Department of Safety seeks $4M transfer to Fire Fund and flags federal grant risks

Commissioner Robert Quinn and Director Amy Newbury told the Finance - Division II committee that the Department of Safety’s budget request for fiscal years 2026–27 must address rising personnel and IT costs, vacancies and program needs across seven divisions, and they asked the committee to consider a $4 million general‑fund transfer into the state Fire Fund to maintain existing service levels.

Quinn and Newbury provided an overview of the department’s structure — seven divisions including the Division of Motor Vehicles, State Police, Homeland Security and Emergency Management, Emergency Services and Communications (911), Fire Standards & Training and EMS, and the Fire Marshal’s Office — and explained funding sources for each division.

Fire Fund request and why the department asked for general fund support Newbury said the requested $4,000,000 transfer would be non‑lapsing under RSA 21‑P:12‑D and is intended to sustain statutory responsibilities for both the Fire Standards & Training and Fire Marshal offices. She told the committee that much of the Fire Fund revenue is derived from copies of motor vehicle records and certificates and other fees, and that fund balances have not been sufficient to cover recent operating pressures without additional support.

Risk from federal grant pause and timing of reimbursements Quinn and Newbury briefed lawmakers that Homeland Security and other divisions rely on federal grant reimbursements; many federal grants reimburse personnel and operating costs after agencies incur payroll or other expenses. Newbury said reimbursements are based on actual payroll and other costs and can arrive two to three weeks after expenses are incurred. The department emphasized that an extended federal reimbursement pause could deplete restricted fund balances and shift costs to the Highway or general funds.

DMV, 911 and criminal records turnaround The department said it continues modernization efforts at the Division of Motor Vehicles: the DMV issued 372,926 motor vehicle titles and produced 373,585 driver licenses and ID cards in FY24. Director John Murasco (referred) and staff have focused on customer service, reducing phone waits and modernizing systems. On criminal records, the department reported current turnaround of 0–5 days for state criminal record checks and rapid FBI returns once fingerprints are taken; department staff asked constituents who report 8‑week delays to re‑check with employers and the Criminal Records Bureau so the agency can investigate specific cases.

Emergency communications and 911 funding Newbury said the enhanced 911 system is funded through a dedicated surcharge applied to communications services and that those surcharges support the state’s two PSAPs and the statewide emergency notification system. Committee members asked about which communications providers contribute to the surcharge; staff agreed to provide the list and legal references.

State police and other operating pressures Quinn highlighted state police workload and noted increases in general‑fund support compared with prior years reflect salary and benefits growth and a reclassification/step increase cycle for troopers and executive ranks. The department also budgeted for body camera contracts and elevated overtime related to staffing gaps.

Requests from the committee Lawmakers asked the department for: (a) a list of dedicated funds and statutory citations; (b) the presentation materials used before Ways & Means; (c) detail on federal grant uses and the nature of one‑time ARPA funding; and (d) clarifications on the fire fund calculation and the department’s plan if federal reimbursements are delayed. The department said it will provide the files and follow up with the committee.

Quote “The mission of the Department of Safety is to consistently enhance safety, security, and the quality of life in New Hampshire,” Commissioner Robert Quinn said. Director Newbury added: “We have requested a $4,000,000 transfer into the Fire Fund to sustain existing level of service.”

Ending The department committed to supplying the committee with a breakdown of dedicated accounts, grant details, and the Ways & Means handout. Committee members signaled interest in reviewing the Fire Fund’s balance and the operating impacts of a possible federal grant freeze.