that information for planning purposes in its dissemination program.
IV. Cooperate with the department of environmental services in identifying potential sites for hazardous waste facilities.
V. Develop and maintain a computerized geographic information system in support of state, regional, or local planning and management activities.
VI. Cooperate with the Bureau of the Census and other federal agencies with the objective of improving access to the statistical products, data, and information of the federal government.
VII. Annually estimate the resident population for all cities and towns of the state pursuant to RSA 78-A:25.
Source.
2021, 91:195, eff. July 1, 2021.
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title I - The State and Its Government › Chapter 12-O - Department of Business and Economic Affairs › Section 12-O:55-a - Commission on Demographic Trends.

12-O:55-a Commission on Demographic Trends. –
I. There is established a commission on demographic trends. The commission shall develop long-term net migration goals, review and recommend programs and legislation designed to meet the net migration goals, and monitor the success of any such programs.
II. The members of the commission shall be as follows:
(a) One member of the senate, appointed by the president of the senate.
(b) Four members of the house of representatives, appointed by the speaker of the house of representatives.
(c) The commissioner of the department of business and economic affairs, or designee.
(d) Six New Hampshire citizens who have expertise to support the mission of the commission, appointed by the governor.
III. The commission shall elect a chairperson from its membership, and any other officers it deems necessary. The terms of the elected members of the commission shall be coterminous with their terms in offices; the terms of all other appointed members shall be 3 years. In the event of a vacancy, a new member shall be appointed for the unexpired term in the same manner as the original appointment. The first meeting of the commission shall be called by the first-named house member. The first meeting of the commission shall be held within 45 days of the effective date of this section. Seven members of the commission shall constitute a quorum.
IV. The commission shall report at least annually to the governor, speaker of the house of representatives, president of the senate, clerk of the house of representatives, clerk of the senate, and state library. The annual report shall be posted on the general court website.
V. The commission shall create a biennial scorecard on New Hampshire's demographic condition and trends, which shall be distributed to the governor, speaker of the house of representatives, president of the senate, clerk of the house of representatives, clerk of the senate, county commissioners, and state library. The scorecard also shall be posted on the general court website.
Source.
2022, 293:3, eff. Aug. 30, 2022.
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title I - The State and Its Government › Chapter 12-O - Department of Business and Economic Affairs › Section 12-O:56 - Policies and Plans.

12-O:56 Policies and Plans. –
I. The office of planning and development shall formulate policies and plans for consideration by the commissioner and the governor which serve to integrate and coordinate resource and development activities affecting more than one state agency, level of government, or governmental function. Such activities may include, but shall not be limited to, the following subject areas:
(a) Water resources.
(b) Transportation.
(c) Recreation and natural resources.
(d) Solid waste and hazardous waste management.
(e) Off-shore, coastal, and estuarine resources.
(f) Housing.
(g) Economic development.
(h) Energy.
(i) Shoreland protection.
(j) Smart growth.
Source.
2021, 91:195, eff. July 1, 2021.
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title I - The State and Its Government › Chapter 12-O - Department of Business and Economic Affairs › Section 12-O:57 - Program Established.

12-O:57 Program Established. –
The director of the office of planning and development shall establish a program of regional and municipal assistance within the office of planning and development. This program shall coordinate state, regional, and local planning efforts with the goal of assuring delivery of efficient and effective assistance to local governments in areas related to growth management and resource protection.
Source.
2021, 91:195, eff. July 1, 2021.
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title I - The State and Its Government › Chapter 12-O - Department of Business and Economic Affairs › Section 12-O:58 - Responsibilities for Assistance.

12-O:58 Responsibilities for Assistance. –
The office of planning and development shall:
I. Provide technical assistance and, within the limits of biennial legislative appropriations, financial grants to regional planning commissions established under RSA 36:45-36:53 in support of:
(a) Planning assistance to local units of government.
(b) Preparation of regional plans.
(c) Contributions to and coordination with statewide planning and management activities, including the formulation and updating of the comprehensive state development plan prepared pursuant to RSA 12-O:54.
II. As requested and in cooperation with regional planning commissions, provide technical assistance and information in support of the planning and growth management efforts of local units of government, including training requested under RSA 673:3-a. The office shall encourage municipalities to first seek assistance from established regional planning commissions.
III. Provide computer interface capability among and between each regional planning commission, office of planning and development, and state data collection and storage sources. The computer interface capability shall be used by regional planning commissions to respond to municipal requests for assistance in the preparation and amending of master plans and in the evaluation of municipal infrastructure needs. The computer interface capability shall also be used by regional planning commissions to develop and update regional master plans, as provided in RSA 36:47. The computer equipment used for the purposes of this paragraph shall be compatible and able to interface with the office of planning and development's geographic information system, as well as with other similar state computerized data collection and storage sources.
IV. Provide technical assistance and information to municipalities with the cooperation of other state and regional planning agencies in the following areas:
(a) Use and application of geographic data available in the state's geographic information system (GIS) for local planning and growth management purposes.
(b) Recommending standard procedures for the establishment of accurate, large-scale base mapping to support municipal administrative functions such as tax assessment, public facility management and engineering.
Source.
2021, 91:195, eff. July 1, 2021.
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title I - The State and Its Government › Chapter 12-O - Department of Business and Economic Affairs › Section 12-O:59 - Coordination at State Level.

12-O:59 Coordination at State Level. –
The office of planning and development shall coordinate efforts by state agencies to provide technical assistance to municipal governments in areas related to growth management and resource protection.
Source.
2021, 91:195, eff. July 1, 2021.
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title I - The State and Its Government › Chapter 12-O - Department of Business and Economic Affairs › Section 12-O:60 - Revolving Funds.

12-O:60 Revolving Funds. –
In order to enhance its ability to provide education and training assistance to municipalities and regional agencies, the following nonlapsing revolving funds, which shall not exceed $20,000 on June 30 of each year, shall be established in the office of planning and development:
I. A revolving fund known as the publications revolving fund.
(a) The moneys in this fund shall be used for the purposes of printing materials for distribution. A reasonable charge shall be established for each copy of a document. This charge shall be only in the amount necessary to pay the cost of producing such document.
(b) The amount in the nonlapsing publications revolving fund shall not exceed $20,000, on June 30 of each year and any amounts in excess of $20,000 on June 30 of each year shall be deposited in the general fund as unrestricted revenue.
II. A revolving fund known as the municipal and regional training fund.
(a) The moneys in this fund shall be used for the purpose of providing training to local and regional officials. A reasonable charge shall be established for such training. This charge shall be fixed to reflect the cost of payments to experts to provide the training, the cost of written training material, rental of facilities, advertising and other associated costs. Such training shall be conducted in a geographically dispersed manner and scheduled with the convenience of part-time officials in mind.
(b) The amount in the nonlapsing municipal and regional training revolving fund shall not exceed $20,000 on June 30 of each year and any amounts in excess of $20,000 on June 30 of each year shall be deposited in the general fund as unrestricted revenue.
Source.
2021, 91:195, eff. July 1, 2021.
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title I - The State and Its Government › Chapter 12-O - Department of Business and Economic Affairs › Section 12-O:61 - Broadband Matching Grant Initiative Established.

12-O:61 Broadband Matching Grant Initiative Established. –
I. There is hereby established within the department of business and economic affairs a broadband matching grant initiative, the purpose of which shall be to provide matching grants to broadband providers, political subdivisions, and communications districts in order to improve broadband availability across the state. When awarding grants, the department shall take into consideration broad geographic coverage of broadband services in New Hampshire and participation of political subdivisions and broadband providers in the grant process that will support business and residential users.
II. Eligible projects shall provide high speed Internet access in unserved areas of the state that lack access to broadband services, as defined in RSA 38:38, I(f), from at least one broadband provider.
III. Any broadband provider, political subdivision, or communications district formed under RSA 53-G shall be eligible for a grant of up to 75 percent of the total eligible costs of a project. Projects under construction at the time of application shall be ineligible, unless the provisions of RSA 12-O:62, VIII apply. Projects in the planning stages shall be eligible.
Source.
2021, 91:457, eff. July 1, 2021. 2022, 280:2, eff. June 24, 2022.
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title I - The State and Its Government › Chapter 12-O - Department of Business and Economic Affairs › Section 12-O:63 - Broadband Matching Grant Fund.

12-O:63 Broadband Matching Grant Fund. –
I. There is hereby established the broadband matching grant fund. The fund shall be kept separate and distinct from all other funds and shall be continually appropriated to the commissioner of the department of business and economic affairs for the purposes of this subdivision. In addition to state appropriations, the department may accept gifts, grants, and donations for deposit into the fund.
II. Any federal funds received by the state for the purposes of expanding or improving Internet access that are not otherwise committed to other programs or required by the federal legislation authorizing the funds shall be deposited into the broadband matching grant fund.
Source.
2021, 91:457, eff. July 1, 2021.
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title I - The State and Its Government › Chapter 12-O - Department of Business and Economic Affairs › Section 12-O:64 - Repealed by 2023, 79:242, II, eff. July 1, 2023.

12-O:64 Repealed by 2023, 79:242, II, eff. July 1, 2023. –
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title I - The State and Its Government › Chapter 12-O - Department of Business and Economic Affairs › Section 12-O:65 - Wireless Deployment Grant Initiative Established.

12-O:65 Wireless Deployment Grant Initiative Established. –
I. There is hereby established within the department of business and economic affairs a wireless deployment grant initiative, the purpose of which shall be to award grants to wireless providers in order to improve wireless connectivity within municipalities and across the state.
II. Eligible projects shall provide wireless infrastructure in areas unserved by or lacking consistent mobile wireless coverage.
III. Eligible projects shall be evaluated as part of a competitive process.
IV. Selected projects shall meet the needs of consumers with the lowest possible cost and highest possible functionality.
V. Projects under construction at the time of application shall be ineligible.
VI. Projects that have been awarded funding, but not yet built shall be ineligible. This includes projects for which a provider is already obligated to deploy wireless service pursuant to regulatory or other legally enforceable commitment.
VII. Funding shall be awarded for no more than one project in any proposed coverage area.
Source.
2022, 231:2, eff. Aug. 16, 2022.
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title I - The State and Its Government › Chapter 12-O - Department of Business and Economic Affairs › Section 12-O:66 - Program Guidelines; Rulemaking.

12-O:66 Program Guidelines;  Rulemaking. –
I. The department of business and economic affairs shall adopt rules under RSA 541-A, relative to grant application and distribution procedures for wireless initiatives pursuant to 12-O:65.
II. The rules shall, at a minimum, include the following:
(a) Establishment of a competitive grant process based on objective criteria, prioritizing areas unserved by or lacking consistent mobile wireless coverage.
(b) Establishment of a challenge process, with reasonable timelines, through which information may be provided to the state to ensure that funds are used to build projects in areas unserved by or lacking consistent mobile wireless coverage.
(c) A method to ensure an applicant's trade secrets, financial information, and proprietary information submitted as part of an application are exempt from disclosure under RSA 91-A.
(d) Establishment of a process that promotes wireless connectivity statewide.
(e) Establishment of a program or mechanisms to encourage adoption of wireless services.
III. Eligible costs for the program shall include, but are not limited to:
(a) Costs of construction and government permitting, installation, and operation of wireless network infrastructure, including but not limited to buildings, towers, digital devices, equipment, and fiber-optic lines.
(b) Upgrades to existing wireless network infrastructure.
(c) All other costs directly attributable to the construction project. In cases where a cost is shared with another ongoing project, shared costs shall be prorated.
(d) Planning costs related to network design and program eligibility.
(e) Awards pursuant to this subdivision shall be contingent on the issuance of necessary government permits.
IV. The department of business and economic affairs shall not, as a condition of an award of grant money, impose any requirement, rate regulation, or other term or condition of service that differs from the applicant's terms or conditions of service in its other service areas.
Source.
2022, 231:2, eff. Aug. 16, 2022.
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title I - The State and Its Government › Chapter 12-O - Department of Business and Economic Affairs › Section 12-O:67 - Wireless Deployment Grant Fund.

12-O:67 Wireless Deployment Grant Fund. –
I. There is hereby established in the state treasury the wireless deployment grant fund. The fund shall be kept separate and distinct from all other funds and shall be nonlapsing and continually appropriated to the commissioner of the department of business and economic affairs for the purposes of this subdivision. In addition to state appropriations, the department may accept gifts, grants, and donations for deposit into the fund.
II. Federal funds received by the state for the purposes of expanding or improving Internet access or wireless connectivity may be credited to the wireless deployment grant fund.
Source.
2022, 231:2, eff. Aug. 16, 2022.
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title I - The State and Its Government › Chapter 12-O - Department of Business and Economic Affairs › Section 12-O:68 - Federal Law Supersedes.

12-O:68 Federal Law Supersedes. –
If any provision of this subdivision conflicts with any provision of funding guidance under federal law, the federal funding guidance shall supersede.
Source.
2022, 231:2, eff. Aug. 16, 2022.
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title I - The State and Its Government › Chapter 12-O - Department of Business and Economic Affairs › Section 12-O:69 - Fund Established.

12-O:69 Fund Established. –
There is hereby established in the office of the state treasurer a fund to be known as the InvestNH fund. The fund shall be composed of appropriations, gifts, grants, donations, bequests, or other moneys from any public or private source. The fund may be expended by the commissioner to accomplish the purposes of RSA 12-O:70. The moneys in this fund shall be non-lapsing.
Source.
2023, 79:39, eff. July 1, 2023.
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title I - The State and Its Government › Chapter 12-O - Department of Business and Economic Affairs › Section 12-O:70 - InvestNH Program.

12-O:70 InvestNH Program. –
The department shall establish a program to make grants and loans for the purpose of improving the ability to accelerate the approval of affordable workforce housing as defined in RSA 674:58, IV, and other types of housing determined by the department to be important for the economic development of the state. Grants and loans may be made by the department to municipalities and to housing developers in which at least 20 percent of the housing units to be developed will be affordable for a period of at least 10 years. Such units will be affordable to and intended for occupancy by households with incomes up to 80 percent of the area median income, as established by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. The program shall be known as the InvestNH Program. The department shall adopt rules pursuant to RSA 541-A to implement the provisions of this subdivision no later than July 1, 2024.
Source.
2023, 79:39, eff. July 1, 2023.
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title I - The State and Its Government › Chapter 12-O - Department of Business and Economic Affairs › Section 12-O:72 - Housing Planning and Regulation Municipal Grant Program.

12-O:72 Housing Planning and Regulation Municipal Grant Program. –
The department shall establish a grant program for municipalities to assist them in promoting increased housing production. Subject to availability of funding, the department shall make grants to any municipality for the purpose of consultation or implementation of revising their master plans and land use regulations for the purpose of promoting the production of workforce housing, as that term is defined in RSA 674:58, and other types of housing necessary for the economic development of the state, and to assist them to become eligible for New Hampshire housing champion designation pursuant to RSA 12-O:71. The department shall adopt rules establishing grant eligibility criteria, grant maximums, and grant program administration.
Source.
2023, 79:462, eff. July 1, 2023.
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title I - The State and Its Government › Chapter 12-O - Department of Business and Economic Affairs › Section 12-O:73 - Champion Benefits.

12-O:73 Champion Benefits. –
A municipality which has received designation as a housing champion shall be eligible, subject to the rulemaking in RSA 12-O:75, for the following benefits:
I. Housing production municipal grant program. The department shall establish a grant program for municipalities that have made a commitment to facilitating increased housing production. Municipalities that are designated by the department as New Hampshire housing champion communities will be eligible to apply for the grants. Subject to availability of funding, the department shall make grants to any municipality with such a designation on a per-unit basis for workforce housing units for which certificates of occupancy have been issued by the municipality in the preceding state fiscal year. The department shall adopt rules establishing eligibility criteria, per-unit grant maximums, maximum grants per project, a maximum amount that may be granted to any municipality in a year, and grant program administration.
II. Housing infrastructure municipal grant and loan program. The department shall establish a grant program for municipalities that are seeking to build infrastructure that will accommodate increased housing production. Municipalities that are designated by the department as New Hampshire housing champion communities will be eligible to apply for the grants. Subject to availability of funding, the department shall make grants to any municipality, or support the creation of low-interest loan programs for any municipality, with such a designation to provide at least matching funding, as a grant, or all funding, as a loan, for new construction or capacity increases for drinking water, sanitary sewer, stormwater, highway infrastructure, telecommunications, and electrical distribution infrastructure. The department shall adopt rules establishing eligibility criteria, grant maximums, a maximum amount that may be granted to any municipality in a year, and grant program administration.
Source.
2023, 79:462, eff. July 1, 2023.
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title I - The State and Its Government › Chapter 12-O - Department of Business and Economic Affairs › Section 12-O:74 - New Hampshire Housing Champion Designation and Grant Program Fund.

12-O:74 New Hampshire Housing Champion Designation and Grant Program Fund. –
There is hereby established in the state treasury the New Hampshire housing champion designation and grant program fund, for the purpose of funding the grant programs established in RSA 12-O:72 and, RSA 12-O:73. The fund shall be non-lapsing and shall be continually appropriated to the department.
Source.
2023, 79:462, eff. July 1, 2023.
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title I - The State and Its Government › Chapter 12-O - Department of Business and Economic Affairs › Section 12-O:75 - Administrative Rules.

12-O:75 Administrative Rules. –
The department shall adopt rules pursuant to RSA 541-A to implement the provisions of this subdivision no later than July 1, 2024. During the rulemaking process, the department shall consult with relevant state agencies and entities that administer the programs and funds identified under RSA 12-O:73, II to ensure the rules for the New Hampshire housing champion designation program are not in conflict with the rules of these state agencies and entities.
Source.
2023, 79:462, eff. July 1, 2023.
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title I - The State and Its Government › Chapter 12-O - Department of Business and Economic Affairs › Section 12-O:76 - Program Advisory Committee.

[RSA 12-O:76 repealed by 2023, 79:463, effective July 1, 2033.]
12-O:76 Program Advisory Committee. –
The department shall establish a New Hampshire Housing Champion program advisory committee to review and make recommendations on initial rules proposed pursuant to RSA 12-O:75. Members of the program advisory committee shall serve without compensation, except that legislative members of the board shall receive mileage at the legislative rate when attending to the duties of the board. The program advisory committee shall consist of:
(a) One member of the senate, appointed by the senate president.
(b) One member of the house of representatives, appointed by the speaker of the house of representatives.
(c) The commissioner of the department of business and economic affairs, or designee.
(d) The executive director of the New Hampshire housing finance authority, or designee.
(e) The executive director of the community development finance authority, or designee.
(f) Two members appointed by the New Hampshire Municipal Association, one representing a city and one representing a town.
(g) One member appointed by the New Hampshire Association of Regional Planning Commissions.
(h) One member appointed by the New Hampshire Planners Association.
Source.
2023, 79:462, eff. July 1, 2023.
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title I - The State and Its Government › Chapter 12-P - Department of Energy › Section 12-P:1 - Definitions.

12-P:1 Definitions. –
In this chapter:
I. "Commission" means the public utilities commission.
II. "Commissioner" means the commissioner of energy.
III. "Department" means the department of energy.
Source.
2021, 91:187, eff. July 1, 2021.
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title I - The State and Its Government › Chapter 12-P - Department of Energy › Section 12-P:2 - Establishment; Purpose.

12-P:2 Establishment;  Purpose. –
I. There shall be a department of energy under the executive direction of a commissioner of energy and consisting of the divisions of administration, policy and programs, enforcement, and regulatory support.
II. The purpose of this chapter is to improve the administration of state government by providing unified direction of policies, programs, and personnel in the field of energy and utilities, making possible increased efficiency and economies from integrated administration and operation of the various energy and utility related functions of the state government.
III. In addition to its other functions, it shall be the duty of the department of energy to provide all necessary administrative, technical, and staff support to the public utilities commission to assist the commission in carrying out its regulatory and adjudicative functions.
IV. The department shall have the authority to investigate any matter that may come before the public utilities commission and to appear before the commission to advocate for the department's position and for the purposes of providing a complete record for consideration by the commission.
V. The department shall develop strategies, concepts, and tools to enhance outreach and education programs to increase knowledge and awareness about energy efficiency and sustainable energy among New Hampshire residents and businesses.
VI. The department shall expand upon the state government's efficiency programs to ensure that the state is providing leadership on energy efficiency and sustainable energy including reduction of its energy use and fuel costs.
Source.
2021, 91:187, eff. July 1, 2021. 2023, 233:4, eff. Oct. 7, 2023.