Committee Summary for Fiscal Committee (01/23/2026)

Bill/Time	Type	Title	Sponsor
Unclear 00:06:14.000 - 12:05:36 PM	General Working Session	Unclear

Unclear: Chair Information Only00:06:14.000 - 12:05:36 PM; The chair calls the fiscal committee meeting to order on January 23, 2026, notes Senator Pearl substituting for Senator Birdell, and excuses Senator Carson if she arrives late due to Senate business.
Unclear: Senator Gray Information Only00:06:14.000 - 12:05:36 PM; Senator Gray moves to accept the minutes of December 19, 2025.
Unclear: Senator Rosen Information Only00:07:13.039 - 12:06:35 PM; Senator Rosen seconds the motion to accept the minutes.
Unclear: Committee Information Only00:07:13.039 - 12:06:35 PM; The committee votes to accept the minutes with all in favor and no opposition, noting one abstention.
Unclear: Chair Information Only00:08:00.720 - 12:07:22 PM; The chair notes no old business and welcomes Senator Carson. Introduces the consent calendar for tabs three through six, announces withdrawals: under tab five, FIS-26007 withdrawn by the Senate, FIS-26008 withdrawn by the department; under tab six, FIS-26003 and FIS-26004 withdrawn by the Senate.
Unclear: Senator Gray Information Only00:08:00.720 - 12:07:22 PM; Senator Gray moves to adopt the remaining items on the consent calendar.
Unclear: Senator Rosen Information Only00:09:23.760 - 12:08:45 PM; Senator Rosen seconds the motion to adopt the consent calendar.
Unclear: Committee Information Only00:09:23.760 - 12:08:45 PM; The committee votes to adopt the remaining consent calendar items with all in favor and no opposition.
Unclear: Chair Information Only00:09:23.760 - 12:08:45 PM; The chair moves to tab five, item 260004 on New Hampshire Fish and Game, but corrects to skip to 26007 with the Department of Safety as 004 was adopted.
Unclear: Amy Newberry Information Only00:10:19.519 - 12:09:41 PM; Amy Newberry introduces herself as the director of administration at the Department of Safety.
Unclear: Brenda Davyy Information Only00:10:19.519 - 12:09:41 PM; Brenda Davyy introduces herself as the major in charge of the operations bureau with New City Police.
Unclear: Senator Rosen Information Only00:10:19.519 - 12:09:41 PM; Senator Rosen asks if the funding contemplates enforcement of federal civil immigration law, mentions ICE activity in Portsmouth and other places, and inquires if equipment will be shared with federal agencies.
Unclear: Amy Newberry Information Only00:11:26.800 - 12:10:48 PM; Amy Newberry explains that the funding comes from Homeland Security and FEMA with set parameters including enhancing protection of soft targets, supporting task forces, cybersecurity, election security, and border crisis response. The 20% remainder is for state agencies.
Unclear: Senator Rosen Information Only00:11:26.800 - 12:10:48 PM; Senator Rosen clarifies if the portion is only for state agencies and asks about privacy regulations for the UAS project to prevent accumulation of data on individuals into a statewide database.
Unclear: Brenda Davyy Information Only00:12:55.120 - 12:12:17 PM; Brenda Davyy states she cannot answer in detail as it is an area of evolving law with robust state privacy protections, UAS under scrutiny, and ongoing legislative efforts. She offers to work on providing more information.
Unclear: Representative Walner Information Only00:13:17.200 - 12:12:39 PM; Representative Walner thanks the presenters and questions the budget increase from $726,000 to $1.9 million, asking how it came about, if they applied, or if it was granted by the federal government.
Unclear: Unidentified Speaker (likely from Division of Homeland Security) Information Only00:14:44.720 - 12:14:06 PM; Explains that a grant was applied for after budget hearings due to lack of information during the process. Notes that during Division Two sessions, all grant programs were addressed, but funding amounts are not guaranteed. Describes the Homeland Security and FEMA grant process ensuring minimum allotments per state, making it hard to predict New Hampshire's exact receipt.
Unclear: Representative Leeman Information Only00:15:48.399 - 12:15:10 PM; Inquires about the need for 60 riot helmets and gas masks, questioning if riots are anticipated.
Unclear: Unidentified Speaker (likely from Department of Safety) Information Only00:16:33.440 - 12:15:55 PM; Responds to Representative Leeman's question, stating that New Hampshire was under-equipped for special events response. Notes 35 operational members previously, now increasing to 60, with gear nearing expiration for ballistic protections. Emphasizes uniformity and best protection for personnel, considering needs for multiple simultaneous events.
Unclear: Senator Carson Information Only00:17:43.440 - 12:17:05 PM; Comments on the Department of Safety's handling of drones, assuring the public that airspace control is federal, not state. Acknowledges evolving law with technology advancing ahead, and that the department is not avoiding the issue but limited by federal supremacy. Agrees with the department's truthful response and notes the complexity due to federal involvement.
Unclear: Unidentified Speaker (likely from Department of Safety) Information Only00:18:51.760 - 12:18:13 PM; Acknowledges not being a subject matter expert on drones but commits to reaching out to the appropriate expert.
Unclear: Committee Chair Information Only00:18:51.760 - 12:18:13 PM; Asks for a motion to adopt FIS 26007.
Unclear: Senator Gray and Senator Carson Vote00:18:51.760 - 12:18:13 PM; Motion and second to adopt 26007. Vote results in 8-2 adoption.
Unclear: Adam Crapo, Assistant Commissioner, Department of Environmental Services Information Only00:20:10.320 - 12:19:32 PM; Introduces himself and Sue Carlson, Chief Operating Officer, for item 26003.
Unclear: Senator Curl Information Only00:20:10.320 - 12:19:32 PM; States question on using funds for a different project was answered by speaking with Commissioner Scott, understanding APA fund constraints.
Unclear: Senator Gray and Senator Carson Vote00:20:10.320 - 12:19:32 PM; Motion and second to approve item 260003. Adopted unanimously.
Unclear: Lori Bieber, Commissioner, Department of Health and Human Services Information Only00:21:17.360 - 12:20:39 PM; Introduces herself and Charlie Arlinghouse, Commissioner of DAS, for item 260005 regarding a project for 12 children.
Unclear: Senator Rosenwald Information Only00:21:17.360 - 12:20:39 PM; Expresses surprise at the project's expense for 12 children and questions the iterative funding requests instead of one comprehensive ask for nearly 20 million.
Unclear: Charlie Arlinghouse Information Only00:22:14.080 - 12:21:36 PM; Explains bid strategy with iterative process due to initial funding limitations. Notes costs are in line with national figures and that funding has been added incrementally as available. Assures this is likely the last request, as construction progresses. Discusses programming needs driving costs and that 700k is for remaining alternates, not specific items like the playground.
Unclear: Senator Carson Information Only00:26:25.120 - 12:25:47 PM; Expresses concern over repeated funding requests and asks what happens if no more funds are provided.
Unclear: Lori Bieber Information Only00:28:20.240 - 12:27:42 PM; Clarifies initial bid strategy accounted for potential additional funding. Describes building infrastructure first and adding features like classroom space as funds allow, given the tight space for 12 youth.
Unclear: Senator Rosenwald Information Only00:29:15.600 - 12:28:37 PM; Recalls assurances during committee of conference and budgeting that funding was sufficient. Questions ongoing requests and specifically security implementation.
Unclear: Charlie Arlinghouse Information Only00:30:24.640 - 12:29:46 PM; Emphasizes estimates are based on professional analysis, not final costs, which are determined post-bid. Notes upfront communication about potential additional needs. Defers security to others but confirms iterative process and site work issues like electrical and water hookups adding costs.
Unclear: Senator Carson Information Only00:34:06.880 - 12:33:28 PM; References past site selection process and questions why basic service estimates (water, electrical) weren't better addressed. Mentions Hampstead concerns and invites discussion at upcoming oversight.
Unclear: Charlie Arlinghouse Information Only00:35:14.000 - 12:34:36 PM; Explains site selection involves risk assessment without full certainty; unforeseen issues like buried structures increase costs. Notes site work uncertainties were acceptable given other factors beyond just utilities.
Unclear: Lori Bieber Information Only00:39:02.720 - 12:38:24 PM; Confirms required security will be in place and offers tour upon completion. States project nears finish with occupancy late this year.
Unclear: Senator Rosenwald Information Only00:39:58.560 - 12:39:20 PM; Inquires if late-year occupancy changes operating costs from current facility and budgeted amounts. Requests updates to fiscal and finance committees.
Unclear: Lori Bieber Information Only00:39:58.560 - 12:39:20 PM; Notes operating costs depend on move timing; still calculating.
Unclear: Committee Vote00:41:01.839 - 12:40:23 PM; Motion to approve item 260005; adopted with one oppose.
Unclear: Amy Nurr, Director of Administration, Department of Safety Information Only00:42:06.720 - 12:41:28 PM; Introduces herself for item 26009 on new 911 center.
Unclear: Representative Leechman and Senator Gray Vote00:42:06.720 - 12:41:28 PM; Motion and second to approve; adopted unanimously.
Unclear: Jay Bucky, Executive Director, Judicial Council Information Only00:42:55.599 - 12:42:17 PM; Introduces himself for revised budget item 26013.
Unclear: Senator Waters and Senator Gray Vote00:43:19.040 - 12:42:41 PM; Motion and second to adopt; adopted unanimously.
Unclear: Danielle Chandana, Director of Finance, DOT Information Only00:44:37.599 - 12:43:59 PM; Introduces herself and Susan Clawson for highway fund transfer for winter maintenance (item 26016). Explains higher costs due to early winter, holiday/weekend storms, and ongoing active weather predictions into spring.
Unclear: Senator Carson Information Only00:44:37.599 - 12:43:59 PM; Questions if $3 million increase for anti-icing materials (class 020) is adequate given upcoming storm.
Unclear: Danielle Chandana Information Only00:45:45.760 - 12:45:07 PM; States it covers current predictions but may need more if weather worsens; notes strategy to fill salt sheds in spring for better pricing.
Unclear: Senator Quest Information Only00:46:46.000 - 12:46:08 PM; Asks about salt cost increases and supply sufficiency.
Unclear: Danielle Chandana and Susan Clawson Information Only00:46:46.000 - 12:46:08 PM; Confirms adequate supply now (80k tons, capacity 200k) but delays in shipments; may need cross-hauling. Notes $3 million should suffice unless more ice storms.
Unclear: Senator Rosenwald and Senator Gray Vote00:47:52.880 - 12:47:14 PM; Motion and second to adopt; adopted unanimously.
Unclear: Unidentified Speaker from Division of Risk and Benefits Information Only00:48:55.280 - 12:48:17 PM; Explains modest active employee premium increases but 30% rise for Medicare retirees due to fully insured Medicare Advantage plan changes, federal regulations (e.g., GLP-1 drugs, Inflation Reduction Act), and contingencies in bids. Notes self-insured plans differ. Discusses reprocurement strategies, multiple bidders for Medicare, and vigilance on pharmacy fulfillment.
Unclear: Senator Waters Information Only00:49:22.960 - 12:48:44 PM; Notes increases and defers to speaker's explanation.
Unclear: Jackie Karn Stewart, Senior Paralegal, YDC Claims Administration Information Only00:58:14.079 - 12:57:36 PM; Explains increased dismissals (71 in six months vs. 7 last year) due to easier CMS filing leading to incomplete/ineligible claims. Notes notifications and opportunities to rectify before dismissal.
Unclear: Tom Kemper, Deputy Director, Department of Justice Information Only00:58:14.079 - 12:57:36 PM; Provides update on new administrator search: meeting with counsel next month for input per statute.
Unclear: Representative Leeman Information Only00:58:14.079 - 12:57:36 PM; Questions dismissals and administrator appointment.
Unclear: Christine Young, Director of Audits, LBA Information Only01:02:12.000 - 1:01:34 PM; Introduces annual comprehensive financial report audit by KPMG.
Unclear: Marie Zimmerman, KPMG Information Only01:02:45.599 - 1:02:07 PM; Presents unmodified opinion on 2025 financial statements. Highlights no misstatements, material weaknesses, or disagreements. Confirms clean opinion on supplementary schedules.
Unclear: Senator Waters Information Only01:05:58.319 - 1:05:20 PM; Asks about risk of management override of controls.
Unclear: Marie Zimmerman Information Only01:07:06.960 - 1:06:28 PM; Explains it's inherent in audits; procedures (e.g., journal entry testing) found no override issues.
Unclear: Unidentified Speaker Information Only01:07:06.960 - 1:06:28 PM; Defers pension funding question to retirement system experts.
Unclear: Jeffrey Coach, KPMG Information Only01:08:27.920 - 1:07:49 PM; Presents unmodified opinion on Turnpike system audit for FY 2025. Notes no misstatements, weaknesses, fraud, or non-compliance; full management cooperation.
Unclear: Jim Laivier, LBA Information Only01:11:23.840 - 1:10:45 PM; Presents unmodified opinion on Liquor Commission FY 2025 financials. Highlights $84M unusual phantom transactions (corrected, cause undetermined), uncorrected immaterial misstatements, and NextGen system risks increasing testing. Notes external CPA assistance.
Unclear: Joseph Malonica, Chairman, Liquor Commission Information Only01:16:57.199 - 1:16:19 PM; Thanks auditors; addresses revenue declines as national trends in spirits/wine (NH outperforming Northeast in spirits). Discusses factors like cannabis competition, demographics, economy. No store closures planned; investing in trends like low/no-alcohol, tequila, canned beverages. Responds to on-premise decline theories and promotions.
Unclear: Representative Leeman Information Only01:16:57.199 - 1:16:19 PM; Notes store revenue declines (e.g., Tilton) and asks about closures or strategies.
Unclear: Senator Rosen Information Only01:24:55.360 - 1:24:17 PM; Theorizes on-premise decline due to expensive restaurant food; suggests partnerships for promotions.
Unclear: Senator Carson Information Only01:27:14.880 - 1:26:36 PM; Comments on recent wine event success.
Unclear: Committee Chairman Information Only01:28:16.880 - 1:27:38 PM; Commends leadership and trend anticipation.
Unclear: Kimberly Bisson, LBA Information Only01:31:01.840 - 1:30:23 PM; Presents unmodified opinion on Lottery Commission FY 2025 financials. Notes full cooperation, no concerns in disclosures; management letter forthcoming.
Unclear: Tim Durst, CFO, Lottery Commission Information Only01:33:55.920 - 1:33:17 PM; Thanks auditors; notes positive December financials ahead.
Unclear: Representative Mooney Information Only01:34:58.800 - 1:34:20 PM; Suggests alternative prize structures (e.g., 100 winners of $1M vs. one $100M) to sell more tickets.
Unclear: Tim Durst Information Only01:34:58.800 - 1:34:20 PM; Explains national games set rules; possible in state-controlled games but not typically structured that way.
Unclear: Committee Chair Information Only01:36:55.440 - 1:36:17 PM; The chair confirms that Representative Mooney has a conflict from 9:30 to 11:30 and notes that Tim Durst has a designated replacement who will coordinate with Senator Gray. The chair asks about any other conflicts for the afternoon of Friday the 20th and, hearing none, schedules the fiscal meeting for 1:00 PM.