Transcript Highlights:

• requires that the results of residential care and health facility licensing investigations done by DHHS
• so<01:15:57.800> they<01:15:57.920> worked<01:15:58.159> with<01:15:58.320> DHHS
• <01:15:59.120> and<01:15:59.280> this so they worked with DHHS and this so they worked
• with DHHS and this amendment<01:15:59.920> is<01:16:00.080> the<01:16:00.280> result
• 01:16:10.440> to<01:16:10.600> be<01:16:10.760> posted investigations done by DHHS

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• years and that some entities are statutorily required to report once or twice a year, while other DHHS
• Other subdivisions<01:02:51.040> of<01:02:51.520> DHHS<01:02:52.960> will<01:02:
• 53.359> report<01:02:53.680> to<01:02:53.920> us subdivisions of DHHS will report
• to us subdivisions of DHHS will report to us when<01:02:54.319> we<01:02:54.480> ask<01
• office or whom or DHHS but we do<01:04:12.400> get<01:04:12.640> reports.

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee took up House Bill 518 and House Bill 652FN, both related to the family court system and child/family matters. HB 518 drew extended discussion about DCYF/DCYF’s role and whether the bill should be retained, amended, or studied further. Representative Love argued the agency is deeply troubled, citing abuse cases, lack of training, and fear among constituents, and said he would vote against ITL while preferring interim study so the bill could still be used as a future amendment vehicle. Other members emphasized that the family division has ongoing reform work underway and that abolishing or moving cases to superior court would not solve the underlying problems. On HB 652FN, the subcommittee chair and Representative Pearson gave a detailed defense of the family division, explaining its history, statewide structure, caseload, and the rationale for specialized family courts. Pearson said the bill would reverse progress by shifting jurisdiction back to superior court, overload dockets, and deprive families of judges with specialized expertise. He pointed to reforms already underway, including simplified forms, more mediation, and review of possible judicial bias patterns. Several members and public comments supported keeping the bill as a tool for reform rather than killing it, while critics argued the family court system suffers from due process, oversight, and rule-of-law problems. The committee also heard broader testimony on family court concerns, including allegations of systemic bias, discovery limits, unsworn witnesses, and lack of oversight, as well as support for mediation as a less adversarial and more effective option. Some members said the judiciary needs more judges and mediators, but that budget constraints limit those improvements. The discussion ended with no final vote recorded in the excerpt; instead, members continued debating whether the bills should be ITL’d or retained for interim study and further reform work.

Transcript Highlights:

• There were DHHS representatives. There's a member of the House. There's a member of the Senate.
• There were DHHS representatives. There's a member of the House. There's a member of the Senate.
• There were DHHS representatives. There's a member of the House. There's a member of the Senate.
• There were DHHS representatives. There's a member of the House. There's a member of the Senate.
• There were DHHS representatives. There's a member of the House. There's a member of the Senate.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• say that I stand before you today as an apparently ashamed lead inspector, risk assessor, because DHHS
• say that I stand before you today as an apparently ashamed lead inspector, risk assessor, because DHHS
• The way the law is written at the moment, DHHS may take your license for any offense whatsoever under

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Mission Zero project, and in the back of your testimony is a flyer for Mission Zero, as seen on the DHHS
• website to give you zero as seen on DHHS website to give you a<00:19:12.400> little<00:19:13.320
• Higgins, a legislative liaison and policy analyst for Behavioral Health at DHHS.
• program administered by DHHS through two care management entities.
• Okay, from DHHS she had to leave.

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Rosenwald, state senator from District 13, and I'm pleased to introduce SB 18, which will enable the DHHS
• c><00:03:44.560> will<00:03:44.920> enable<00:03:45.599> the<00:03:46.080> DHHS
• senap pill 18 which will enable the DHHS senap pill 18 which will enable the DHHS commissioner<00
• I’m general counsel and legislative liaison for the Bureau of Licensing and Certification at DHHS.
• I’m general counsel and legislative liaison for the Bureau of Licensing and Certification at DHHS.

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• In March 2023, a new rule appeared in the DHHS rules section H-P 301.13(e)(1).
• In March 2023, a new rule appeared in the DHHS rules section H-P 301.13(e)(1).
• > In March 2023, a new rule appeared in In March 2023, a new rule appeared in the<00:04:35.600> DHHS
• removal of a single word in the From the removal of a single word in the statute,<00:05:07.199> DHHS
• took it upon themselves to statute, DHHS took it upon themselves to create<00:05:09.520> a<00

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I think it's most efficient to require the schools to send the data to DHHS.
• I've had a conversation with DHHS, who says they can't help.
• I've had a conversation with DHHS, who says they can't help.
• I've had a conversation with DHHS, who says they can't help.
• DHHS to lift a finger to solve this. I would open this draft to discuss again.

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• 11.880> the facility such as myself and some of the facility such as myself and some of the DHHS
• Yes, and they're, I believe, an agency that's funded through DHHS, and I'm wondering if there is any
• Yes, and they're, I believe, an agency that's funded through DHHS, and I'm wondering if there is any
• and how we relate with the finance DHHS and how we relate with the finance department<00:58:53.319><
• Therefore, we either have to rob from some other part of the DHHS budget or just not hire them, which

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:

• David Weeders, Chief Operating Officer, DHHS. Good morning. Marissa Hen, Deputy Commissioner, DHHS.
• produce a pretty detailed description of the project or maybe you could just go over... commissioner, DHHS
• . commissioner, DHHS.

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee approved the minutes from its June 30 meeting and then considered Capital Project 2515, a request from the Pease Development Authority Division of Ports and Harbors to spend up to $125,000 from the Harbor Dredging and Pier Maintenance Fund to replace a deteriorated 99-foot floating dock at Rye Harbor. Acting Director Richard Hartley said the dock is used for passenger loading and unloading for charters and whale-watching tours and is in poor condition. Representative Edgar moved approval, Representative Wiler seconded, and the motion carried. The committee then received several informational items, including quarterly and maintenance reports from the Department of Administrative Services, the Community College System of New Hampshire, and the Pease Development Authority. It also heard a presentation from the Department of Health and Human Services on Capital Project 2516, the Beneficiary Service Improvement project supporting closed-loop referrals and related systems. DHHS described the project as a mix of Medicaid enterprise functions and New Hampshire Care Connections tools, including provider modules, third-party liability, event notifications, and closed-loop referrals to connect health and human service providers. Officials said the project is largely federally funded, with capital funds representing only part of the overall effort. Members asked about the accounting breakdown, prior committee review, provider participation, patient experience, and public response. Representative Burr questioned whether the project had been fully presented previously and raised concerns about the scope and necessity of the $8 million effort; DHHS responded that earlier work was discussed in other committees and that the current presentation covered only capital funds. Senator Waters asked about user response and patient experience, and DHHS said feedback has been generally positive but the system is still in design and implementation. In response to questions about participation, DHHS said 84 providers are currently on the network and clarified that a “provider” generally means an individual organization or health system, not each individual clinician. The committee also set its next meeting for December 9 at 9:00 a.m. at Granite Place, Room 228, and then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm general counsel to the division of Medicaid at DHHS, but not here to speak a Medicaid matter.
• So I met with my colleagues from DHHS and DOE in the hallway and we weren't immediately able to come
• So um I met with my colleagues from DHHS So um I met with my colleagues from DHHS and<02:38:52.960
• It's something that's between the SAU and DHHS, and we wouldn't be involved.
• DHHS, and we wouldn't be involved. DHHS, and we wouldn't be involved.

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Third, DHHS apparently told the health committee that the federal government had previously denied our
• Third, Third, Third, DHHS<01:17:31.560> apparently<01:17:32.320> told<01:17:32.760>
• the<01:17:32.880> health DHHS apparently told the health DHHS apparently told the health committee
• By requiring DHHS to seek clarification and further clarification, and if necessary, pursue a waiver,
• By requiring DHHS to seek clarification and further clarification, and if necessary, pursue a waiver,

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So, um, but Senator Rosen, well, and I were just talking about where in DHHS I possibly have an audit
• 00:53:49.839> are two auditors that are freeing up are two auditors that are freeing up are DHHS
• basically auditors that know that DHHS basically auditors that know that area<00:53:52.559> and
• I would like to see us bring in DHHS leadership next meeting and have them discuss what they're doing
• I would like to see us bring in DHHS leadership next meeting and have them discuss what they're doing

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The Legislative Performance Audit and Oversight Committee met to accept prior minutes and receive updates on ongoing audits. Audit staff reported progress on three education-related reviews: special education (34 of 71 observations completed, draft expected in the second quarter and final in the summer), education freedom accounts (22 of 41 observations completed, draft expected in the second quarter and final in the summer), and the doorway program (5 of 13 observations completed, draft expected by the end of February and final by April or May). No committee questions were raised on the audit status update. The committee then discussed possible future oversight topics, beginning with SNAP and concerns about fraud and work requirements. Members suggested inviting DHS officials and contract administrators to explain program operations and compliance, and also discussed whether the Department of Justice Medicaid fraud unit or other experienced officials could provide useful context. Members noted New Hampshire’s existing oversight layers, including the Executive Council and the joint HHS oversight committee, while also expressing interest in hearing more directly from department staff about staffing and contract management capacity. A substantial portion of the meeting focused on whether to pursue an audit of special education at the local school level. Members debated whether to wait for the ongoing statewide special education review and a legislative study commission report, or to begin scoping a local audit now so work could start sooner. Supporters argued that local-level spending, identification rates, and effectiveness vary widely by district and that an audit should examine both costs and outcomes; others cautioned that the scope would need to be manageable given limited audit staff and that the statewide report may help narrow the focus. The committee also briefly discussed a potential audit of the Bureau of Elderly and Adult Services, but no decision was made on that item.

Transcript Highlights:

• It is our understanding that this new rate was derived from a recent DHHS study of the cost agencies
• It is our understanding that this new rate was derived from a recent DHHS study of the cost agencies
• > proposes<00:42:08.520> a<00:42:08.680> modest<00:42:09.079> increase by DHHS
• which proposes a modest increase by DHHS which proposes a modest increase to<00:42:09.599> the
• study of the cost agencies like our DHHS study of the cost agencies like our ours<00:42:22.960> pay

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The House Finance Committee opened a public hearing on House Bills 1 and 2, which concern the governor’s proposed FY 2026-2027 budget. The chair explained that the committee must fit the budget to House Ways and Means revenue, which is about $800 million below the governor’s estimate in an almost $16 billion budget. He also noted a projected current-budget overspend, the impact of recently passed legislation, possible fee updates, no new tax proposals at that time, and the importance of federal funding and Medicaid stability. Testimony was limited to three minutes, with the chair asking speakers to avoid duplication. Much of the testimony focused on Medicaid, disability services, and home- and community-based care. Speakers urged the committee to restore or protect funding for transportation, Medicaid, day programs, in-home supports, and behavioral health services. Several individuals and providers described how cuts would affect people with disabilities, medically fragile children, and families who rely on services to remain employed and avoid institutional care. A home care provider argued that a proposed 3% Medicaid cut would increase hospitalizations and costs, while a behavioral health representative asked for sustainable Medicaid rates, uncompensated care support, housing resources, and continued funding for community behavioral health clinics. Another major topic was the Group II retirement provisions in HB 2 for public safety workers. Representatives from police, fire, corrections, probation/parole, and related associations testified in support, saying prior pension changes hurt recruitment and retention, pushed experienced workers to neighboring states, and should be reversed to restore promised benefits. They argued the provisions would help keep public safety careers viable and honor commitments made to first responders. An executive counselor also warned that when the state shifts costs away from itself, local property taxpayers bear the burden, and she opposed cost shifts such as Medicaid premiums and universal vouchers. A separate speaker urged funding public schools rather than universal vouchers, arguing vouchers can leave other students behind as resources are diverted.

Transcript Highlights:

• One is the housing stabilization $3 million for fiscal year ending 2027 to DHHS for their housing stabilization
• One is the housing stabilization $3 million for fiscal year ending 2027 to DHHS for their housing stabilization
• 2027 fiscal year ending 2027 fiscal year ending 2027 um<01:02:58.640> to<01:02:59.040> DHHS
• <01:03:00.000> for<01:03:00.480> their<01:03:00.799> housing um to DHHS for
• their housing um to DHHS for their housing stabilization<01:03:02.000> to<01:03:02.240> contract

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Chair: We'll call John Williams from DHHS.
• Chair: We'll call John Williams from DHHS.
• Chair: We'll call John Williams from DHHS. That is a truism of the language as it is before you.
• Chair: We'll call John Williams from DHHS. Thank you for your testimony.
• Chair: We'll call John Williams from DHHS. John Williams, DHHS: Thank you again.

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The meeting was an introductory organizational session for the House Legislative Administration Committee. Chair Greg Hill and Vice Chair Vanessa Sheen welcomed members, introduced the new clerk and committee staff, and described the committee as generally nonpartisan and focused on bills on their merits. They also noted that many bills are handled on a consent calendar after discussion, and that the committee often works closely with staff, House counsel, and the House clerk on procedural matters. A substantial portion of the meeting focused on committee operations and expectations: how committee reports should be prepared and submitted, the use of electronic submissions, scheduling hearings, and the need for clear bill placards at the witness table for livestream viewers. Members discussed the committee’s calendar, including a proposed conflict with the governor’s budget address, and ultimately settled on moving the remaining hearings to February 19. The chair also emphasized advance notice for absences or amendments, and said executive sessions can be scheduled as time allows under current rules. House Clerk Paul Smith testified about his role as a nonpartisan officer and said he would be providing informational testimony on a bill affecting a law he sponsored years ago, as well as on a forthcoming PSLF-related bill for legislators. He also spoke about legislative customs, precedents, and the value of parliamentary procedure. The chair concluded with guidance on decorum: arrive on time, avoid interruptions during testimony, keep food out of the room, use electronic devices discreetly, and route questions through the chair for clarification rather than debate.

Transcript Highlights:

• The bids are due at the end of this month to DHHS, and those will then be going to Governor and Council
• forward speak with um Henry<00:36:42.839> Litman<00:36:43.200> from<00:36:43.359> DHHS
• <00:36:44.240> is<00:36:44.319> in<00:36:44.480> charge Henry Litman from DHHS
• who is in charge Henry Litman from DHHS who is in charge of<00:36:44.800> the<00:36:44.880>
• <00:37:42.680> and at the end of this month um to DHHS and at the end of this month um to

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm David Weathers, chief operating officer for DHHS.
• Good morning, Marissa Han, deputy commissioner, DHHS.
• It was specific to having a checkbox saying, "If you're going to share information with DHHS, you need
• not necessarily the leaders of that process because they saw it as a potential opportunity for the DHHS
• <00:49:24.600> leadership,<00:49:25.240> but um the hos- the DHHS leadership, but um

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Summary: The committee first approved the March 20 minutes and then adopted the remainder of the consent calendar, after removing two items for separate discussion. On item 26071, members questioned a $95,000 DoubleTree Manchester contract for a two-day conference. Department staff said the hotel was the only bidder, the conference typically draws more than 500 attendees, most of the cost is food offset by registration fees, and attendees pay their own lodging except for presenters. The committee then approved the item. On item 26068, members asked for clearer reporting on remaining federal funds in continuing items. DHHS said about $10.3 million remained as of February 28, 2026, and agreed to provide the original award amounts and a reconciliation later. The committee approved the item. The committee then took up a DHHS transfer item for the developmental disability system, where officials said projected costs had risen because of delayed pandemic-era billings, new individuals entering the system, and higher individual service budgets. They said the budget was built on older assumptions, that carryforward funds had fallen from about $94 million to $72 million, and that the transfer would not affect lapse because it shifts general funds while federal Medicaid funds are accepted in return. The item was adopted. The committee also approved a hiring request and then a late Corrections item tied to overtime and recruitment. Corrections officials said the department is about 50% staffed for corrections officers, typical overtime is an eight-hour shift, inmate populations are beginning to rise again, and the department is using academy blitzes, out-of-state recruiting, targeted advertising, and a $10,000 sign-on bonus paid after academy completion and one year of service. Senator Gray said the late item was intended to help reduce a larger request expected in June, and the committee adopted the item. Finally, members questioned DHHS item 26074 on the New Hampshire Care Connection system and its interoperability with provider and managed care systems. DHHS said the system already has SMART on FHIR integration, single sign-on, and deeper integration options, and that managed care organizations are working with the contractor on use cases and data exchange. Officials said the project has been multi-phase, including the 988 crisis-response migration, privacy/security work, a provider network of more than 100 organizations, and a searchable resource portal managed by Granite United Way. They said the closed-referral solution is funded largely with Medicaid federal funds and is planned to continue in the base budget, not the rural health grant. The discussion ended without further action noted in the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• So, um, but Senator Rosen, well, and I were just talking about where in DHHS I possibly have an audit
• Chair, again in face of the fact the two auditors that are freeing up are DHHS basically auditors that
• 00:53:49.839> are two auditors that are freeing up are two auditors that are freeing up are DHHS
• basically auditors that know that DHHS basically auditors that know that area<00:53:52.559> and
• I would like to see us bring in DHHS leadership next meeting and have them discuss what they're doing

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Summary: The Legislative Performance Audit and Oversight Committee approved the November 7 minutes with three abstentions and then received status updates on several ongoing audits. Audit staff reported that the special education oversight audit was in report-writing, with 34 of 71 observations completed and a draft expected in the second quarter and a final report in the summer. The education freedom accounts audit had 22 of 41 observations completed, with a draft also expected in the second quarter and a final report in the summer. The Doorway program audit had 5 of 13 observations completed, with a draft expected by the end of February and a final report by April or May. The committee then discussed possible new oversight topics, prompted by concerns about fraud in other states and the need to ensure New Hampshire programs are not vulnerable. Members suggested hearing from DHS officials, contract administrators, and possibly the Department of Justice Medicaid fraud unit about SNAP and other programs, as well as reviewing staffing levels in HHS contract management. There was also discussion of whether to revisit the Bureau of Elderly and Adult Services, though members noted that prior work on that area had been suspended because of litigation. A representative from HHS, Teresa Narrow, briefed the committee on the Bureau of Developmental Services. She said the state had been in compliance with CMS since July 1, 2023 after resolving issues tied to a system redesign and billing changes, and that provider-side billing problems had also been fixed. She also described three existing bodies involved in developmental disability housing oversight, including the Council on Housing Stability, the ABLE Housing Task Force, and a legislative study committee created by HB 168 in 2024. Committee members asked for her notes to be shared. The committee spent substantial time debating whether to pursue a new special education audit at the school-district level. Members discussed the need to examine why some districts have much higher special education rates and costs than others, and whether a statistically selected sample of schools could be used. Audit staff said no new audits could begin until about May or June and that only a couple of auditors would then be available. Members also noted that a legislative study committee is already working on special education and may issue a report later this year, and the committee appeared to leave the school-level audit idea as a potential future item rather than taking immediate action.

Transcript Highlights:

• And second, while the statement was made that DHHS didn't understand the definitions, I think that speaks
• And second, while the statement was made that DHHS didn't understand the definitions, I think that speaks
• And second, while the statement was made that DHHS didn't understand the definitions, I think that speaks
• And second, while the statement was made that DHHS didn't understand the definitions, I think that speaks
• <01:21:00.360> didn't statement was made that DHHS didn't statement was made that DHHS didn't

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The House Finance Committee first took up a nongermane amendment to House Bill 71 that would require state vendors, through contract language, to comply with the New Hampshire Patient Bill of Rights. Representative Edwards said the amendment was revised after feedback from the hospital association and DHHS, applies only to new contracts or amendments, and includes a repeal date of November 30, 2026 so it would function only for the current budget cycle. John Williams of Legislative Affairs said the changes reflected work with DHHS procurement staff and with hospital stakeholders, including the removal of the term "addenda" in favor of "amendment" and clarification on prospective application. The committee did not vote on the amendment at that time, noting it would be attached later to HB 71. The committee then moved into executive session and acted on several bills. HB 67, which converts a pilot program for accessible voting machines in local elections into a permanent program, was amended to remove a $100,000 appropriation and adjust dates; the amendment and the bill as amended both passed unanimously, 25-0, and the bill was suggested for the consent calendar. HB 111, extending the Right-to-Know Ombudsman position, was retained and slated to be incorporated into HB 2 after a unanimous 25-0 vote, with the ombudsman noting the office could expire July 1 if the budget were delayed. HB 164, creating a process for a publicly accessible website for local records retention and access, was also retained for HB 2 by a 25-0 vote because it carries an appropriation. HB 216 was retained for further work because the committee could not get reliable cost information from the retirement system or the Labor Department; members said the fiscal note looked alarming, though the committee believed the actual cost might be near zero. HB 282, which raises the biennium cap on critical injury benefits for first responders from $500,000 to $1 million without increasing any individual benefit, was voted ought to pass 25-0 and will require a report. HB 619, dealing with solid waste issues and a possible self-funding accounting unit, was retained for HB 2 by a 25-0 vote. HB 650, an annual dedicated-funds cleanup bill that also caps a robotics fund at $1 million, passed ought to pass 25-0 and was placed on consent. Finally, HB 129, defining "evidence-based" in public education, was retained 25-0 while members continued working on language, and HB 133, concerning new resident driver’s license transfer requirements and DMV notices, drew a split policy discussion: the minority raised constitutional, administrative, and fiscal concerns, while the majority moved to retain it for HB 2 consideration.