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Department of Safety asks Senate to codify 9-1-1 uses, continue opioid enforcement funds and fund northern-border patrols
Summary
The Department of Safety presented a package of requests to the Senate: formalize use of 9-1-1 surcharge dollars for the statewide radio system, continue Granite Shield opioid enforcement funded from abatement dollars, and add one-time funds for northern-border enforcement and plate-production modernization.
Robert Coyne, commissioner of the New Hampshire Department of Safety, and Director Amy Newbury presented a series of requested actions the department asked the Senate to consider as it reviews the House budget.
Key requests: The department proposed (1) statutory language confirming that 9-1-1 surcharge funds may be used to maintain the state's radio and communications infrastructure; (2) continued appropriation of opioid settlement funds for the Granite Shield enforcement program, to pay overtime and related costs for local and county law enforcement participating in targeted opioid interdiction; and (3) a $600,000 appropriation for Northern Border Alliance operations to support overtime, training and equipment.
On 9-1-1 and radio maintenance, the department said federal guidance supports using emergency-surcharge funds for communications infrastructure and that codifying the practice would reduce uncertainty. "Allowable uses of 9-1-1 fees should include funding for any communication system, technology, or support activity that directly enables the delivery of voice and data between 9-1-1 system entry point and the first responder," the department summarized from FCC guidance presented to the committee.
Granite Shield and opioid funds: The department asked that opioid-abatement trust funds be appropriated to continue Granite Shield operations. Staff said the funds would pay overtime for participating agencies and that rules would be adopted under RSA 541-A to govern program implementation. During questioning, senators raised concerns about the settlement terms and whether enforcement funds must be restricted to opioid-related activities. Department staff said they would consult with the Office of the Attorney General to ensure uses comply with settlement language.
Northern Border funding: The department requested $600,000 (nonlapsing) for FY 2026 to fund northern-border patrols, equipment and grants to county and local agencies that join the alliance. Department staff said the funding strengthens multiagency coordination along rural border areas and would be drawn from general funds not otherwise appropriated.
Other operational items: The department also proposed technical transfers — such as moving five positions into DMV for licensing and registration efficiencies — and backing a transfer of plate-production operations from corrections to the Department of Safety to modernize equipment and nearly double capacity. The Department opposed a further increase in the fee for motor-vehicle records requests, saying a prior increase had already reduced demand and any new hike would lower fire-fund revenue.
Senators asked for clarifying language on the opioid funding and the 9-1-1 use; one senator noted the state attorney general's office had sent a letter asking for limits on abatement-fund appropriations. No formal votes occurred; the department asked the Senate to consider the statutory clarifications and funding as the committee finalizes its version of the budget.
