HB1506

Dear Chair and Members of the House Executive Departments and Administration Committee, I write in strong support of HOUSE BILL 1506, a thoughtful and well-balanced proposal that allows New Hampshire to responsibly harness the benefits of artificial intelligence while preserving clear oversight, transparency, and accountability. HB 1506 does not weaken existing safeguards on the use of artificial intelligence by state agencies. Instead, it creates a narrow, structured exception process that recognizes an important reality: rigid, one-size-fits-all restrictions risk preventing state agencies from using modern tools that could improve efficiency, accuracy, and public service delivery. Under this bill, no agency receives blanket authority. Any request for an exception must: • Be initiated by an agency commissioner or department head; • Clearly specify the purpose and justification for the exception; • Be reviewed and approved by the Commissioner of the Department of Information Technology; and • Receive final approval from the Executive Council, providing an additional and essential layer of public accountability. This multi-step process ensures that artificial intelligence is deployed only when justified, only for defined purposes, and only with executive oversight. HB 1506 strikes the right balance between innovation and caution—allowing flexibility without sacrificing public trust. From an administrative perspective, the bill is both prudent and forward-looking. Artificial intelligence is already transforming data analysis, cybersecurity, fraud detection, customer service, and regulatory compliance across the public and private sectors. Preventing agencies from even seeking narrowly tailored exceptions risks inefficiency, higher costs, and missed opportunities to better serve residents. Equally important, HB 1506 reinforces transparency. By requiring formal requests, documented purposes, and Executive Council approval, the bill ensures that any expanded use of AI remains visible, reviewable, and subject to public scrutiny—rather than occurring informally or without clear standards. In short, HB 1506 recognizes that good governance requires both guardrails and flexibility. It preserves the intent of existing AI restrictions while allowing New Hampshire to adapt responsibly to evolving technology in a controlled and accountable manner. For these reasons, I respectfully urge the House Executive Departments and Administration Committee to recommend Ought to Pass on HB 1506. Thank you for your consideration and for your continued work to ensure that New Hampshire government remains both responsible and effective. Sincerely, David John Preece State Representative, Hillsborough District 17

Position recorded without written comment.