relative to the reporting and elimination of prolonged vacancies in state government.

HB 1657 requires New Hampshire state agencies to identify and report all vacant full- or part-time positions (classified or unclassified) that have been unfilled for 90+ days. Agencies must submit detailed reports - including funding sources, vacancy duration, and position codes - to the joint committee on employee classification, the governor, legislative leaders, and the executive council. The bill also prohibits filling such vacancies without express approval from the governor and executive council. This procedural measure aims to address prolonged vacancies by mandating transparency and requiring higher-level authorization before filling long-open positions. The law takes effect 60 days after enactment.