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HB 392

directing the dissolution of the department of health and human services' office of health equity, department of environmental services' functions for civil rights and environmental justice, and the governor's council on diversity and inclusion.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Joe Alexander and 4 co-sponsors

HB 392 eliminates New Hampshire's health equity office, environmental justice division, and diversity council without establishing successor programs or responsibilities.

Executive Session: 11/12/2025 10:00 am GP 158
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Bill Summary · HB 392

Legislative bill overview

HB 392 would dissolve three state entities: the Department of Health and Human Services' Office of Health Equity, the Department of Environmental Services' civil rights and environmental justice functions, and the Governor's Council on Diversity and Inclusion. The bill eliminates these offices and their associated programs without establishing replacement mechanisms for their current responsibilities.

Why is this important

These entities currently oversee programs addressing health disparities, environmental justice concerns, and diversity initiatives across state government. Their dissolution would directly affect how the state addresses racial and socioeconomic health inequities, environmental justice complaints, and diversity compliance in state agencies—issues that federal law often requires states to monitor.

Potential points of contention

  • Federal compliance risk: Environmental justice functions may be required under federal EPA regulations and civil rights law; eliminating them could jeopardize federal funding or create legal liability
  • Health equity gaps: Removal of the health equity office eliminates dedicated focus on documented disparities in maternal health, chronic disease, and life expectancy across demographic groups
  • Implementation ambiguity: The bill doesn't specify where responsibilities transfer or how existing programs/complaints are handled, creating potential service disruptions
  • Political ideology: Opponents view this as dismantling diversity efforts; supporters argue these offices represent government overreach

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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