Rep. Corcoran proposes study to inventory state data and push machine‑readable publication

Representative Corcoran on House Bill 598 urged the Executive Departments and Administration Committee to create a bipartisan study committee to inventory state and local datasets that could be published in machine‑readable formats to improve transparency and oversight.

Corcoran cited RSA 91‑A and said many records are delivered as scanned, non‑machine‑readable files or returned slowly. "You get what you measure," he told the committee, arguing that exposing existing statistics as downloadable datasets would enable citizens and lawmakers to ask better questions and improve policy choices. He proposed an initial report and a follow‑up to develop a phased statutory approach if the study finds low‑cost opportunities to publish existing data.

Nut graf: The proposal is procedural and non‑controversial in goal—identifying data the state already collects and recommending formats and timelines for publication—but committee members raised questions about membership, confidentiality and the timeline for reporting. The sponsor said personally identifiable information (PII) protections would remain in force.

Committee members asked whether the study would cover all branches of government, whether KPIs should be agency‑defined or legislatively defined, and how long a working window the committee would need. Corcoran said the goal was to find data already collected that could be exposed with minimal new cost and that the study committee could produce iterative reports, recommending an initial expiration or repeal date so the commission would not be permanent unless extended.

Ending: Members discussed adjustments to the proposed membership and reporting schedule and signaled intent to draft an amendment to ensure bipartisan representation and explicit PII protections before moving the item forward.