Transcript Highlights:

• <00:42:26.440> the<00:42:26.640> F<00:42:26.920> you<00:42:27.000> know
• we're<00:42:27.680> contemplating<00:42:28.240> 50<00:42:28.800> frankly<00:42:
• :42:31.920> something<00:42:32.319> that<00:42:32.520> they<00:42:32.680> can
• > to<00:42:33.800> cut<00:42:34.800> you<00:42:34.920> know<00:42:35.160>
• > losing<00:42:38.000> a<00:42:38.119> leg<00:42:38.359> at<00:42:38.520>

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The House Finance Division II work session considered several amendments to HB 2. The first two items were rejected: a proposal to add a new “Lakes” license plate with proceeds to the cyanobacteria fund failed 7-8, and Amendment 1040, which would have imposed a 5% administrative fee on certain dedicated funds to raise general fund revenue, failed 4-5. Representative Maguire explained the fee would apply only to new revenue going forward and would not change existing fund balances; he also described exemptions for federal funds, bequests, and other special cases. Representative Murray questioned the consistency of the approach and who currently pays administrative costs, while Maguire said the charges are often handled case-by-case by agencies or the treasurer. The committee then revisited revenue distribution changes in HB 2. Members first reconsidered and reversed prior acceptance of sections affecting the Education Trust Fund, then adopted Amendment 1381H, which changes the distribution of business profits tax and business enterprise tax revenue, along with related sections, to shift more money to the General Fund. Supporters argued the change was needed to address revenue shortfalls and to align with historical distributions; opponents said it reduced support for education. The reconsideration motion passed 7-3, and the amendment itself passed 5-3. The committee also adopted Amendment 1413H, incorporating the language of HB 741 on open enrollment and student attendance in public schools. Supporters said it was House policy and had sufficient policy and fiscal impact to belong in HB 2; opponents noted the underlying bill had been controversial and passed the House by a relatively close margin. Finally, the committee considered a USNH budget reduction proposal that would cut the University System of New Hampshire by $25 million per year net. Supporters said the cut was necessary to balance the budget and that K-12 obligations had to take priority, while opponents argued the cut would harm workforce development, the state economy, and student retention. The transcript cuts off during extended debate, and no final vote on the USNH item is shown in the provided text.

Transcript Highlights:

• Um<00:42:01.760> I<00:42:02.079> think<00:42:02.240> it<00:42:02.480> would
• c><00:42:02.960> if<00:42:03.200> we<00:42:03.440> do<00:42:03.599> that<
• would<00:42:04.319> solve<00:42:04.960> a<00:42:05.280> number<00:42:06.160>
• > issues<00:42:09.280> for<00:42:09.599> us<00:42:09.920> and<00:42:10.680><
• 00:42:14.800> even<00:42:15.119> less<00:42:15.599> on<00:42:16.000> aid<

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:42:10.960> federal<00:42:11.280> land,<00:42:11.920> uh,<00:42:12.079>
• <00:42:15.760> They<00:42:16.000> don't<00:42:16.160> want<00:42:16.240>
• staff<00:42:23.119> that<00:42:23.359> we<00:42:23.520> had<00:42:23.760
• About eight<00:42:25.200> months<00:42:25.440> is<00:42:25.680> our<00:42:25.839
• <00:42:28.319> That's<00:42:28.640> not<00:42:28.800> enough<00:42:29.040>

Bills: HB0078, HB0087, SF0070, SF0068, SF0017, SF0043

Keywords: forest health, grant program, state forester, wildfire prevention, environmental conservation, habitat improvement, water development, feasibility studies, appropriations, water management, rehabilitation, irrigation, public works, agricultural supply, municipal water, funding, maintenance projects, tax assessments, state law, forestry management

Transcript Highlights:

• So, section three created section one.
• section three. section three.
• c><01:42:20.400> into<01:42:20.719> the<01:42:20.960> treasury<01:42:21.920>
• Therefore,<01:42:30.480> they<01:42:30.719> have<01:42:30.960> only<01:42:31.199
• <01:42:42.880> the<01:42:43.280> inclusion<01:42:43.760> of<01:42:44.000> them

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee held a public hearing on SB 63, a bill described by Senator Tim Lang and other supporters as a technical correction to the rooms and meals tax distribution formula. Lang said the bill would clarify that the Division of Travel and Tourism’s 3.15% promotional allocation is taken from gross rooms-and-meals revenue before the 30% municipal reimbursement fund is calculated, which he argued restores the intended 2009/2021 structure and avoids an unintended loss to tourism marketing. Committee members raised questions about whether the bill actually changes section one or instead addresses DRA’s interpretation, and whether the measure could be affected by the budget process or HB 2. Jessica Keeler of Ski New Hampshire testified in strong support, saying the bill would preserve the promotional budget formula that had been in place since 2009 and that the 2019 revision effectively reduced the promotional allocation by placing the municipal share first. She said tourism promotion has helped increase visitation, revenues, and jobs, and warned that without a fix, the joint promotional program and other tourism efforts could be cut in future budgets. She also said the bill would not change the current year’s tourism budget but would matter for future cycles. Mike Summers of the New Hampshire Lodging and Restaurant Association also supported SB 63, calling it a correction to the 2021 changes and arguing that state tourism marketing is essential because small businesses cannot reach distant markets on their own. He said the industry has benefited from state promotion, especially after COVID, but is now facing softer occupancy rates, lower Canadian visitation, and financial strain from debt and operating costs. Summers said the industry cannot make up for major tourism budget cuts on its own and urged maintaining or increasing travel and tourism funding. No vote or final action was taken at the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• Uh<00:42:04.800> the<00:42:04.960> bill<00:42:05.200> is<00:42:05.359> on
• <00:42:05.520> its<00:42:05.760> way<00:42:05.839> to<00:42:06.079> judiciary
• Um the next<00:42:16.079> bill<00:42:16.319> on<00:42:16.480> the<00:42:16.640><
• ><00:42:46.480> section<00:42:47.040> two<00:42:47.440> of<00:42:47.680> the<
• /c> amendment eliminates section two of the amendment eliminates section two of the bill.<00:42:48.400

Bills: HF3465, HF3782, HF4075, HF391, HF3946, HF2976, HF3350

Keywords: theft, vulnerable adults, public safety, penalties, Minnesota statutes, chemical irritants, law enforcement, transparency, building owners, tenant rights, notification, remediation, firearm restrictions, domestic violence, court orders, criminal convictions, firearms prohibition, gun surrender, order for protection, protective order

Transcript Highlights:

• 42:04.760> state<00:42:05.160> lies<00:42:06.119> and<00:42:06.920> uh<00
• > there's<00:42:11.960> a<00:42:12.160> lot<00:42:12.319> of<00:42:12.520
• of space to fill<00:42:13.280> that<00:42:13.560> the<00:42:13.680> state<00:42
• <00:42:22.079> going<00:42:22.160> to<00:42:22.319> take<00:42:22.480> a<
• or one type of<00:42:33.599> business<00:42:33.920> or<00:42:34.119> one<00:42:

Bills: HF1672, HF1877, HF1735, HF1734, HF1271, HF1634, HF1615

Keywords: medical cannabis, medical marijuana, cannabis, cannabinoids, hemp, marijuana registry, patient registry, visiting patient, Tribal cannabis, Tribal medical cannabis program, Tribal sovereignty, Office of Cannabis Management, designated caregiver, home cultivation, adult-use cannabis, cannabis flower, cannabis products, dispensary, cannabis retail endorsement, patient protections

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, I<00:42:34.800> just<00:42:35.040> I<00:42:35.359> guess<00:42:35.520> my
• <00:42:35.760> question<00:42:36.079> is<00:42:36.560> with<00:42:36.960>
• c> several<00:42:43.599> of<00:42:43.760> us<00:42:43.920> being<00:42:44.160
• <00:42:48.880> Um, we<00:42:52.880> do<00:42:53.119> expect<00:42:53.680>
• this<00:42:54.000> bill<00:42:54.319> to<00:42:54.800> to<00:42:55.280>

Keywords: Public Health and Welfare - Room 216, 3 February, 2026; 3:00 PM, 925, all

Summary: The committee met with a quorum and first took up several bills described as vehicles to keep options open for pending rural health issues, especially the rural health transformation fund and the Greenwood Hospital situation. The chair explained that Greenwood Hospital is struggling financially and operationally, including a Medicaid overpayment dispute in which Medicaid planned to recoup $2 million from a December payment, threatening payroll and continued operation. The committee discussed a proposed committee substitute that would delay recoupment until May 1 and preserve legislative flexibility to help Greenwood if a workable plan emerges. The committee adopted motions for title sufficiency and due pass on the block of bills, including the committee substitute and reverse repealer provisions. The committee then turned to two certificate-of-need bills. One bill, 2474, was presented as a rural hospitals measure that would let certain rural hospitals obtain certificates of need for services such as outpatient dialysis units, ambulatory surgical facilities, and geriatric psychiatric units, with definitions aimed largely at Delta and other rural counties. The chair also included a provision making the state health officer’s licensing decision final and not subject to judicial review, with only a short reconsideration process available. Senator Hill objected, arguing the bill concentrated too much power in the health department, eliminated meaningful court review, and unfairly picked winners and losers instead of letting the market work. The chair responded that the goal was to reduce costly, repetitive litigation and preserve access to care in areas where hospitals struggle financially. The committee then considered Senator Blackwell’s broader CO bill, which would address appeals and litigation more generally by shifting costs to the losing party in CO disputes. A reverse repealer was adopted first, and the chair explained that the bill was intended to reduce endless and expensive appeals while still allowing a limited opportunity for reconsideration. Senators Hill and others raised concerns about limiting judicial review and expanding health department power, while the chair said many states have no judicial review in this area and that the committee was exploring the issue further. The chair said he had asked several members to study the matter and contact the National Council of State Legislatures. The committee ultimately adopted the motions on the bills and amendments by voice vote, with the ayes prevailing each time.

Transcript Highlights:

• :42:03.319> grant<00:42:03.720> or<00:42:04.040> no<00:42:04.200> the no
• 06.079> not<00:42:06.319> looked<00:42:06.599> at<00:42:06.960> like<00:42
• > might<00:42:11.640> be<00:42:12.200> I<00:42:12.240> mean<00:42:13.040>
• 00:42:17.960> that<00:42:18.079> was<00:42:18.280> specified<00:42:19.079> um
• 00:42:24.599> further<00:42:24.880> questions<00:42:25.280> thank<00:42:25.400><

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The committee heard several energy and environmental bills. On HB 974, which would authorize state step-in agreements for certain power purchase agreements and create a trust fund/reserve mechanism, the Attorney General’s office raised concern that the state should not incur liability beyond the trust fund. The Division of Consumer Advocacy said it had comments but did not take a position, while the Public Utilities Commission, Ameresco, Hawaiian Electric, and other industry groups supported the measure, saying it would help developers secure financing for renewable projects and improve reliability. Hawaiian Electric said the bill would not use state funds and that its proposed reserve account would be held in trust and returned to customers if unused. Committee members questioned whether the reserve would raise customer costs; Hawaiian Electric said the amount would be small and would be offset by avoiding higher financing costs, while Consumer Advocacy suggested the language should be strengthened to ensure unused funds are fully returned. The committee then heard HB 338, which would clarify that premium interest-rate adjustments for non-fossil fuel generation are just and reasonable and allow the PUC to include them in rates. DCCA and the State Energy Office supported the bill, and the PUC also supported it. Hawaiian Electric opposed unless amended, arguing the PUC already has discretion and warning the bill could weaken competitive procurement by encouraging higher bids tied to the utility’s credit rating. DCCA said the concern was that developers might not seek the best financing if premium rates are recoverable, but said Hawaiian Electric’s suggested amendment requiring clear and convincing evidence of unavoidable financing-cost increases would help. Members also asked about refinancing and whether developers could later lower debt costs after locking in a premium rate; DCCA said that ability exists and suggested a time limit or review mechanism. For HB 337, which would direct the PUC to establish standards requiring utilities to remove certain fossil-fuel costs from the rate base when adding renewable resources, the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands, Hawaii Clean Power Alliance, and the State Energy Office supported the measure. Hawaiian Electric opposed it, saying it misunderstood utility cost recovery and could threaten grid reliability because fossil plants provide ancillary services such as voltage regulation and balancing, not just energy. Hawaiian Electric pointed to its integrated grid plan and recent fossil-unit retirements as evidence of ongoing transition, and asked the committee to defer the bill and leave oversight to the PUC. The committee also heard HB 879 on cesspool conversions, which would raise the maximum grant from $20,000 to $30,000 and add DOH positions; DHHL, DOH, environmental groups, Hawaii Realtors, and others supported it, while DOH discussed staffing needs and the practical effect of the higher grant cap. The committee also began HB 379 on requiring denitrification capacity for certain wastewater systems near shorelines or groundwater, with DLNR testifying in support.

Transcript Highlights:

• maybe<01:42:43.679> state<01:42:43.880> law,<01:42:44.880> which<01:42:45.280>
• :42:52.600> issues<01:42:53.960> and<01:42:54.960> some<01:42:55.520> of
• <01:42:56.159> or<01:42:56.400> some<01:42:56.560> of<01:42:56.639> the
• <03:42:10.880> that<03:42:11.120> has<03:42:11.279> all<03:42:11.520> lottery
• <03:42:33.840> Uh<03:42:34.160> yes<03:42:34.319> and<03:42:34.640> no.

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee met with Lottery Director Charlie McIntyre and Charitable Gaming Chief Compliance Officer Kulie Aoyo to review proposed changes in HB 2 and related amendments affecting video lottery terminals, historic horse racing, charitable gaming, and scratch tickets. McIntyre said the late-arriving amendment made revenue estimates difficult, especially because the bill would allow operators to decide when to convert from HHR to VLTs and would change the floor-space rules. He explained that the existing 70/30 floor-space split between machines and table games was negotiated to protect charity revenue, and warned that moving to a 90/10 split could reduce charity revenue, potentially by as much as $17 million, while also changing the character of the facilities. Committee members discussed whether to keep the 70/30 split, and McIntyre said he could provide updated estimates later that day, including net impacts after any offsetting gains or losses under current law. Members also asked about the governor’s proposed operator share versus the Sweeney amendment’s higher operator share. McIntyre said the governor’s 45% figure was based on his own estimate and on comparable rates in other states, and he supported it as a way to maximize revenue for the state and charities. He also described a change to high-stakes tournaments: after speaking with Rep. Sweeney, he said the amendment was clarified to apply only to those tournaments and would lower the house take from 10% to 5% to encourage participation in rare, high-buy-in events. The committee also discussed a separate proposal to raise the maximum scratch ticket price from $30 to $50; McIntyre said the change would take time to implement, would likely increase net state revenue by about $1 million in year two, and was consistent with pricing in neighboring states such as Massachusetts and Connecticut. Additional questions covered sports betting and a separate Kino-related estimate. McIntyre said March Madness is the busiest period for sports betting and that the state’s sports betting revenue has exceeded initial expectations. He also said he had estimated that removing a municipal-vote restriction for Kino could cost about $12 million total, with $2 million in the first year and $10 million thereafter. No formal votes were taken during the discussion; the chair indicated the committee would revisit the VLT amendment and other sections later, and McIntyre agreed to send updated revenue estimates to committee members.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:42:17.720> won't<00:42:18.200> happen<00:42:19.160> but<00:42:19.319>
• > is<00:42:20.599> how<00:42:20.760> will<00:42:20.960> we<00:42:21.520><
• c><00:42:23.680> be<00:42:24.319> uh<00:42:24.480> we've<00:42:24.760> got
• <00:42:25.839> slides<00:42:26.480> that<00:42:26.760> have<00:42:27.440>
• <00:42:33.040> so<00:42:33.880> what<00:42:34.040> happens<00:42:34.359>

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:42:03.040> This<00:42:03.359> bill<00:42:04.000> increases<00:42:04.560>
• <00:42:08.720> caps<00:42:09.040> on<00:42:09.200> fees<00:42:09.520> or<
• > a<00:42:11.520> current<00:42:11.839> 5%<00:42:12.400> cap<00:42:12.880
• And<00:42:16.240> I<00:42:16.400> just<00:42:16.560> wish<00:42:16.720> that<
• 42:20.400> in<00:42:20.480> front<00:42:20.560> of<00:42:20.720> us.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• vote of<00:42:25.200> six<00:42:25.440> in<00:42:25.599> favor<00:42:25.839>
• to<00:42:26.079> none<00:42:26.319> opposed<00:42:27.040> and<00:42:27.280>
• > placed<00:42:27.839> on<00:42:28.000> the<00:42:28.160> Senate's<00:42:
• opportunities<00:42:58.560> to<00:42:58.800> rent<00:42:59.040> or<00:42:59.359
• <03:42:20.479> I<03:42:20.720> don't<03:42:20.800> see<03:42:20.960> any.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So backing<00:42:06.720> up<00:42:06.960> again,<00:42:07.359> if<00:42:07.680><
• :42:09.200> was<00:42:09.280> a<00:42:09.440> misdemeanor,<00:42:09.920> if
• running<00:42:16.160> the<00:42:16.400> house,<00:42:17.119> so<00:42:17.280
• out<00:42:19.680> of<00:42:19.839> state<00:42:20.000> or<00:42:20.240>
• <00:42:33.760> Would<00:42:34.160> that<00:42:34.319> be<00:42:34.400> an

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• :17.400> leave<00:42:17.560> it<00:42:17.680> at<00:42:17.880> that<00:42
• 42:21.359> solve<00:42:21.640> that<00:42:21.760> last<00:42:22.000> mile
• 00:42:23.520> I<00:42:23.599> think<00:42:23.760> that's<00:42:23.960> one
• c> my<00:42:51.760> cousin<00:42:52.040> lives<00:42:52.240> in<00:42:52.400
• <00:42:57.359> that<00:42:57.480> are<00:42:57.680> five<00:42:57.839> and

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• > um<00:42:08.400> which<00:42:08.640> is<00:42:08.720> a<00:42:08.960>
• And then<00:42:14.160> in<00:42:14.400> paragraph<00:42:14.800> B<00:42:15.839><
• c> um<00:42:16.720> the<00:42:16.880> the<00:42:17.200> crux<00:42:17.839>
• Uh and then<00:42:28.079> on<00:42:28.319> 1.18<00:42:29.040> and<00:42:29.280><
• c> 1.19<00:42:30.240> there<00:42:30.480> are<00:42:31.280> uh<00:42:31.440>

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• they want to go Section by section um in they want to go Section by section um in the<00:02:10.360
• this<00:42:01.800> um<00:42:02.800> I'm<00:42:02.960> a<00:42:03.560> um
• <00:42:04.240> Prince<00:42:04.680> from<00:42:04.960> some<00:42:05.960> Far
• > country<00:42:07.640> and<00:42:07.760> I<00:42:07.960> have<00:42:08.200>
• c><00:42:16.520> you<00:42:16.680> in<00:42:16.880> on<00:42:17.319> 20%

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• to both<00:42:05.200> bring<00:42:05.440> in<00:42:05.680> general<00:42:06.000
• <00:42:12.720> We<00:42:12.840> all<00:42:13.000> pay<00:42:13.120> a
• ><00:42:14.400> don't<00:42:15.000> we<00:42:15.120> make<00:42:15.320> it
• <00:42:15.840> ourselves<00:42:16.360> when<00:42:16.520> we<00:42:16.640>
• robust<00:42:26.080> way<00:42:26.240> to<00:42:26.360> expand<00:42:26.760>

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on House File 5055, the governor’s supplemental tax budget. Commissioner of Revenue Paul Marquart outlined the proposal as a balanced budget package that would leave a positive bottom line in the current biennium and beyond. He emphasized family-focused tax relief, especially a new refundable young child credit for children ages 0 to 4, which would provide up to $3,000 for one child or $6,000 for two or more, benefit about 104,000 families, and phase out at higher incomes. He also described federal conformity changes, including updates to business interest deductions, dependent care credits, and Section 179 expensing, along with omitted federal items such as research expensing and opportunity zones due to cost and policy concerns. Marquart also defended broader tax modernization proposals, including expanding the sales tax to selected consumer services such as accounting, banking, brokerage, and legal services while lowering the statewide sales tax rate, and creating a social media tax on consumer data collection that would fund an AI readiness special revenue fund rather than the general fund. He said these changes would make the sales tax less regressive and better aligned with the modern economy. Additional provisions mentioned included a gun-related gross receipts tax on firearms and ammunition, cannabis tax technical changes, historic structure rehabilitation conformity, and added auditors for tax compliance. Testimony from outside groups was mixed. Nan Madden of the Minnesota Budget Project supported the governor’s approach as a response to federal tax and spending changes, praised the decision not to conform to opportunity zones or federal no-tax-on-tips/overtime provisions, and urged even stronger revenue measures. Brian Lake of the Minnesota State Bar Association strongly opposed the proposed sales tax on consumer legal services, arguing it would burden low- and middle-income people in sensitive cases and create unfairness when individuals litigate against the state. Tanner Fritsinger of the Minnesota Association of Professional Employees supported the sales tax base expansion and the social media tax as ways to broaden revenue without raising the base rate. The committee chair thanked the commissioner and then began hearing public testimony, with additional testifiers queued up.

Transcript Highlights:

• our our money<00:42:07.720> uh<00:42:08.160> our<00:42:08.440> tax<00:42:08.720
• <00:42:11.240> you<00:42:11.400> Mr<00:42:11.720> chair<00:42:12.000> and
• hope<00:42:13.160> you<00:42:13.400> support<00:42:13.800> this<00:42:13.920>
• > over<00:42:15.200> I<00:42:15.400> assume<00:42:16.040> yes<00:42:16.760
• <00:42:20.319> Senate<00:42:20.640> files<00:42:21.160> 770<00:42:21.839> will

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• 00:42:02.119> I<00:42:02.200> think<00:42:02.599> earlier<00:42:03.599> um
• um uh earlier<00:42:04.839> iterations<00:42:05.839> had<00:42:05.960> an<00:42
• by<00:42:15.920> bit<00:42:16.800> um<00:42:17.319> and<00:42:17.480>
• 42:20.960> is<00:42:21.079> the<00:42:21.240> most<00:42:21.400> critical
• > use<00:42:25.079> it<00:42:25.400> and<00:42:25.559> then<00:42:26.280>

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• And<00:42:08.800> speed<00:42:09.200> is<00:42:09.440> the<00:42:09.680> most
• c><00:42:39.839> also<00:42:40.079> a<00:42:40.240> failure<00:42:40.480> of<
• :44.480> to<00:42:45.359> uh<00:42:45.839> members<00:42:46.160> of<00:42
• <00:42:48.160> roads<00:42:48.560> that<00:42:48.880> can<00:42:49.119> go
• c><01:42:02.000> Office<01:42:02.239> of<01:42:02.320> Traffic<01:42:02.639>

Bills: HF3429, HF3418, HF3431, HF1597

Keywords: intelligent speed assistance, transportation, speeding offenses, public safety, license restrictions, speed control, pedestrian safety, traffic safety, roadway improvements, nonmotorized transportation, crosswalks, sidewalks, bike lanes, complete streets, Vision Zero, Toward Zero Deaths, MnDOT, Department of Transportation, Department of Public Safety, local road authority