Proposal would limit spending from New Hampshire’s 911 fund

The bill would limit fund spending to costs that directly support 911 calls and dispatch. These rules would cover money in New Hampshire’s Enhanced 911 system fund. Allowed costs would include call center operations, communications systems, call-processing technology, and staff directly supporting 911 work. The bill would bar general public safety costs unrelated to 911, commercial wireless infrastructure that does not directly support 911, and certain shared systems. If passed, the bill would take effect 60 days after passage.

Agencies or departments notified of unauthorized spending would have to repay the diverted amount within one year. The repayment rule would cover agencies or departments that used 911 funds for purposes not allowed by state or federal law. If repayment is late, the Department of Justice could impose financial penalties or forfeitures based on the amount and nature of the violation and whether it was willful or repeated. Jail penalties would not apply. A person could file an administrative complaint about suspected misuse. A civil case to compel compliance could follow only after those complaint steps and if the Department of Justice took no action within 90 days of a referral. If passed, the bill would take effect 60 days after passage. The 12-month compliance period would start when the section takes effect.

The Department of Safety would keep separate fund accounts and publish annual spending reports; the 911 commission would review audits and report to lawmakers. The records and oversight duties would concern money in the Enhanced 911 system fund. Records disclosed for audits or oversight would be limited to what is needed, and would remain confidential except for public audit findings or other allowed disclosures. The bill would not allow disclosure of 911 call content, call location data, or unrelated personal information. The Department of Safety commissioner could not interfere with audits, reports, or disclosures. The Department of Safety and the commission would report annually.