Video & Transcript : 'closed primary' :
Page 299 of 500
NH
Transcript Highlights:
- When someone is speaking at the well, the aisle is closed. You may not use it to come down here.
- You may not use it to come down closed.
- </c><02:45:46.080><c> doors,</c> that are happening behind closed doors, that are happening behind closed
- Speaker, if I know that it's getting close to lunchtime and that bills like this one to create a, uh,
- Speaker, if I know that<02:57:09.520><c> it's</c><02:57:09.760><c> getting</c><02:57:10.000><c> close
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- From Hawaii Primary Care Association, Eric Abe and Emily Chung. Department of Health, Albert Holm.
- From Hawaii Primary Care Association, Eric Abe and Emily Chung. Department of Health, Albert Holm.
- From Hawaii Primary Care Association, Eric Abe and Emily Chung. Department of Health, Albert Holm.
Bills:
HB2315 , SB2471 , HB306 , HB1692 , HB1842 , HB2171 , HB2207 , HB2343 , HB2296 , HB389 , HB469 , HB1510 , HB1573 , HB1705 , HB1858 , HB1875 , HB1946 , HB1961 , HB1962 , HB2001 , HB2093 , HB2096 , HB2097 , HCR200 , HCR144 , HCR33 , HCR154 , HCR165 , HCR186 , HCR206 , HCR166 , HCR31 , HCR85 , HCR103 , HCR117 , HCR180 , HCR112 , HCR18 , HCR105 , HCR173 , HCR137 , HCR179 , HCR32
Keywords:
vacation payout, down payment assistance, state employee benefits, housing crisis, homeownership, Department of Health, SB2471, Hawaii, corporate powers, artificial persons, business entities, election spending, political spending, campaign finance, ballot measure, ballot issue, electioneering, corporations, nonprofit corporations, LLC
ID
Idaho 2026 Regular Session
Agenda Mar 12th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- This provides that if you have an Idaho personal income tax statement that has that address for the primary
- This provides that if you have a Idaho personal income tax statement that has that address for the primary
- That has that address for the primary address, that can be used in lieu of the state ID.
Summary:
The House Revenue and Taxation Committee met on March 12, 2026, and took up three RS drafts for introduction only. RS 33573, by Representative Raymond, would create a permitting and licensing framework for vape and alternative nicotine products, define those products, require out-of-state sellers to post a bond, allow permit denial for fraud or felony-related issues, establish contraband rules, and impose a modest tax with revenues split among Health and Welfare, public education for cessation/education, and the general fund. Supporters said the bill was the product of years of stakeholder work and was intended to address youth vaping and black-market sales; opponents, including Representative Barbieri, argued it would overregulate a cessation product and could amount to double taxation. The committee voted to introduce the bill, with some nays recorded.
RS 33664, by Representative Raybould, proposed a state property tax tied to occupancy, aimed at returning funds to counties and cities for law enforcement, fire, EMS, infrastructure, and property tax reduction. Several members said they were willing to introduce it for discussion but did not support a statewide property tax as a policy matter. The committee voted to introduce the draft.
RS 33659, also by Representative Raybould, would tighten homestead exemption verification by requiring the Idaho ID address to match the claimed property address, allowing an Idaho income tax return as an alternative for those without a state ID, and clarifying that applicants cannot claim a similar exemption in another state unless they are on active military service or a religious mission. The sponsor said counties would handle verification and could check other state records when needed. The committee voted to introduce this draft as well, and then adjourned with a meeting scheduled for the next day.
HI
Hawaii 2025 Regular Session
House Chamber - Mon Mar 10, 2025, 12:00PM HST - Day 28
Hawaii House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- accelerate implementation of the plan accelerate implementation of the plan the<00:15:24.800><c> primary
- :25.600><c> why</c><00:15:25.720><c> we</c><00:15:25.800><c> need</c><00:15:25.959><c> to</c> the primary
- reason for why we need to the primary reason for why we need to keep<00:15:26.240><c> allocating</c>
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
US House Floor Proceedings (Tuesday, January 7, 2025)
US Federal House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- I am prepared to close when the gentleman is ready.
- We have no further speakers and we're prepared to close.
- I am prepared to close when the gentleman is ready.
- I am prepared to close when the gentleman is ready.
- I am prepared to close when the gentleman is ready.
MO
Transcript Highlights:
- That now closed the executive session on 1789.
- close a person has to travel.
- close a person has to travel.
- That'll close the public hearing on House Bill 1894.
- That will close the public hearing on House Bill 3314.
Committee:
House Insurance
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- Hearing none, we'll close public testimony on 857. We'll leave the bill pending.
- Anyone else that's not, we'll close.
- If not, we will close public testimony. Thank you, Mr. Chairman and members.
- The public testimony is closed.
- Public testimony is closed on Senate Bill 1120.
Committee:
Senate Transportation
Keywords:
transportation, TxDOT, Texas Department of Transportation, road projects, highways, infrastructure, bridge construction, interchanges, corridor improvements, road widening, railroad grade separation, sound barrier, unified transportation program, legislative notice, project prioritization, capital projects, state highway system, Farm-to-Market Roads, San Antonio, Harris County
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Judiciary Committee Mar 11th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- In late 2015, I was hired to produce a documentary on a close friend of Mr.
- In late 2015, I was hired to produce a documentary on a close friend of Mr.
- Would you like to close? How long are we going to wait?
- Would you like to close? How long are we going to wait?
- We have a motion and a second, and you've closed. I have a motion and a second, and you've closed.
Summary:
The Assembly Judiciary Committee heard three bills. AB 250 by Majority Leader Aguiar-Curry would extend a limited window for survivors of sexual assault to seek civil recourse against perpetrators and entities that allegedly covered up abuse. The author and supporters, including survivor Maya Alexander and Equal Rights Advocates, said many survivors need years before they can come forward and that the bill would improve accountability and public safety. One member raised concerns about the bill’s application to private employers and the exclusion of public employees, but the bill was advanced on a motion to Appropriations and later placed on call until additional votes were added.
AB 373 by Assemblymember Rubio would require appointed counsel for non-minor dependents in extended foster care to represent the young adult’s expressed wishes rather than substitute the attorney’s judgment. Supporters from California Youth Connection and the Children’s Law Center said 18- to 21-year-olds in foster care are legal adults and should have their voices fully respected in court. Members discussed how the bill would work in practice and whether it applied only to appointed counsel; the bill was moved to Human Services and later cleared after additional votes were added.
AB 387 by Assemblymember Alanis, as amended, would exempt probation officers from criminal jury service. The author and supporters argued probation officers are deeply involved in the criminal justice process, often get dismissed anyway, and should be focused on supervision and court-related duties rather than jury duty. The Judicial Council opposed the bill, warning that categorical exemptions shrink the jury pool and set a bad precedent. After debate over fairness, precedent, and the role of probation officers, the committee voted the bill out on a do pass motion.
KY
Kentucky 2026 Regular Session
House Standing Committee on Veterans, Military Affairs, and Public Protection (3-24-26)
Veterans, Military Affairs, & Public Protection
Transcript Highlights:
- They are the primary reason why our...
- They<00:06:46.760><c> are</c><00:06:46.840><c> the</c><00:06:46.960><c> primary</c><00:06:47.600><c>
- reason</c><00:06:48.280><c> why</c><00:06:48.520><c> our</c> They are the primary reason why our workforce
- Does that even come close to what the cost of addiction is in Kentucky? Nowhere near.
NH
New Hampshire 2026 Regular Session
Senate Election Law and Municipal Affairs (03/24/2026)
Election Law and Municipal Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- We'll close this public hearing.
- So, in closing, school boards article.
- We'll close this support 13 opposed. We'll close this public<01:17:20.960><c> hearing.
- With that, we'll close the public hearing.
- And with that we'll close one opposed.
Committee:
Senate Election Law and Municipal Affairs
WV
West Virginia 2026 Regular Session
WV Senate Mar 13th, 2026 at 04:04 pm
Transcript Highlights:
- The clerk closed the machine and obtained the results.
- The clerk closed the machine and obtained the results.
- So clerk closed machine and average team results.
- So clerk closed the machine and there's attain results on this question 30, yay. vote a slow clerk closed
- So clerk closed the machine, after team's result.
Summary:
The Senate considered and passed a series of House bills and one constitutional resolution, with several measures receiving title amendments and some taking effect immediately or on a specified date. Early action included moving House Bill 5438, concerning the foundation allowance for instructional programs, to the foot of third-reading bills. House Bill 5441, reforming the state personnel system, was amended with a Judiciary strike-and-insert technical fix, then passed 28-6 and was set to take effect July 1, 2026. House Bill 5462 on mine subsidence insurance passed unanimously, with a title amendment adopted. House Bill 5484, creating felony offenses related to denying medical treatment to sexual offense victims, also passed unanimously with a title amendment. House Bill 5515 modernizing workers’ compensation statutes passed unanimously with a title amendment, and House Bill 5527 establishing licensure and regulation for wellness reimbursement programs passed unanimously. House Bill 5528, protecting personal residential information of certain public officials, passed unanimously with a title amendment.
The most extended debate centered on House Bill 5537, an education-related bill that was amended to add a child-protection provision later referred to as “Rayleigh’s law.” The amendment would bar approval of home instruction requests in certain child abuse or neglect cases until the Department of Human Services confirms the investigation is unfounded, closed, or not substantiated, or until 10 days pass without a response. Senators argued the measure was intended to protect children and not target homeschooling. After a point of order, the chair initially ruled the amended language not germane; that ruling was challenged and ultimately overruled by a 24-7 vote, allowing the amendment to remain. The bill then passed 24-7, and a title amendment was adopted.
Other measures passed with little or no opposition. House Bill 5582 removed the sunset on the TANF applicant drug-screening program and passed 28-3 after a technical committee amendment. House Bill 5687 reduced the metallurgical coal severance tax over time and adjusted oil and gas tax allocations, passing 31-3. Several supplemental appropriations also passed and were made effective from passage, including funds for Homeland Security/corrections, the Adjutant General, Health, the State Road Fund, and Tourism/Culture and History. The Senate also adopted House Joint Resolution 42, which would place on the ballot a constitutional amendment increasing the homestead exemption from $20,000 to $40,000 and allowing future changes by general law. In second reading, the Senate advanced bills on workforce training reimbursements, aerospace and advanced manufacturing incentives, portable benefit accounts, literacy and science-of-reading training, school aid formula changes, and wedding venue regulation, with amendments adopted on several of them before advancement to third reading.
AL
Transcript Highlights:
- She's a close friend of the Marshes.
- I have a general, but I don't have a primary, but our primary candidates ought to be really happy for
- ,</c><01:17:06.080><c> but</c><01:17:06.320><c> our</c><01:17:06.640><c> primary</c><01:17:07.679><c>
- uh</c> don't have a primary, but our primary uh don't have a primary, but our primary uh candidates<
- Yes. closed, the businesses said due to closed, the businesses said due to regulatory<03:15:13.840><c
ND
North Dakota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Water Topics Overview Committee Jun 10th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- This is something that we watch very closely.
- We track very closely what they're projecting.
- We are monitoring, you know, drought conditions very closely.
- We work closely with DEQ.
- We're getting close to $2 billion.
Summary:
The Water Topics Overview Committee met to receive interim status updates on several water-related studies and Department of Water Resources projects. The committee approved the March 26, 2026 minutes, observed a moment of silence for the late Representative Conmy, and then heard updates on the watershed management study and the stormwater/wastewater study. Staff reported that the committee had already received the testimony contemplated in the study plans, including input from state agencies, local governments, and out-of-state entities, and that any further action would be at the committee’s discretion.
The Department of Water Resources then provided project and budget updates on NAWS and the Southwest Pipeline Project. Reese reported NAWS is expected to serve about 81,000 users, with a total projected cost of about $571 million and about $96 million remaining, while the Southwest Pipeline Project is estimated at $1.06 billion total with about $409 million remaining. Members asked about funding sources, capacity needs, and whether current and future construction is being designed for increased demand; department staff said current work is designed for ultimate capacity, but some future components may need redesign based on new requests. The committee also discussed local cost shares, Minot’s role in NAWS funding, and whether the system is adequate for peak demand.
A major portion of the meeting focused on the department’s cash management, carryover, and long-term water funding outlook. The department said Resources Trust Fund revenues are tied to oil extraction taxes and are affected by stripper well exemptions and future oil price declines. Members expressed concern about large carryover balances and whether the state is obligating more money than can realistically be spent in a biennium. The department reported about $340.6 million in remaining carryover and said it is trying to reduce that through a two-tier pre-construction/construction process and closer project vetting.
The department also summarized the Deloitte studies on regional governance and finance and on cost-share policy. Stakeholders generally favored keeping the current governance structures for NAWS and Southwest with improvements, while Red River stakeholders leaned toward a different option; the department said it will bring an implementation plan back in September. On cost share, Deloitte’s recommendations would reduce some percentages, prioritize projects differently, and use other measures to close a projected long-term funding gap. Members debated affordability, local burden, deferred maintenance, and whether statutory changes may be needed to allow the commission more flexibility in prioritizing and funding projects. No formal votes or final actions were taken beyond approving the minutes and receiving the updates.
OK
Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session
Appropriations and Budget Health Subcommittee Jan 22nd, 2026 at 09:30 am
A&B Health Subcommittee
Transcript Highlights:
- And if we don't have it in-house, we want a contract with someone close who does have it.
- We're watching those very closely.
- So, they got 90 days to do the close out.
- We're working closely with the Department of Mental Health.
- I'm gonna get close to 1800 employees. So, the folks that are at home, I run 24/7 operations.
Committee:
House A&B Health Subcommittee
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- Hearing none, our testimony was officially closed. So, Mr.
- Hearing none, public testimony is closed.
- Hearing none, public testimony is closed.
- Invited testimony is now closed. Public testimony is now open. Invited testimony is now closed.
- Hearing none, public testimony is closed.
Bills:
SB552 , SB1099 , SB1124 , SB1208 , SB1372 , SB1506 , SB1667 , SB1804 , SB1806 , SB1870 , SB1936 , SB1937 , SB2180 , SB2405 , SB2569 , SB2570 , SB1646
Committee:
Senate Criminal Justice
Keywords:
community supervision, criminal justice, illegal alien, deferred adjudication, Texas Code of Criminal Procedure, SB 1099, undocumented immigrant, unauthorized immigrant, immigration status, felony sentencing enhancement, criminal penalty increase, Texas Penal Code, Code of Criminal Procedure, affirmative finding, judgment finding, deportation, public safety, immigration enforcement, sentencing reform, felony offense
Summary:
The committee heard a series of criminal justice bills, beginning with SB 1870 and SB 1727, both of which were adopted as committee substitutes and reported favorably to the full Senate. SB 1870 would bar local governments from adopting policies that decriminalize controlled substances or direct officials not to enforce state drug laws, with civil penalties enforced by the Attorney General for violations. SB 1727 was described as a technical change to make the draft a formal Legislative Council version of a TDCJ-related assault bill; both bills were also sent to the local and uncontested calendar.
The committee then took up SB 2405, the major Sunset bill for TDCJ, the Board of Pardons and Paroles, Windham School District, and the Correctional Managed Health Care Committee. Senator Parker explained that the bill continues and modernizes those agencies, requires a 10-year facilities and staffing plan, expands rehabilitation and reentry programming, improves parole-board consistency and training, and codifies various cleanup and inspector general recommendations. Sunset staff and agency witnesses discussed the bill’s data-sharing, program coordination, and projected savings from reducing delays in parole-voted programming; public witnesses generally supported the post-secondary education and reentry provisions, while some urged stronger statutory direction for Windham and more reform to medically recommended intensive supervision. The bill was left pending.
SB 1804, SB 1099, SB 2569, and SB 2570 were also heard. SB 1804 would allow restitution for tattoo removal for human trafficking survivors and remove the age restriction so adult survivors can qualify; it was reported favorably and sent to the local calendar. SB 1099 would increase penalties for certain felony offenses when committed by a person determined to be unlawfully present in the country; immigration and civil rights witnesses opposed it as overbroad and difficult to administer, but it was reported favorably. SB 2569 would modernize unmanned aircraft reporting by requiring law enforcement agencies to post reports on public websites; it passed unanimously and was sent to the local calendar. SB 2570 would create a defense to prosecution for peace officers and correctional guards using less-lethal force weapons within the scope of their training; law enforcement witnesses supported it, civil rights and prosecutor witnesses raised concerns that it was too broad and could weaken existing use-of-force standards, and the bill was left pending for further work.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Floor Session Apr 1st, 2025
California House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Clerk will close the roll and tally the votes. Ayes 62, noes 0.
- We'll close. All those who desire to vote. The clerk will close the roll, tally the votes.
- This bill, AB 597, will actually close those gaps.
- Clerk will close the roll and tally the votes. Ayes 52, noes 8.
- The clerk will close the roll. Tally the votes. There are 74 co-authors.
Summary:
The Assembly convened after a quorum call, prayer, and pledge, then took up a series of procedural motions and a large third-reading file focused heavily on housing, wildfire recovery, insurance, and related regulatory changes. Early actions included a successful motion to place Senate Concurrent Resolution 1 on the third-reading file, followed by a unanimous vote on SB 26, a cleanup measure related to lemon-law civil discovery procedures and automaker opt-outs from the AB 1755 framework.
The chamber then moved through a package of urgency bills tied to the January 2025 Los Angeles-area wildfires and broader housing affordability concerns. Measures approved included AB 311 allowing displaced tenants to temporarily house wildfire victims and pets, AB 299 extending hotel/motel/short-term rental stays beyond 30 days for disaster-displaced families, AB 226 giving the California Fair Plan access to bond financing in catastrophic-loss scenarios, AB 253 allowing third-party plan checks when local review exceeds 30 days, AB 301 aligning state permitting timelines with local deadlines, AB 306 imposing a six-year pause on new residential building-code updates, AB 462 exempting certain ADUs in Los Angeles County coastal zones from coastal development permits, AB 493 requiring interest to be paid to homeowners on insurance proceeds held by lenders, and AB 597 tightening rules on public adjuster solicitation, fees, and contract transparency. Each of these urgency bills passed, generally with strong bipartisan support and mostly unanimous or near-unanimous votes.
The Assembly also approved several non-urgency measures, including AB 293 on groundwater transparency and board disclosure, AB 251 on elder abuse litigation standards when evidence is intentionally destroyed, AB 59 removing a sunset on Reclamation District 108’s hydropower authority, AB 417 streamlining EIFD and CRIA financing tools, and AB 312 updating procedures for agricultural theft proceeds. In addition, ACR 6 was adopted by voice vote, recognizing Black April Memorial Month and the 50th anniversary of the fall of Saigon, with extensive remarks from Assembly Member Ta and support from other members. The consent calendar was adopted, and the body later heard adjournment-in-memory tributes for David Myers and Olivia Guerrero before adjourning to April 3, 2025. Several vote changes were announced after adjournment, including changes on AB 251 and AB 417.
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- </c> because of the backlog the primary because of the backlog the primary benefit<00:02:39.000><c> of
- or a partisan group for the primary election.
- ><c> primary</c><00:46:58.120><c> election.
- They've done for the primary election.
- So it breaks to this primary election.
Bills:
SB2041
Committee:
Senate Judiciary
Keywords:
land court, real property, legal documents, bureau of conveyances, judicial confirmation, property registration, working group, Hawaii Revised Statutes, reform, 912, senate, all
Summary:
The committees heard SB 2041, which would repeal the Land Court, transfer its functions to the Bureau of Conveyances, and create a working group to recommend implementation. DLNR and Judiciary stood on their written testimony, while Realtors supported the bill and one testifier raised concerns about the loss of judicial authority, title disputes, adverse possession, and possible effects on Kuleana lands. Members questioned whether property could be deregistered and what the legal consequences would be, and the Bureau of Conveyances said deregistration is already available but burdensome. The committees ultimately recommended passage with amendments, and the measure was adopted by both committees.
The Judiciary Committee then heard SB 2247, which restricts certain governor-appointed, Senate-confirmed executive branch employees from participating in campaign fundraising. The State Ethics Commission and Campaign Spending Commission supported the bill as a way to curb pay-to-play concerns and the appearance of undue influence, and several advocacy and civic groups also testified in support, with one person opposing. The committee agreed to amend the bill so the restrictions apply only after confirmation and continue until the person leaves the covered position. The committee voted to pass SB 2247 with amendments.
Finally, the Judiciary Committee heard SB 2143, which would make the Attorney General the interim Chief Election Officer if that office becomes vacant until the Elections Commission appoints a replacement. Supporters argued the bill would provide continuity, prevent delays in certifying election results, and protect election integrity; opponents argued it would politicize the office, create a conflict of interest, and was unnecessary because current law already provides a process for filling vacancies. Testimony was extensive and sharply divided, with many speakers on both sides. The transcript provided does not include a final vote or action on SB 2143.
HI
Hawaii 2026 Regular Session
HSH Public Hearing - Tue Feb 17, 2026 @ 9:30 AM HST
Human Services & Homelessness
Transcript Highlights:
- Abuse Coalition, Hawaii Food Bank, Hina Malca, Hawaii Appleseed, Hawaii Community Foundation, Hawaii Primary
- Seed, Hawaii Community Foundation, Apple Seed, Hawaii Community Foundation, Hawaii<00:12:04.000><c> Primary
- </c><00:12:04.399><c> Care</c><00:12:04.640><c> Association,</c><00:12:06.079><c> and</c> Hawaii Primary
- Care Association, and Hawaii Primary Care Association, and again,<00:12:06.880><c> Hawaii</c><00:12:
- </c><00:36:31.599><c> Care</c> Policy Foundation, Hawaii Primary Care Policy Foundation, Hawaii Primary
Bills:
HB2116 , HB1879 , HB2214 , HB2310 , HB2168 , HB2427 , HB2560 , HB1596 , HB2197 , HB2498 , HB2167
Committee:
House Human Services & Homelessness
Keywords:
grants, community engagement, nonprofit organizations, federal assistance, volunteering, youth transit, public transportation, subsidized transit, environment, energy independence, affordable transportation, Hawaii, diaper tax credit, families, low-income, childcare, health, Hawaii Department of Human Services, DHS, emergency appropriation
Summary:
The committee heard testimony on several measures related to human services, homelessness, transit, and family supports. HB 2116 HD1, concerning grants from the Office of Community Services to nonprofits providing training and volunteerism opportunities, drew strong support from Catholic Charities Hawaii, Hawaii Children’s Action Network Speaks, and multiple organizations in written testimony. Supporters said the bill would help vulnerable people affected by federal program changes and cuts by connecting them to reintegration and support services.
HB 1879 HD1, establishing a subsidized youth transit program coordinated with counties, received extensive testimony in support from the Department of Health, Department of Taxation, Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation Commission, Aloha United Way, Hawaii Bicycling League, Hawaii Appleseed, Hawaii State Youth Commission, Hawaii Public Health Institute, Greenpeace Hawaii, Hawaii Youth Transportation Council, and others. Testifiers emphasized equity, school attendance, reduced transportation costs, climate benefits, and broader access for youth. Several witnesses urged amendments to make the program universal rather than means-tested, and committee discussion noted implementation questions for neighbor islands and rural areas.
HB 2214, creating a refundable diaper tax credit for low-income families with children age four and under, was supported by the Hawaii Diaper Bank, Hawaii Children’s Action Network Speaks, and several other organizations. The Department of Taxation recommended making the credit non-refundable and clarifying definitions to aid administration, while supporters argued refundability was important for low-income families who may owe little or no income tax. HB 2310, an emergency appropriation to replenish DHS funds used to provide SNAP benefits during a federal shutdown, also drew broad support from DHS, Catholic Charities, Hawaii Public Health Institute, Hawaii Children’s Action Network Speaks, Hawaii Food Industry Association, Aloha United Way, and others; witnesses praised the state’s rapid response and said the appropriation would prepare DHS for future emergencies. The committee also heard HB 2168 HD1 and HB 2427 HD1 on education for students experiencing homelessness and unaccompanied homeless youth; the Attorney General recommended technical amendments to avoid conflicts with existing law and to clarify McKinney-Vento-related definitions, while advocates stressed the need for school access, transportation, meals, and other supports for homeless and runaway youth.
AZ
Transcript Highlights:
- “No closing comments. Thank you.
- Closing comments? Mr.
- The clerk will close the board. The clerk will close the board.
- So this will close the door. It does not close the door on development.
- It's not even close. It's not even close. It's crystal clear. And with that, I vote aye.
NH
Transcript Highlights:
- All right, I'll close the hearing. We can just recess to 11.
- Let's not close the door behind us.
- Let's not close the door behind us.
- Seeing none, I'm going to close the public hearing at 3:03.
- Seeing none, I'm going to close the public hearing at 3:03.
Committee:
House Housing
Summary:
The House Housing Committee heard testimony on HB 577, a bill to expand accessory dwelling units (ADUs) in New Hampshire. The sponsor and supporters described the state’s housing shortage and argued the bill would make it easier for property owners to build ADUs by right, up to 950 square feet, either attached or detached, while still requiring compliance with building codes, septic/water limits, and other local requirements. Supporters said the measure would help seniors age in place, provide housing for young adults, caregivers, and workers, and make better use of existing property such as garages and barns.
Representative Reed raised concern that removing language related to short-term rentals could allow ADUs to be used for that purpose rather than long-term housing. The sponsor said he was open to clarifying language on short-term rentals, and another witness explained that current law already allows municipalities some choice on ingress/egress requirements, while the bill would standardize that and leave the design choice to the property owner. Several supportive witnesses followed, including the New Hampshire Home Builders Association, the New Hampshire Association of Realtors, the Business and Industry Association, AARP, Housing Action New Hampshire, 603 Forward, and New Hampshire Youth Movement. They emphasized affordability, property rights, workforce housing, intergenerational living, and the need for statewide consistency.
A Derry resident testified that his existing garage space could be converted into an ADU under HB 577, but current local rules prevent that because it is detached; he said the bill would let him rent it affordably. Supporters also argued that ADUs can increase property values and help homeowners cover mortgages and taxes. In opposition, the New Hampshire Municipal Association said the bill would impose a local zoning mandate, could add density pressure on already stressed infrastructure, and did not guarantee that new units would be affordable or workforce housing. No vote or final committee action was taken in the excerpt.