Transcript Highlights:

• Um, I didn't realize how packed I made the schedule.
• I didn't mean to not schedule a lunch either.
• :34:31.520> for<00:34:31.679> some scheduled something at noon for some scheduled something
• , flexibility for payment schedules, flexibility for payment schedules, bonding<01:37:59.520>
• >> schedule on Tuesdays whenever. >> schedule on Tuesdays whenever.

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee heard public testimony on HB 1065, a housing bill that would clarify when multifamily and mixed-use housing may be allowed on commercially zoned land, define infrastructure standards, and preserve municipal discretion over where such development can occur. Prime sponsor Representative David Priest said the bill is intended to help address the housing shortage by using already developed commercial areas without overriding local planning. The New Hampshire Municipal Association, through Brody Dees, said it supports the bill and views it as a priority, but noted it is still discussing related language with stakeholders and wants clearer definitions for multifamily development, infrastructure, and adaptive reuse while preserving local control over commercial land use. Testimony was mixed. Ivy Van, a certified planner, opposed the bill because she said the infrastructure language is too restrictive and could exclude properties served by private utilities or septic systems. Chris Freeman, a housing provider, was generally supportive but recommended technical changes, arguing the infrastructure definition may be too broad and that the adaptive reuse language could unintentionally block useful building modifications. He said the bill should be clarified so it does not discourage reuse projects. The committee then moved to discussion of an accessory dwelling unit bill, with Representative Turkot describing changes that would shift some ADU approvals from a matter of right to conditional use or special exception, allow municipalities more control over attached versus detached units, set parking standards tied to single-family dwellings, and adjust size limits. He argued the bill would restore local discretion and prevent ADUs from becoming primarily rental units. Representative Reed pushed back, saying detached ADUs can help meet housing needs and provide opportunities for small landlords, while other members questioned how the bill would affect existing detached structures and breezeways. No votes were taken in the excerpt, and the chair also noted a recess and time limits for later testimony.

Transcript Highlights:

• appointment scheduled anyways. Yeah. appointment scheduled anyways. Yeah.
• <01:25:00.159> for room um the patients been scheduled for room um the patients been scheduled
• They've got me scheduled really tight today. I understand.
• They've got me scheduled to introduce.
• irregular and unpredictable scheduling irregular and unpredictable scheduling practices<04:42:15.920

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• we are uh a little bit behind schedule. we are uh a little bit behind schedule.
• Um scheduled to be completed back to.
• We have workshop scheduled.
• Chair, I know I didn't make the schedule and I know it's tough.
• make the schedule and I know it's tough. make the schedule and I know it's tough.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:14:48.720> of Washington to change the schedule of Washington to change the schedule of
• moves the cannabis down to schedule moves the cannabis down to schedule three.<00:15:02.160>
• But just to clarify, it is not Schedule III.
• And even if it is Schedule III, that's like Tylenol with codeine.
• We're on schedule. >> Schedule. We're on schedule.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Let's try to, um, we are behind schedule. Mention when our lunch will be because people are coming.
• Let's try to um we<02:52:37.680> are<02:52:37.840> behind<02:52:38.240> schedule.
• we are behind schedule. we are behind schedule.
• for 1:00, probably won't be scheduled for 1:00, probably won't be heard<02:53:13.600> till<02
• We're one hour behind schedule right now. Um, so we're, uh, yeah, on HP 1409. All right.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I'll get an amendment drafted to bring at when it's appropriate scheduled.
• I'll get an amendment drafted to bring at when it's appropriate scheduled.
• I'll get an amendment drafted to bring at when it's appropriate scheduled.
• I'll get an amendment drafted to bring at when it's appropriate scheduled.
• I'll get an amendment drafted to bring at when it's appropriate scheduled.

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee first discussed HB 443, which would change terms and vacancy language for members of a higher education commission. Members raised concerns that the bill was too narrow to address broader issues with commission membership, including expired appointments, attendance expectations, and whether the Department of Education could replace the commission’s role. Several members suggested the bill was not ready for action and favored holding it for further work, possibly through a subcommittee or work session. One member suggested that if attendance standards were added, no more than two unexcused absences should trigger removal, given the commission’s meeting schedule. The chair said he would defer action and form a small subcommittee to report back before the committee deadline. The committee then moved to HB 484, dealing with repurposing Career and Technical Education classroom space after 20 years of exclusive use. The chair explained that the bill was aimed at the Milford CTE project, where shared use of space could allow a school to repurpose part of a CTE facility while still using it for CTE-related instruction. Members discussed other possible situations around the state, including Claremont, North Conway, and Jaffrey/Rindge, and whether the bill should be limited to Milford or broadened to allow local districts more flexibility. Some members favored passing the bill now to help CTE projects move forward, while others argued for an amendment removing the requirement that the space be vacated specifically to expand the CTE program occupying it. Testimony and discussion emphasized that the Milford project had state approval but reduced funding, requiring a smaller scope and repurposing of existing space. Supporters said the bill could help preserve CTE programs while also benefiting general education space needs, and that local districts should have flexibility after 20 years. Opponents or cautious members noted that the language might not fit every district situation and asked for feedback from Director Beard and Steve Rothenberg before final action. The committee did not take a final vote in the portion provided, and instead discussed waiting for an amendment and additional input before acting.

Transcript Highlights:

• are put out a week in um the schedules are put out a week in advance<02:19:34.479> and<02:19:
• We have some schedule for Tuesday morning, and that's—we've got a C also tomorrow.
• /c><04:44:04.040> we<04:44:04.240> have<04:44:04.400> some<04:44:04.680> schedule
• now see we have we have some schedule now see we have we have some schedule for<04:44:05.320>
• this bill, which requires that the remittance be in four payments through the year, and that the schedule

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The hearing focused on HB 563, which would revise the education funding formula for pupils receiving special education services by replacing the current single special education amount with three differentiated categories. Representative Rick Ladd, the prime sponsor, said the bill largely tracks a House-passed version from the prior session with minor figure adjustments, and explained that the proposal uses projected FY26 amounts for three categories based on time in general education versus more intensive placements. He also noted that the bill does not address catastrophic aid directly, but that special education aid, CAT aid, and proration all remain issues for later work sessions. Ladd and supporters argued that weighted categories better reflect actual costs and are more sustainable than treating all IEPs the same. Representative Margaret Drye said the approach was one of the best ideas from the education funding subcommittee and urged the committee to support differentiated aid. Representative Ames asked how the category amounts were derived, and Ladd said Category A follows the FY26 base, Category B is a higher weight, and Category C is a still higher weight for more intensive services, though he acknowledged the exact multipliers were developed earlier and could be revisited. He also said the committee would continue discussing whether the weights are appropriate and how they interact with CAT aid. Testimony from Bonnie Dunham strongly opposed the bill. She argued that funding based on placement rather than actual service need would create incentives to move students into more restrictive settings, could stigmatize children with labels such as "Category C," and would undermine the least restrictive environment requirements under federal special education law. She described her son’s experience in inclusive settings as beneficial and said the bill would have penalized the district for serving him there. In response to questions, she said schools and parents should base funding on the child’s actual needs and costs, not on placement, and urged the committee to recommend the bill inexpedient to legislate.

Transcript Highlights:

• Ultimately, it seems to be based on the Medicare fee schedule, Medicare cost finding. Yes?
• Is March 11th the last scheduled work session?
• scheduled day it's the last scheduled scheduled day it's the last scheduled work<03:23:31.239>
• And I'm wondering if we would be able to schedule a time to actually give some dedicated conversation
• <03:40:32.760> a<03:40:33.040> time<03:40:33.640> to would be able to schedule

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The House Finance Division Three work session on February 21, 2025 focused on the Division of Medicaid Services budget. The chair opened with procedural guidance, noting the division’s role is to make recommendations to the full Finance Committee, that the budget must be balanced, and that members should track possible amendments ahead of a March 26 target for House Bills 1 and 2. Members also discussed the importance of using official budget documents and online resources, and the chair said no motions would be taken at this session. A major early topic was concern over a five-point Medicaid policy document and the timing of House Bill 2. Representative Tarki objected that the document appeared to be an unofficial draft and argued that significant Medicaid policy changes should have been transmitted by February 15 under state law. He said the lack of an official, posted document raised transparency concerns because the changes could affect tens of thousands of residents. Committee leadership responded that the five-point document was a working document, that it would be posted online within minutes, and that House Bill 2 is often delayed while the Office of Legislative Services finalizes and formats the governor’s proposed trailer bill. DHHS Chief Financial Officer Nathan White and Medicaid Director Henry Litman then began the budget presentation. White said the committee would use the PowerPoint as the document of record, starting with the governor’s operating budget pages 885-893, and noted that Medicaid is the largest accounting area in the state budget. He said the governor’s budget reflects about $60 million in reductions within the Medicaid area, with Granite Advantage handled off-budget and another $10 million in reductions there, for roughly a $70 million difference overall. Members asked whether the comparison was being made against an efficiency budget or a prioritized-needs budget, and White said the department could look at it different ways. The presentation then outlined Medicaid’s role in New Hampshire: it provides health coverage, serves as the state’s direct interface with the federal Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, and helps finance related services such as long-term supports, school-based services, adult dental coverage, and re-entry programs for people leaving correctional settings. White also reviewed enrollment and program context, saying New Hampshire has about one in seven residents enrolled in Medicaid, making it the fourth smallest Medicaid program in the country by enrollment, and described recent efforts such as youth re-entry and the Medicaid unwind after the end of the federal continuous coverage period. He said the state had to process more than 238,000 redeterminations after the public health emergency and that the department tried to avoid unnecessary coverage loss during that transition.

Transcript Highlights:

• Last hearing for the day scheduled for... we're running a little bit behind, but still we're going to
• Our executive session is scheduled for 1:30.
• I will be putting a schedule together for next Tuesday, and we'll get into a routine.
• <05:25:12.080> we've sessions once they're scheduled we've sessions once they're scheduled
• and I will be putting a schedule and I will be putting a schedule together<05:25:30.558> for<

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee first heard House Bill 119-FN, which would allow rental companies registering a rental fleet to choose New Hampshire as their base jurisdiction under the International Registration Plan. The DMV witness said the state already has this capability under the IRP and did not support the bill, adding that no additional staffing should be needed. Committee questions focused on whether the bill would change where registrations are done, what implementation would require, mileage tracking, decals, and inspection requirements. A representative of the Motor Transport Association also said the bill was unnecessary because the option already exists, while noting some related truck-registration and property-tax issues. The chair then closed the public hearing on HB 119-FN with no further speakers. The committee next heard House Bill 612, which would let youth operators renew up to 30 days before turning 21 and receive a temporary license so they can transition to a standard horizontal license without an extra DMV trip. The sponsor and DMV director strongly supported the bill, describing a long-standing problem where early online renewals can trigger another vertical youth license, forcing a duplicate transaction and fee after the birthday. The DMV said the change would reduce confusion and workload, and estimated a one-time system update cost of $48,000. Members asked about whether the proposal was effectively a 30-day extension, how law enforcement would view the temporary status, and whether the system could handle printing and mailing the new horizontal license; the director said the DMV could manage it and that the bill was the best approach. The chair closed the hearing after no one else testified. Finally, the committee heard House Bill 209, which would exempt new vehicles from inspection in the second year after purchase, effectively allowing two years before the next inspection. The sponsor argued the bill would save taxpayers money and reduce unnecessary trips for owners of new vehicles. Supporters said newer vehicles are already maintained through warranties and routine service. Opponents, including the New Hampshire Auto Dealers Association and a service manager from a dealership, argued the bill was not limited to truly new cars, would weaken safety by delaying inspections on vehicles that can still develop tire, brake, and other defects, and could raise costs for everyone else if inspection volume drops. The Motor Transport Association clarified that commercial motor vehicles remain subject to annual federal inspection requirements. No vote was taken in the transcript, and the hearing remained open with testimony continuing.

Transcript Highlights:

• And then he will volunteer when it fits his schedule. And you see a lot of that.
• But you talk about your equipment having a replacement schedule.
• Sorry we missed him, but he understood our schedule. As you know, TABC has a dual mission.
• If they were active duty and they say they're Trooper 2 or just another Schedule C or 3, do you hire
• We will reconvene next time at the scheduled date. Have a great day, everyone.

Bills: SB 1

Keywords: campground safety, youth camp regulations, flood safety, emergency evacuation, health and safety standards, 1185, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Our hearing schedule has been publicly posted for your reference.
• Witness: I mean, when you have, and God bless our troopers and wardens and Schedule C, but when you have
• Witness: I mean, when you have, and God bless our troopers and wardens and Schedule C, but when you have
• I mean, when you have, and God bless our troopers and wardens in Schedule C, but when you have an average
• If you or your senior staff had to handle the mail, phone, correspondence, scheduling, greeting visitors

Bills: SB 1

Keywords: campground safety, youth camp regulations, flood safety, emergency evacuation, health and safety standards, 1185, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, schedule.
• Um, we have then uh been told that the fee schedule should be adopted in statute, and that the Health
• .<00:03:23.760> Um schedule.
• Um schedule.
• <00:03:28.080> should<00:03:28.600> be schedule should be schedule should be uh<00:03:29.760

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And I'm going to schedule it for just for purposes of not violating the rules. rather than um substantive
• And<01:15:01.199> I'm<01:15:01.440> going<01:15:01.520> to<01:15:01.760> schedule
• <01:15:02.080> it<01:15:02.400> for<01:15:03.679> um And I'm going to schedule
• it for um And I'm going to schedule it for um just<01:15:05.920> for<01:15:06.159> purposes
• That's not the same thing as knowing that the conversation has been scheduled and has happened, or indeed

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• They have to schedule it.
• They have to schedule<00:15:24.560> it.
• And don't forget this this schedule it.
• We will schedule this for next Tuesday at 10:00, and depending on how much more information we get, it
• weren't originally the person scheduled weren't originally the person scheduled to<03:24:26.080>

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The one thing that he did, he didn't worry about school bus schedules or discipline.
• <00:18:32.720> The<00:18:32.960> only schedules or or discipline.
• The only schedules or or discipline.
• That is prioritized in all of their schedules.
• There being no further business, the meeting is adjourned. is scheduled for Wednesday, October is scheduled

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The meeting focused on Kentucky school choice and innovation, with discussion of the state constitution’s “common schools” requirement and how that has been interpreted alongside newer education models. Chairman Tipton described model laboratory schools, Gatton and Craft Academies, magnet and virtual programs, and said these options show that Kentucky has long expanded opportunity through innovation. He then turned the discussion to Senate Bill 207, which he said was designed to support schools of innovation. Senator Steve West reviewed the history of Kentucky charter schools and explained that SB 207 was modeled on a South Carolina approach. He said the bill allows a local school board to contract with a third-party entity to manage an existing school, seek waivers from certain state rules, and receive SEEK funding while also allowing outside private investment. He emphasized that the district initiates the process, that the school remains public, and that the bill includes accountability through a time-limited contract that can be ended if the school is not performing. Members asked about the difference between SB 207 and the earlier charter school law, whether schools could cherry-pick students, and whether teachers would remain district employees. West and Tipton said the new model is tied to an existing school rather than a new charter, cannot cherry-pick students, and keeps teachers as district employees. Representative Brown raised concerns that charters and exceptions could leave some children out, especially lower-income students, while West responded that the proposal is intended to expand choice for families who may not otherwise have it and cited examples from other states where similar models improved low-performing schools. No vote or formal action was taken during the discussion.

Transcript Highlights:

• This education funding committee had 14 bills which we did retain this year, and we've tried to schedule
• There is a rotational schedule for capital costs, with funds allocated toward upgrading these centers
• on which funds a rotational schedule on which funds have<00:25:36.080> been<00:25:36.720>
• So, how about if we schedule for the 23rd at 1:00 or is that too soon? >> If I may suggest, Mr.
• So, how about if we schedule for the 23rd at 1:00 or is that too soon? >> I defer to Tim.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Summary: The subcommittee opened its first meeting on retained education funding bills, focusing on HB 366, which concerns school building aid for eligible projects, and HB 295, which would make school building aid program funds non-lapsing. The chair framed the discussion broadly around whether school building aid should remain a state program, how to address limited revenues, and whether the current system should continue to prioritize debt service and the existing formula or move toward a different model such as per-pupil allocations, a dedicated fund, or a split between new construction and renovation. He also raised questions about whether leasing should be included and how to manage any new fund under current law and the school building authority structure. Representatives and department staff discussed the current backlog of applications, the age and condition of school facilities, and the possibility that large projects can consume available funding for a year while other districts go unsupported. Tim Carney of the Bureau of School Facilities introduced himself and provided technical context on the program and current debt levels. Representative Luneau argued that under the ConVal decision, the state’s responsibility includes school buildings, construction, and renovation, and that the program also serves an equity function by helping districts with less property wealth. He noted that construction and renovation have long been recognized categories and asked about leasing, which staff said is already supported in statute for charter schools and possibly CTE, with a cap of 30% of annual lease cost or $50,000. The discussion also covered CTE facilities: staff explained that capital funding for CTE centers is state-funded, that federal Carl Perkins funds cannot be used for construction, and that the current rotational capital model means only a few centers are funded each year, which may not match changing program needs. A committee studying CTE capital needs was referenced, along with concerns that the report from that work had not yet been received. Representative Papich urged the subcommittee to focus on policy, principles, and structure rather than just numbers, saying the current system produces a few winners and many districts that never receive aid. He favored a simpler, more equitable per-capita or formula-based approach, while acknowledging the need for a transition plan for projects already in the pipeline. The chair later cautioned against mixing maintenance and operations with construction and renovation, noting that operation and maintenance are already part of the adequacy formula and should not be confused with capital funding. No votes were taken during the meeting; the discussion was exploratory, with members and staff laying out competing approaches and identifying issues for further work.

Transcript Highlights:

• Uh, technically air scheduled operators, even though we are scheduled right before we leave.
• Uh, technically air scheduled operators, even though we are scheduled right before we leave.
• Uh technically airs scheduled operators.
• Uh technically airs scheduled um<01:44:10.880> even<01:44:11.119> though<01:44:11.360><
• though we are scheduled right um even though we are scheduled right before<01:44:13.360> we<01

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We had to kind of jam it in and that was my scheduling fault.
• We had to kind of jam it in and that was my scheduling fault.
• jam it in and that was my scheduling jam it in and that was my scheduling fault.<00:56:40.319>
• > there<01:43:02.159> is<01:43:02.400> one scheduled tomorrow and there is one scheduled
• We should lay the bill over and take it up at our scheduled time tomorrow.

Bills: HF2436

Keywords: child welfare, economic assistance, child care, grant program, video security cameras, 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Mr chairman so for the purpose<04:31:15.040> of<04:31:15.399> my<04:31:15.720> scheduling
• <04:31:16.680> finance purpose of my scheduling finance purpose of my scheduling finance division
• I'll schedule Finance Division One on the 11th. Thank you.
• We have it scheduled. The other item I don't have scheduled.
• the 12th we do it on the 11th so it's the 12th we have<04:32:36.000> it<04:32:36.159> scheduled

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The executive session focused primarily on HB 563, which revises the school funding formula, especially the adequate education grant amounts for special education students and the treatment of fiscal capacity disparity aid. Representative Ladd moved OTPA on Amendment 06508, explaining that FY 26 would largely hold the current formula steady, while FY 27 would increase several per-pupil amounts, including base cost, free and reduced-price meals, English language learner aid, and special education differentiated aid. He said the special education change was based on estimated case loads across disability categories and that the amendment also reinstates fiscal capacity disparity aid, using a formula intended to better assist property-poor communities. Several members supported the amendment as a step in the right direction, saying it better recognizes special education costs and separates property wealth from low-income student counts. Others raised concerns about the lack of time and the absence of a printed spreadsheet showing how the fiscal capacity disparity aid would affect each town. In response, sponsors said the spreadsheet existed, that the LBA had copies, and that the amendment would help about 40 target towns, while Manchester would be the main community receiving less under the new formula because of prior shifts in the extraordinary needs grant. Discussion also covered the broader impact of the bill, with members noting that about 200 of the state’s 245 cities and towns would see an increase and 45 a decrease under the proposed FY 27 changes. Supporters argued the bill was a compromise given limited revenues and that it should move forward so it can be considered by the full House and then Finance. No final vote on the amendment or bill was taken in the portion provided, and the chair indicated the committee was still deciding whether it had enough information to proceed.

Transcript Highlights:

• makes clear that Delta-8 and its derivatives are properly listed under the controlled substance schedule
• exclude all forms of canono classified exclude all forms of canono classified as<00:30:10.760> schedule
• > one<00:30:11.559> under<00:30:11.799> the<00:30:11.919> uniform as schedule
• one under the uniform as schedule one under the uniform Controlled<00:30:13.080> Substances<00
• thank you thank you very much schedule thank you thank you very much and<00:31:28.880> finally

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The committee first heard House Bill 302, which would repeal the requirement that a provider-patient relationship for medical cannabis certification be established in person first. The Department of Health said it supported the House Draft 2 version as a way to expand patient access, and several testifiers from the medical cannabis community and dispensary industry supported the bill, especially for patients on outer islands or those unable to travel. One witness asked that earlier language removed in committee be restored to further improve access. Representative Shimizu asked whether follow-up in-person visits would still occur, and DOH responded that this varies by provider, with some continuing in-person care and others moving to telehealth for chronic conditions. The committee then took up House Bill 712, relating to the federal 340B drug pricing program and contract pharmacies. The Office of Consumer Protection and the Attorney General’s office both said they supported the bill’s purpose but wanted it clarified and possibly moved into a standalone chapter rather than chapter 481B. Supporters, including Hawaii Pacific Health and the Queen’s Health Systems, said the bill is needed to protect safety-net funding and access to discounted drugs, citing large financial benefits from 340B and losses caused by manufacturer restrictions on contract pharmacies. PhRMA opposed the bill, arguing the issue is not access to discounts but accountability and transparency in how contract pharmacies distribute benefits, and said it was willing to discuss amendments. Members asked follow-up questions about whether there was data showing misuse; PhRMA said it did not have numbers, while hospital witnesses said the program is federally audited and used appropriately in Hawaii. Finally, the committee heard House Bill 1482, HD1, which would tighten hemp and controlled-substance definitions to exclude Schedule I cannabinoids from manufactured hemp products and clarify the treatment of artificially derived cannabis. The Department of Health supported the measure, saying it adds clarity to existing prohibitions. Kūre Hawaii and other supporters said it would close loopholes involving Delta-8 and similar products. An individual testifier urged stronger language to also cover compounds such as HHC, THCA, THCP, and THCO. In response to questions about enforcement against mislabeled hemp products, DOH explained that THC percentages are relative to product weight, that some products can remain under the hemp threshold while still containing significant THC, and that hemp flower is already prohibited from direct retail sale, though enforcement can be complicated and involves both administrative and criminal authorities.