Video & Transcript Research : 'payment pool'
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NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
Fiscal Committee (11/21/2025)
Transcript Highlights:
- Is there any kind of payment they pay, any sort of payment you get from people that have been defended
- Is there any kind of payment they pay, any sort of payment you get from people that have been defended
- Is there any kind of payment they pay, any sort of payment you get from people that have been defended
- Is there any kind of payment they pay, any sort of payment you get from people that have been defended
- Is there any kind of payment they pay, any sort of payment you get from people that have been defended
Summary:
The Fiscal Committee met on Friday, November 21st and first approved the October 17th minutes, with one member abstaining because she was not present. The committee then adopted the remainder of the consent calendar after removing two items for separate consideration. On tab four, members discussed item 25282 with the Commissioner of Administrative Services and Public Works staff; the project had been delayed after testing revealed design errors and flaws, and the committee was told the work would restart with test piles the following week and was projected for completion in fall 2027. The item was approved.
On tab five, item 25279 concerned a Health and Human Services facility project and a federally required element added late in the process. Commissioners explained that the project had originally been funded at $21 million, later required additional financing, and that the legislature had recently lifted a restriction so non-ARPA funds could be used. They also said the sale of the existing Manchester property would not be needed to complete the build, that a broker RFP was about to be issued, and that any sale would require further approvals. The committee approved the item.
The committee then approved item 25280 after a brief exchange about rainy day fund estimates and prior budget assumptions, and approved item 25278 without discussion. Item 25272 drew questions about the consumer advocate’s RFP for outside utility-rate-case assistance; the office said it eliminated proposals focused only on return on equity work after the Eversource decision, selected a Michigan firm for spreadsheet and operating-cost analysis, and noted there were no in-state firms doing this specialized work. The committee approved the item, with one member recorded in opposition.
On tab nine, item 25261 concerned a new judicial council budget obligation tied to legislation and public defense staffing needs. The presenter said the request reflected a late-added obligation from the judicial branch, that more requests may still be needed, and that public defense staffing was strained by vacancies and competition from Massachusetts. The committee approved the item. Under informational items, members received an update on 529 plan distributions and on interest and dividends tax refunds, with Revenue Administration saying roughly $21 million more in refunds remained and that the repeal-related refunds were nearly finished. The committee also noted an environmental services item for which questions would be submitted separately. The next meeting was set for December 19th at 11:00 a.m., and the committee adjourned.
FL
Florida 2025 Regular Session
March 20, 2025 - 02:00 PM
Transcript Highlights:
- Next up, we'll have Representative Black with HB 1231, Insurance Claims Payments to Physicians.
- Will payments in the form of gold and silver be accepted? Representative, you are recognized.
- That leaves us no viable option but to accept these costly payment methods.
- That leaves us no viable option but to accept these costly payment methods.
- Approved claims only to later rescind payment.
Summary:
The committee met to hear five banking and insurance-related bills. HB 1549, an Office of Financial Regulation agency bill to help more efficiently regulate financial institutions, was amended to match Senate companion language and then passed unanimously. HB 1231 would extend physician payment and prior-authorization protections similar to a prior dental law, including limits on virtual credit card payments as the sole payment method; physicians and medical groups supported it as a way to reduce fees and retroactive denials, while insurers were not heard in opposition, and the bill passed unanimously.
The committee then heard HB 999, which would make gold and silver legal tender and allow transactions in bullion through electronic debit mechanisms. The sponsor and several proponents framed it as an inflation hedge and economic freedom measure, while questions focused on definitions, transaction costs, and vendor participation. The bill passed on a mostly party-line vote, with one member voting no. The committee also approved HM 4363, a memorial urging Congress to establish a sovereign wealth fund; the sponsor described it as a way to steward national wealth, and the memorial passed with one dissenting vote.
Finally, the committee took up HB 1551, which would create a prevailing-party attorney fee framework in insurance contract disputes. The sponsor argued it would restore balance, deter meritless litigation, and help consumers with valid claims recover fees, while insurers, business groups, and defense attorneys warned it would revive one-way fee shifting, increase litigation, and raise premiums. Consumer advocates and some members supported it as necessary to give policyholders meaningful recourse. After debate, the bill passed favorably, with one member voting no.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Child Committee Meeting - 2025-04-01
Children and Families Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- Some of the other cost pressures Working on include costs to maintain our multiple eligibility payment
- For a 10% payment increase by expanding the access equity areas to include tribally licensed programs
- We have processed about $2 million on average each week in payments.
- Is it like a monthly payment? Is it an annual payment? Just a little bit more.
- I think I heard that the United Way facilities... payments in an earlier testimony.
Keywords:
child welfare, economic assistance, child care, grant program, video security cameras, early education, scholarships, funding, children, families, Minnesota education, child care licensing, family child care, child care center, Minnesota Department of Children, Youth, and Families, correction order, conditional license, fix-it ticket, documented technical assistance, license suspension
AR
Arkansas 2026 1st Special Session
LEGISLATIVE JOINT AUDITING-COUNTIES AND MUNICIPALITIES Feb 12th, 2026
LEGISLATIVE JOINT AUDITING-COUNTIES AND MUNICIPALITIES
Transcript Highlights:
- And so we've corrected that. collects all those payments and makes all those deposits.
- And apparently those payments for those bags were being received.
- two extra payments each year.
- two extra payments each year.
- I was just thinking, as many of you know, our state has gone from 24 payments a year to 26 payments a
Summary:
The committee began with prayer and approval of the January 8 minutes, then received updates on delinquent private water and sewer reports. Staff reported that for the 2022 reports, 19 of 43 entities had had their turnback reinstated, while 24 remained in escrow; for the 2023 reports, 59 of 64 entities had filed, leaving five outstanding. The committee also filed a report on Adona, where staff said the city had made enough progress toward substantial compliance with municipal accounting laws to discontinue withholding turnback, and the committee adopted that recommendation.
The bulk of the meeting focused on municipal accounting noncompliance cases. Gum Springs and Denning were presented with extensive repeat findings involving budgets not adopted by ordinance or resolution, missing or incomplete bank reconciliations, inadequate receipts and disbursement records, payroll issues, and improper handling of Act 833 funds or other city money. Both cities’ mayors and recorders-treasurers testified about efforts to correct records, obtain training, and work with the Municipal League; the committee voted to start the 60-day turnback-withholding clock for both and then filed the reports. Fargo was deferred because no city representative was present.
Additional reports included Green Forest, Elaine, Strong, Brooklyn, Mineral Springs, Rondo, Waldo, Columbia County, and several private water and sewer entities. Strong drew significant concern over missing garbage-bag revenue, improper fund transfers, and deficit balances; the committee deferred that report to the March meeting. The committee also heard investigative or referred reports on the Faulkner County Fair Association, Brooklyn payroll direct-deposit fraud, and other entities with questionable disbursements or recordkeeping. In several cases, staff recommended filing the reports after responses were received; in others, the committee deferred action when responses were lacking or representatives were absent. The meeting ended with a motion to defer a Cross County Rural Water matter so the entity could appear at the next meeting.
MN
Minnesota 2025 1st Special Session
Committee on Health and Human Services - 03/18/25
Health and Human Services
Transcript Highlights:
- or forces a pharmacy to accept payment or forces a pharmacy to accept payment less<01:13:54.400>
- Directed payment programs are not new. Directed payment programs are not new.
- <01:41:59.920>
to <01:42:00.080>a payment to a payment to a hospital.<01:42:01.840> - <01:43:57.520>
to payment through the directed payment to payment through the directed payment - That gets paid as a separate payment term along with the capitation payments to hospitals.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Future of Payments and Sales Transactions by Credit Card and the Impacts for Small Businesses Jun 21st, 2026 at 01:00 pm
Transcript Highlights:
- So, this is the first meeting, an organizational meeting today, regarding the future of payments and
- This is a special initiative commission to study the future of payments and sales transactions by credit
- So, this is the first meeting, an organizational meeting today, regarding the future of payments and
- This is a special initiative commission to study the future of payments and sales transactions by credit
- , credit card fees, mobile payments, buy now, pay later financing, and other aspects of the payments
Summary:
The House and Senate chairs opened the first organizational meeting of the special initiative commission created by Chapter 238 of the Acts of 2024 to study the future of payments and sales transactions by credit card and the impacts on small businesses. They explained that no testimony would be taken at this meeting; instead, the commission would begin its work, introduce members, and prepare for future hearings and a final report with recommendations on credit cards and other payment methods.
The chairs outlined the commission’s charge: to examine payment trends, cashless transactions, credit card fees, mobile payments, buy now, pay later financing, and the effects of section 28A of chapter 140D on small businesses. They said the commission would likely organize hearings around business and consumer impacts, the legal and regulatory landscape, and policy options such as transparency measures, reporting requirements, and possible limits. Members discussed the importance of hearing from retailers, restaurants, banks, small businesses, and possibly experts, and suggested considering cryptocurrency and whether hearings should be held outside the State House or include regional access.
Several commissioners and stakeholders introduced themselves, including representatives from the Attorney General’s office, the House, the Executive Office of Economic Development, the Commissioner of Banks, retail and restaurant associations, a banking representative, and two small business owners. The chairs said interested parties could sign up to testify or receive notices, written testimony would be accepted, and the first hearing was tentatively set for April 8 in Gardner Auditorium. The meeting ended with a motion to close, which passed unanimously.
LA
Louisiana 2026 Regular Session
Revenue and Fiscal Affairs May 28th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- We currently accept all forms of payment through check, the regular means, but we would like to offer
- Right, this is going to be an optional fee or an optional online payment for the Safe Drinking Water
- It is a cost applied to all of the card services as a convenience to process the payment.
- We process payments both in Louisiana and in several other states where very similar legislation has
- We're excited to offer the option and convenience of online payments for our constituents, and happy
Summary:
The Senate Committee on Revenue and Fiscal Affairs met on May 28, 2026, approved the May 19 minutes, and then considered three third-party convenience fee schedules for online payments. The first was for the Department of Agriculture and Forestry, presented by Rebecca Dupree with Louisiana Interactive; members confirmed the online payment option would be voluntary and approved the fee schedule without objection. The second was for the Department of Health’s Safe Drinking Water Program, presented by Karen Benjamin, and generated extended discussion about a $2.50 flat fee plus a 2.5% card-processing charge, especially whether that charge would violate recently passed Senate Bill 254 regarding debit card surcharges. Senators Mizell, Lambert, and Luneau questioned the structure, and department representatives said they believed the fee was not a surcharge and that ACH payments would avoid the percentage charge; the committee approved the fee schedule but urged the department to review it for compliance with SB 254.
The third fee schedule was for the Louisiana Office of State Fire Marshal, presented by Lindsay Savoy and Garrett Lee, covering online payments for the conveyance program and the Fire Emergency Training Academy. Senators again raised concerns about the 2.5% card charge in light of SB 254, and the presenters said they intended to comply with the new law and would discuss the issue further. The committee approved this fee schedule as well, with a similar reminder to consider the bill’s impact going forward. The meeting then adjourned.
KY
Kentucky 2025 Regular Session
House Standing Committee BR Sub. on Health & Family Services (2-26-25)
Transcript Highlights:
- try to come back in later um payment try to come back in later um payment suspensions<00:12:59.320
- and we conduct both pre and post-payment and we conduct both pre and post-payment audits<00:15:14.920
- <00:28:03.200>
for we are required to suspend payment for we are required to suspend payment - type then we would not suspend payment type then we would not suspend payment um<00:28:19.320>
- <00:28:32.679>
until then we do not um suspend payment until then we do not um suspend payment - <00:28:32.679>
Summary:
The subcommittee met to review the Department for Medicaid Services’ program integrity work. Commissioner Lisa Lee and Program Integrity Director Jennifer Dudinsky outlined Kentucky Medicaid’s structure, funding, enrollment, and spending, including FMAP rates, the size of the Medicaid and KCHIP populations, the number of providers, and 2024 expenditures. They also described the managed care and fee-for-service populations, noting that managed care serves most members while fee-for-service is concentrated in long-term care and waiver populations.
Most of the discussion focused on fraud, waste, abuse prevention, and provider oversight. The department described its provider enrollment and certification checks, revalidation requirements, site reviews, fingerprinting for some high-risk providers, and termination grounds such as false application information, Medicare actions, unreported ownership changes, and abandonment of a provider number. Members asked about nonprofit ownership reporting, MCO fraud oversight, and how the department tracks unusual CPT code utilization, especially in behavioral health. The department said it uses data analytics, audits, policy review, and collaboration with behavioral health staff to monitor those trends.
Dudinsky explained the division’s four branches: provider licensing and certification, audits and compliance, recovery, and third-party liability/estate recovery. She described prepayment and postpayment audits, referrals of credible fraud allegations to the Attorney General, monthly meetings with the AG’s office, and coordination with the Office of Inspector General, CMS, HHS OIG, MCOs, and other partners. She also explained payment suspensions, stand-downs during law enforcement investigations, and recovery efforts for overpayments, provider/member fraud, and third-party liability. The department said its recovery and avoidance efforts produced more than $251 million in savings so far in 2025. No votes or formal actions beyond approving the minutes were taken.
FL
Florida 2026 4th Special Session
February 12, 2026 - 09:15 AM
Transcript Highlights:
- These are not fees on normal ACH payments.
- It requires the holder to maintain an option for the buyer to make an ACH payment without incurring a
- It distinguishes an ACH payment from other types of electronic payments. That is the amendment.
- So let's just say if the auto payment is $500 and you're at three percent, now you're looking at a $15
- And your payment is due on the 15th, and all of a sudden it is the 15th, you haven't mailed your payment
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Housing Finance and Policy Committee 3/18/26
Housing Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- payments, just for transparency?
- payments. on-time payments. payments. on-time payments.
- Rent ledgers often include partial payments, subsidy timing, payment plans, or disputes.
- and post payments in place.
- and post payments in place.
Keywords:
housing aid, local housing trust, funding projects, income provisions, technical changes, landlord regulations, tenant rights, minor children, lease agreements, eviction, privacy protection, housing, lease termination, medical care, death, infirmity, landlord obligations, St. Paul, public housing, Minnesota Housing Finance Agency
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- Anything or a royalty payment, you know, from, uh, um.
- Um, and now imagine that those payments just stop and you have not received any notification, the payment
- The bill is intended to address if and when regular royalty payments are stopped.
- The payments still need to be made.
- If you suspend or stop payment, just provide a reason why.
FL
Florida 2025 Regular Session
Appropriations Committee on Pre-K - 12 Education Mar 26th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- A declining student enrollment payment.
- We create a monthly system, a monthly payment system.
- And during that period of time, they receive a quarterly payment.
- They re CRA monthly payment, rather, they receive frontloaded monthly payments and that money goes into
- I do have a question when it comes to the monthly payments, if in a while the monthly payments or be
HI
Hawaii 2026 Regular Session
CPC-JHA Joint Public Hearing - Thu Feb 19, 2026 @ 2:01 PM HST
Consumer Protection & Commerce
Transcript Highlights:
- payments? payments?
- So, we're getting close to $2 payments.
- through NIL payments. Is that correct? through NIL payments. Is that correct?
- Uh that payments to student athletes.
- <00:36:47.200>
scheme committee to look at the payment scheme committee to look at the payment
Bills:
HB2384
Keywords:
student-athletes, compensation, name image likeness, NCAA, Title IX, transparency, education, Hawaii, athletic programs, 910, house, all
Summary:
The joint committees heard HB 2384, relating to student athlete compensation, with testimony largely in support from the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa Athletics, University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo Athletics, and several other supporters. UH Mānoa said the bill would create a framework for name, image, and likeness (NIL) policies, including education, financial literacy, agent regulation, transparency, and reporting. Supporters argued NIL is now a necessary part of college athletics to recruit and retain athletes, keep Hawaiʻi talent in-state, and remain competitive, while also helping student athletes develop as future leaders. One supporter also emphasized the need for financial guidance so young athletes do not mishandle NIL income.
Committee members questioned why the bill would direct public funds to NIL payments rather than broader athletic operations or other student groups, whether other states are funding NIL directly, and whether the approach could create a bidding war. UH representatives said the university already has NIL contracts in place, but the bill would strengthen and formalize policies. They said the requested funding model includes about $5 million for NIL and $10 million for athletics operations, with the NIL amount intended to supplement private fundraising; they also noted UH has raised roughly $1.5 million to $2 million for NIL since July 1 and is targeting $3 million this fiscal year. Members also raised concerns about fairness, public spending priorities, and whether the university’s policies adequately protect student athletes.
The committees voted to pass HB 2384 HD1 with amendments. The chair said the bill should be amended to explicitly state that allocated funds may be used by UH for NIL payments to student athletes, and asked the next committee to examine whether a different payment scheme, similar to those used elsewhere, might be more appropriate for public funds. One member announced a no vote, citing concerns about direct public funding of NIL and unequal treatment of student athletes versus other students. The JHA committee adopted the same recommendation, with some members voting with reservations. Afterward, the meeting moved on to HB 644 HD1 on single-use plastics, where the first testimony was in opposition from the Hawaii Food Industry Association and the Biodegradable Products Institute, both arguing the bill as drafted would improperly exclude certified compostable products and should better align with composting and certification standards.
CO
Colorado 2026 Regular Session
Colorado Senate 2026 Legislative Day 086 Apr 10th, 2026
Colorado Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Thank you. of upper payment limits are known. of upper payment limits are known.
- There was a review process more recently that led to there not being an upper payment limit set.
- The establishment of this upper payment The establishment of this upper payment limit<00:50:34.080
- limit on one on one on an upper payment limit on one on one on one<01:09:14.040>
drug. - <01:09:45.920>
limit that has an upper payment limit that has an upper payment limit that<
Summary:
The Senate met with a quorum, approved the journal, and then proceeded out of order to consider Senate Joint Resolution 20, recognizing April 9, 2026, as Home Education Day in Colorado. Senator Pelton spoke in strong support of home education, describing it as a parent-led choice that benefits students and families. The resolution was adopted on a 30-0 vote, and the current roll was added as co-sponsors.
The chamber then took up the consent calendar and passed House Bill 1229, House Bill 1244, and Senate Bill 153. HB 1229, which concerns the human-animal bond as a social determinant of health, drew three no votes from Senators Pelton, Zamora Wilson, and Baeza; the other two measures passed unanimously. The Senate also laid over third reading of bills until Friday, April 10.
In Committee of the Whole, senators considered Senate Bill 72, which increases criminal penalties for assaultive conduct involving a motor vehicle and adds causing death with a motor vehicle to criminally negligent homicide. The committee adopted the report and advanced the bill on second reading. Later, the chamber laid over Senate Bill 134 and House Bill 1084 until April 10, and then took up Senate Bill 140, which would exempt certain rare disease and plasma therapies from review by the Prescription Drug Affordability Review Board. Sponsors and supporters argued the bill protects access for patients with rare diseases and prevents harm to treatment development, while opponents said it would weaken the PDAB’s affordability work and was too broad. Senators Weisman and Gonzales spoke against the bill, with Weisman citing concerns about the federal definition used and Gonzales defending the PDAB’s role in lowering drug costs; the debate continued in the transcript without a final vote shown.
VT
Vermont 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Caucus of the Whole - Act 73 Overview - 2026-01-16 - 12:00PM
Vermont House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- call an educational opportunity payment. call an educational opportunity payment.
- Note that it is opportunity payment.
- opportunity payment. opportunity payment.
- opportunity payment. opportunity payment.
- <00:42:15.920>
for local bus system there's payments for local bus system there's payments
Summary:
The meeting was a high-level walkthrough of Act 73, with staff from Legislative Council and the Joint Fiscal Office summarizing major education policy, governance, tax, and fiscal changes. The presentation covered class-size minimums and related enforcement, creation of a state aid for school construction program, narrowed tuition eligibility for approved independent schools, changes to State Board of Education appointments, special education reporting and staffing, and a new report on standards for schools deemed small or sparse by necessity. It also noted that some provisions take effect immediately or in 2025, while the major funding and tax changes are contingent on new school districts being operational and a foundation formula report being received, with most of those changes targeted for July 1, 2028.
The central fiscal change described was a move from the current locally voted budget and varying homestead tax system to a foundation formula. Under that model, districts would receive an educational opportunity payment based on a base amount per pupil, adjusted by student weights for factors such as pre-K, economic disadvantage, English learner status, and special education, with small-school and sparsity weights replaced by support grants. Districts could still seek limited supplemental district spending above the foundation amount, subject to a cap and a uniform method for raising the funds, with excess collections recaptured at the state level. The presenters also described transition mechanisms to phase in the new system over several years.
The tax section explained that Act 73 would replace the current property tax credit with a homestead exemption and create a new non-homestead residential classification intended for second homes and short-term rentals, though further statutory or regulatory work would still be needed to implement it. The JFO presentation emphasized that the act also creates regional assessment districts for reappraisals and includes a transition to smooth changes in education tax rates. No committee vote or formal action was taken during the presentation; it was informational only.
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
House Labor, Industrial and Rehabilitative Services (04/08/2025)
Labor, Industrial and Rehabilitative Services
Transcript Highlights:
- with the payment you gave us.
- , uh, payment.
- expense, they have to issue uh payment. expense, they have to issue uh payment.
- challenge um when issuing that payment. challenge um when issuing that payment.
- authorized to get those payments back. authorized to get those payments back.
FL
Florida 2026 5th Special Session
Appropriations Committee on Pre-K - 12 Education Mar 26th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- And again, this Declining student enrollment payment.
- The bill aligns the scholarship payment installments from quarterly to monthly and aligns the payments
- We create a monthly system, a monthly payment system.
- , or a monthly payment, rather, they receive front-loaded monthly payments, and that money goes into
- So they're the ones that are making the payments.
Summary:
The committee first heard the Pre-K-12 education budget proposal for fiscal year 2025-26 and voted to adopt it as the committee’s recommendation to the full Senate Appropriations Committee. The proposed $34.7 billion budget includes increases for the FEFP, Family Empowerment Scholarships, VPK, school safety, the Florida School for the Deaf and Blind, school hardening, Jewish day school security, and an education enrollment stabilization fund. Members asked no questions on the budget before it was advanced, and staff was authorized to make technical corrections.
The committee then passed CS/SB 1402, which expands eligibility for dropout retrieval services to any individual who has withdrawn from high school and clarifies how school grades are calculated for virtual instruction providers that offer only dropout retrieval services. An amendment to clarify the grading calculation was adopted without objection, and the bill was reported favorably after a roll call vote. The committee also took up SPB 7030, a comprehensive scholarship-program bill sponsored by Senator Gates, which would separate Family Empowerment Scholarship funding as its own categorical, expand the education stabilization fund, create fall and spring application windows, require a single scholarship application and more documentation, assign student IDs, change payments to a monthly schedule, require background checks for paid instructional providers, mandate annual FTE audits by the Auditor General, and standardize reimbursement and eligibility procedures. After extensive discussion and public testimony, the bill was adopted as a committee bill and reported favorably, with Senator Osgood voting no.
Finally, the committee considered CS/SB 508, which requires private schools participating in the Family Empowerment Scholarship Program to disclose in writing what accommodations, modifications, and services they will provide for students with existing plans such as IEPs, 504 plans, or ELL plans. An amendment was adopted to require public schools to consult with private schools about equitable services, and the bill was reported favorably. Public testimony included support from parent-choice advocates and concerns from private-school representatives about administrative burden and the scope of the required disclosures. The meeting concluded after the final roll call votes and adjournment motion.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- **Senator Brent Webster**: Well, the payment of this case has been delayed.
- **Josh Reno**: ...and ultimately our payments have to be related to a border crime.
- If it's not associated to a border crime, we can't make a payment.
- There's some other way of receiving payment you've got to go there first.
- One was sexual assault exams, and the other was crime victims' compensation payments.
Bills:
SB 1
VT
Transcript Highlights:
- S60 will establish a farm and forestry operations security special fund to provide payments for farm
- Payment payments are capped at 5% of funds appropriated in a given year, up to $150,000 per application
- applicants who could receive payments applicants who could receive payments within<00:31:05.600>
- Payment<00:31:23.919>
payments <00:31:24.320>are <00:31:24.480>capped <00:31:24.799 - >
at <00:31:25.039>5% <00:31:25.520>of Payment payments are capped at 5% of Payment
Summary:
The House opened with devotional remarks from Representative Greer focused on perspective, kindness, and the idea that people “earn” respect and love through shared humanity. After that, the chamber suspended rules to introduce 17 House bills by number only, and adopted JRS 3 in concurrence, setting a joint assembly for Tuesday, January 20, 2026 at 1:00 p.m. to receive the governor’s budget message. Several announcements followed, including birthday wishes, a note about the new federal whole milk for schools law, guest introductions, and caucus notices.
The House also approved committee transfers for H.393, an act relating to the prohibition of requiring face masks in schools, moving it from Education to Healthcare, and H.334, an act relating to limiting employer restrictions on individuals separating from employment, moving it from General and Housing to Commerce and Economic Development. The chamber then took up H.649 on captive insurance companies. The Commerce and Economic Development Committee explained that the bill, based on Department of Financial Regulation proposals, would prohibit risk retention groups from lending to or investing in members or affiliates, require annual and quarterly filings in NAIC form with a jurat page and actuarial certificate, and create new filing requirements for sponsored captive protected cells. The committee reported unanimous support, and the House amended the bill and ordered third reading.
The House next considered S.60, establishing a Farm Security Special Fund. The Agriculture, Food Resiliency, and Forestry Committee and Appropriations described the bill as a response to repeated weather-related losses affecting farms and forestry operations, including flooding, freezes, drought, and other extreme events. The House version adds forestry and changes assistance from grants to payments to make aid faster and less cumbersome. The program would be administered by the Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets, with a review board and payments of up to 50% of uncovered losses, capped at 5% of annual appropriations and $150,000 per application. The committee testimony emphasized the need for a permanent, predictable state relief mechanism, and the bill was advanced with strong support.
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
House Ways and Means (02/12/2025)
Transcript Highlights:
- do is it has the state funding payments do is it has the state funding payments oh<00:29:04.760>
- So there are payments that are scholarship payments that are not taxable under federal law.
- So there are payments that are scholarship payments that are not taxable under federal law.
- questions about whether those payments questions about whether those payments would<00:34:46.119
- receives the benefit of the EFA payment receives the benefit of the EFA payment can<00:42:53.559
Summary:
The committee opened a public hearing on HB 402, a bill dealing with whether Education Freedom Account (EFA) payments should be described in state law as not constituting taxable income. The bill sponsor argued that the current statute is misleading because New Hampshire should not imply a federal tax result, and said the bill would remove that language and could also be amended to clarify that families should consult tax advisors. He emphasized that the measure was not intended to impose a state tax on EFAs, but to avoid giving inaccurate advice about possible federal tax liability.
Testimony was divided. A retired representative and a tax preparer both opposed the bill, saying EFA payments are already treated consistently with IRS rules and that the bill would create confusion, administrative burden, and possible tax consequences for low- and moderate-income families. They argued the bill is a solution in search of a problem and warned that requiring 1099s could add costs for the scholarship organization and recipients. A tax attorney supported the bill’s repeal of the state language, saying New Hampshire should not put tax advice into statute and that the current wording is inaccurate because federal law, not state law, controls taxability. He cited IRS Section 117 and Publication 970, explaining that only some scholarship-like payments are tax-free and that many EFA-eligible expenses may not qualify for federal exemption.
Members asked questions about what would be misleading, whether the bill was trying to tax EFAs, and the cost of issuing 1099s. The sponsor and witnesses repeatedly said the bill was not a state tax on voucher payments, but a clarification about federal tax treatment. No vote or final committee action was taken in the portion provided.