New Hampshire SB 193: establishing education freedom savings accounts for students.

Bill Text

SB 193-FN - AS AMENDED BY THE SENATE

03/06/2025 0751s

2025 SESSION

 25-1129

 08/09

SENATE BILL 193-FN

AN ACT requiring the head of each state agency to submit a strategic plan for program activities.

SPONSORS: Sen. Sullivan, Dist 18; Sen. Lang, Dist 2; Sen. Murphy, Dist 16; Sen. Pearl, Dist 17; Rep. Alexander Jr., Hills. 29; Rep. Hill, Merr. 2

COMMITTEE: Executive Departments and Administration

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ANALYSIS

 This bill creates the state commission on program efficiency. This bill also requires the head of each state agency to submit a strategic plan for program activities to such commission and enables the commission to report to the finance committee of the house of representatives budget recommendations based on such plans.

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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 Matter which is either (a) all new or (b) repealed and reenacted appears in regular type.

03/06/2025 0751s 25-1129

 08/09

STATE OF NEW HAMPSHIRE

In the Year of Our Lord Two Thousand Twenty Five

AN ACT requiring the head of each state agency to submit a strategic plan for program activities.

Be it Enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives in General Court convened:

 1 New Chapter; State Commission on Program Efficiency. Amend RSA by inserting after chapter 12-P the following new chapter:

CHAPTER 12-Q

STATE COMMISSION ON PROGRAM EFFICIENCY

 12-Q:1 Commission Established. 

 I. There is established a state commission on program efficiency. Members of the commission shall be members of the New Hampshire business community appointed by the governor. The commission shall be comprised of no more than 20 members. The term of office of each member shall be 4 years and until a successor is appointed and qualified. Vacancies shall be filled in the same manner for the unexpired terms. Members shall serve without compensation. The commission shall elect a chair by a simple majority.

 II. The commission shall meet no less than monthly. Members of the commission may offer suggestions for programs to evaluate. 

 III. The commission shall closely examine the budget, spending, administration, execution, and outcomes of the programs chosen at commission meetings in order to develop its report to the house finance committee.

 IV. If the commission believes that a program is not meeting efficiency and budget goals, the commission shall send recommendations to the house finance committee in advance of the budget process.

 12-Q:2 Definitions.

 In this chapter: 

 I. "Agency" means any department, office, commission, board, or other unit, however designated, of the executive branch of state government.
 II. "Outcome measure" means an assessment of the results of a program activity compared to its intended purpose.

 III. "Output measure" means the tabulation, calculation, or recording of activity or effort and can be expressed in a quantitative or qualitative manner.

 IV. "Performance goal" means a target level of performance expressed as a tangible, measurable objective, against which actual achievement can be compared, including a goal expressed as a quantitative standard, value, or rate.

 V. "Performance indicator" means a particular value or characteristic used to measure output or outcome.

 VI. "Program" means a set of actions clearly defining the key allocation of resources, the main objective, the main workers involved, and their respective work load and intended outcomes.

 VII. "Program evaluation" means an assessment, through objective measurement and systemic analysis, of the manner and extent to which state programs achieve intended objectives.

 12-Q:3 Strategic Plans.

 I. No later than September 30, 2026, the head of each agency shall submit to the chair of the state commission on program efficiency and to the general court a strategic plan for program activities. Such plan shall contain the following:

 (a) A comprehensive mission statement covering the major functions and operations of the agency.

 (b) The general goals and objectives, including outcome-related goals and objectives, for the major functions and operations of the agency.

 (c) A description of how the goals and objectives are to be achieved, including a description of the operational processes, skills and technology, and the human, capital, information, and other resources required to meet those goals and objectives.

 (d) An identification of those key factors external to the agency and beyond its control that could significantly affect the achievement of the general goals and objectives.

 (e) A description of the program evaluations used in establishing or revising general goals and objectives, with a schedule for future program evaluat