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Bill would create process to quantify costs administrative rules impose on residents, sponsor says
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Summary
Representative Bridal Leon introduced HB 13 11 to identify and, when necessary, commission analysis of how administrative rules shift costs to residents; proponents urged a narrowly scoped, request-driven model and staff suggested coordination with JELCAR and the Legislative Budget Assistant.
Representative Bridal Leon told the House Finance Committee he introduced HB 13 11 to develop clearer information about the costs administrative rules impose on New Hampshire residents, distinct from fiscal notes that measure cost to government. "I would like to thoroughly review those and ensure that everything that is necessary in order to get this information presented is already enabled in these processes," he said.
Nut graf: The bill would direct the legislature to identify when outside economic analysis is warranted to quantify costs born by citizens (for example, compliance costs, administrative burdens, or pass-through charges). Leon said existing processes sometimes capture these effects, but committee members and witnesses argued a narrowly targeted, request-driven model would be the most cost‑effective approach.
Testimony and committee discussion
- Scope and existing processes: Leon and other members said fiscal notes and administrative rule fiscal impact statements address some costs but do not always quantify impacts on affected private parties. Leon asked for time to refine the bill and to provide written materials about existing avenues.
- Examples and support: Greg Moore (regional director, AFP) and other witnesses described past rulemakings (notably child-care licensing) where agency and industry estimates diverged; they recommended a process where JELCAR could authorize a narrowly scoped external analysis and the fiscal committee would vet and approve funding for a targeted study.
- Practicalities and safeguards: Members asked whether an in-house analyst could do the work; witnesses and the sponsor noted high market rates for specialized economists and suggested a rare-use external model subject to JELCAR and fiscal committee approval to avoid creating an expensive permanent staff position.
Outcome and next steps
The committee closed the hearing on HB 13 11 with no vote and indicated the bill will be discussed further by the full committee; the sponsor said he will follow up with written information and coordinate with JELCAR and the Legislative Budget Assistant on drafting details.
