January 30, 2012 - HB1669 addresses the state’s accounting system and proposes shifting all dedicated funds to the state’s General Fund - at least temporarily. This bill would require that over 200 "dedicated state funds" be transferred to the General Fund beginning July 1, 2013 and the accounts would be eliminated on June 30, 2015 unless reinstated by the legislature during that time period.

Dedicated funds are accounts that are funded and administrated separately from the state's General Fund. In almost all cases the dedicated funds are supported by a variety of sources, such as fees. Examples would be the lottery fund, the fish and game fund, state park funds, and particular initiatives under different agencies – such as the Department of Health and Human Services' drug and alcohol rehabilitation fund.  For a complete list of dedicated funds under RSA 6:12, I(b) visit: NH State Dedicated Funds List.

The Chairman of the Committee, Representative Ken Weyler (R – Kingston), removed himself as chair to testify against this measure. He stated that this process would be an inefficient use of legislators' time since many of these funds are necessary.  Representative Neal Kurk (R- Weare) suggested that a study committee be established to recommend which funds should be eliminated instead.

The Finance Committee heard from many state agency heads who were opposed to the measure. The Finance Committee is expected to discuss and vote on the bill within the next few weeks.