In addition to the powers, duties and functions otherwise vested by law in the commissioner of the department of cultural resources, the commissioner shall:
   I. Represent the public interest in the administration of the department and be responsible to the governor, the general court and the public for such administration.
   II. Except as otherwise provided for in this chapter, have the authority to adopt rules, pursuant to RSA 541-A, necessary to assure the continuance or granting of federal funds or other assistance intended to promote library service, the arts, or historic preservation efforts not otherwise provided for by law.
   III. Have the authority to establish a unit within the office of the commissioner to provide for internal department administrative functions, including financial, personnel and other management functions.
   IV. [Repealed.]
   V. Have authority, with regard to the administration of RSA 19-A, and with the approval of a majority of the members of the New Hampshire state council on the arts as established by RSA 19-A:2, to:
      (a) Accept gifts, contributions and bequests of unrestricted funds from individuals, foundations, corporations, and other organizations or institutions for the purpose of furthering the educational objectives of the programs established pursuant to RSA 19-A.
      (b) Make and sign any agreements and to do and perform any acts that may be necessary, desirable, or proper to carry out the purposes of RSA 19-A.
      (c) Request and receive from any department, division, board, bureau, commission, or other agency of the state such assistance and data as will enable the commissioner to carry out properly the powers and duties under this chapter.
      (d) Receive funds provided by the National Endowment for the Arts under the National Foundation on the Arts and the Humanities Act of 1965, and under such additional federal legislation and state appropriations as may be enacted.
      (e) Allocate and disburse said funds by entering into contracts and agreements with any department, agency, or subdivision of federal, state, county, or municipal government or any individual, foundation, corporation, association, or public authority in order to carry out the purposes of RSA 19-A, subject to approval by the governor and council.
Source. 1985, 268:1. 1989, 35:23, I. 1990, 73:1. 1995, 21:1-3, eff. June 17, 1995. 1998, 363:3, eff. Aug. 25, 1998.