The Fiscal Committee voted to approve item 25-07-77, authorizing New Hampshire Police Standards and Training to proceed with a planned equipment purchase, after members expressed concern about the state's budget gap and asked the agency to consider deferring nonessential spending.

The approval came after senators questioned whether the department could move the purchase to the next fiscal cycle to ease pressure on the state's budget. Senator Gray said the governor's estimate projects an approximately $80 million deficit this year and noted the administration's actions that would require drawing from the rainy day fund. "I'm not going to vote against this but that's, you know, even if we vote to give you the money and give you the authority doesn't mean it has to happen," Gray said, urging the agency to discuss postponement with the governor's office and the Executive Council.

New Hampshire Police Standards and Training Director John Skippa told the committee the agency had completed the RFP process, identified vendors and intended the purchase for this fiscal cycle. "We absolutely need the equipment. This equipment allows us to conduct a significant amount of training without having to rely on extra actors to come in from different police departments," Skippa said, adding the technology would serve the agency for about 10 years and would reduce the department's reliance on volunteers for scenario training. He also said the agency anticipates about a $500,000 lapse in its current year budget if the requested transfers are approved.

Senator Rosenwald asked whether approving the transfer but delaying the purchase would increase costs. Skippa replied the agency would need to re-open the RFP and could not predict whether vendor prices would rise or fall, but that delay could make the procurement more expensive. Rosenwald also sought clarification that if the appropriation were approved but the purchase not made, the funding would lapse back to the agency's balance; Skippa confirmed the funds would remain under the agency's control until they obligate them.

After discussion, Senator Grama moved to approve item 25-07-77; Representative Edward seconded. The committee approved the motion by voice vote.

The committee's approval authorizes the department to proceed with the procurement in this fiscal cycle but does not obligate the agency to spend the funds immediately. Several senators urged the department and the Executive Council to consider whether any portion of the purchase could be deferred to the next biennium to reduce pressure on the state's rainy day fund and overall budget deficit.

The committee record shows the item passed by majority voice vote; no roll-call tally was provided in the transcript.