HB417: encouraging all state departments to improve efficiencies with the goal of a 25 percent budget reduction, adjusted for inflation, by 2007, and establishing a state government reorganization task force.

HB 417 - AS INTRODUCED

2003 SESSION

03-0511

05/09

HOUSE BILL 417

AN ACT encouraging all state departments to improve efficiencies with the goal of a 25 percent budget reduction, adjusted for inflation, by 2007, and establishing a state government reorganization task force.

SPONSORS: Rep. Splaine, Rock 86; Rep. P. Sullivan, Hills 50; Rep. Davidson, Rock 82

COMMITTEE: Executive Departments and Administration

ANALYSIS

This bill encourages all state departments to improve efficiencies with the goal of a 25 percent budget reduction, adjusted for inflation, by 2007.

The bill also establishes a state government reorganization task force to bring more efficiency and productivity to state government.

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Matter which is either (a) all new or (b) repealed and reenacted appears in regular type.

03-0511

05/09

STATE OF NEW HAMPSHIRE

In the Year of Our Lord Two Thousand Three

AN ACT encouraging all state departments to improve efficiencies with the goal of a 25 percent budget reduction, adjusted for inflation, by 2007, and establishing a state government reorganization task force.

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

1 Cost Saving Initiative Established. Each department, as defined in RSA 9:1, which receives appropriations of money from the general fund or any other source shall examine its internal processes in order to improve its efficiency. Each department is encouraged to examine and consider techniques of time management for all employees, efficiency review, continuous improvement using the principles of total quality management, budget analysis, strategic planning, suggestions by employees at all levels, zero-based budgeting, streamlining, management reorganization, department reorganization, job description adjustment, cross-training of employees, administrative procedures, energy audits, budget auditing, and any other management approaches that may bring greater efficiency to that particular department, and implement any changes it deems necessary to increase efficiency.

2 Cost Saving Goal. The cost saving goal of each department is a total reduction of 25 percent in expenditures from 2004 - 2005 budget allocations, as adjusted for inflation, to be accomplished without the need to dismiss employees or reduce programs or services. Each department is encouraged to achieve this level of cost savings by July 1, 2007.

3 Cost Saving Reports.

I. Each department shall submit a progress report on cost saving initiatives every 3 months, beginning 3 months from the effective date of this section. The reports shall be submitted to the speaker of the house of representatives, the president of the senate, the house clerk, and the senate clerk.

II. If a department is unable to achieve a cost savings of 25 percent, as adjusted for inflation, the department shall report this fact, along with its assessment of why it was unable to achieve the targeted savings, to the speaker of the house of representatives, the president of the senate, the house clerk, and the senate clerk on or before July 1, 2007.

4 State Government Reorganization Task Force.

I. To assist in identifying ways and methods to save costs, a state government reorganization task force is established to find ways to bring more efficiency and productivity in the way state government operates and undertakes its functions.

II. The task force shall be composed of the following individuals, none of whom shall be employed by the state on either a full or part-time basis:

(a) Five members, appointed by the governor.

(b) Ten representatives of the private sector business community, 5 of whom shall be appointed by the speaker of the house of representatives and 5 of whom shall be appointed by the senate president. The task force may contract with a professional consulting firm with expertise in the business management industry to achieve the task force's goals and objectives.

(c) One member, appointed by the Business and Industry Association of New Hampshire.

(d) One member, appointed by the New Hampshire Municipal Association.

(e) Two members, appointed by the New Hampshire State Employees Association.

III. The task force may accept any gifts, donations, or grants from any public or private source, provided that such gifts, donations, or grants shall be used exclusively to advance the task force's purpose and duties.

IV. The task force members shall serve without compensation. The task force shall hold its first meeting no later than 45 days from the effective date of this act. All meetings and records of the task force shall be open to the public pursuant to RSA 91-A.

V. The task force shall review all aspects of state government and offer recommendations focusing on how to improve efficiency and productivity within state government through department reorganizations, improved budgeting and auditing procedures, improved communications and working conditions, employee incentives, and other private-sector business practices that may improve the efficiency, productivity, and accountability of state operations, or result in cost savings.

VI. The task force shall consider the following in making its recommendations:

(a) How the recommendation will promote efficiency.

(b) How the recommendation will encourage cost savings.

(c) How the recommendation will enhance accountability and control.

(d) How the recommendation will improve coordination of function and service.

(e) How the recommendation will reduce redundancy in state government.

(f) How the recommendation will provide better government for the taxpayer's dollar.

VII. The commission shall:

(a) Have full power and authority to require from the several departments, agencies, and officials such information and assistance as it may deem necessary.

(b) Examine the current structure of the executive branch of New Hampshire state government.

(c) Assess the administrative efficiency, public accountability, and effectiveness of the executive, legislative, and judicial branches of state government.

(d) Identify organizational weaknesses that hamper efficiency, quality of service, and cost effectiveness.

(e) Assess the administrative efficiency, public accountability, and effectiveness of the executive, legislative, and judicial branches of state government.

(f) Focus on the need for every executive agency, board, and commission with regard to 3 key areas:

(1) The need for each agency, board and commission;

(2) Public accountability and effectiveness of each agency, board, and commission; and

(3) The general administrative efficiency of each agency, board, and commission.

VIII. Chairperson. The first meeting of the commission shall be held within 45 days of the effective date of this act. The members of the commission shall elect a chairperson from among its members.

IX. Report. The task force shall submit a report of its findings and recommendations, including proposals for legislation, to the governor and council, the speaker of the house of representatives, the president of the senate, the house clerk, and the senate clerk by December 1, 2003.

5 Effective Date.

I. Section 4 of this act shall take effect upon its passage.

II. The remainder of this act shall take effect 60 days after its passage.