Transcript Highlights:

• Specify the institutions administering and facilitating the MMRC: New Hampshire DHHS, jointly with the
• Specify the institutions administering and facilitating the MMRC: New Hampshire DHHS, jointly with the
• epidemiologist as well as um DHHS epidemiologist as well as um DHHS Maternal<00:04:44.199> Child
• It was at the request of DHHS.
• Needs of individuals who frequently cycle between DOC, DHHS, and county jails.

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• It was requiring the DHHS.
• That was a sort of a huge fiscal note for DHHS that I knew was going to be a problem.
• It was requiring the DHHS.
• That was a sort of a huge fiscal note for DHHS that I knew was going to be a problem.
• That was a It was requiring the DHHS.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <02:03:19.800> and recent years have found that DHHS and recent years have found that DHHS
• But then DHHS vaccine program has never been audited.
• But then DHHS vaccine program has never been audited.
• But then DHHS vaccine program has never been audited.
• It's really a marketing brochure put out by DHHS, and a large part of it is a letter from DHHS, so kind

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• It was not associated with DHHS.
• it was not not associated with DHHS it was not funded<02:07:11.719> by<02:07:11.840> the
• deals with homeless youth is they DHHS deals with homeless youth is they are<02:07:45.599> only
• <02:23:40.960> to closely with the division um DHHS to closely with the division um DHHS to
• <02:39:23.960> is augment the activities of what DHHS is augment the activities of what DHHS

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The Finance Committee held a hearing on several bills and announced at the outset that no votes would be taken because the measures would go to divisions later. The first major bill, HB 197, would require the state to pay 7.5% of political subdivision employer pension contributions for teachers, police officers, and firefighters. Representative Mike Edgar, the prime sponsor, argued the state had repeatedly reduced and then eliminated its promised share of retirement costs, shifting the burden to municipalities and property taxpayers. He said the bill would partially restore that commitment and provide relief to local governments, businesses, and taxpayers. Several witnesses testified in support of HB 197, including Representative John Cluder, Bradford selectman Marlene Fryer, the New Hampshire Municipal Association’s Margaret Burns, and Epping representative Mark Fone. Supporters said the bill would help with property tax pressure, school budgets, and municipal hiring, and they emphasized that much of the retirement cost reflects unfunded liability decisions made at the state level rather than by local governments. Committee members questioned whether the bill would change local incentives to control costs and how it would affect hiring and compensation. Burns said the state contribution would function as property tax relief because it offsets existing municipal expenses, and she noted the state is already on a long-term schedule to pay down the retirement system’s unfunded liability. After closing the hearing on HB 197, the committee opened a hearing on HB 97, introduced by Representative Tom Buco. He said the bill would continue funding for delayed and deferred wastewater projects and help municipalities finance expensive wastewater infrastructure, which he tied to housing development and local debt planning. No action or votes were taken on either bill during the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• And I also co-chair one of the Mission Zero initiative sponsored by New Hampshire Hospital and DHHS.
• DHHS also has a big focus on CCBHC expansion right now, the certified behavioral health clinics.
• > big<04:11:14.040> focus<04:11:14.520> on<04:11:14.960> CCBHC DHHS also
• So, I think when DHHS comes up they'll probably have a little bit more history on it.
• DHHS is probably also things happen.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We have to be licensed by DHHS.
• An Uh we have to be licensed by DHHS.
• They have oversight licensed by DHHS.
• :44.880> or<02:54:45.040> spending and bars DHHS from accepting or spending and bars DHHS
• at DHHS is 100% federally funded. at DHHS is 100% federally funded.

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• He said, “Page two of the bill, lines 15 to 17—this has to do with the DHHS Ombuds Office.”
• He said that if a call came in implicating the DHHS Ombuds Office, which handles internal DHHS issues
• calling about that the OCA can and should be looking at, and another piece that needs to go to the DHHS
• matters to the DHHS on buds in Practical matters what<00:25:16.080> that<00:25:16.360> often
• He said they also often refer to the DHHS constituent relations office and work closely with them, but

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• DHHS Commissioners report associate commissioner Trisha Tilly. Good afternoon.
• But um today what we have in front of you from DHHS, we have some of the great work from our staff from
• um today what we have in front of you um today what we have in front of you from<00:16:29.160> DHHS
• we have some of the great work from DHHS we have some of the great work from<00:16:31.959> our
• Director of Medicaid Enterprise Development, Division of Medicaid Services, DHHS.

Keywords: 928, house, all

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

Transcript Highlights:

• New Hampshire Hospital and DHHS. New Hampshire Hospital and DHHS.
• So, I think when DHHS comes up they'll probably have a little bit more history on it.
• DHHS is probably also going to talk about we've closed Sununu Services Center.
• DHHS is probably also things happen.
• DHHS. DHHS.

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee held a public hearing on Senate Bill 562, which would create a home damage mitigation and resilience grant program aimed at helping homeowners make property improvements that could reduce insurance costs and non-renewals. Commissioner DJ Bettencourt of the New Hampshire Insurance Department explained that the program is modeled in part on Alabama’s safer homes program, but tailored for New Hampshire hazards such as floods, microbursts, heavy snow, ice, and falling trees. He said the grants would be limited to primary residences, subject to a means test, capped at $10,000, and intended to help homeowners make targeted improvements such as roof fortification or tree removal that could improve underwriting outcomes and lead to premium discounts. Bettencourt said the program would not use state taxpayer funds and would instead rely on philanthropic donations, possible federal or regional housing-bank funding, and other outside sources. He said the department would not need new staff, and that a current position could be reconfigured to help administer the program part-time. Committee members asked about the funding language, the meaning of “loans” in the bill, whether there were any other states using a similar no-state-funds model, and how many homeowners could be helped. Bettencourt said Rhode Island and Connecticut were moving forward in a similar way, and that the number of beneficiaries would depend on how much money is raised. Members also questioned how the grant program would actually lower premiums, whether savings would apply only to participants or more broadly, and how the IBHS evaluation process would work. Bettencourt and department staff said the direct benefit would be to the homeowner whose property is improved, though neighbors could also benefit in some cases. They explained that IBHS is a building-safety organization that certifies contractors and inspectors and that its standards can qualify homes for insurer discounts. Questions were also raised about confidentiality provisions, first-come-first-served grant awards, rollover of unused applications, and possible tax treatment of donations. The sponsor said those details would be addressed through rulemaking or existing tax rules, and no vote was taken during the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• And we’ve got folks here from DHHS, so we’ll speak to that and the grant and how it affects that.
• So, with the blessing of the executive branch and DHHS, I decided to get this in motion now, and the
• Um, and we've got folks here<00:08:51.040> from<00:08:51.200> DHHS,<00:08:52.080> so
• I decided to get this in motion now DHHS I decided to get this in motion now and<00:09:23.760> the
• I saw them DHHS is here this morning.

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• She adds that, although the program is licensed at DHHS, this office oversees the food portion of that
• <00:05:57.520> this although they're licensed at DHHS this although they're licensed at DHHS
• That is a program that's operated through DHHS, Department of Health and Human Services.
• that DHHS they're both deal is something that DHHS would<00:15:55.399> determine<00:15:55.759
• if I I think I I which one's it DHHS if I I think I I which one's it DHHS<00:17:25.760> EBT<00

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The Department of Education’s Bureau of Wellness and Nutrition presented an overview of the school meal and child nutrition programs it administers, including the National School Lunch Program, Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program, Community Eligibility Provision (CEP), After School Snack Program, Child and Adult Care Food Program, Summer Food Service Program, and Special Milk Program. Staff explained which programs are federally funded through USDA, which have state matching funds, and how reimbursement rates are set for different programs and fiscal years. They also walked the committee through a packet showing reimbursement tables, state and federal funding totals, and eligibility data. Members focused much of their questioning on how state and federal reimbursements work for lunch and breakfast, why lunch is shown as a state match while breakfast has meal-based breakdowns, and how the department allocates funds in the budget. The department explained that lunch uses a set state match tied to federal requirements, while breakfast reimbursement is based on meals served. They also reviewed FY 22-24 funding trends, noting higher federal spending during COVID-era waivers and lower amounts as those waivers ended. A committee member asked for the data in Excel and the department agreed to provide it. The discussion also covered summer meal programs and the distinction between the Summer Food Service Program and Summer EBT. Staff explained that SFSP provides meals at approved open or closed sites, while Summer EBT is a separate DHHS-run benefit program that provides funds to families; the two programs coordinate through data sharing but are not the same. Members also discussed CEP, with staff explaining that New Hampshire currently has three schools participating, that the qualifying threshold was reduced from 40% to 25% identified students, and that districts must cover the non-federal share with non-federal funds. No votes or formal actions were taken during the meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• While the Secretary of State and federal records do not use this information, DHHS does in deidentified
• the bills would have limited the information that department gets about specific individuals, and DHHS
• was concerned about individuals and DHHS was concerned about losing<00:04:24.759> considerable
• information that vital records and DHHS get<00:04:43.800> that<00:04:43.919> is<00:04:
• The CDC, as well as our counterparts in the DHHS Division, were consulted.

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Would it streamline the effort to put it all under DHHS? That's certainly something to consider.
• effort to to put it all under DHHS effort to to put it all under DHHS that's<01:58:40.800> certainly
• for a first offense, which is kind of similar to a traffic ticket, and a maximum fine of $2,000 by DHHS
• for a first offense, which is kind of similar to a traffic ticket, and a maximum fine of $2,000 by DHHS
• statistics which would be formal DHHS statistics which would be worse<02:24:23.359> than<02:24

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Another perception is that DCYF or DHHS can walk in your house and take your kids.
• Another perception is that DCYF or DHHS can walk in your house and take your kids.
• Another perception is that DCYF or DHHS can walk in your house and take your kids.
• Another perception is that DCYF or DHHS can walk in your house and take your kids.
• <00:20:42.039> can perception is that um dcyf or DHHS can perception is that um dcyf or DHHS

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The subcommittee continued work on HB 553, a bipartisan bill to update the child protection act’s definitions, especially around abuse, neglect, psychological maltreatment, and serious impairment. Supporters said the current law is outdated, vague, and too limited to address modern child welfare concerns, and argued the bill is intended to create clearer standards for DCF/DCYF, courts, and parents without adding criminal penalties or expanding authority to remove children. They also noted the bill had been developed over months of bipartisan work and that similar concepts exist in other states; a committee researcher had circulated a comparison of 17 states with prenatal and substance-use-related provisions. A major focus was whether the bill should include a more explicit definition of emotional abuse. Some members argued that the bill’s current language is not specific enough and could leave parents without fair notice, while others said the bill already addresses the issue through definitions of psychological maltreatment, emotional harm, and serious impairment. Office of Child Advocate staff explained that the drafting process intentionally avoided defining every emotional-abuse term separately and instead used a pattern-based psychological maltreatment standard with examples such as threatening, demeaning, humiliating, and belittling behavior. They said those provisions were drawn from other states and were meant to fill gaps seen in cases involving severe emotional harm and injured infants. The committee also discussed trauma-informed language related to substance use disorder and pregnancy. Members said the amendment was intended to avoid discouraging pregnant people with substance use disorder from seeking medical care, while still allowing intervention when a child is substance-exposed; they noted the proposal would include an exemption when a licensed health care provider is monitoring the pregnancy. Several members emphasized that the bill is meant to protect children while also giving parents clearer notice of prohibited conduct, and one member raised concerns about how the bill could affect other legislation dealing with criminal neglect. No vote or final action was taken in the portion of the meeting provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm a legislative liaison for Behavioral Health at DHHS.
• It's the DHHS Commissioner's overview.
• or or should they come under the DHHS or or should they come under the DHHS and<01:43:31.119>
• "DHHS document, so I'm not sure. I'm not sure I understood what you know.
• There's no connection to DHHS with that training, and it predates all of us.

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The meeting began as a Division 3 work session on HB 71, but much of the early discussion focused on whether a previously discussed non-germane amendment could be considered or voted on that day. Members and the chair debated process and notice requirements, and the clerk’s guidance was that the amendment needed a separate public hearing before the full Finance Committee. The amendment was described as requiring DHHS contracts and addenda to include compliance with the Patient Bill of Rights, with a repeal date so the requirement would expire on November 30, 2026. The motion to move OTP on HB 71 with the amendment was withdrawn, and the committee agreed the amendment would be scheduled for a future full Finance hearing instead. The committee then turned to HB 71 itself and heard testimony from DHHS representatives John Williams and Jenny O’Higgins on the fiscal note and policy implications. Members questioned the estimate that the bill could put $12 million to $18 million per year in federal funding at risk, including HUD and Office of Refugee Resettlement funds. DHHS explained that the estimate was based on a broad reading of the bill’s term “specified alien,” which they said was not clearly defined in the bill, so they analyzed it using the federal definition of “alien” and assumed the bill could affect lawfully present non-citizens as well as undocumented individuals. They said the figure represented a worst-case scenario and that they were not claiming the loss was certain. Members also pressed DHHS on whether the bill could affect emergency sheltering in schools, public academies, or institutions of higher learning during disasters. DHHS said the language could create conflicts with federal funding conditions because emergency shelter programs generally cannot impose barriers on who may be sheltered, and they warned that excluding certain people could affect refugee-related and HUD funding. Questions were raised about whether the bill’s language would apply to private institutions as well as public ones, and whether the state could still use schools in short-term emergencies. DHHS said the language was broad, that they could not answer every legal question definitively, and that they would need input from public health and legal staff. No final vote on HB 71 was taken in the portion provided; the committee remained in discussion/work session mode after the amendment motion was withdrawn.

Transcript Highlights:

• allegation neglect or of a vulnerable adult under the new process, this licensee entity would notify DHHS
• allegation neglect or of a vulnerable adult under the new process, this licensee entity would notify DHHS
• allegation neglect or of a vulnerable adult under the new process, this licensee entity would notify DHHS
• allegation neglect or of a vulnerable adult under the new process, this licensee entity would notify DHHS
• uh, essentially, if in fact that individual's, you know, that's their income entity would notify uh DHHS

Keywords: 927, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Do you give examples on the DHHS website? We do, uh, for people to see what is required.
• <05:07:34.760> a<05:07:34.878> similar<05:07:35.240> hearing<05:07:36.120> DHHS
• <05:07:36.920> also<05:07:37.200> said during a similar hearing DHHS also said during
• to do like an mechanism for DHHS to do like an emergency<05:11:41.878> inspection<05:11:42.718
• DHHS food safety. Thank you.

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The Solid Waste Subcommittee met to discuss proposed amendments to HB 171 and HB 215. For HB 171, Representative Gerna outlined technical changes to a landfill moratorium bill: DES would be allowed to accept applications only to review them for completeness, a notwithstanding clause would override automatic approval timing rules, the word “fully” would be removed, and an unnecessary reference to perennial water bodies would be deleted. Members raised concern about whether applications deemed complete during the moratorium would still have to comply with later changes in law or rule. Director Mike Whap of DES said applicants would likely need to amend applications if policy changes occurred, and suggested the bill could explicitly state that later changes apply to pending applications. The subcommittee generally supported the revised language and agreed the amended bill could go directly to executive session, though one member said the underlying legislation was ill-advised but preferred the amended version over the original. The committee then turned to HB 215, which would create a two-stage landfill siting review centered on a “net public benefit” determination before full technical review. Representative Gerna explained that the amendment would define net public benefit, require an independent third-party assessment paid for by the applicant, and set up a process for selecting the contractor from a list submitted by the applicant, with DES and the host community involved and the commissioner choosing if no agreement is reached within 60 days. Members asked how “host community” would be defined; DES said it would generally mean the municipal governing body, though that body could appoint others. The amendment also broadened the factors considered in both harms and benefits, including human health, property values, tourism, recreation, wildlife, local economic benefits, and infrastructure improvements. The discussion also added a provision directing DES to consult with the Department of Transportation, the Department of Business and Economic Affairs, and the Department of Natural and Cultural Resources as needed when reviewing the third-party assessment. Director Whap said interdepartmental consultation is normal and that DES would likely adopt rules to guide the process. Members questioned whether the new framework would be too vague or burdensome for applicants, but Whap said it would not be designed to stack the deck against applicants and that the process should provide clearer, more balanced criteria. No votes were taken during the meeting, and the subcommittee appeared to continue refining the amendment language before further action.

Transcript Highlights:

• DHHS Commissioner's update, Commissioner Weaver. Good morning.
• David Weathers, the COO of DHHS, and I know what both of those acronyms mean. >> That's fantastic.
• /c><00:31:00.120> and<00:31:00.280> I<00:31:00.360> know Weathers, the COO of DHHS
• , and I know Weathers, the COO of DHHS, and I know what<00:31:00.840> both<00:31:01.120> of
• I am the senior policy analyst for Division of Behavioral Health at DHHS. >> And I guess I should make

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Summary: The committee met on May 29 and approved the draft minutes. DHHS Commissioner Weaver then opened the department update by asking Medicaid Director Henry Litman to brief members on federal and state Medicaid changes, and later turned to DHHS Chief Operating Officer David Weathers for an update on data governance. Members also asked that acronyms be spelled out in future materials and requested a follow-up on the federal Medicaid rule once it is published. Litman reviewed several federal Medicaid provisions tied to HR 1/"OBBA" and related state implementation issues. He said the first major change would be restrictions on certain non-citizens’ Medicaid coverage, affecting about 400 people in New Hampshire, with notices likely 30 to 60 days before the effective date. He also discussed new work requirements/community engagement rules, saying New Hampshire is on track to implement them and will likely need a state plan amendment rather than an 1115 waiver. Other changes included shorter retroactive coverage periods, a new state option for certain community-based services with an estimated $740,000 in implementation support, a freeze and phased-down reduction in the Medicaid enhancement tax beginning in state fiscal year 2029, and limits on directed payments to hospitals after a grandfathering period. He also noted that Medicaid enrollment has fallen from pandemic-era levels, with about 167,000 people covered as of May 1, and that the department is working with CMS on child premiums and other cost-sharing changes approved in HB 2. Committee members asked how the department could plan for the 2029 changes given the number of elections before then, and Litman said federal rules may be adjusted over time as states and stakeholders raise concerns. He emphasized planning for the worst while hoping for the best, and said rural health care transformation funding would help the state prepare. In the second presentation, Weathers explained that data governance is now embedded in DHHS operations to control access, manage reporting, and respond to risk. He defined it as managing what data is collected, how it is used, who can access it, and what laws apply, and said DHHS has moved from governance as a committee to governance as an operational process. He described privacy impact assessments for new systems going into production, monthly privacy and security training, and ongoing review of access controls and data-sharing rules.

Transcript Highlights:

• bill provides $3 million per year for homeless prevention services and directs the commissioner of DHHS
• bill provides $3 million per year for homeless prevention services and directs the commissioner of DHHS
• the housing DHHS administers the housing stabilization<00:59:04.160> program<00:59:04.640>
• For the record, I am Carolyn Lewis, bureau chief of the Bureau for Mental Health Services for DHHS.
• the department is providing DHHS the department is providing information<01:25:17.400> today<

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We're able to use the Medicaid data with a secure handoff between DHHS and the Department of Education
• , and DHHS has testified that they're able to put an opt-out section in there for Medicaid families when
• We're able to use the Medicaid data with a secure handoff between DHHS and the Department of Education
• We're able to use the Medicaid data with a secure handoff between DHHS and the Department of Education
• We're able to use the Medicaid data with a secure handoff between DHHS and the Department of Education

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee first took up HB 112, which would require students in the University and Community College systems to pass the U.S. citizenship civics naturalization test. A motion was made to retain the bill, and the committee voted unanimously to retain it, resulting in no report. HB 510, dealing with due process rights for students, student organizations, and faculty in higher education disciplinary proceedings, was passed over for a later meeting so the University and Community College systems could meet with the committee. The committee then discussed HB 659, creating a college graduate retention incentive program, but retained it without further debate after noting the prime sponsor was unavailable. HB 770, concerning tuition credits for community service, was also held for later in the day because an amendment was expected. The most extensive discussion centered on HB 583, which would have the state participate in Medicaid direct certification for free and reduced-price school meals. Supporters argued it would identify more eligible students, reduce paperwork, improve accuracy in school funding formulas, and bring in additional federal child care scholarship money; opponents argued it would significantly affect school funding calculations and should be delayed. The committee rejected the amendment by a 10-8 vote and then voted 10-8 to retain the bill, with a majority report and minority report to follow. HB 646, requiring school districts to establish an online application for free and reduced-price meal participation, was also debated. One member said many districts already do this voluntarily and that the bill was unnecessary; another proposed an amendment to convert the mandate into a grant program to offset startup costs, but the committee proceeded on the underlying motion and voted 10-8 to retain the bill, with a majority report and a minority OTP report. HB 665, concerning eligibility for the free school meals program, was then retained by an 11-3 vote. Finally, the committee began work on HB 703, which would prohibit school districts from denying meals to students with unpaid balances and appropriate funds for that purpose. An amendment was explained that would remove state payment of district meal debt and instead require district policies against shaming or bullying students and allow voluntary donations to reduce debt. After discussion, a motion was made to ITL the bill, with the sponsor saying constituents opposed subsidizing the program and wanted districts to retain collection tools; further debate was underway when the transcript ended.