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Bill

SB 193

requiring the head of each state agency to submit a strategic plan for program activities.

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Joe Alexander and 5 co-sponsors

Each NH state agency head must create and submit a strategic plan outlining programs, goals, performance metrics, and resource needs.

Refer for Interim Study: MA VV 01/07/2026 HJ 1 P. 70
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Bill Summary · SB 193

Summary of SB 193 (New Hampshire, 2026 Session)

Overview

  • Bill Title: Requiring the head of each state agency to submit a strategic plan for program activities
  • Jurisdiction: New Hampshire
  • Session: 2026
  • Primary aim: Mandate that the chief executive of every state agency develop and submit a strategic plan outlining the agency’s program activities.

Purpose and Intent

  • Formalize the planning process across state agencies by requiring each agency head to articulate a strategic plan.
  • The goal is to improve coordination, transparency, and accountability in how agencies set priorities, allocate resources, and measure program impact.

Key Provisions (as inferred from bill title and typical structure)

  • Requirement for Strategic Plans: Each state agency must prepare a strategic plan detailing its program activities.
    • Plans likely cover mission, goals, and objectives; description of programs and services; performance measures and metrics; and desired outcomes.
  • Submission to a Central Authority: Plans must be submitted to a designated oversight body (e.g., a legislative committee, the governor’s office, or a department within the executive branch). The exact repository or recipient would be specified in the bill.
  • Content Specifications:
    • Short- and long-term goals
    • Performance indicators and benchmarks
    • Budget alignment and resource needs
    • Timelines for program evaluation and milestones
  • Review and Compliance: There would be a process for review, potential revisions, and reporting requirements to ensure plans are maintained and updated.
  • Reporting Cycle: The bill likely prescribes a periodic update cycle (e.g., annual or multi-year plan updates) and a mechanism to publish or publicly disclose plans.

Affected Entities

  • Directly Affected: Heads of all state agencies in New Hampshire (e.g., departments and major commissions).
  • Indirectly Affected: State lawmakers, budget offices, and the public (through improved transparency and accountability of agency programs).

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

  • ** introduc­tion and Referral:** The bill progressed through committee stages with standard referrals to Executive Departments and Administration.
  • ** hearings and amendments:**
    • Public hearings and executive sessions occurred in 2025, with amendments discussed (e.g., Floor Amendments in March 2025).
  • Committee Action History:
    • February 12, 2025: Committee Report – Ought to Pass (vote 2-1)
    • April 2, 2025: Public Hearing noted (04/09/2025 date)
    • April 16, 2025: Retained in Committee
    • May–November 2025: Committee reports and interim study actions
    • November 5, 2025: Committee Report – Refer for Interim Study (vote 16-0)
    • January 7, 2026: Refer for Interim Study (House/Judiciary/Administration–MA VV)
  • Interim Study: The bill was referred for interim study, indicating a phase where the proposal would be studied and possible recommendations developed before final action in a future session.

Potential Impacts

  • Administrative Impact: Agencies would implement a formal strategic planning process, potentially creating standardized templates, dashboards, and reporting mechanisms for program outcomes.
  • Budget and Resource Allocation: Plans would align programs with funding, enabling better justification of resources and cross-agency coordination.
  • Transparency and Accountability: Public-facing strategic plans could improve public understanding of agency priorities and performance.
  • Implementation Timeline: If referred to interim study, mandatory rollout may be contingent on interim findings and subsequent legislative action.

If you’d like, I can tailor this summary to focus on specific agencies, expected performance metrics, or potential fiscal implications once the bill text clarifies exact requirements and timelines.

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

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