Agency adopts rules for electronic OHRV registration process after public concerns

In a pivotal meeting on June 21, 2025, the New Hampshire Legislature's Joint Legislative Committee on Administrative Rules (JLCAR) approved crucial updates to administrative rules, addressing compliance issues and streamlining processes for state programs.

The meeting highlighted a significant concern regarding the adoption of rules for the "Adopt a Park" program. Officials acknowledged that operating under outdated rules violated state law, prompting the agency to rectify the situation by bringing forward new rules for approval. "The agency is trying to address and fix this problem today by bringing the rules forward now," stated a committee member, emphasizing the urgency of the matter. The committee unanimously approved the new rules, reinforcing the importance of adhering to established regulations.

Another key topic was the proposal concerning the registration process for off-highway recreational vehicles (OHRV) and snowmobiles. A new statute mandated the creation of an electronic application process, but concerns arose regarding the processing time for these applications. Initially set at 20 days, the department revised the timeline to 10 days following public feedback. However, some committee members questioned the inconsistency between mail-in applications, which take only 5 days, and the online process. A request was made to align the processing times to enhance efficiency and user experience.

The meeting concluded with a commitment to further refine these processes, ensuring that state regulations not only comply with legal standards but also meet the needs of New Hampshire residents. The swift approval of these rules marks a significant step towards improved governance and operational efficiency within state agencies.