Revision: June 3, 2021, 11:03 a.m.
SB 143-FN - AS AMENDED BY THE HOUSE
03/18/2021 0776s
3Jun2021... 1431h
2021 SESSION
21-0943
04/10
SENATE BILL 143-FN
AN ACT adopting omnibus legislation relative to certain agency requests.
SPONSORS: Sen. Carson, Dist 14
COMMITTEE: Executive Departments and Administration
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AMENDED ANALYSIS
This bill adopts legislation relative to:
I. Appointment of counsel for a minor in a juvenile delinquency proceeding.
II. Alternative dispute resolution.
III. Allowing judicial referees to issue orders in non-contested probate matters.
IV. Permitting a supreme court justice to sit as a circuit court judge.
V. Payment of costs for services other than counsel for indigent parties.
VI. Insurance company licenses.
VII. The New Hampshire National Guard enlistment incentive program.
VIII. Limiting the conditions under which seized property may be transfered to a federal agency.
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Explanation: Matter added to current law appears in bold italics.
Matter removed from current law appears [in brackets and struckthrough.]
Matter which is either (a) all new or (b) repealed and reenacted appears in regular type.
03/18/2021 0776s
3Jun2021... 1431h 21-0943
04/10
STATE OF NEW HAMPSHIRE
In the Year of Our Lord Two Thousand Twenty One
AN ACT adopting omnibus legislation relative to certain agency requests.
Be it Enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives in General Court convened:
1 Sponsorship. This act consists of the following proposed legislation:
Part I. LSR 21-0943, relative to the appointment of counsel under RSA 169-B, sponsored by Sen. Carson, Prime/Dist 14.
Part II. LSR 21-0948, relative to alternative dispute resolution, sponsored by Sen. Carson, Prime/Dist 14.
Part III. LSR 21-0950, allowing judicial referees to issue orders in non-contested probate matters, sponsored by Sen. Carson, Prime/Dist 14.
Part IV. LSR 21-0952, permitting a supreme court justice to sit as a circuit court judge, sponsored by Sen. Carson, Prime/Dist 14.
Part V. LSR 21-0953, relative to the payment of costs for services other than counsel for indigent parties, sponsored by Sen. Carson, Prime/Dist 14.
Part VI. LSR 21-0918, relative to insurance company licenses, sponsored by Sen. Daniels, Prime/Dist 11; Rep. Potucek, Hills 18; Rep. Bartlett, Merr 19.
Part VII. LSR 21-1066, relative to the New Hampshire National Guard enlistment incentive program, sponsored by Sen. Carson, Prime/Dist 14.
Part VIII: relative to forfeiture of personal property.
2 Legislation Enacted. The general court hereby enacts the following legislation:
PART I
Relative to the appointment of counsel under RSA 169-B.
1 Delinquent Children; Issuance of Summons and Notice; Appointment of Council. Amend RSA 169-B:7, III to read as follows:
III. Upon receipt of the petition, the court shall appoint counsel for the minor. Such appointment shall occur promptly, and in no event later than the time when the summons is issued. Notice of the appointment shall be transmitted to counsel and to the petitioner by electronic mail and by first class mail on the day of the appointment. The summons shall contain a notice of the right to representation by counsel and [the available procedures for obtaining counsel] the name, address, telephone number, and electronic mail address of the attorney who has been appointed by the court. The summons shall also state as follows: "With limited exception, the department of health and human services shall be responsible for the cost of services provided under this chapter. RSA 186-C regarding children with disabilities grants minors and their parents certain rights to services from school districts at public expense and to appeal school district decisions regarding services to be provided."
2 Appointment of Counsel; Waiver of Counsel. Amend 169-B:12, I to read as follows:
I. Absent a valid waiver, the court shall appoint counsel [at the time of arraignment of an indigent minor, provided that an indigent minor detained pursuant to RSA 169-B:11, III, shall have counsel appointed upon the issuance of the detention order] for an indigent minor pursuant to RSA 169-B:7, III. For purposes of [the appointment of counsel under] this section, an indigent minor shall be a minor who satisfies the court, after appropriate inquiry, that the minor is financially unable to independently obtain counsel. If the court has received information indicating that the minor [has] may have an intellectual, cognitive, emotional, learning, or sensory disability, the court shall [require the minor to consult with] not permit the minor to waive the right to counsel.
3 Waiver of Counsel. Amend RSA 169-B:12, II-a to read as follows:
II-a. If the minor and the parent, guardian, or custodian have not consulted with counsel about the possible consequences of the proposed waiver of the right to counsel, the court [may only] shall not accept a waiver pursuant to paragraph II [after making case-specific written findings with regard to each of the required conditions for waiver].
4 Contract Attorneys. Amend RSA 604-A:2-b to read as follows:
604-A:2-b Contract Attorneys. The state of New Hampshire, by the judicial council and with the approval of governor and council, may, within the limits of available appropriations, contract with any qualified attorney in the state to provide for the representation of indigents in circumstances where, pursuant to RSA 604-B, the public defender program is unavailable to provide such representation. No contract providing for the representation of children in proceedings arising under RSA 169-B shall be based on payment of a predetermined fee per case or other payment structure which creates a financial disincentive for attorneys to provide effective representation in such cases. The executive director of the judicial council shall authorize payments to contract attorneys provided for under this section.
5 Development of Performance Standards. Amend RSA 604-A:10, V to read as follows:
V. The judicial council shall adopt standards relative to appointment for juvenile counsel. Such standards shall establish training, experience, and other qualifications for attorneys to represent minors in such proceedings, and shall be developed with consideration of relevant national standards including, but not limited to, the Juvenile Justice Standards of the Institute of Judicial Administration and American Bar Association. The council shall develop the standards required by this section in consultation with the judicial branch, the New Hampshire Bar Association, New Hampshire Legal Assistance, the New Hampshire Public Defender, the Disability Rights Center of New Hampshire, and the American Civil Liberties Union of New Hampshire, and shall adopt them no later than July 1, 2022.
6 Repeal. RSA 169-B:12, II-b, relative to appointment of counsel, is repealed.
7 Effective Date. Part I of this act shall take effect January 1, 2022.
PART II
Relative to alternative dispute resolution.
1 New Section; Office of Mediation and Arbitration; Quality Assurance Program. Amend RSA 490-E by inserting after section 5 the following new section:
490-E:6 Quality Assurance Program.
I. The office of mediation and arbitration may establish a quality assurance program to support the administration of alternative dispute resolution programs in all courts. The program may include, but is not limited to:
(a) Investigating and resolving complaints about alternative dispute resolution programs in all courts, including services or assistance provided by the office or a neutral party approved by the judicial branch; and
(b) Monitoring and evaluating the appropriateness of alternative dispute resolution services provided by the office or a neutral party approved by the judicial branch so that problems or trends in the delivery of services are identified and steps to correct problems can be taken.
II. The office of mediation and arbitration may request information about an alternative dispute resolution program in the courts. Any information received by the office may be shared only within the judicial branch and such information shall otherwise be confidential and privileged as provided by law, rule, or order.
III. Records of the office's quality assurance program, including records of interviews, internal reviews or investigations, reports, statements, minutes, and other documentation, shall be confidential and shall be protected from direct or indirect discovery, subpoena, or admission into evidence in any judicial or administrative proceeding.
IV. No person who provides information as part of the quality assurance program shall be held liable in any action for damages or other relief arising from such provision of information.
2 Effective Date. Part II of this act shall take effect 60 days after its passage.
PART III
Allowing judicial referees to issue orders in non-contested probate matters.
1 New Paragraph; Judges of Probate; Jurisdiction. Amend RSA 547:3 by inserting after paragraph IV the following new paragraph:
V. The administrative judge of the circuit court may appoint one or more referees to any matter which is not contested and to which no objection has been filed, or to which all parties have assented, for any cases arising under subparagraphs I(a), (b), and (g). Any referee so assigned shall act under the direction of a judge of probate as defined in RSA 490-F:6, III. Any party aggrieved by a decision made by a referee pursuant to this paragraph may file a request for reconsideration within 10 days of the clerk's notice of decision, and if such request is filed, the matter shall be reviewed by a judge of probate.
2 Repeal. RSA 547:3, I(h), relative to the jurisdiction of the probate court over cases involving termination of parental rights, is repealed.
3 Effective Date. Part III of this act shall take effect 60 days after its passage.
PART IV
Permitting a supreme court justice to sit as a circuit court judge.
1 Superior Court; Assignment From Supreme Court. Amend RSA 491:3 and 3-a to read as follows:
491:3 Assignment From Supreme Court. When the business of the superior court or circuit court requires it, and upon request of the [chief or senior associate justice] chief justice of the superior court or the administrative judge of [that] the circuit court, the chief or senior associate justice of the supreme court may, if not inconsistent with the proper advancement of the business of the supreme court, assign himself or herself or some other justice of the supreme court to preside and serve in the superior court or circuit court. While thus presiding and serving, such supreme court justice shall have all the authority of a superior court justice or circuit court judge.
491:3-a Assignment of Judges. After assessing caseload needs and requirements and consulting with the chief justice of the superior court or administrative [judges] judge of the circuit court, the chief justice of the supreme court may assign any superior court [judge] justice to hear cases in the [district] circuit court.
2 Effective Date. Part IV of this act shall take effect 60 days after its passage.
PART V
Relative to the payment of costs for services other than counsel for indigent parties.
1 Termination of Parental Rights; Fees and Court Costs. Amend RSA 170-C:13 to read as follows:
170-C:13 Fees and Court Costs.
I. The petitioner shall pay all entry fees and court costs including costs of giving notice, costs of advertising, and court-appointed guardian ad litem fees. The court, however, may waive entry fees and court costs where payment would work a hardship on the petitioner. Where the court waives payment by the petitioner, the state, through the court system, shall pay court costs. The judicial council shall pay the cost of a CASA guardian ad litem appointed for the child or other guardian ad litem in cases arising from an underlying abuse and neglect proceeding when the state is the moving party or in cases where payment would work a hardship on the petitioner. The cost of such appointment, including counsel and investigative, expert, or other services and expenses necessary to provide adequate representation, shall be paid from funds appropriated for indigent defense pursuant to RSA 604-A.
II. The department of health and human services is exempted from paying any entry fees and court costs.
III. When appointment of counsel is made by the court pursuant to RSA 170-C:10 for a parent determined to be financially unable to employ counsel, the court shall use a financial eligibility guideline established by the office of cost containment to determine if the party is indigent. Upon determination that the party is indigent, the court may appoint counsel, subject to an order of repayment through the office of cost containment. The judicial council shall bear the financial responsibility for the payment of costs for attorneys appointed pursuant to RSA 170-C:10 in accordance with the financial eligibility guideline established by the office of cost containment. The cost of such appointment, including counsel and investigative, expert, or other services and expenses necessary to provide adequate representation, shall be paid from funds appropriated for indigent defense pursuant to RSA 604-A. Counsel shall petition the court for investigative, expert, or other services necessary to provide adequate representation. If the court finds that such services are necessary and that the parent is financially unable to obtain them, the court shall authorize counsel to obtain the necessary services on behalf of the parent. Services authorized under this section shall not include the payment of expenses that are the responsibility of any other agency pursuant to RSA 169-C or this chapter.
2 Guardians and Conservators; Right to Counsel. Amend RSA 464-A:6, I to read as follows:
I. The right to legal counsel for any person for whom a temporary guardian or guardianship of the person and estate, or person, or estate, is sought shall be absolute and unconditional. If the proposed ward does not have his or her own counsel, the court shall appoint counsel for the proposed ward immediately upon the filing of a petition for guardianship of the person and estate, or the person, or estate. The judicial council shall pay the cost of such appointment, including counsel and investigative, expert, or other services and expenses necessary to provide adequate representation, from funds appropriated for indigent defense pursuant to RSA 604-A. Prior to obtaining investigative, expert, and other services necessary to provide adequate representation, counsel shall apply to the court and, upon finding that such services are necessary and that the person is financially unable to obtain them, the court shall authorize counsel to obtain the necessary services on behalf of the person for whom temporary guardian or guardianship of the person and estate, or person or estate, is sought.
3 Adequate Representation for Indigent Defendants in Criminal Cases; Neglected or Abused Children. Amend RSA 604-A:1-a to read as follows:
604-A:1-a Neglected or Abused Children. In cases involving a neglected or abused child, when a guardian ad litem is appointed for the child as provided in RSA 169-C:10, the cost of such appointment shall be paid from funds appropriated for indigent defense pursuant to this chapter. In cases involving a neglected or abused child, when an attorney is appointed to represent a parent determined to be indigent pursuant to RSA 169-C:10, II, at the preliminary hearing or a hearing pursuant to RSA 169-C:6-a, III, whichever occurs earlier, the cost of such appointment, including counsel and investigative, expert, or other services and expenses, shall be paid from funds appropriated for indigent defense pursuant to this chapter. Counsel shall petition the court for investigative, expert, or other services necessary to provide adequate representation. If the court finds that such services are necessary and that the parent is financially unable to obtain them, the court shall authorize counsel to obtain the necessary services on behalf of the parent. Services authorized under this section shall be in addition to payment for expenses provided under RSA 169-C or RSA 170-C.
4 Effective Date. Part V of this act shall take effect 60 days after its passage.
PART VI
Relative to insurance company licenses.
1 Insurance Company Licenses. Amend RSA 402:12, I to read as follows:
I. On compliance with the foregoing conditions and if the company is found upon examination made by or under the direction of the commissioner to (a) have complied with the laws of the state applicable to it; (b) have been consistent with the NAIC’s Uniform Certificate of Authority Application process and standards; and (c) have complied with any other terms or documentation the commissioner may require, a license to transact the kind of business specified in the license shall be issued until June 14 thereafter. Annually thereafter, on June 14, such license may be renewed so long as the company shall comply with the requirements of the law and the commissioner shall regard it as safe, reliable, and entitled to confidence, so long as its application is consistent with the standards set forth by state law and NAIC guidelines and so long as the company continues to conduct a meaningful insurance business, as determined by the commissioner, within New Hampshire.
2 Insurance Company Licenses; Foreign Insurance Companies and Agents. Amend RSA 405:12, I to read as follows:
I. If the foregoing provisions are complied with and the commissioner is satisfied that the company (a) has the requisite capital and assets [and]; (b) is a safe, reliable company, entitled to confidence; and (c) is consistent with the NAIC’s Uniform Certificate of Authority Application process and standards, [he] the commissioner shall grant a license to it to do insurance business by authorized agents within the state, subject to the laws of the state, until June 14 thereafter. Annually thereafter, on June 14, such license may be renewed so long as the company shall comply with the requirements of the law, NAIC guidelines, and the commissioner shall regard it as safe, reliable and entitled to confidence, and so long as the company continues to conduct a meaningful insurance business, as determined by the commissioner, within New Hampshire.
3 New Subparagraph; Department of Revenue Administration; Confidentiality of Department Records. Amend RSA 21-J:14, V(d) by inserting after subparagraph (9) the following new subparagraph:
(10) An officer or employee of the insurance department, pursuant to an agreement for exchange of information between the department and the insurance department, for the purposes of sharing information received by the department from insurance companies that claim a business enterprise tax credit, pursuant to RSA 400-A:34-a, and only to the extent necessary, for the administration and collection of tax premiums by the insurance department. The information disclosed pursuant to such exchange agreement shall not include records, files, returns, or information disclosed to officers or employees of the department by any other state, pursuant to a compact for the exchange of information between the department and any other state, unless permitted by such state or compact. Officers or employees of the insurance department, having in their custody or control any confidential taxpayer information obtained from the department pursuant to the exchange agreement authorized under this subparagraph, shall be subject to the provisions of RSA 21-J:14.
4 Effective Date. Part VI of this act shall take effect 60 days after its passage.
PART VII
Relative to the New Hampshire National Guard enlistment incentive program.
1 National Guard Enlistment Incentive Program. The subdivision heading before RSA 160-B:60 is repealed and reenacted to read as follows:
National Guard Enlistment Incentive Program
2 National Guard Enlistment Incentive Program. RSA 110-B:60-62 are repealed and reenacted to read as follows:
110-B:60 New Hampshire National Guard Enlistment Incentive Program Established. For the purpose of encouraging enlistment in the national guard there is hereby established a New Hampshire national guard enlistment incentive program. This program authorizes a cash incentive up to $500 to current members of the New Hampshire national guard in the pay grades of E-1 to O-3 or any former member of the New Hampshire national guard for each new or prior service recruit that they bring into the New Hampshire national guard.
110-B:61 Revenue for Enlistment Incentive Program.
I. There is hereby established a fund to be known as national guard enlistment incentive program fund. Any appropriations received shall be deposited in the fund. Moneys in the fund and any interest earned on the fund shall be used for the purpose of encouraging enlistment in the national guard and shall not be used for any other purpose. The adjutant general shall oversee expenditures from the fund. The moneys in the fund shall be nonlapsing.
II. In addition to any moneys appropriated, the New Hampshire national guard enlistment incentive program fund may consist of an annual appropriation, as determined by the general court, to be awarded in accordance with written policies promulgated by the adjutant general under RSA 110-B:62.
110-B:62 Oversight and Administration. The adjutant general shall adopt rules pursuant to RSA 541-A relative to the administration of the enlistment incentive program and relative to its execution by the New Hampshire Army and Air National Guard recruiting offices in coordination with the department of military affairs and veterans services.
3 New Subparagraph; National Guard Enlistment Incentive Program Fund. Amend RSA 6:12, I(b) by inserting after subparagraph (364) the following new subparagraph:
(365) Moneys deposited in the national guard enlistment incentive program fund established in RSA 110-B:61.
4 Reference to National Guard Scholarship Fund Removed. Amend RSA 110-B:55, I to read as follows:
I. Fines may be paid to a military court or to an officer executing its process. The amount of any fine imposed may be noted upon any state roll or account for pay of the delinquent and deducted from any pay or allowance due or thereafter to become due them, until said fine is liquidated; or the same may be collected with lawful costs of collection, as in the case of executions issued in action founded upon torts. [Fines shall be paid over to the state treasurer and credited to the New Hampshire national guard recruitment and retention scholarship fund under RSA 110-B:60.]
5 Reference to National Guard Scholarship Fund Removed. Amend RSA 110-B:29 to read as follows:
110-B:29 Use of Armories or Other National Guard Facilities.
[I.] All New Hampshire national guard facilities shall be primarily for the military duty, instruction, and training of the national and state guard and for the storage and maintenance of military property. Other use of national guard facilities may be authorized by the adjutant general and shall be governed by rules and regulations promulgated under this section.
[II. Rental fees for the use of national guard facilities shall be fixed by the adjutant general and shall be declared as revenue and paid to the adjutant general subject to the provisions of RSA 110-B:61.]
6 Repeal. RSA 110-B:63, relative to the national guard scholarship program, is repealed.
7 Effective Date. Part VII of this act shall take effect July 1, 2021.
PART VIII
Relative to forfeiture of personal property
1 New Section; Forfeiture of Personal Property. Amend RSA 617 by inserting after section 12 the following new section:
617:13 Limiting Adoptions by the Federal Government of Property Seized Under State Law.
I. A state or local law enforcement agency shall not offer for transfer or adoption property, seized under state law, to a federal agency for the purpose of forfeiture under the federal Controlled Substances Act, Public Law 91-513, unless the seized property includes more than $100,000 in United States currency.
II. Paragraph I shall only apply to a seizure by a state or local law enforcement agency pursuant to its own authority under state law and without involvement of the federal government in the seizure. Nothing in paragraph I shall be construed to limit state and local law enforcement agencies from participating in a joint task force with the federal government.
III. The state or local law enforcement agency shall not accept payment of any kind or distribution of forfeiture proceeds from the federal government if the state or local law enforcement agency violates paragraph I. All proceeds received shall be transferred and deposited to the state’s general fund.
2 Effective Date. Part VIII of this act shall take effect January 1, 2022.
21-0943
Amended 3/22/21
SB 143-FN- FISCAL NOTE
AS AMENDED BY THE SENATE (AMENDMENT #2021-0776s)
AN ACT adopting omnibus legislation relative to certain agency requests.
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PART I: Relative to the appointment of counsel under RSA 169-B.
FISCAL IMPACT: [ X ] State [ ] County [ ] Local [ ] None
| Estimated Increase / (Decrease) | |||
STATE: | FY 2021 | FY 2022 | FY 2023 | FY 2024 |
Appropriation | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
Revenue | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
Expenditures | $0 | Indeterminable Increase | Indeterminable Increase | Indeterminable Increase |
Funding Source: | [ X ] General [ ] Education [ ] Highway [ ] Other | |||
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METHODOLOGY:
Part I of the bill directs the court to appoint counsel for a minor when the juvenile delinquency petition is filed or the summons issued. The part also provides that a confession or statement from an unrepresented minor shall not be used in any judicial proceeding.
The Judicial Council indicates this part of the bill makes several changes to the juvenile justice process, including the following:
These changes address several findings of the National Juvenile Defender Center’s recent assessment of indigent juvenile representation in New Hampshire. The Council assumes it would be responsible for the costs of legal representation for indigent juveniles. Earlier appointment of counsel would not impact expenditures, and may allow cases to resolve more expeditiously. It is also assumed that this legislation would significantly decrease the number of juveniles proceeding without counsel. According to information provided by the court, approximately 89 juveniles waived the right to counsel last year. Because the Public Defender is the State’s institutional provider of indigent-defense services, it could absorb the increase in the charge level with no change in the cost of its operations. There may be increased costs to the indigent-defense delivery system for new appointments that have to be handled by either the Contract-Attorney System or the Assigned-Counsel System.
It is not clear to the Council what representation at related proceedings would involve. Counsel needs to be competent in all areas in which they provide representation. Currently, the indigent defense system does not provide representation to juveniles outside of delinquency proceedings. This requirement would require additional training and attorney time. A reimbursement model for contract attorneys and assigned counsel would need to be developed. Under the current system, the indigent defense system does not provide representation until a delinquency petition has been filed against a juvenile. This bill would prevent the use of statements to law enforcement unless the juvenile was represented by counsel. It is assumed that law enforcement would request appointment occur as expeditiously as possible. The Council cannot accurately predict the number of appointments that would result from this change, but it would require additional attorney time and resources.
It is not possible to predict the additional attorney time that representation at related proceedings and police interrogations will require, but it is assumed that the Public Defender would require more attorneys on staff to meet these obligations. The cost for a new attorney, including benefits, is approximately $95,000. While the time commitment and resources necessary to provide representation until the court no longer has jurisdiction would be case specific, keeping cases open will result in more ethical conflicts of interest that would prevent the Public Defender from accepting new cases. This part of the bill also eliminates the flat-fee reimbursement model for contract attorney representation of juveniles. The assessment found that “flat-fee contracts provide a disincentive for attorneys to spend the requisite time and resources on a case and encourage attorneys to close cases quickly". In FY 2020, contract attorneys were appointed on 165 juvenile matters at an approximate cost of $44,475. It is assumed that the flat-fee model would be replaced with the assigned counsel model. Assigned counsel cases are reimbursed at $60/hour with fee caps imposed by court rule. Based on the maximum fees, the cost of representation on juvenile felonies would be $196,800. The cost of representation on juvenile misdemeanors and similar proceedings would be $130,200.
The elimination of legal fees would not impact indigent defense expenditures. It is assumed that there would be no cost to develop performance standards, but there could costs associated with training and reimbursing attorneys to meet such standards.
The Judicial Branch believes the fiscal impact of part I would be minimal and anticipates that any costs to the Judicial Branch associated with the changes would be less than $10,000 per year.
AGENCIES CONTACTED:
Judicial Branch and Judicial Council
PART II: Relative to recovery of unauthorized payments by the state.
FISCAL IMPACT: [ X ] State [ ] County [ ] Local [ ] None
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| Estimated Increase / (Decrease) | |||
STATE: | FY 2021 | FY 2022 | FY 2023 | FY 2024 |
Appropriation | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
Revenue | $0 | Indeterminable Increase | Indeterminable Increase | Indeterminable Increase |
Expenditures | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
Funding Source: | [ X ] General [ ] Education [ ] Highway [ ] Other | |||
METHODOLOGY:
Part II of the bill authorizes the Department of Health and Human Services to recover unauthorized payments of public assistance from any legally liable person. Currently, state law allows recovery only from “future grants,” meaning the Department can recover only if the legally responsible party is open for assistance in the future, and then may recover only those future grants. This part will require a recipient of public assistance to pay the Department back directly for unauthorized payments made to that person. The Department will be able to collect funds paid from all public assistance programs in cases in which the recipient misrepresented facts in their case that would have affected benefit amounts. The Department assumes this change will result in an indeterminable increase in state revenue, and further assumes that it will be able to implement the change with existing budgetary resources.
It is assumed any fiscal impact would occur after July 1, 2021.
AGENCIES CONTACTED:
Department of Health and Human Services
PART III: Relative to alternative dispute resolution.
This part has no fiscal impact.
Part IV: Allowing judicial referees to issue orders in non-contested probate matters.
This part has no fiscal impact.
PART V: Permitting a supreme court justice to sit as a circuit court judge.
This part has no fiscal impact.
PART VI: Relative to the payment of costs for services other than counsel for indigent parties.
FISCAL IMPACT: [ X ] State [ ] County [ ] Local [ ] None
| Estimated Increase / (Decrease) | |||
STATE: | FY 2021 | FY 2022 | FY 2023 | FY 2024 |
Appropriation | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
Revenue | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
Expenditures | $0 | Indeterminable Increase | Indeterminable Increase | Indeterminable Increase |
Funding Source: | [ X ] General [ ] Education [ ] Highway [ ] Other | |||
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METHODOLOGY:
This bill provides for the apportionment of costs and expenses for legal counsel, investigative, expert, and other necessary services in abuse and neglect, guardianship, and termination of parental rights cases.
The Judicial Branch makes the following assumptions concerning the fiscal impact of this bill:
The Branch reports in FY 2019, there were 968 appointments of attorneys in abuse and neglect cases and 323 appointments of attorneys in termination cases. It is not possible to accurately predict the cost of requested services but several factors indicate that these services would constitute a significant expense. Many parents involved in these cases suffer from complex mental health and/or substance use disorders. In FY 2020, CASA (the provider of most guardian ad litem services in child protection cases), reported an average of 79% of new cases had a known parental substance abuse component. The requested services would likely range from Licensed Drug and Alcohol Counselor evaluations ($300) to psychological evaluations ($5,000+). Cases involving allegations of physical harm may require medical experts. The use of investigators ($80-$100/hour) would likely be necessary for adequate representation in a number of cases. Litigation services, including depositions and witness fees, would also be utilized. It is not possible, however, to determine what these expenses would be in the future. The Branch anticipates that, if the bill becomes law, there will be an increase in expenditures for indigent parties in these cases.
The Judicial Council states that currently, the Judicial Branch pays for approved services in these case types. These costs have been infrequent, but it is anticipated that clarifying the availability of such services, and enhancing the quality of parent representation, will increase the number and cost of services other than counsel. In FY 2020, attorneys were appointed on over 917 abuse and neglect cases and 381 termination cases. Given the complex issues facing accused parents, and the anticipated increase in service requests once attorneys become aware of this opportunity, these costs are expected to be substantial. Requiring the court to pre-approve all services would minimize costs. Depending on the number of invoices that will require processing by Judicial Council staff, additional part-time funding may be necessary in the future. The Council expects these costs would be in excess of $100,000 within 24 months of implementation.
It is assumed that any fiscal impact would occur after July 1, 2021.
AGENCIES CONTACTED:
Judicial Branch and Judicial Council
PART VII: Requiring a penalty assessment on violations.
The Judicial Branch and Department of Safety have indicated this part has no fiscal impact.
AGENCIES CONTACTED:
Judicial Branch and Department of Safety
PART VIII: Relative to cybersecurity incident reporting and recommended cybersecurity standards for political subdivisions
The Department of Information Technology has indicated this part of the bill has no fiscal impact.
AGENCIES CONTACTED:
Department of Information Technology
PART IX: Relative to emergency medical and trauma services data.
This part has no fiscal impact.
PART X: Relative to the appeal of a claim denied by the victims' assistance commission.
The Department of Justice was orginally contacted on January 21, 2021 for a fiscal note worksheet, which they have not provided as of February 3, 2021.
Part XI: Relative to insurance company licenses.
This part has no fiscal impact.
PART XII: Relative to the New Hampshire National Guard enlistment incentive program.
FISCAL IMPACT: [ X ] State [ ] County [ ] Local [ ] None
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| Estimated Increase / (Decrease) | |||
STATE: | FY 2021 | FY 2022 | FY 2023 | FY 2024 |
Appropriation | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
Revenue | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
Expenditures | $0 | $25,000 | $25,000 | $25,000 |
Funding Source: | [ X ] General [ ] Education [ ] Highway [ ] Other | |||
METHODOLOGY:
This bill establishes the New Hampshire National Guard Enlistment Incentive Program and the nonlapsing New Hampshire National Guard Enlistment Incentive Program Fund. The Department of Military Affairs and Veterans Services indicates the bill would eliminate the National Guard Scholarship Fund and replace it with a $500.00 incentive payment to retirees and members of the NHNG who refer someone for enlistment into the guard. If passed, the NH National Guard would execute the incentive program in coordination with the Department. The Department reports, based on projected enlistments, an amount of $22,500 per year would be needed for the incentive payments. This would allow for 45 individual incentive payments to eligible recipients. The Department estimates it would incur annual administrative costs of approximately $2,500 to establish each recipient as a vendor for payment in the State accounting system, to process necessary W-9 and 1099 tax forms, to process the payments, and to comply with year end reporting and program audit requirements.
AGENCIES CONTACTED:
Department of Military Affairs and Veterans Services