Transcript Highlights:

• <00:42:14.280> And<00:42:14.960> um<00:42:15.160> so<00:42:15.360> there<
• > voted<00:42:24.240> on<00:42:24.440> in<00:42:24.560> a<00:42:24.600>
• But this<00:42:26.240> one<00:42:26.680> um<00:42:27.440> I<00:42:27.520> don't
• >> Senator<00:42:30.720> Nelson,<00:42:31.120> it's<00:42:31.320> not<00:42
• Which<00:42:43.240> extensions<00:42:44.280> require<00:42:44.840> a<00:42:44.920

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• ><00:42:12.680> be<00:42:12.839> used<00:42:13.400> but<00:42:13.800> it's
• not like<00:42:15.920> that's<00:42:16.160> as<00:42:16.319> far<00:42:16.520>
• > as<00:42:16.640> the<00:42:16.839> project<00:42:17.200> can<00:42:17.400>
• 42:19.400> need<00:42:19.599> a<00:42:20.040> brand<00:42:20.359> new so
• <00:42:21.920> on<00:42:22.079> the<00:42:22.240> size<00:42:22.440> of

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on a non-germane amendment to HB 297 that would create the Granite State Home Mitigation and Resiliency Program. Insurance Commissioner DJ Beton, joined by department staff, explained that the proposal is intended to help homeowners afford insurance by funding proactive home improvements that reduce risk and improve insurability. He said the program would be funded by the first $1 million collected annually from the insurance premium tax, with grants of up to $10,000 available on a first-come, first-served basis. Beton described the problem as rising homeowners insurance premiums, hard-market underwriting, nonrenewals, and the resulting shift to more expensive surplus lines coverage. He said eligible projects could include roof fortification, exterior improvements, flood-related foundation work, and removal of hazardous trees or limbs. He cited similar programs in other states, especially Alabama, Louisiana, and North Carolina, as evidence the model can work and noted that industry representatives were present in support. He also said the program would use means testing aligned with the Department of Energy’s weatherization program to target lower-income applicants. Members asked about the non-germane process, who would administer the program, and how the bill would prevent misuse of grant funds. The commissioner said the department would administer the program using one repurposed existing position, with Treasury handling fund flow through an MOU. Staff explained that applicants would have to show completed work through a signed contract, itemized work, and a sworn contractor affidavit, with some upfront payment allowed for materials and the remainder paid after completion. The chair and members discussed that the amendment is being attached to a different bill only to move the proposal through committee and on to House Finance for further consideration.

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, in section<00:42:19.040> one<00:42:19.280> of<00:42:19.440> this<00:42:19.680
• > bill,<00:42:20.319> it<00:42:20.480> allows<00:42:20.800> the section one
• of this bill, it allows the section one of this bill, it allows the continued<00:42:22.160> um,
• And then if you look at section<00:42:58.079> two,<00:42:58.400> it<00:42:58.640> expands
• <00:42:59.200> access<00:42:59.520> to<00:42:59.760> mental section two, it

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• :02.480> paid<00:42:03.000> time<00:42:04.000> uh<00:42:04.680> and<00:42
• ><00:42:08.520> time<00:42:08.880> if<00:42:09.040> a<00:42:09.240> person
• > look<00:42:19.920> at<00:42:20.119> a<00:42:20.240> lot<00:42:20.400> of
• <00:42:35.920> to<00:42:36.160> go<00:42:37.040> uh<00:42:37.200> to<
• <00:42:41.680> uh<00:42:41.839> you<00:42:41.960> know<00:42:42.079> at

Keywords: 910, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:42:03.720> uh<00:42:04.319> cash<00:42:04.960> sure<00:42:05.400> I
• <00:42:05.760> I've<00:42:05.960> understood<00:42:06.440> your<00:42:06.640
• that's<00:42:16.160> as<00:42:16.319> far<00:42:16.520> as<00:42:16.640>
• :42:18.599> example<00:42:19.160> if<00:42:19.280> you<00:42:19.400> need
• on<00:42:22.079> the<00:42:22.240> size<00:42:22.440> of<00:42:22.559>

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee took up HB 297 with a non-germane amendment proposed by the Insurance Department to create the Granite State Home Mitigation and Resiliency Program. Commissioner DJ Beton explained that the program is intended to help homeowners reduce rising insurance premiums and avoid surplus lines coverage by funding proactive home and property improvements such as roof fortification, exterior and foundation work, flood protection, and tree removal. He said the proposal was developed after leadership asked for more statutory detail and for the idea to be vetted through policy committees rather than handled only in the budget process. Beton said the program would be funded by the first $1 million collected annually from the insurance premium tax, with grants of up to $10,000 awarded on a first-come, first-served basis. He described the program as modeled on similar efforts in other states, with means testing tied to the Department of Energy’s weatherization/home heating assistance criteria. He also said the department would administer the program using one existing staff position, with coordination through Treasury, and that unspent funds would roll over for several years before reverting to the general fund. Members asked about the unusual use of a non-germane amendment and how the bill would be handled procedurally, since the underlying bill and the new insurance proposal were unrelated. The chair explained that the amendment was being used as a vehicle to move the department’s proposal through the committee process and that the committee could later accept one part, both parts, or neither. No vote was taken in the portion of the meeting shown; the discussion ended with questions about administration, staffing, and the relationship between the underlying bill and the amendment.

Transcript Highlights:

• c> is<01:42:34.800> set<01:42:34.880> to<01:42:35.040> expire<01:42:35.360><
• > Senate<01:42:36.880> file<01:42:37.280> 2657<01:42:38.159> would<01:42:
• Paul's<01:42:39.280> halfsent<01:42:39.760> sales<01:42:40.000> tax<01:42:40.600
• And the<01:42:41.840> bill<01:42:42.080> would<01:42:42.239> also<01:42:42.480><
• :42:44.159> bonding<01:42:44.560> backed<01:42:44.880> by<01:42:45.040> sales

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• want<02:42:13.840> to<02:42:14.120> spend<02:42:14.359> a<02:42:14.479>
• > yeah<02:42:17.880> absolutely<02:42:18.880> um<02:42:19.439> yeah<02:42
• <02:42:23.319> Turtles<02:42:23.840> when<02:42:24.040> there<02:42:24.319><
• <02:42:41.920> of<02:42:42.120> when<02:42:42.359> something<02:42:42.640>
• 42:32.000> to<03:42:32.840> talk<03:42:33.040> to<03:42:33.239> him<03:42

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee first took up HB 129, which would redefine “evidence-based” in public education. The Department of Education testified that the bill’s definition would conflict with federal definitions and be very restrictive, potentially affecting a wide range of instructional methods, curriculum materials, teacher training, civics requirements, suicide prevention training, and other programs. The department said the bill could force a broad overhaul of school practices, create local implementation burdens, and require at least one new state position, with a fiscal note estimating roughly $118,000 in FY 2026 rising in later years. Members also raised concerns about possible impacts on federal pass-through funding and whether the bill was workable. Representative Papovich moved to retain HB 129, and the motion passed 7-0. The committee then heard HB 133, a Department of Safety/DMV bill involving follow-up when a person votes using an out-of-state license or non-driver ID and then does not obtain a New Hampshire credential within the statutory timeframe. DMV officials said the bill would require a $40,000 technology upgrade plus a new full-time position, and that the fiscal note did not include postage or fully account for the manual work needed to match records, send notices, and review responses. They said the proposal also raised broader tracking issues because it would apply not only to voters but to anyone who had not obtained a New Hampshire license within 60 days, and they questioned whether DMV was the proper agency to make those inquiries. Committee members pressed the department on how the 60-day clock would be determined, whether the bill could amount to a kind of poll tax or raise privacy concerns, and whether voter ID cards or other exceptions would avoid that problem. The department explained that New Hampshire offers a free voter identification card through town clerks for people without a license or state ID, but said the bill did not exempt those cards and that the DMV would still be asked to investigate status after voting. Officials also said the bill would be difficult to enforce, that some cases would be ambiguous, and that any response from the DMV would likely amount to a request for information rather than an enforceable consequence. No vote on HB 133 was taken in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• c> sections<00:42:20.960> of<00:42:21.440> Senate<00:42:21.839> Bill the rest
• of the sections of Senate Bill the rest of the sections of Senate Bill 232<00:42:23.200> are<
• come to some kind of a conclusion about come to some kind of a conclusion about section<00:42:28.720
• that<00:42:30.400> you<00:42:30.640> could section one of the bill that you could
• section one of the bill that you could share<00:42:30.960> with<00:42:31.200> us?

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:42:12.720> At<00:42:12.960> the<00:42:13.119> same<00:42:13.280> time
• given<00:42:27.119> the<00:42:27.280> re<00:42:27.680> recent<00:42:28.079>
• 00:42:33.359> to<00:42:33.839> uh<00:42:34.160> extend<00:42:34.560> our
• ><00:42:35.440> Chair<00:42:35.760> Kunish<00:42:36.400> and<00:42:36.640> we
• 00:42:42.240> Thank<00:42:42.400> you<00:42:42.560> for<00:42:42.720> your

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• c><00:42:15.920> the<00:42:16.040> chair<00:42:16.560> of<00:42:16.680> the
• c> but<00:42:26.280> that<00:42:26.480> is<00:42:27.120> in<00:42:27.240>
• He<00:42:29.120> does<00:42:29.280> not,<00:42:29.720> uh,<00:42:29.800> have
• /c><00:42:35.280> and<00:42:35.400> advice<00:42:35.640> on<00:42:35.720> the
• going<00:42:39.560> to<00:42:39.640> move<00:42:39.880> to<00:42:40.080>

Bills: SF1750, HF2700, HF1606, HF3356, HF3946, HF3970, HF3658, HF3875, HF2627, SF856, HF1268, HF1338

Keywords: common interest community, CIC, homeowners association, HOA, condominium, planned community, cooperative, unit owner, association board, declarant, declarant control, special declarant rights, assessment lien, foreclosure, late fees, fines, attorney fees, resale disclosure, annual report, maintenance plan

Transcript Highlights:

• :42:19.920> first<00:42:20.160> amendment<00:42:20.640> here<00:42:20.960> is
• Senator<00:42:25.680> Her<00:42:25.920> moves<00:42:26.160> the<00:42:26.319>
• <00:42:30.720> Oh,<00:42:31.119> I<00:42:31.359> thought<00:42:31.520> we
• Madam<00:42:38.640> Chair,<00:42:38.800> I<00:42:38.880> don't<00:42:39.119
• 01:42:21.440> know,<01:42:22.400> so<01:42:22.800> I<01:42:23.040> I<01:42

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• . section. section.
• To be<00:42:05.280> clear,<00:42:06.160> MADA<00:42:06.800> isn't<00:42:07.119><
• Please<00:42:31.200> state<00:42:31.440> your<00:42:31.599> name<00:42:31.760>
• Thank<00:42:40.319> you<00:42:40.560> chairs<00:42:40.880> and<00:42:41.040
• <00:42:43.280> and<00:42:43.359> I<00:42:43.520> lead<00:42:43.680> the

Bills: HF3919, HF3791, HF1781, HF3908, HF4233, HF3966, HF3430

Keywords: veterans benefits, Secret War, Laos veterans, eligibility process, burial fees, veteran designation, security, protective services, state officials, Capitol complex, state patrol, public safety, legislative protection, threat assessment, transportation, electronic attestation, traffic signals, accident reporting, legislative routes, agricultural aircraft

Transcript Highlights:

• Okay, so we took out Section 4, Roman 3; Section 4, Roman 8; Section 4, Roman 11; Section 4, Roman 12
• ; Section 3, Roman 11; Section 4, Roman 2B; and then we took out all of Section 5 except for Section
• 3 section 4 Roman 8 section 4 four Roman 3 section 4 Roman 8 section 4 Roman<00:37:55.880> 11<
• networks<00:42:03.480> um<00:42:03.680> and<00:42:03.960> they<00:42:04.160>
• <00:42:12.720> we<00:42:12.880> can<00:42:13.040> even<00:42:13.400> get<

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• :00.440> 37837<00:42:01.440> I<00:42:01.599> think<00:42:01.680> as<00:42
• <00:42:06.800> there<00:42:06.960> but<00:42:07.200> it's<00:42:07.359> a
• > of<00:42:23.359> these<00:42:23.920> of<00:42:24.160> this<00:42:24.400
• Um<00:42:33.119> public<00:42:33.359> comments<00:42:33.680> are<00:42:33.839>
• Um<00:42:43.200> regional<00:42:43.680> issues<00:42:44.000> is<00:42:44.240>

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• :00.240> able<01:42:00.400> to<01:42:00.680> to<01:42:01.200> retain<01:42
• So it's not<01:42:06.680> just<01:42:06.880> a<01:42:06.920> blanket<01:42:07.520
• ><01:42:09.320> at<01:42:09.400> any<01:42:09.560> time<01:42:09.800> because
• > Not<01:42:19.480> to<01:42:19.560> say<01:42:19.720> that<01:42:19.880>
• . section. section.

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• urge<01:42:03.040> you<01:42:03.159> to<01:42:03.320> support<01:42:03.719>
• 42:09.480> denied<01:42:10.239> thank<01:42:10.400> you<01:42:10.480> for
• <01:42:24.719> and<01:42:24.920> execution<01:42:25.320> of<01:42:25.480>
• or or or execution<01:42:31.880> uh<01:42:32.040> we<01:42:32.360> first<01:42:
• <01:42:45.840> that<01:42:46.080> this<01:42:46.599> bill<01:42:46.920> does<

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The joint Commerce and Consumer Protection and Judiciary and Hawaiian Affairs committees heard HB 756 HD1, a measure on flavored tobacco products. Supporters included the Attorney General, Department of Health, Hawaii State Council on Developmental Disabilities, youth advocates, public health groups, and Kaiser Permanente. They argued flavored tobacco and menthol are used to attract and addict young people, cited rising youth and young adult vaping rates, and pointed to public health harms and evidence from other states that flavor restrictions reduced e-cigarette sales. The Attorney General requested oral amendments to correct a statutory reference, repeal a county preemption provision so counties could enact stricter flavor bans, and restore appropriations, positions, and the original effective date. Opponents, including retail and wholesale businesses, argued the bill would hurt small businesses and state tax revenue, push sales to the black market, and remove a harm-reduction option for adult smokers; they urged stronger enforcement instead of a ban. After testimony, the committees took up amendments and recommendations. The chair proposed correcting the statutory citation to HRS 26-38, adopting a Department of Health amendment on disposal of electronic smoking devices and e-liquids as hazardous waste, and noting the appropriations, FTE, and effective date in the committee report. Members then voted to pass HB 756 HD1 with amendments in both committees, with the Judiciary and Hawaiian Affairs committee recording one member as supporting with reservations. The transcript then moved to HB 806, relating to fireworks, which would appropriate funds for the Department of Law Enforcement to conduct sting operations on Oʻahu to enforce fireworks laws. The Department of Law Enforcement and Honolulu Police Department supported the bill, saying undercover enforcement is costly and additional funding is needed. A community testifier also supported stronger enforcement, citing illegal aerial fireworks, noise, and impacts on pets and kupuna. No final vote on HB 806 was shown in the excerpt. The Judiciary and Hawaiian Affairs committee also heard HB 438, which would create a Due Process in Immigration Proceedings Program to provide legal representation in immigration court for income-qualified individuals. Support came from civil rights, legal aid, ACLU, and law school clinic representatives, who said counsel is needed to ensure due process and fair access to justice, especially because immigration proceedings can lead to deportation and family separation. Opposition testifiers argued taxpayer-funded counsel for people in immigration proceedings is inappropriate, unlawful, or unfair to citizens and legal residents. One law school representative suggested a technical amendment to broaden language about training and education. The excerpt ends before a final vote on HB 438 is shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• ><00:42:10.720> bit<00:42:10.880> simpler<00:42:11.359> and<00:42:11.680> has
• a little<00:42:12.240> more<00:42:12.400> clear<00:42:12.640> and<00:42:12.880>
• <00:42:33.359> It<00:42:33.599> simply<00:42:33.920> aligns<00:42:35.359>
• c> do<00:42:49.680> just<00:42:49.839> that<00:42:50.240> from<00:42:50.800>
• Uh and I<00:42:57.119> thank<00:42:57.440> them<00:42:57.839> for<00:42:58.400><

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• :00.079> uh<00:42:00.240> that's<00:42:00.359> all<00:42:00.480> I<00:42:
• <00:42:03.119> namaki<00:42:03.599> Roberts<00:42:03.920> on<00:42:04.079>
• Niki Roberts<00:42:08.880> um<00:42:09.040> I<00:42:09.119> am<00:42:09.280>
• > it's<00:42:11.960> nice<00:42:12.160> to<00:42:12.319> see<00:42:12.599
• > have<00:42:22.880> the<00:42:23.000> same<00:42:23.280> problems<00:42:

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The committee first took up SB 547 on water conservation, a deferred agenda item that had already been considered by the other joint committees and received no public testimony. The chair recommended adopting Department of Taxation and Department of Health amendments, passing the bill, and adding a defective date of July 1, 2050. The committee voted to adopt the recommendation; the vice chair voted yes, two senators were excused, and the recommendation was adopted. The main hearing focused on SB 1030, which would define election fraud intimidation to include carrying any firearm or weapon at or near a voter service center, place of deposit, or polling place. Testimony was overwhelmingly opposed, with speakers arguing the bill duplicated existing sensitive-places law, raised Second Amendment concerns, and could create confusion for lawful concealed carry holders using ballot drop boxes. A smaller number of supporters, including gun violence prevention advocates and labor representatives, argued the measure would improve voter safety. The committee heard more than 1,560 total testimonies for the hearing overall, and for SB 1030 staff noted over 10 in support and over 80 in opposition; no vote on SB 1030 was taken in the portion provided. The committee then heard SB 38, which would extend Hawaii’s ban on high-capacity magazines from pistols to any firearm with a detachable magazine over 10 rounds. Supporters, including the Department of Law Enforcement, Moms Demand Action, Everytown, Brady, and other gun violence prevention advocates, said the bill would close a loophole, improve consistency in the law, and reduce the harm caused by mass shootings. Opponents, including gun owners, veterans, and Second Amendment advocates, argued the bill would criminalize lawful owners, be difficult to enforce, and would not reduce crime. The committee reported receiving over 40 testimonies in support and over 400 in opposition. Finally, the committee began SB 401, which would add rifles capable of firing .50 caliber or higher ammunition to the list of prohibited weapons, excluding antiques and muzzle loaders. HPD and Everytown testified in support, describing the weapons as military-grade and dangerous, while Jerry Yuan and others opposed the bill, saying it was overbroad and would sweep in firearms and ammunition types that are not used in crime. The transcript ends during testimony on SB 401, before any committee action or vote on that measure.

Transcript Highlights:

• :25.040> um<03:42:25.200> that<03:42:25.439> type<03:42:25.600> of<03:42:
• :42:30.239> because<03:42:30.479> I<03:42:30.720> think<03:42:31.120> every
• child has<03:42:32.160> their<03:42:32.399> own<03:42:33.600> set<03:42:33.840>
• um<03:42:36.720> for<03:42:36.960> whatever<03:42:37.200> reason<03:42:37.439>
• > I<03:42:38.800> don't<03:42:39.439> I<03:42:39.760> don't<03:42:39.920>

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee heard House Bill 1331, which would allow the town of Derry to incorporate the Derry Cooperative School District as a department of the town through a charter amendment. The prime sponsor and several supporters argued the change would increase local control, streamline overlapping town and school functions, and potentially help align school spending with Derry’s tax cap. Supporters also said Derry is large enough to warrant a structure more like Manchester or Nashua, and one witness cited a 2018 nonbinding Derry ballot question that passed 597 to 547 in favor of seeking authorization for this change. Opposition came from NEA New Hampshire President Megan Tuttle, who said the association and the Derry Education Association opposed the bill because schools are not simply another municipal department and because Derry voters had already rejected merging the district into town government. She argued the state should respect local control and the community’s prior decision. Committee members asked about the scope of the proposed charter change, the role of the school board, and the reported prior vote, and the sponsor clarified that the amendment would be limited to this specific purpose rather than opening the entire charter. The hearing then moved to House Bill 1374, which would change the procedures for withdrawing from a cooperative school district. Representative Mary Murphy said current law gives other cooperative towns too much control over a withdrawing town’s decision, and her bill would remove the requirement for approval by the other towns while raising the withdrawing town’s approval threshold to a supermajority. She pointed to Francis Town’s 2024 withdrawal vote and said the bill was intended to protect students and local decision-making. The sponsor asked for an ought to pass recommendation, and committee members asked follow-up questions about the prior withdrawal vote and the number of voters involved.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:42:01.920> section.
• <00:42:02.319> Thank<00:42:02.400> you our offered amendment section.
• Thank you and<00:42:02.720> I'm<00:42:02.960> available<00:42:03.280> for<00:42:
• <00:42:38.400> Um<00:42:38.720> Blair<00:42:39.119> God<00:42:39.599> Goto
• <00:42:48.880> Uh<00:42:49.200> Blair<00:42:49.599> Gooto,<00:42:50.079>

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on several health-related measures, with most of the discussion focused on bills addressing tobacco/vape enforcement, psychology licensure, hospital price transparency, prior authorization, and medical cannabis. The chair opened by explaining the one-minute testimony limit and that written testimony had been reviewed. For SB 2175 on disposable electronic smoking devices, the Department of Health said the bill’s placement in litter-control law was not a good fit because disposable e-cigarettes contain hazardous materials like lithium and nicotine, but it supported the intent and pointed to a related measure. Public health and tobacco-control advocates strongly supported the bill, citing youth use, toxic waste, battery fires, and the need to tighten definitions and remove exemptions; a long list of organizations and individuals were noted in support, with no opposition mentioned. For SB 2410, which would create a state directory and enforcement tools for authorized e-cigarette products, the Attorney General’s office strongly supported the measure and said it would help enforce the FDA-authorized list of products through certification, inspections, and civil penalties. The Department of Health said thousands of illegal products remain on the market and cited youth usage rates, while public health groups also supported the bill. One tobacco industry-related witness was noted in opposition. SB 2080, the psychology interjurisdictional compact, drew support from the Department of Corrections, which said it had severe staffing shortages and that the compact would help fill gaps, especially for forensic psychology and neighbor island facilities. Some committee members raised concerns about whether the compact would loosen licensure standards and reduce licensing revenue, and the Board of Psychology was said to be meeting and had not taken a formal position; testimony also noted the need for resources if the compact were adopted. The committee also heard SB 2276 on surgical assistance, with DCCA in opposition and a supporter from the field, but little discussion followed. SB 2277 on hospital price transparency drew support from consumer and patient advocates, who argued that clearer pricing would reduce medical debt and help patients shop for care; DCCA and the Department of Health offered comments, with the department suggesting an alternative enforcement model using outside review entities and noting that implementation would require significant staffing and funding. The Healthcare Association of Hawaii opposed the bill, saying federal transparency rules already cover the issue and state law could create duplication. SB 2282 on prior authorization received comments from insurers and providers; HMSA asked that the bill be set aside pending the report of the prior authorization working group created by Act 151, while the Hawaii Medical Association said prior authorization is a major burden but deferred to regulators on resources. Finally, SB 2413 on medical cannabis was supported by the Office of Medical Cannabis and others, who said the bill would close a patient-access gap by allowing viable seed sales; one witness suggested clarifying jurisdictional language and allowing dispensaries to sell seeds to each other. The committee then began SB 2425 on health insurance, where an addiction treatment provider testified that insurers’ refusal to honor assignment-of-benefits payments can delay reimbursement and create relapse risk for patients, but the transcript cuts off before further action on that bill.