Transcript Highlights:

• ><c> our</c><00:49:17.200><c> federal</c><00:49:17.920><c> claiming</c><00:49:18.920><c> uh</c><00:49
• </c><00:49:24.200><c> possible</c><00:49:24.599><c> match</c><00:49:25.240><c> u</c><00:49:25.400><c>
• ><c> much</c><00:49:34.880><c> aware</c><00:49:35.160><c> of</c><00:49:35.319><c> the</c><00:49:35.520
• ><c> program</c><00:49:38.760><c> uh</c><00:49:38.920><c> and</c><00:49:39.160><c> judging</c><00:49:
• :41.480><c> uh</c><00:49:41.640><c> and</c><00:49:41.760><c> I</c><00:49:41.839><c> wasn't</c><00:49:

Summary: The Health and Human Services Oversight Committee met on February 2 and first approved the draft minutes from the prior meeting, with minor corrections to the meeting date and attendance notation. DHHS Associate Commissioner Patricia Tilly then gave a department update, describing the current uncertainty around federal priorities and funding, and provided two substantive reports: progress on the new Hampstead Youth Development Center and an update on the department’s review of an ALS registry proposal. She said the YDC project is underway with tree clearing, fencing, stormwater and site-prep work, and remains on track for completion by June 30, 2026 and operation by August 30, 2026. The center currently has 12 youth, and the new design is intended to provide flexibility for fluctuating census levels. On ALS, Tilly explained that HB 576 had prompted the department to examine whether a registry could be built, but the estimated cost of a HIPAA-compliant system was about $750,000. She said DHHS is reviewing whether existing data sources, such as hospital discharge data and CHIS claims data, could provide useful information, but noted both are incomplete for registry purposes. Committee members discussed whether the Rare Disease Advisory Council, Dartmouth, or existing cancer registry infrastructure could help reduce costs. DHHS said it is neutral and willing to continue exploring alternatives, while members emphasized the value of a registry and the need to consider shared infrastructure and funding. The committee also heard from Jenny Horan of the Alzheimer’s Association, who presented the subcommittee’s report on Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias. She said the subcommittee spent the past year gathering information on dementia care, abuse and exploitation issues, caregiver strain, and available services, and is now moving into a second phase focused on identifying gaps and developing a state plan. Members asked about geriatric psychiatric capacity and long-term care availability; Horan said the state has limited capacity and that the plan will help clarify where needs are greatest. She offered to return for follow-up questions at a later meeting. Finally, Olivia May of DHHS presented the quarterly report on the 12-month postpartum Medicaid coverage extension. She said New Hampshire implemented the extension after federal and state action, and the first claims data are still emerging because of reporting lags. In the initial cohort studied, 95% received some medical services during the extended period, 52.4% received mental health or substance use disorder treatment, 26.7% received preventive visits, and 3.2% received heart or hypertension services. Members asked about return on investment and whether higher federal matching rates are being used appropriately; DHHS said it claims the highest possible match based on eligibility group and will return with more data over time. The committee then heard the annual therapeutic cannabis program report from Michael Holt, who said the program had 1,475 registered patients as of June 30, 2024 and that growth has slowed, with New Hampshire having the lowest per-capita medical cannabis enrollment nationally.

Transcript Highlights:

• <c> sort</c><03:49:06.800><c> of</c><03:49:06.960><c> stuff</c><03:49:07.319><c> so</c><03:49:08.479>
• :49:11.120><c> enough</c><03:49:11.600><c> to</c><03:49:12.319><c> put</c><03:49:12.520><c> in</c><03
• c><03:49:43.520><c> and</c><03:49:43.760><c> it's</c><03:49:43.960><c> essentially</c><03:49:44.399><
• :45.040><c> thing</c><03:49:46.040><c> but</c><03:49:46.560><c> he</c><03:49:46.800><c> put</c><03:49
• :49.000><c> to</c><03:49:49.319><c> have</c><03:49:49.600><c> had</c><03:49:49.920><c> your</c><03:49

Committee: House Health, Human Services & Elderly Affairs

Transcript Highlights:

• It is<03:49:19.840><c> also</c><03:49:20.239><c> clear</c><03:49:20.960><c> that</c><03:49:21.199><c>
• and clarification may<03:49:51.680><c> lead</c><03:49:51.840><c> to</c><03:49:52.080><c> the</c><03:49
• <04:49:54.958><c> to</c><04:49:55.200><c> include</c><04:49:55.520><c> them</c><04:49:55.760><c> on</
• </c><04:49:58.000><c> And</c><04:49:58.160><c> if</c><04:49:58.320><c> I</c><04:49:58.480><c> know</c
• And if I know that<04:49:58.798><c> we</c><04:49:58.958><c> should</c><04:49:59.120><c> be</c><04:49:

Transcript Highlights:

• c><00:49:05.200><c> revolving</c><00:49:05.680><c> Loan</c><00:49:06.000><c> Fund</c><00:49:07.000><c
• uh given that<00:49:07.520><c> we</c><00:49:07.640><c> have</c><00:49:07.720><c> to</c><00:49:07.839
• ><c> do</c><00:49:07.960><c> a</c><00:49:08.160><c> match</c><00:49:08.480><c> for</c><00:49:08.799><
• </c><00:49:12.559><c> here</c><00:49:13.520><c> U</c><00:49:14.040><c> and</c><00:49:14.200><c> again
• ><c> of</c><00:49:16.160><c> loan</c><00:49:17.040><c> and</c><00:49:17.839><c> full</c><00:49:18.119

Summary: The committee heard a Department of Corrections capital budget presentation on HB 25, focused largely on urgent maintenance and security needs at the New Hampshire State Prison for Men and other DOC facilities. DOC officials described the governor’s proposed priorities: boiler surge and radiator tank replacements, electronic controls and camera upgrades, and replacement of HVAC units using R22 refrigerant. They also outlined additional requested projects totaling $15.4 million, including a body alarm/man-down system at Northern New Hampshire Correctional Facility, steam line and trap repairs, fire alarm replacements, and removal of an underground diesel tank in favor of above-ground storage. DOC testified that many systems are well beyond their expected service life, including 40-year-old boilers, outdated analog cameras, and HVAC equipment using discontinued R22 refrigerant. They said the men’s prison is relying on a leased temporary boiler, has significant steam leaks causing major water loss and reduced boiler efficiency, and is dealing with frequent fire alarm faults and deteriorating wiring. On the body alarm system, they said the vendor no longer supports the equipment and replacement parts are no longer available. On the diesel tank, members questioned whether it could be abandoned in place or whether fuel could be reused; DOC said it had not explored all alternatives and would follow up, while noting the tank is underground and tied into the warehouse system. Members also asked whether some current investments could be reused in the planned new men’s prison. DOC said some items, such as air handlers, might potentially be moved, but most projects are needed to keep the current facility operational and would not be practical to transfer. Questions were also raised about the leased boiler arrangement, the use of the man-down system by staff and visitors, and whether the kitchen project could be converted to a modular unit. DOC said the modular kitchen approach is necessary because the existing kitchen cannot remain fully operational during repairs. The committee then moved to lapse extensions, and DOC identified several projects no longer needing extensions, including items numbered 64, 65, and 66 in HB 25, with the chair noting those balances would be deleted and that the lapse amount was $550,500.

Transcript Highlights:

• > and</c><00:49:03.119><c> have</c><00:49:03.319><c> any</c><00:49:03.680><c> hope</c><00:49:03.880><
• it</c><00:49:06.839><c> goes</c><00:49:07.079><c> against</c><00:49:07.359><c> a</c><00:49:07.520><c>
• :49:23.680><c> happen</c><00:49:24.119><c> and</c><00:49:24.240><c> this</c><00:49:24.359><c> bill</c
• only</c><00:49:25.119><c> expand</c><00:49:25.520><c> them</c><00:49:25.680><c> with</c><00:49:25.880
• 00:49:46.359><c> no</c><00:49:46.640><c> on</c><00:49:46.799><c> HB</c><00:49:47.200><c> 232</c><00:49

Summary: The committee heard testimony on House Bill 232, which would protect health care workers’ conscience rights in connection with certain procedures, especially abortion and sterilization, and also referenced contraception. The prime sponsor, Rep. Mark Pearson, said the bill is meant to prevent medical professionals from being forced to participate in procedures that violate their beliefs, while still prohibiting discrimination against patients based on protected characteristics. He said the measure was intended to help retain health care workers in New Hampshire and noted he had added an amendment to address concerns about people taking jobs only to later refuse duties, as well as emergency situations where a provider is the only one available. Committee members raised concerns about how broadly the bill and amendment were written. Questions focused on whether the protections could apply to non-physician staff such as schedulers, receptionists, or pharmacy employees; whether a provider could refuse to schedule, refer, or otherwise assist with services; and how “emergency” would be determined in practice. Several members also questioned whether the bill could affect access to contraception, including pharmacy sales and procedures such as tubal ligation, and whether the language was clear enough to prevent confusion or unintended refusals of care. Pearson said the bill was not intended to allow refusal of emergency care or general patient discrimination, and he acknowledged some language could be tweaked. Rep. Paige Boerman, a maternal-child health nurse, testified in opposition, saying she had seen pharmacists question prescriptions related to miscarriage care and that the bill could create barriers to contraception and other reproductive health services. She warned that the lack of a disclosure requirement and the broad definitions could create risks, especially in rural areas with limited providers. She also pointed to problems she said had occurred in other states, arguing the bill could lead to delayed care in emergencies. The hearing ended after questions and discussion; no vote or final action was taken in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• &gt;&gt; If<00:49:02.080><c> I</c><00:49:02.160><c> if</c><00:49:02.360><c> I</c><00:49:02.400><c> may
• Um<00:49:30.840><c> so</c><00:49:31.240><c> to</c><00:49:31.360><c> my</c><00:49:31.800><c> my</c><00
• :49:31.960><c> colleague</c><00:49:32.440><c> and</c><00:49:32.840><c> and</c><00:49:33.200><c> and</
• and the the<00:49:34.200><c> man</c><00:49:34.440><c> who</c><00:49:34.560><c> will</c><00:49:34.680
• </c><00:49:39.680><c> And</c><00:49:40.080><c> and</c><00:49:40.240><c> so</c><00:49:40.400><c> I</c>

Bills: SB1

Committee: Senate Fiscal Responsibility and Economic Development

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:49:03.000><c> name</c><00:49:03.160><c> is</c><00:49:03.280><c> Russell</c><00:49:03.599><c>
• F from the<00:49:04.040><c> Department</c><00:49:04.359><c> of</c><00:49:04.440><c> Law</c><00:49:04.760
• <c> would</c><00:49:09.440><c> be</c><00:49:10.440><c> 5</c><00:49:10.880><c> million</c><00:49:11.880
• positions<00:49:14.960><c> um</c><00:49:15.160><c> and</c><00:49:15.280><c> this</c><00:49:15.400><c>
• ><c> the</c><00:49:23.440><c> second</c><00:49:23.720><c> year</c><00:49:24.040><c> fiscal</c><00:49:

Committee: Senate Public Safety and Military Affairs

Summary: The joint committees heard testimony on three fireworks-related bills. On SB 1226, which would create a shipping container inspection program and require Department of Law Enforcement reporting, the Department of Law Enforcement supported the measure, while the Attorney General recommended deleting references to explosives to avoid a single-subject constitutional issue and noted possible federal limits on military involvement. Harbor users raised concerns about logistics, delays, and cost, and HPD supported the bill; members also discussed how inspections would work and whether DLE would coordinate with county and federal partners. No vote was taken during the testimony portion. On SB 32, which would sharply restrict consumer fireworks by requiring permits for cultural use, repealing the general holiday exceptions, and imposing a $25 permit fee, the State Fire Council supported the bill as a public safety measure but said it was willing to work on problematic language. The Office of the Public Defender opposed it, arguing the bill’s use of “culture” could create constitutional and discrimination problems because permit decisions would effectively define culture. Fireworks retailers and other opponents said the bill would push consumers toward illegal fireworks and hurt lawful sales, while supporters said it would reduce injuries, fires, and respiratory harm. Members questioned whether the permit fee was new, whether the bill would affect commercial display companies, and whether permit caps should be added. On SB 1324, which expands fireworks offenses, increases penalties for injuries or death, creates new criminal offenses and an infraction adjudication system, and appropriates funds, the Attorney General strongly supported the bill and said it would give law enforcement and prosecutors better tools, while DLE said the current weight-based definitions make prosecutions difficult and labor-intensive. DLE also said disposal of seized fireworks is expensive and hazardous, and suggested violators should bear more of that cost. HPD and the Maui County prosecutor supported the bill, but some opponents argued it would overcriminalize conduct and create constitutional issues; a commercial pyrotechnics company asked for amendments to preserve lawful display work. Members asked about the appropriation, enforcement challenges, and whether existing exceptions would still allow commercial shows. The hearing ended with no final decision reported in the transcript.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:49:03.280><c> the</c><00:49:03.440><c> table,</c><00:49:04.079><c> somebody</c><00:49:04.400>
• Yeah.<00:49:09.040><c> And</c><00:49:09.280><c> respectfully,</c><00:49:10.000><c> if</c><00:49:10.160
• </c><00:49:13.200><c> Kilby</c><00:49:13.520><c> says</c><00:49:13.680><c> he</c><00:49:13.839><c> has
• 00:49:16.480><c> the</c><00:49:16.640><c> week</c><00:49:17.119><c> and</c><00:49:17.440><c> if</c><00
• </c><00:49:22.800><c> But</c><00:49:23.200><c> absent</c><00:49:23.680><c> that,</c><00:49:24.000><c>

Summary: The meeting began with routine business, including welcoming new committee member Senator Reginald Thomas, approving the minutes, and receiving a correspondence report on several information items. Those items included University of Kentucky research equipment funding, UK capital project funding using federal/private funds, debt issues from McGoffin County and Owen County school districts, lease modifications by the Division of Real Properties, asset preservation project revisions at Eastern Kentucky University and Northern Kentucky University, and Kentucky Communications Network Authority (KCNA) information on Kentucky Wired critical infrastructure. The main discussion focused on a dispute over the Kentucky Wired communication shelters, or “huts,” and related payments under KCNA’s agreement with Asellicom/Excel. Brad Kilby of Asellicom testified that KCNA had not paid for the huts, that Asellicom had not received the alleged $8 million or any later payment, and that Asellicom remained the legal owner. Committee members pressed him on whether payment had been received, whether anyone else might have received it, and whether the lawsuit or dispute resolution process clarified the issue. Kilby said no payment had been received and that the matter was part of ongoing litigation. KCNA Executive Director Doug Hendricks and General Counsel Adam Atkins then testified. They said a certified check for $8.5 million was mailed in July, based on the Finance and Administration Cabinet secretary’s determination that $8.5 million was due under the model procurement code, even though KCNA had initially requested about $12 million to cover a worst-case estimate. They said the contract allowed payment in full or in tranches, that the huts were completed and operational, and that KCNA had not received documentation supporting Asellicom’s higher $10.1 million claim. Members expressed frustration over the missing check and the broader implications for Kentucky Wired, and one member requested that the committee obtain all agency requests related to KCNA/Kentucky Wired since inception; the co-chairs said they would look into making that information available. No formal vote was taken on the dispute during the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• :00.160><c> bill</c><00:49:00.760><c> that</c><00:49:01.599><c> um</c><00:49:02.599><c> uh</c><00:49:
• especially for our<00:49:09.680><c> youth</c><00:49:10.680><c> uh</c><00:49:10.799><c> in</c><00:49:
• across the us<00:49:33.520><c> and</c><00:49:33.680><c> it</c><00:49:33.799><c> is</c><00:49:34.000><
• <00:49:35.920><c> Minnesota</c><00:49:36.480><c> are</c><00:49:36.680><c> about</c><00:49:37.000><c>
• </c><00:49:41.119><c> group</c><00:49:41.920><c> about</c><00:49:42.640><c> 0.5</c><00:49:43.599><c>

Committee: Senate Education Finance

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:49:02.160><c> heat,</c><00:49:02.480><c> no</c><00:49:02.640><c> running</c><00:49:03.040><c>
• the creek.<00:49:05.839><c> They</c><00:49:06.000><c> are</c><00:49:06.160><c> using</c><00:49:06.400
• ><c> a</c><00:49:06.559><c> a</c><00:49:06.960><c> hot</c><00:49:07.200><c> plate</c><00:49:07.599><c
• Uh<00:49:10.559><c> the</c><00:49:10.800><c> caller</c><00:49:11.200><c> stated</c><00:49:11.440><c>
• c> take</c><01:49:03.280><c> care</c><01:49:03.520><c> of</c><01:49:03.679><c> care</c><01:49:04.080>

Summary: The Legislative Oversight and Investigation Committee met without a quorum, so no votes were taken. Staff presented a study of the Kentucky Fire Commission focused on firefighter minimum training standards and administrative spending. The presentation explained that Kentucky’s training standards are built from NFPA guidelines, that the commission currently requires 115 hours for volunteer firefighters and 300 hours for paid firefighters, and that those reduced hours were adopted by removing electives and other non-NFPA content. Staff also said the commission’s IFSAC certification testing for firefighter 1 and firefighter 2 aligns with NFPA standards, but the commission cannot require local departments to train or certify firefighters. Staff recommended that the commission formally promulgate regulations establishing the reduced training hours and work with KCTCS to better separate administrative costs for certain programs so compliance with the statute can be demonstrated. The finance portion of the report said the commission is funded by general fund appropriations for State Fire Rescue Training and by an insurance premium surcharge that supports the Firefighter Foundation Program Fund. Staff reported that the commission stayed within the 5% administrative cap tied to the overall surcharge allotment, but could not confirm compliance with a separate 5% cap for specific programs because KCTCS accounting does not break out those costs in enough detail. Staff suggested the General Assembly may want to clarify what counts as administrative cost in statute. Members asked about investment returns, local fire department funding, and whether training documentation is required; staff said some of those topics were outside the study scope and that IFSAC testing relies on chief certification that a candidate is ready to test. Representatives from the Fire Commission then responded, saying they agreed with the report’s recommendations and would work to clarify the 5% issue with legislators and KCTCS. They explained that the reduction in training hours was intended to remove electives, better align with NFPA standards, and address the difficulty volunteer departments have in getting members to complete lengthy training. Commission officials said training is documented through rosters and annual compliance reviews, and that IFSAC-certified firefighter testing is based on demonstrated skills rather than a required number of training hours. They also said the difficulty in tracking the second 5% cap stems from the way KCTCS’s PeopleSoft system records reimbursements as single transactions, making it hard to isolate administrative costs by program.

Transcript Highlights:

• /c><00:49:07.160><c> Speaker</c><00:49:07.559><c> would</c><00:49:07.720><c> I</c><00:49:08.000><c> press
• </c><00:49:13.760><c> the</c><00:49:13.920><c> potential</c><00:49:14.480><c> benefits</c><00:49:15.359
• ><c> if</c><00:49:55.960><c> you're</c><00:49:56.079><c> oppos</c><00:49:56.319><c> to</c><00:49:56.480
• :49:33.320><c> i</c><04:49:34.638><c> i</c><04:49:35.638><c> n</c><04:49:35.920><c> the</c><04:49:36.080
• 49:37.878><c> 586</c><04:49:38.558><c> is</c><04:49:38.718><c> laid</c><04:49:38.958><c> on</c><04:49

Transcript Highlights:

• /c><00:49:08.400><c> Am</c><00:49:08.600><c> I</c><00:49:08.680><c> reading</c><00:49:08.960><c> that
• /c><00:49:10.000><c> Not</c><00:49:10.160><c> the</c><00:49:10.240><c> way</c><00:49:10.480><c> I</c>
• <00:49:12.359><c> the</c><00:49:12.560><c> act</c><00:49:12.880><c> prohibiting</c><00:49:13.359><c>
• </c><00:49:22.760><c> In</c><00:49:22.840><c> other</c><00:49:23.000><c> words,</c><00:49:23.320><c>
• No,<00:49:25.000><c> no,</c><00:49:25.320><c> I</c><00:49:25.400><c> know,</c><00:49:25.560><c> but</

Committee: House Labor, Industrial and Rehabilitative Services

Transcript Highlights:

• was started in<00:49:43.840><c> the</c><00:49:43.920><c> early</c><00:49:44.160><c> 2000s</c><00:49:
• c><00:49:48.160><c> was</c><00:49:48.280><c> added</c><00:49:48.560><c> back</c><00:49:48.800><c> in<
• c><00:49:52.000><c> so</c><00:49:52.240><c> we've</c><00:49:52.520><c> taken</c><00:49:52.840><c> a</
• c> look</c><00:49:53.400><c> at</c><00:49:53.600><c> it</c><00:49:54.160><c> and</c><00:49:54.480><c>
• <00:49:57.640><c> I</c><00:49:57.760><c> believe</c><00:49:57.960><c> Eric</c><00:49:58.160><c> said<

Summary: The committee first approved the March 10 minutes and then moved through a large agenda of contract reviews, including a deferred Kentucky Transportation Cabinet item tied to Louisville bridge tolling and RiverLink. Transportation officials explained that the contract was part of a bi-state arrangement with Indiana: Indiana Finance Authority held the main contract with HNTB, while Kentucky needed a mirror contract to pay its 50% share under the bi-state management agreement. Members questioned why the work was treated as effectively no-bid, how much input Kentucky had in vendor selection, RiverLink’s collection performance, and when tolls might end. Transportation said Kentucky had equal representation in selection, HNTB served as a toll services advisor, collections and customer service had improved, and tolls are expected to remain until debt obligations are paid off in 2058. Several members criticized the company’s past performance and voted no as a statement of concern, but the contract still moved forward. The committee then deferred a Kentucky State University item because the vendor was not registered with the Secretary of State. It also approved the overall agenda and contract review lists. A Board of Optometric Examiners contract drew significant discussion: board representatives said they had previously relied on the Public Protection Cabinet for legal services, but that office lacked staff and advised them to seek outside counsel. Some members argued the committee could not approve a contract that appeared to conflict with statute, while others said the board should not be left without legal counsel and that the Attorney General should be brought in to resolve the issue. The committee ultimately voted to defer the optometric contract for one month and requested the Attorney General appear at the next meeting. Finally, the committee reviewed an Administrative Office of the Courts amendment for the Court of Appeals building project. Staff explained that the General Assembly had authorized the project, the design contract had already gone through multiple approved phases, and the current item was only an administrative correction to a prior modification amount. Members approved the amendment, with one member noting appreciation that the project costs had been reduced when an error was found.

Transcript Highlights:

• c><00:49:02.799><c> ask</c><00:49:03.119><c> of</c><00:49:03.319><c> fiscal</c><00:49:03.680><c> year
• </c><00:49:06.920><c> of</c><00:49:07.400><c> the</c><00:49:08.119><c> uh</c><00:49:08.280><c> OIC</c
• our</c><00:49:09.760><c> Workforce</c><00:49:10.359><c> program</c><00:49:10.799><c> work</c><00:49:
• ><00:49:14.760><c> Senator</c><00:49:15.119><c> BR</c><00:49:15.920><c> thank</c><00:49:16.079><c> you
• the</c><01:49:02.760><c> last</c><01:49:02.920><c> two</c><01:49:03.199><c> bium</c><01:49:03.920><c

Committee: Senate Jobs and Economic Development

Transcript Highlights:

• would</c><00:49:04.240><c> happen</c><00:49:04.559><c> if</c><00:49:04.799><c> we</c><00:49:04.960><c
• :49:19.440><c> got</c><00:49:19.720><c> sick</c><00:49:20.480><c> we</c><00:49:20.839><c> see</c><00:
• <01:49:02.520><c> in</c><01:49:02.719><c> this</c><01:49:02.960><c> aspect</c><01:49:03.400><c> as</c
• > well<01:49:06.800><c> um</c><01:49:06.920><c> on</c><01:49:07.119><c> page</c><01:49:07.360><c> 21<
• fund</c><01:49:15.119><c> a</c><01:49:15.320><c> portion</c><01:49:15.679><c> of</c><01:49:15.880><c>

Committee: Senate Health and Human Services

Transcript Highlights:

• to<03:49:21.279><c> doit</c><03:49:21.960><c> doit</c><03:49:22.680><c> is</c><03:49:22.920><c> not<
• /c><03:49:23.600><c> involved</c><03:49:24.319><c> in</c><03:49:24.600><c> that</c><03:49:25.000><c>
• <03:49:40.560><c> and</c><03:49:41.000><c> in</c><03:49:41.239><c> law</c><03:49:41.760><c> that</c><
• :49:43.680><c> and</c><03:49:44.199><c> running</c><03:49:44.880><c> by</c><03:49:45.040><c> September
• of this<03:49:45.800><c> year</c><03:49:46.040><c> and</c><03:49:46.199><c> we</c><03:49:46.319><c>

Summary: The committee heard a presentation from the University System of New Hampshire chancellor on the system’s budget, enrollment, finances, workforce role, and response to federal policy changes. The chancellor said the governor’s recommended budget would reduce university system funding by about $16.5 million over the biennium, or roughly 8.3%, and asked that state funding be held at the governor’s level. She described planned cost reductions already underway, including lower headcount, reduced benefits and retirement contributions, property sales, and lease reductions, and said the system expects to remove about $20 million from its cost structure in fiscal year 2026. A large portion of the discussion focused on enrollment and finances. The chancellor said fall 2024 enrollment was about 23,000, with New Hampshire enrollment increasing for the first time since 2013, and noted that the system remains a major workforce pipeline, with about 3,000 graduates entering the state workforce each year. She explained that net tuition has fallen over time because of declining enrollment and increased financial aid, while research grants and contracts have grown significantly. She also walked through endowment funding, explaining that payouts are based on a 12-quarter rolling average and are intentionally smoothed to reduce volatility; members asked for follow-up information on payout comparisons, administrative salaries, headcounts, and compensation per student. Members questioned the university about the relationship between state support, tuition, endowments, and research spending. The chancellor said the system has used state capital support to leverage major investments, including the UNH Life Sciences building, Plymouth’s Hyde Hall, and the Olson Advanced Manufacturing Center, and described partnerships with businesses such as Lonza and regional manufacturers. She also explained a long-running New Hampshire 529-related revenue stream that has built endowment support for scholarships, and said the system’s endowment now totals about $988 million. In response to questions about possible cuts, she said the system is considering academic program sharing, consolidation of specialties, online delivery, AI-assisted administrative efficiencies, and footprint reductions, but declined to name specific programs. The committee also discussed DEI-related issues and federal grants. The chancellor said the system is reviewing executive orders and a U.S. Department of Education Dear Colleague letter, and that general counsel is working through websites, programs, and more than 1,200 federal grants to ensure compliance. She said the system spends about $3 million on what it calls DEI-related offices and services, but emphasized that these services include disability support, veteran support, Title IX, ADA, and employment-law compliance, and that the system does not have race-based programs, separate housing, or separate graduation ceremonies. She reported that the system had received stop-work orders on four federal grants totaling about $700,000 and warned that reductions in federal direct or indirect costs could affect research, jobs, and innovation.

Transcript Highlights:

• 49:08.240><c> on</c><00:49:08.360><c> House</c><00:49:08.600><c> Bill</c><00:49:08.800><c> 1214.
• Seeing<00:49:13.000><c> none,</c><00:49:13.440><c> with</c><00:49:13.720><c> a</c><00:49:13.800><c> vote
• </c><00:49:14.160><c> of</c><00:49:14.640><c> 33</c><00:49:15.880><c> eyes,</c><00:49:16.320><c> two<
• ><c> zero</c><00:49:17.040><c> absent</c><00:49:17.360><c> or</c><00:49:17.440><c> excused,</c><00:49
• Meanwhile,<01:49:30.280><c> our</c><01:49:31.040><c> constituents</c><01:49:31.840><c> are</c><01:49:

Transcript Highlights:

• :04.000><c> asking</c><00:49:04.400><c> us</c><00:49:04.559><c> to</c><00:49:04.880><c> just</c><00:49
• </c><00:49:22.559><c> have</c><00:49:22.720><c> to</c><00:49:22.800><c> be</c><00:49:22.960><c> this<
• ><c> but</c><00:49:23.760><c> it</c><00:49:24.000><c> always</c><00:49:24.240><c> shouldn't</c><00:49
• </c> So<00:49:29.280><c> please</c><00:49:29.599><c> stay</c><00:49:29.760><c> with</c><00:49:30.000>
• /c><00:49:35.839><c> look</c><00:49:36.000><c> to</c><00:49:36.160><c> the</c><00:49:36.319><c> state

Bills: HF2312

Committee: House Higher Education Finance and Policy

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:49:04.960><c> We're</c><00:49:05.200><c> making</c><00:49:05.440><c> another</c><00:49:05.760
• <00:49:21.839><c> look</c><00:49:22.000><c> at</c><00:49:22.160><c> per</c><00:49:22.400><c> unit</c>
• sales<00:49:23.440><c> prices,</c><00:49:23.839><c> and</c><00:49:24.000><c> buyer</c><00:49:24.400>
• </c><00:49:26.559><c> to</c><00:49:26.800><c> see</c><00:49:26.960><c> if</c><00:49:27.680><c> the</c
• that's<00:49:28.480><c> going</c><00:49:28.720><c> out</c><00:49:29.839><c> that</c><00:49:30.160><c

Transcript Highlights:

• so</c><00:49:02.200><c> I</c><00:49:02.280><c> know</c><00:49:02.400><c> we're</c><00:49:02.480><c>
• just<00:49:06.320><c> in</c><00:49:06.440><c> these</c><00:49:06.680><c> walls</c><00:49:07.280><c>
• :49:08.680><c> state</c><00:49:09.040><c> about</c><00:49:09.359><c> how</c><00:49:09.560><c> do</c><
• <00:49:10.480><c> the</c><00:49:10.600><c> future</c><00:49:10.960><c> that</c><00:49:11.640><c> uh</
• c><00:49:11.720><c> we</c><00:49:11.800><c> all</c><00:49:11.920><c> want</c><00:49:12.080><c> to</c>