Transcript Highlights:

• <00:12:02.320> So,<00:12:02.640> but<00:12:02.880> we<00:12:03.040> can
• :12:03.839> to<00:12:04.000> that<00:12:04.160> part<00:12:04.240> in<00:
• >> Again,<00:12:12.639> I<00:12:12.800> guess<00:12:12.959> I<00:12:13.200
• <00:12:18.720> Uh<00:12:19.120> certainly<00:12:19.519> the<00:12:19.839>
• I'm<00:12:32.480> trusting<00:12:32.959> that<00:12:33.200> if<00:12:33.440>

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee first handled routine business, approving the prior meeting minutes with one abstention from a member who had been absent. It then received an update from DHHS Commissioner Lori Weaver on the department’s rural health transformation grant submission. Weaver said the grant was submitted ahead of the deadline, reflected input from communities and providers statewide, and would now enter a CMS review and negotiation phase. She explained that the governor’s office will oversee the grant with DHHS, that some proposals may be limited by federal parameters, and that the department may need to hire some staff to administer the grant, within the grant’s administrative cap. Members also discussed DHHS budget pressures and staffing. The department’s CFO, Nathan White, reviewed the agency’s budget mix, noting that DHHS accounts for a large share of the state’s operating and general fund budgets, and explained projected general fund lapse estimates, which he said are currently just under $20 million for the department. He also described why lapse projections are difficult to predict in DHHS because many costs are driven by utilization and because some funds are statutorily non-lapsing. White reported that vacancy rates have risen, citing about 400 unfunded positions in the current biennium and the department’s hiring freeze, while emphasizing that direct-care positions are being prioritized. Committee members raised concerns that back-of-the-budget cuts and weak revenue collections could affect the department’s ability to manage lapse projections. The committee then heard from Division of Public Health Director Ian Watt on vaccine policy and federal changes. Watt said New Hampshire continues to support access to safe and effective vaccines, including through the universal purchase program and seasonal respiratory virus guidance. He explained a recent CDC change regarding the MMRV vaccine, which now discourages the combined shot for the first dose in children under four because of febrile seizure risk, while still allowing it for the second dose. Watt said New Hampshire’s school and child care vaccine mandates remain stable, with nine vaccines required for schoolchildren and 10 for child care, and that the state continues to review federal recommendations cautiously. He also said there have been no supply or funding disruptions affecting vaccine access, and that childhood vaccine funding through commercial insurers remains intact. Finally, the Permanent Subcommittee on Alzheimer’s Disease and Other Related Dementias presented its annual report. The subcommittee said it met about six times, heard presentations on state services, silver alerts, brain health awareness, and palliative/hospice care, and began work on updating the state’s Alzheimer’s plan, which had last been updated in 2015-2016. To gather more direct input, the subcommittee formed a needs-assessment work group to develop a survey for people living with dementia, caregivers, and service providers. It recommended integrating Alzheimer’s and dementia materials into chronic disease, aging, and public health outreach; embedding cognitive health into systems of care and the state health improvement plan; adding cognitive health measures to BRFSS; and continuing partnerships with aging and advocacy organizations. Members praised the report and suggested it should clearly identify the subcommittee and include page numbers in future versions.

Transcript Highlights:

• :00.560> we<00:12:00.639> are<00:12:00.760> going<00:12:00.920> to<00:12:
• <00:12:02.040> is<00:12:02.120> it's<00:12:02.320> not<00:12:02.480> not<
• <00:12:24.399> service<00:12:24.720> provider<00:12:25.560> so<00:12:25.920>
• with<00:12:30.639> the<00:12:31.040> insurance<00:12:31.600> company<00:12:32.600
• :12:24.920> I<01:12:25.239> sat<01:12:25.440> in<01:12:25.560> on<01:12:25.760

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The subcommittee discussed three ambulance reimbursement bills and tried to distinguish their approaches. House Bill 185 would require insurers to pay the full amount billed by an ambulance provider when there is no contract rate, with no balance billing to the patient; the Insurance Department clarified that emergency ambulance services are already covered under the benchmark plan, so the bill’s reference to policies without ambulance coverage is effectively meaningless. House Bill 725 would set reimbursement at 325% of the Medicare rate for non-contract ambulance services and prohibit balance billing. House Bill 316 was described as addressing the broader problem that Medicare/Medicaid rates are low and that current balance billing shifts costs to patients or municipalities; its sponsor said the bill would require insurers to pay a rate that gives providers a fighting chance to remain in business, and he viewed 325% of Medicare as the most logical option. Members debated whether insurers should pay the billed amount, a negotiated in-network rate, or a regulated percentage of Medicare. Some argued that out-of-network ambulance providers are underpaid and that in-network rates are often too low to sustain service, especially for emergency providers who cannot steer patients. Others said ambulance companies should not be able to bill whatever they want and questioned the fairness of charging insured patients or insurers more than the service is worth. There was also discussion of whether rate schedules should be reviewed by an oversight body and whether different costs in rural areas justify different reimbursement levels. A recurring issue was balance billing and who ultimately bears the shortfall. Several members said balance billing harms patients and often does not get paid, leaving cities and towns or property taxpayers to cover the difference for municipal ambulance services. Others argued that shifting the cost to insurance premiums would spread the burden more fairly, though it could raise premiums by a few dollars per person per month. No vote or final action was taken in the excerpt; the discussion focused on clarifying the bills and weighing their policy tradeoffs.

Transcript Highlights:

• :19.720> a<00:12:19.920> a<00:12:20.079> year<00:12:20.639> despite<00:12
• :12:39.560> to<00:12:39.760> leave<00:12:40.240> for<00:12:40.480> better
• <00:12:42.240> sometimes<00:12:42.560> becoming<00:12:43.399> CNAs<00:12:44.399
• <00:12:47.720> pcas<00:12:48.320> are<00:12:48.639> paid<00:12:48.959> Comm
• know<01:12:07.560> I<01:12:07.639> think<01:12:07.920> what<01:12:08.080>

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• rules, um,<00:12:11.880> on<00:12:12.120> how<00:12:12.480> those<00:12:12.720>
• :22.200> Um,<00:12:22.360> this<00:12:22.640> is,<00:12:23.120> um,<00:12
• <00:12:31.280> it<00:12:31.360> like<00:12:31.520> a<00:12:32.120> bucket
• Um,<00:12:36.839> number<00:12:37.080> two,<00:12:37.400> section,<00:12:38.560>
• ><00:12:44.560> you<00:12:44.640> know,<00:12:44.960> when<00:12:45.320> when

Bills: HF4338

Keywords: human services, medical assistance, Medicaid, provider enrollment, provider revalidation, fraud prevention, program integrity, background study, background check, fingerprinting, licensing, license revocation, payment withholding, payment suspension, prepayment review, postpayment review, surety bond, compliance training, case management, targeted case management

Transcript Highlights:

• >> So<00:12:05.120> with<00:12:05.279> that,<00:12:05.519> I'm<00:12:05.760
• > going<00:12:05.920> to<00:12:06.000> turn<00:12:06.160> it<00:12:06.320
• 00:12:48.399> am<00:12:48.639> grateful<00:12:48.959> to<00:12:49.120> be
• <00:12:53.040> You<00:12:53.279> can<00:12:53.360> see<00:12:53.839> a
• :29.520> of<01:12:29.600> that<01:12:30.239> 12<01:12:30.560> months.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• > our<01:12:09.600> agency<01:12:10.560> uh<01:12:10.679> we<01:12:10.800
• c><01:12:27.159> that<01:12:27.400> very<01:12:27.800> accurate<01:12:28.480>
• there<01:12:34.159> and<01:12:34.320> others<01:12:34.600> that<01:12:34.760
• good<01:12:37.760> start<01:12:38.440> it<01:12:38.560> is<01:12:38.800> very
• <01:12:39.120> it's<01:12:39.239> a<01:12:39.440> very<01:12:39.639> good

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee heard a presentation from the Department of Environmental Services on proposed changes in House Bill 2 and related technical changes in House Bill 1 tied to the governor’s permitting realignment initiative. The proposal would move environmental review staff from Fish and Game and DNCR to DES to create a more centralized “one-stop shop” for applicants needing DES permits, especially for wildlife and natural heritage reviews. DES said the goal is to speed permitting, support a 60-day review clock, and improve coordination among agencies while keeping the substantive review work in place. Members asked about staffing impacts, the scope of the transferred duties, and whether the change would create redundancy or weaken the other agencies. DES said most of the affected staff work primarily on these reviews, though Fish and Game staff also handle other state and federal reviews, which is why the proposal was adjusted to keep one of the four Fish and Game positions there and move three to DES, along with two positions from DNCR. DES also described a new supervisory position in HB 2 to manage the transferred staff within its land resources bureau. Officials said the reviews would still be done by specialists, but under DES supervision, and that the agencies would continue to coordinate recommendations on species impacts and mitigation. The committee also discussed fee increases intended to offset costs, including a 50% increase in wetlands fees and a 100% increase in alteration-of-terrain fees, with the department saying the changes would cover the new positions. Members raised concerns about impacts on private homeowners, possible incentives to work without permits, and whether fines should be used more as a revenue source or for mitigation. DES said wetlands permits are roughly split between homeowner-related and commercial projects, that permit-by-notification already creates a two-tier structure for smaller projects, and that enforcement relies partly on public complaints and online permitting systems. The department also said most fines currently go to the general fund and vary widely year to year, with about $75,000 budgeted, and that the proposal would also create permit-by-notification authority for alteration-of-terrain projects between 100,000 and 150,000 square feet, mirroring language in Senate Bill 110. No vote or final committee action was taken in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• I am<00:12:02.680> one<00:12:02.839> of<00:12:02.920> the<00:12:03.080> chairs
• To<00:12:06.600> that<00:12:06.760> motion,<00:12:07.200> all<00:12:07.400> in
• ><00:12:27.320> the<00:12:27.480> author<00:12:27.960> and<00:12:28.160> it
• All<00:12:30.080> in<00:12:30.160> favor,<00:12:30.480> say<00:12:30.800> I.
• All<00:12:32.280> those<00:12:32.440> opposed,<00:12:32.760> say<00:12:32.880>

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• get through these<00:12:04.839> all<00:12:05.040> right<00:12:05.800> so<00:12:
• :12:31.600> um<00:12:32.000> but<00:12:32.560> as<00:12:32.760> always<00
• :12:34.160> time<00:12:34.959> I<00:12:35.160> love<00:12:35.360> to<00:12
• > Can<00:12:41.680> Can<00:12:41.800> I<00:12:42.160> can<00:12:42.279>
• > is<00:12:53.000> are<00:12:53.199> your<00:12:53.399> big<00:12:53.720>

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: Division 3 opened a work session focused on direct care agencies, with the chair saying the day would center on the Veterans Home and other state hospitals and homes. Members first discussed the upcoming Finance Committee process, including how many bills would be assigned to Division 3, whether they would appear on the House calendar, and how much time would be allowed for each bill. The chair said the division would likely spend about an hour on each bill, then return for a second day of review before making recommendations. Staff later identified three bills expected on the calendar: House Bills 704, 751, and 54. Members also raised a question about the use of educational trust fund money in the budget, but that issue was deferred. The main presentation came from Kim McKay, commandant of the New Hampshire Veterans Home, who described the facility as a long-term care intermediate facility serving eligible veterans. She said the home is licensed for 250 beds, budgeted for 225 veterans, and currently has 135 residents with four more scheduled to arrive. McKay highlighted improvements over the last two years, including a reduction in the admission wait list from more than a year to about three to six months, the creation of an LNA training program, energy-saving and Wi-Fi upgrades, and a new electronic learning management system that will provide mandatory training and continuing education units for staff. She said the home’s long-term goal is to return to a 225-bed census, but staffing remains the biggest hurdle. Members asked about admissions, wait times, staffing, vacancies, and the home’s use of contract nurses. McKay explained that the wait time is measured from the initial application date, not from a completed packet, and that staff now help families gather records and paperwork more quickly. She said the home averages about 45 deaths per year, residents stay about 2.5 years on average, and the vacancy rate is around 35 percent, though some positions are intentionally held open until census grows. She attributed staffing shortages largely to retention problems, citing higher private-sector pay, bonuses, and more flexible hours, and said the home has a handful of contract nurses, mainly on second shift. On finances, she said pharmacy services are contracted, the VA reimburses some medication costs based on disability, and the home is pursuing federal changes to cover high-cost medications and catastrophic disability cases. The discussion also covered the home’s off-book donation account, which is overseen by the state and transferred into the state system when funds are spent.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:12:04.839> issue<00:12:05.560> and<00:12:05.720> when<00:12:05.920> we
• <00:12:06.839> retain<00:12:07.360> it<00:12:07.920> I<00:12:08.079> hope
• c><00:12:12.240> but<00:12:12.440> Ed<00:12:12.839> them<00:12:13.199> as
• <00:12:13.360> some<00:12:13.519> of<00:12:13.680> the<00:12:14.079> input
• <00:12:20.680> where<00:12:20.880> the<00:12:21.079> parties<00:12:21.519>

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The subcommittee on the Children and Family Law Committee met organizationally to continue work on family court issues, building on a prior special committee’s report and taking a collaborative approach with the Judiciary. The chair said the group would focus on solutions rather than rehashing public complaints, and identified three main topics for early study: specialization and training of family court judges, the extent to which judges should be bound by the rules of evidence, and whether mediation in family cases should be mandatory or voluntary and what qualifications mediators should have. A fourth concern was also raised about overlap between superior court domestic violence cases and family court custody/support matters, and whether one judge should hear both. Members discussed whether to divide into smaller subcommittees, but the prevailing view was to work as a committee of the whole at first. Most members agreed that additional public testimony was unlikely to add much, though recent concerns could still be emailed to the committee. The committee then heard from Attorney Erin Krian, general counsel for the judicial branch, and Judge Michael Mace. Krian said the judicial branch could provide additional witnesses on mediation and judicial training, including Judge Kissinger, and noted the branch was preparing materials on how other states handle the issues. Mace described the history of the Family Division and said he had reviewed older reports going back to the 1990s. He also outlined current judicial branch efforts, including expanded shadowing for new judges, monthly family-law trainings, and a year-long focus on family law topics. He reported that court rules had been updated to clarify notice requirements for minor guardianship changes, and that the branch had received positive feedback on the family access motion, which provides a statutory timeline and listed remedies for parenting-time disputes. Members also discussed prior committee work on rules of evidence and family court procedures. One member recalled recommending quiet review of any judges who appeared to apply evidence rules inconsistently, and Krian said the administrative judge can review complaints even if they come from a single person. The committee also received a status update on prior initiatives, including a federal grant for guardian ad litem services for indigent litigants in four locations, testing of redesigned court forms, and continued training improvements. The chair scheduled the next subcommittee meeting for April 1 and the full Children and Family Law Committee for April 8, with further documents from committee research and NCSL to be circulated.

Transcript Highlights:

• > do<00:12:20.720> it<00:12:20.800> in<00:12:20.920> law<00:12:21.160>
• :12:22.639> the<00:12:22.800> website<00:12:23.320> and<00:12:23.519> social<
• > posts<00:12:24.560> as<00:12:24.720> well<00:12:25.639> um<00:12:25.959>
• /c><00:12:33.959> we<00:12:34.160> we've<00:12:34.360> already<00:12:34.519>
• ><00:12:39.600> seeing<00:12:40.279> any<00:12:41.279> they're<00:12:41.560>

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I mean,<00:12:01.839> if<00:12:02.079> there's<00:12:02.240> a<00:12:02.399>
• > risk,<00:12:08.480> I<00:12:08.720> see<00:12:08.880> it's<00:12:09.120
• <00:12:28.399> This<00:12:28.639> has<00:12:28.880> been<00:12:28.959> a<
• <00:12:33.120> Farmers<00:12:33.760> have<00:12:34.079> come<00:12:34.240>
• at<00:12:36.880> a<00:12:37.200> 12-month<00:12:37.839> model, they are

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The Environment and Agriculture Committee held a work session and then executive session on HB 396, which would allow processing of beef cows, swine, sheep, and goats at facilities not certified by USDA. Representative Comtois presented a revised amendment after prior drafting issues were corrected. The changes narrowed the bill to cuts of meat rather than meat food products, clarified labeling for amenable and non-amenable species, removed an exemption from federal law, struck a seasonal date range at Representative Bixby’s request, and reinstated a previously removed section. Supporters said the amendment now had clearer language and better safeguards, while some members still expressed reservations about the underlying policy. Testimony from DHHS food safety officials emphasized that the department does not inspect custom-exempt facilities and would have little oversight unless there were a complaint or foodborne outbreak. They noted concerns about removing the September 1 to April 30 date range, explaining it had been included in the original bill because of temperature and storage concerns for large animals, and they also said the amendment appeared to focus documentation requirements on bison, elk, and red deer. Committee members and witnesses debated whether the proposal would create food safety risks, whether farmers should instead be educated and helped to aggregate processing capacity, and whether the bill would expose farmers, retailers, and restaurants to federal enforcement risk. Rob Johnson of the New Hampshire Farm Bureau said the organization had recently voted down a policy opposing state regulations that would allow uninspected meat sales at retail, and he said he needed to consult further with Farm Bureau leadership before taking a position on HB 396. He suggested the bill should use the broader term “dairy and beef cattle” rather than “beef cows” for consistency. Supporters argued the bill would help small farmers, expand local food access, and reflect an intrastate policy choice despite conflict with federal law. The committee then moved into executive session and voted to approve amendment 2025-3090H, with members stating they would likely have different views on the bill itself.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:12:00.000> All<00:12:00.240> oppose<00:12:00.560> say<00:12:00.880> no
• <00:12:02.720> The<00:12:02.880> consent<00:12:03.519> calendar<00:12:04.000
• <00:12:16.519> 268<00:12:17.519> and<00:12:17.760> from<00:12:18.000> the
• 00:12:26.079> The<00:12:26.480> Senate<00:12:26.800> will<00:12:26.959> be
• 12:46.560> and<01:12:46.960> and<01:12:47.679> some<01:12:47.840> of<01:12

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• > to<00:12:12.320> the<00:12:12.480> vote<00:12:12.720> on<00:12:12.959><
• > So<00:12:14.720> this<00:12:14.880> is<00:12:15.040> what<00:12:15.200>
• we<00:12:15.360> know<00:12:15.600> now<00:12:16.240> uh<00:12:16.399>
• in terms of what<00:12:18.720> the<00:12:18.959> impact<00:12:19.200> of<00:12:
• /c><00:12:40.720> and<00:12:40.959> as<00:12:41.120> a<00:12:41.279> result

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Tuesday, June 3, 2025, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:12:03.279> Are<00:12:03.440> we<00:12:03.600> going<00:12:03.680> to<
• >> This<00:12:09.120> includes<00:12:10.160> all<00:12:10.800> this<00:12:
• <00:12:18.560> Any<00:12:18.800> objection<00:12:19.200> to<00:12:19.360>
• <00:12:24.320> She's<00:12:24.560> got<00:12:24.720> them<00:12:25.040> 14
• We wish you well<00:12:32.000> as<00:12:32.240> you<00:12:32.639> move<00:12:32.959

Bills: HB125, HB116, HB183, HB342, HB341, SB280, SB245, SB159, HB125, HB116, HB183, HB342, HB341, SB280, SB245, SB159

Keywords: HB125, sunset law, Alabama Sunset Committee, Alabama State Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners, veterinary medical examiners, veterinary board, veterinary licensing, veterinary regulation, professional licensing board, state board continuation, sunset review, regulatory board, animal health, veterinarians, disciplinary authority, HB116, Alabama Sunset Law, sunset bill, Alabama Professional Bail Bonding Board, bail bonding

Transcript Highlights:

• :12:09.160> vice<00:12:09.560> chair<00:12:10.560> po<00:12:10.920> po<00
• <00:12:11.440> as<00:12:11.600> members<00:12:11.880> of<00:12:12.040> the
• <00:12:20.240> uh<00:12:20.360> used<00:12:20.680> up<00:12:20.839> the<00
• second phase<00:12:33.040> of<00:12:33.199> the<00:12:33.320> 208<00:12:33.880>
• c> and<00:12:38.079> thank<00:12:38.240> you<00:12:38.320> for<00:12:38.440>

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The committee heard three House bills related to the Department of Hawaiian Homelands. HB 606 would extend the Act 279 special fund to June 30, 2028, continue deposits and appropriations to help eliminate the DHHL waitlist, and require a strategic plan and annual reporting. DHHL strongly supported the measure, saying most of the initial $600 million had been used and that the need remains large, with more than 29,000 people on the waitlist. Public testimony also supported the bill, emphasizing its importance to Native Hawaiian families and concerns about Hawaiians leaving the islands because of housing costs. A member noted the bill is a priority and that the committee will keep working on how to fund another $600 million. HB 1086 would exempt DHHL homestead lot and housing development from general excise and use taxes. DHHL supported the bill, saying any tax savings would reduce the eventual cost of housing for low-income beneficiaries. The Department of Taxation said it could administer the measure and noted it is already being implemented under the governor’s emergency proclamation, with a proposed effective date of January 1, 2026. The Tax Foundation of Hawaii offered technical comments and urged the committee to weigh existing benefits already received by DHHL beneficiaries. HB 1307 would appropriate funds for DHHL water well development and geothermal exploration on Hawaiian homelands. DHHL said the bill is a follow-up to prior study funding and would support slim-hole drilling, site evaluation, and consultant work to identify viable geothermal resources, especially on Hawaiʻi Island. Several testifiers opposed the bill, arguing there had been inadequate beneficiary consultation, raising environmental, cultural, and safety concerns, and objecting to using $20 million for geothermal rather than housing. In response to committee questions, DHHL staff explained that the goal is to gather information for a future public-private partnership to develop geothermal electricity, and that a Chapter 343 environmental review would be required later in the process. No votes were taken during the portion of the meeting provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• > do<00:12:15.120> have<00:12:15.360> it<00:12:15.600> and<00:12:15.720><
• teacher<00:12:33.400> advisory<00:12:34.240> who<00:12:34.440> are<00:12
• We have<00:12:42.360> Jameson,<00:12:43.080> Braden,<00:12:43.640> Chloe,<00:12:
• > am<00:12:49.520> here<00:12:49.680> with<00:12:49.839> you<00:12:49.920
• Will<00:12:51.160> the<00:12:51.240> guest<00:12:51.560> member<00:12:51.839>

Keywords: 926, house, all

Summary: The House began with a devotional and then took up several Senate bills for first reading and referral: S. 323 on miscellaneous agricultural subjects, S. 325 on regional planning and Act 250 tier jurisdiction, and S. 328 on housing and common interest communities. The chamber then adopted House Resolution 16, reaffirming Vermont’s friendship with Taiwan and supporting stronger bilateral relations and Taiwan’s participation in international organizations. The resolution was adopted by voice vote after its reading, and remarks followed welcoming guests from Hazen Union School and Director General Charles Lao of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Boston. During the action calendar, the House postponed action on H. 657, relating to services for unaccompanied homeless youth, for one legislative day. It then passed H. 727 on sustainable data center deployment, H. 935 on emergency management, and H. 938 establishing the Vermont homelessness response continuum. The House also committed H.R. 15, another Taiwan friendship resolution, to the Committee on Commerce and Economic Development. The main substantive debate centered on H. 941, relating to municipal regulation of agriculture. The committee explained the bill as a response to a Vermont Supreme Court ruling and described it as restoring limits on municipal regulation of farms while allowing narrow local exceptions and creating a stakeholder group to continue studying the issue. Testimony came from a broad range of agricultural, municipal, and policy stakeholders, and the committee reported a 7-0-1 vote. An amendment offered by Representative Durfee, based on feedback from the House Environment Committee, replaced a Tier 1A concept with parcel-size-based exceptions, clarified state authority over growing fruits, vegetables, and flowers, and adjusted the stakeholder charge; the House adopted the amendment and ordered the bill to third reading. The House also heard announcements about committee appointments, caucus meetings, a public hearing on community safety concerns, and then adjourned until April 1, 2026.

Transcript Highlights:

• :12:02.399> so<00:12:02.560> I'm<00:12:02.720> going<00:12:02.800> to like
• Um, so<00:12:05.760> our<00:12:06.079> governor,<00:12:06.480> he's<00:12:06.720
• <00:12:39.040> of<00:12:39.279> fraud<00:12:39.600> along<00:12:40.000> along
• <00:12:45.760> I<00:12:45.920> mean<00:12:46.079> we<00:12:46.240> were
• <00:12:51.279> So<00:12:51.760> why<00:12:52.399> does<00:12:52.639> your

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: The committee took up Senate File 856, a bill to create a statewide Office of Inspector General to combat fraud. Representative Norris presented a delete-everything amendment that would keep most of the Senate bill but add more emphasis on fraud prevention, fully fund the office, avoid duplicating work already done by the BCA’s financial crimes division, and preserve subject-matter expertise by keeping some existing inspectors general in their agencies. He said the amendment would retain strong investigative powers, including subpoenas, while using the BCA for arrests, and he acknowledged his original version was likely too broad, so he planned to offer smaller amendments if needed. Chair Nash and other members challenged the DE on both process and substance. Nash said the amendment had not been shared with key stakeholders, noted that the Senate author had publicly distanced herself from it, and pointed to a governor’s office document saying the administration wanted a different approach than the Senate bill. He argued the Senate bill was a bipartisan, bicameral product and said the committee should be careful about accuracy and process. Representative Davis questioned Norris about the claim that the Senate bill was underfunded and about the governor’s role in selecting the inspector general, arguing that the governor should not have broad control over the office. Norris responded that the Senate bill’s fiscal note estimated roughly $12 million for the biennium, but the bill appropriated less than that amount, and he said the Constitution requires the governor to appoint the inspector general if the office is in the executive branch. He said the DE tried to preserve independence through a bipartisan advisory commission, Senate confirmation, a five-year term, restrictions on partisan activity, and removal only for cause with a public hearing. After debate from several members, the committee held a roll call and the DE failed on a 7-7 tie, so it was not adopted.

Transcript Highlights:

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• Was it<00:12:04.959> in<00:12:05.120> the<00:12:05.399> 25%<00:12:06.399> and
• <00:12:06.560> and<00:12:06.959> what<00:12:07.120> was<00:12:07.279> it<
• <00:12:07.839> Can<00:12:08.000> we<00:12:08.079> just<00:12:08.480> I<00
• :12:08.720> can<00:12:08.800> just<00:12:08.959> do<00:12:09.040> that.

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee first took up a Senate message on HB 179, relative to hazardous waste accident fees. Members reviewed the Senate amendment, which would cap the daily non-payment penalty at no more than $1,000 per day and limit the cumulative penalty to 25% of the cost, with no additional daily penalty if the responsible party is following an agreed payment plan. Members discussed the change from the committee’s earlier version, which had allowed penalties up to 100% of the damages, and agreed the revised language was reasonable. The committee voted to concur with the Senate amendment and indicated the bill could be placed on consent. The committee then recessed SB 302, requiring background checks for solid waste facility owners, because a late request for an additional change had not yet been fully reviewed. It next voted on SB 229, relative to the sale of uninspected bison, red deer, and elk meat. Supporters said the bill would expand retail access to these meats, support New Hampshire farms, and improve food security. Members also noted the Department of Agriculture did not object, that the bill would remove a sunset and keep more workable inspection rules in place, and that the animals involved are largely from closed herds. The committee voted unanimously to pass SB 229 and agreed to place it on consent. Finally, the committee considered SB 50, establishing a committee to study the regulation of private animal boarding facilities. Members described disturbing testimony about missing, injured, or dead dogs and the lack of clear oversight, licensing, or even a reliable list of kennels in the state. They discussed possible study topics including licensing, inspection authority, standards, penalties, and protections for both pet owners and boarding operators, including disclosure of medical conditions. The committee voted unanimously to pass SB 50 and also agreed to place it on consent. After the executive sessions, the committee heard a presentation from the New Hampshire Food Alliance on the state’s first food and agriculture strategic plan, introduced by director Nicole Cardwell, with participation from advisory committee members including Rep. Bixby and Commissioner Sean Jasper.

Transcript Highlights:

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• <00:12:37.760> they<00:12:37.920> were<00:12:38.120> going<00:12:38.600>
• > make<00:12:43.360> sure<00:12:43.640> that<00:12:43.839> the<00:12:43.920>
• <00:12:47.960> to<00:12:48.080> be<00:12:48.200> out<00:12:48.320> in
• I have<00:12:51.200> chain<00:12:51.440> of<00:12:51.520> custody<00:12:52.040><

Keywords: 916, all

Summary: The conference committee met on Senate File 2028, an elections-related bill concerning public logic and accuracy testing of voting equipment. The House explained its changes: extending notice from two to four days, removing language that limited the number of people in the room so the testing could be more open to the public, and adding language about resealing equipment after testing. The Senate side said the bill was largely technical but focused on balancing transparency with security and suggested a middle-ground notice period and a minimum number of people in the room rather than an open-ended crowd size. County clerks Mary Langford and Julie Freeze testified in support of maintaining strong security and discretion during testing. They said clerks already notify party chairs and candidates through email, social media, and other means, and argued that two days’ notice is workable because election logistics can change at the last minute due to weather, missing materials, or equipment issues. They emphasized that testing should remain public, but that clerks need flexibility to manage room size and protect equipment and chain of custody, especially in smaller or more secure spaces. Other members discussed whether the bill should be delayed, but witnesses said clerks would continue to make testing publicly available even without the bill and that the Senate version better preserved the balance between visibility and security. The committee ultimately moved to the Senate position, and the conference committee report passed on a roll call vote with all members voting aye, including Representatives Lock, Lucas, and Yen, and Senators Dockter and Erlandson; Senator Keiser was recorded as no.

Transcript Highlights:

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• Um so house<00:12:34.560> file<00:12:34.880> 601<00:12:35.360> is<00:12:35.519><
• :12:50.480> our<00:12:50.800> livestock<00:12:51.279> and<00:12:51.600> uh
• uh crop producers<00:12:52.480> up<00:12:52.639> there<00:12:52.880> are<00:12:
• :12:57.519> as<00:12:57.839> I<00:12:58.000> just<00:12:58.240> heard<00:

Bills: HF601

Keywords: agriculture, depredation compensation, livestock, crop damage, elk, wolves, wildlife management, 1183, house