Committee Summary for House Children and Family Law (03/03/2026)

Bill/Time	Type	Title	Sponsor
HB1377 00:21:35.346 - 9:16:31 AM	Executive Session	allowing parents to make alternative caregiver arrangements for their children without transferring guardianship.	Long, Patrick(D)[D]2025
HB1643 00:32:39.904 - 9:27:35 AM	Executive Session	relative to the report of a guardian ad litem.	Rice, Kimberly(R)[B-]2025
HB1376 2026-0865H 00:41:41.034 - 9:36:37 AM	Executive Session	relative to a parent's ability to raise their child in a manner consistent with the child's biological sex.	Korzen, Lori(R)[B+]2025
HB1241 01:08:23.278 - 10:03:19 AM	Executive Session	relative to the calculation of income for purposes of support orders in divorce proceedings.	Barton, Joseph(R)[A-]2025
HB1263 01:18:50.401 - 10:13:46 AM	Executive Session	relative to the definition of disposable military retirement pay and the suspension of alimony obligations.	Maggiore, Jim(D)[CT]2025
HB1378 01:41:30.205 - 10:36:26 AM	Executive Session	relative to parental access to a minor child's electronic medical records.	Litchfield, Melissa(R)[B+]2025
HB1565 02:02:05.638 - 10:57:01 AM	Executive Session	relative to the penalty for false reports of suspected abuse and neglect made to the division for children, youth, and families.	Spillane, James(R)[A]2025
HB1757 02:17:05.638 - 11:12:01 AM	Executive Session	prohibiting the remedy of alimony for marriages that existed for six years or less.	Barton, Joseph(R)[A-]2025
HB1771 02:17:05.638 - 11:12:01 AM	Executive Session	removing prospective repeal of child care staffing ratios and the associated waiver system and requiring the department of health and human services to provide certain notice regarding availability of the waiver.	Peternel, Katy(R)[A]2025

HB1377: Representative Corzin Oppose00:21:35.346 - 9:16:31 AM; Representative Corzin supports the motion for ITL, expressing concerns about allowing parents to sign over their child to another person for two years without checks or assurances for education and medical needs, especially given child trafficking issues. She notes that while deployments may last two years, military members have access to lawyers for such arrangements.
HB1377: Representative Markell Oppose00:22:30.000 - 9:17:26 AM; Representative Markell agrees with Representative Corzin's concerns regarding the lack of guardrails in the bill.
HB1377: Representative Scherr Support00:23:00.000 - 9:17:56 AM; Representative Scherr supports the bill, arguing that parents select trusted individuals for such agreements, maintaining communication with the child, and that the bill addresses a real need as evidenced by Representative Long's experience.
HB1377: Representative Lavelle Support00:24:00.000 - 9:18:56 AM; Representative Lavelle supports the bill because it avoids court involvement for temporary delegations, saving parents time, particularly for military members or single parents, allowing designated persons to make decisions in emergencies without court affidavits.
HB1377: Representative Gregg Support00:25:00.000 - 9:19:56 AM; Representative Gregg supports the bill, noting it has been seen before and provides a legal safeguard for parents in drastic situations, assuming good parenting, and that DCYF oversight remains. The two-year period is flexible, and a form is now available.
HB1377: Representative Pearson Oppose00:26:30.000 - 9:21:26 AM; Representative Pearson expresses sympathy but is troubled by the sole sponsorship and lack of bipartisan co-sponsors, leading to reluctance and a vote for ITL.
HB1377: Representative Lowe Oppose00:27:30.000 - 9:22:26 AM; Representative Lowe views the bill as well-meaning but risky, citing potential for abuse and referencing a case of child exploitation, emphasizing the need to protect children from bad parents.
HB1643: Representative Rice Support00:32:39.904 - 9:27:35 AM; Representative Rice supports OTP, stating that GALs are investigative arms of the bench and should not make recommendations, allowing judges to form their own conclusions from reports.
HB1643: Representative Gregg Oppose00:33:30.000 - 9:28:26 AM; Representative Gregg opposes OTP and suggests interim study, arguing the bill addresses the wrong problem. He references the special committee's findings on inadequate GAL training, oversight, and complaints process, and notes recent changes to qualifications that need time to evaluate.
HB1643: Representative Pearson Oppose00:35:00.000 - 9:29:56 AM; Representative Pearson agrees with interim study, noting variability in GAL quality from the special committee's work and the need for further attention to prevent over-reliance by judges.
HB1643: Representative Scherr Oppose00:36:00.000 - 9:30:56 AM; Representative Scherr supports interim study, criticizing the bill's premise that judges are empty vessels reliant on GALs. She argues the real issue is GAL training and selection, as incompetent GALs produce poor investigations.
HB1643: Representative Rice Support00:37:30.000 - 9:32:26 AM; Representative Rice rebuts that the bill's premise is GALs as investigators only, not that judges are empty vessels, and they should not make recommendations.
HB1643: Unidentified Speaker Support00:38:00.000 - 9:32:56 AM; The speaker shares experience that GALs previously acted as judge, jury, and executioner but have been restricted to providing information for judges' decisions.
HB1643: Representative Corzin Support00:38:30.000 - 9:33:26 AM; Representative Corzin supports the bill and OTP, highlighting that GALs may have limited education and bring biases, as seen in her foster parent experience, and judges should make decisions without GAL opinions.
HB1376 2026-0865H: Representative Corzine Support00:41:41.034 - 9:36:37 AM; Moves ought to pass on HB 1376. Introduces amendment 2026-0865H to clarify that while the state cannot deny foster or adoptive licenses based on beliefs, the child's best interest remains priority in placements. Argues against requiring parents to deny their beliefs to keep children. Shares personal experience of foster care denial due to political activism.
HB1376 2026-0865H: Representative Pearson Support00:41:41.034 - 9:36:37 AM; Seconds motion for OTP. Supports amendment to prevent future issues even if not currently happening, emphasizing freedom of conscience. Reiterates need to codify practices to avoid changes with new personnel.
HB1376 2026-0865H: Representative Share Oppose00:41:41.034 - 9:36:37 AM; Opposes amendment as too broad; suggests narrower language focusing on biological sex. Notes no evidence of issue in NH, DCYF handles appropriately. Mentions own alternative amendment.
HB1376 2026-0865H: Representative Corson Oppose00:41:41.034 - 9:36:37 AM; Challenges preemptive legislation argument, comparing to extreme hypotheticals like preemptive imprisonment.
HB1376 2026-0865H: Representative Corzine (continued) Support00:41:41.034 - 9:36:37 AM; Affirms issue is happening in NH based on personal fostering experience in MA and NH, where home was deemed unsuitable after political involvement.
HB1376 2026-0865H: Representative Gregg Oppose00:41:41.034 - 9:36:37 AM; Expresses concern that amendment could endanger children by allowing placements ignoring gender identity struggles, potentially leading to abuse. Notes higher abuse rates due to religious differences.
HB1376 2026-0865H: Representative Pearson (continued) Support00:41:41.034 - 9:36:37 AM; Clarifies judiciary's push to codify reforms from family court work to ensure longevity.
HB1376 2026-0865H: Representative Scher Oppose00:41:41.034 - 9:36:37 AM; Questions if judiciary's codification request relates to this issue. Highlights risks to children with gender identity questions, including internalization, cutting, suicide, runaways.
HB1376 2026-0865H: Representative Murray Oppose00:41:41.034 - 9:36:37 AM; Worries amendment could enable discrimination against child's identity in foster care, affecting communication with biological families.
HB1376 2026-0865H: Representative Rice Support00:41:41.034 - 9:36:37 AM; Clarifies bill prevents denial of licenses due to gender ideology beliefs; trusts caseworkers monitor child safety regularly.
HB1376 2026-0865H: Unnamed Representative Support00:56:41.034 - 9:51:37 AM; From special committee on foster care, notes state places children considering gender comfort, involves therapy and family consultations.
HB1376 2026-0865H: Representative Scherr Oppose00:56:41.034 - 9:51:37 AM; Questions need for legislation if practices are already appropriate; opposes as it doesn't clearly address only licensing.
HB1376 2026-0865H: Clerk Vote00:56:41.034 - 9:51:37 AM; Roll call on amendment 0865H: Passes 10-6 (Rice yes, Pearson yes, Bogart yes, Nelson yes, Love yes, Corzan yes, Markell yes, Labrie yes, Gregg no, Jack no, Scherr no, Levesque no, Murray no, Georges yes, Elberger no, DeSimone yes).
HB1376 2026-0865H: Representative Levesque Support01:01:40.887 - 9:56:36 AM; Moves amendment 0760H to delete sections 4-6, renumbering 7 to 4. Speaks to clean solution keeping sections 1-3 to protect against abuse characterization without broader issues.
HB1376 2026-0865H: Representative Scherr Support01:01:40.887 - 9:56:36 AM; Supports amendment as cleaner way to address licensing concerns without language problems in rest of bill.
HB1376 2026-0865H: Representative Corzine Oppose01:01:40.887 - 9:56:36 AM; Opposes amendment as it guts foster/adoptive protections; cites denials in other states like MA.
HB1376 2026-0865H: Clerk Vote01:01:40.887 - 9:56:36 AM; Roll call on amendment 0760H: Fails 7-9 (Rice no, Pearson no, Bogart no, Nelson no, Love no, Corzine no, Markell no, Labrie no, Gregg yes, Jack yes, Scherr yes, Levesque yes, Murray yes, Georges yes, Elberger yes, DeSimone no).
HB1376 2026-0865H: Representative Corzine Support01:01:40.887 - 9:56:36 AM; Moves OTPA on HB 1376 with amendment 0865H.
HB1376 2026-0865H: Representative Pearson Support01:01:40.887 - 9:56:36 AM; Seconds motion.
HB1376 2026-0865H: Clerk Vote01:01:40.887 - 9:56:36 AM; Roll call on OTPA: Passes (Rice yes, Nelson yes, Pearson yes, Love ?, Corzine yes, Markell yes, Labrie yes, Bogart yes, Gregg no, Jack no, Scherr no, Levesque no, Murray no, Georges no, Elberger no, DeSimone yes). Minority report to be filed.
HB1241: Chair DeSimone Oppose01:08:23.278 - 10:03:19 AM; Moves ITL on HB 1241, explains current process uses recent paychecks and prior year 1040, allowing adjustments for changes in overtime/secondary jobs; bill unnecessary.
HB1241: Representative Nelson Oppose01:08:23.278 - 10:03:19 AM; Seconds motion.
HB1241: Representative Markell Oppose01:08:23.278 - 10:03:19 AM; As family law attorney, notes guidelines already allow discretion on sporadic overtime; alimony statutes handle part-time income; bill duplicative.
HB1241: Representative Love Support01:08:23.278 - 10:03:19 AM; Argues for statutory guidelines over court discretion ('usually', 'may'); addresses common complaints of unfairness.
HB1241: Representative Rice Oppose01:08:23.278 - 10:03:19 AM; Supports judicial leeway for case-specific discretion in child support/alimony.
HB1241: Representative Levesque Oppose01:08:23.278 - 10:03:19 AM; Notes issues for salaried employees whose overtime differs; current law allows inclusion; bill too constricting.
HB1241: Clerk Vote01:08:23.278 - 10:03:19 AM; Roll call on ITL: Passes 15-1 (Rice yes, Pearson yes, Bogart yes, Nelson yes, Love no, Corzine yes, Markell yes, LaBrie yes, Craig yes, Jack yes, Scheer yes, Lavec yes, Murray yes, Georges yes, Elberger yes, DeSimone yes). Consent granted.
HB1263: Representative Markell Oppose01:18:50.401 - 10:13:46 AM; Moves ITL on HB 1263; existing statutes cover equitable division of pensions including military under Uniformed Services Former Spouse Protection Act; bill would limit court discretion in equitable proceedings.
HB1263: Representative Gregg Support01:18:50.401 - 10:13:46 AM; Seconds motion.
HB1263: Representative Love Support01:18:50.401 - 10:13:46 AM; Argues military retirement is pay with contingencies (e.g., no crimes, no foreign work), not typical pension; should not be divided as property but used for support; treats as ongoing contract.
HB1263: Unnamed Representative Oppose01:18:50.401 - 10:13:46 AM; Acknowledges retirement as sticking point in divorces; notes spouses' sacrifices due to military lifestyle (frequent moves, career interruptions); supports ITL to allow sharing.
HB1263: Representative Levesque Oppose01:18:50.401 - 10:13:46 AM; Shares family experience; emphasizes spouses' sacrifices (moves, career impacts); federal law recognizes this; hard to circumvent.
HB1263: Representative Corzine Information Only01:18:50.401 - 10:13:46 AM; Asks if awarded pay covers entire career or only marriage years; learns about Hodgins formula and recent NH Supreme Court case allowing full equitable distribution considering contributions.
HB1263: Unnamed Representative Information Only01:18:50.401 - 10:13:46 AM; Confirms child support terminates at 18 unless disability/college, treated like civilian.
HB1263: Representative Nelson Information Only01:18:50.401 - 10:13:46 AM; Inquires about agreements in division of retirement pay.
HB1263: Unnamed Speaker Oppose01:33:50.401 - 10:28:46 AM; Discusses testimony from military personnel about ex-spouses receiving retirement pay for life, argues against lifetime alimony using military examples, supports alimony but not forever.
HB1263: Unnamed Female Speaker Support01:33:50.401 - 10:28:46 AM; Explains impact on spouses of military members who move frequently and restart retirement plans, argues for equitable consideration of financial holdings in divorce, notes NH no longer awards lifetime alimony.
HB1263: Representative Markell Information Only01:33:50.401 - 10:28:46 AM; Clarifies that the rules are not mandatory and courts can consider various factors; parties can agree to exclude pension from division.
HB1263: Unnamed Speaker Oppose01:33:50.401 - 10:28:46 AM; Rebuts alimony comparison, treats retirement as property division like a house, distinguishes military service obligations from other professions.
HB1263: Clerk Vote01:33:50.401 - 10:28:46 AM; Calls roll on motion of ITL; votes: Rice Yes, Pearson Yes, Bogart Yes, Nelson Yes, Corzin Yes, Markell Yes, Gray Yes, Jack Yes, Share Yes, Levesque Yes, Murray Yes, Georges Yes, Elberger Yes, Lubrey Yes, DeSimone Yes (15-1).
HB1263: Representative Pearson Information Only01:33:50.401 - 10:28:46 AM; Moves for consent on minority report; no objections.
HB1378: Chair DeSimone Information Only01:41:30.205 - 10:36:26 AM; Closes hearing on HB 1263 and opens executive session on HB 1378.
HB1378: Representative Corzon Support01:41:30.205 - 10:36:26 AM; Moves OTP; argues parents need access to children's medical records for coordinating care across specialists, knowing medications and side effects.
HB1378: Representative Rice Support01:41:30.205 - 10:36:26 AM; Seconds motion; believes providers will learn to redact information if bill passes.
HB1378: Representative Scherr Oppose01:41:30.205 - 10:36:26 AM; Notes parents already have access under state law limited by federal law; bill exceeds federal law, puts providers in difficult position, not needed.
HB1378: Representative Gregg Oppose01:41:30.205 - 10:36:26 AM; Clarifies portals show limited info, not full records; laws haven't changed, parents can still access; emphasizes open conversations over forced access.
HB1378: Representative Levesque Oppose01:41:30.205 - 10:36:26 AM; Sees bill as overreach showing distrust in parents; advocates for open conversations; shares personal example of sharing medical info with parents.
HB1378: Representative Rice Support01:41:30.205 - 10:36:26 AM; Attributes federal law to Obama era; believes parents need to know all medications to avoid reactions; assumes prior access was before law changes.
HB1378: Representative Nelson Support01:41:30.205 - 10:36:26 AM; Shares experience needing proxy account for son's injury; concerns about child's executive functioning and timely access to notes; obtaining records takes 30 days.
HB1378: Representative Markell Support01:41:30.205 - 10:36:26 AM; Cites RSA 461-A giving parents access via parenting plans; argues for equal footing for intact families as disrupted ones under HIPAA.
HB1378: Representative Scherr Oppose01:56:30.205 - 10:51:26 AM; Notes proxy accounts still needed; information already accessible; bill confuses federal law compliance.
HB1378: Representative Pearson Oppose01:56:30.205 - 10:51:26 AM; Bill about portals, not privileged communications; as spouse of doctor and CEO, warns portals may shut down due to redaction burdens.
HB1378: Representative Nelson Support01:56:30.205 - 10:51:26 AM; Requires child's permission for proxy; concerns in strained relations about parental responsibility for care and potential neglect if access denied.
HB1378: Representative Corzon Support01:56:30.205 - 10:51:26 AM; Parents pay for care and insurance; unfair to blind them to medical issues; holds parents accountable for well-being.
HB1378: Unnamed Speaker Oppose01:56:30.205 - 10:51:26 AM; Concerns sharing therapist info may not be in child's best interest; suggests support networks for children.
HB1378: Representative Gregg Information Only01:56:30.205 - 10:51:26 AM; Requests stopping assignment of motives in discussions.
HB1378: Representative George Support01:56:30.205 - 10:51:26 AM; Shares experience with children in therapy during divorce; respected their privacy but needed awareness.
HB1378: Representative Love Support01:56:30.205 - 10:51:26 AM; Shares story of sister undergoing secret procedure at 14, leading to lifelong mental health issues; argues parents need to know to provide long-term support.
HB1378: Clerk Vote01:56:30.205 - 10:51:26 AM; Calls roll on motion to pass; votes: Rice Yes, Pearson No, Bogart Yes, Nelson Yes, Lowe Yes, Corzin Yes, Markell Yes, LaBree Yes, Gregg No, Jack No, Sheer No, Levesque No, Murray No, Georges No, Elberger No, DeSimone Yes (8-8).
HB1378: Chair DeSimone Information Only02:02:05.638 - 10:57:01 AM; Tie vote leaves without recommendation; statements from majority and minority to follow; closes hearing on 1378.
HB1565: Chair DeSimone Information Only02:02:05.638 - 10:57:01 AM; Opens executive session on HB 1565.
HB1565: Representative Corson Support02:02:05.638 - 10:57:01 AM; Moves OTP; bill distinguishes sincere reports from malicious ones, punishes bad actors while encouraging good reporters.
HB1565: Representative Nelson Support02:02:05.638 - 10:57:01 AM; Seconds motion.
HB1565: Representative Gregg Oppose02:02:05.638 - 10:57:01 AM; Appreciates addressing malicious reports but bill allows anonymous calls, won't change anything.
HB1565: Representative Love Support02:02:05.638 - 10:57:01 AM; Notes voice recognition can identify repeat callers; emphasizes truth in investigations to protect children.
HB1565: Unnamed Speaker Information Only02:02:05.638 - 10:57:01 AM; Provides history: bill passed House, Senate added unrelated items, conferees didn't act; urges passage.
HB1565: Representative Scheer Oppose02:02:05.638 - 10:57:01 AM; Bill uses 'may' for name disclosure, allows anonymous; ineffective unless 'shall'; appreciates intent but opposes.
HB1565: Representative Rice Support02:02:05.638 - 10:57:01 AM; 'May' allows asking for name on patterns while protecting honest reporters' anonymity.
HB1565: Representative Nelson Support02:02:05.638 - 10:57:01 AM; 28 states have similar laws; acts as deterrent; evidence shows some false reporters use real names for leverage.
HB1565: Representative Murray Information Only02:02:05.638 - 10:57:01 AM; Questions if lines 10-12 require asking for name; concerns about legal risk to receivers.
HB1565: Chair DeSimone Information Only02:02:05.638 - 10:57:01 AM; Clarifies no legal risk; not required for every call.
HB1565: Representative Corzon Support02:02:05.638 - 10:57:01 AM; DCYF testified they track numbers and flag repeats; bill is okay per them.
HB1565: Representative Share Oppose02:02:05.638 - 10:57:01 AM; DCYF can already track; bill adds nothing new.
HB1565: Representative Pearson Information Only02:02:05.638 - 10:57:01 AM; Asks if asking for name after patterns is Fifth Amendment violation; confirmed not.
HB1565: Representative Nelson Information Only02:02:05.638 - 10:57:01 AM; Confirms constitutionality.
HB1565: Clerk Vote02:02:05.638 - 10:57:01 AM; Calls roll on OTP; votes: Rice Yes, Pearson Yes, Bogart Yes, Nelson Yes, Love No, Corzin Yes, Markell Yes, Labri Yes, Gregg No, Jack No, Share No, Levesque No, Murray No, Georges No, Ellenberger No, DeSimone Yes (9-7).
HB1565: Unnamed Speaker Information Only02:02:05.638 - 10:57:01 AM; Minority report to be filed.
HB1565: Chair DeSimone Information Only02:02:05.638 - 10:57:01 AM; Closes hearing on HB 1565.
HB1757: Chair DeSimone Information Only02:17:05.638 - 11:12:01 AM; Opens executive session on HB 1757.
HB1757: Representative Nelson Oppose02:17:05.638 - 11:12:01 AM; Moves ITL; argues against barring alimony for marriages under 5 years due to valid reasons like disability, violence; courts need discretion; other states recommend longer but flexible.
HB1757: Unnamed Speaker Support02:17:05.638 - 11:12:01 AM; Seconds motion.
HB1757: Representative Markell Oppose02:17:05.638 - 11:12:01 AM; Alimony Reform Act already allows up to 50% of marriage length for short terms; no need for disqualifier.
HB1757: Clerk Vote02:17:05.638 - 11:12:01 AM; Calls roll on ITL; votes: Rice Yes, Pearson Yes, Bogart Yes, Nelson Yes, Love No, Corson Yes, Markell Yes, Labrie Yes, Gregg Yes, Jack Yes (consent without objection after change).
HB1757: Representative Rice Information Only02:17:05.638 - 11:12:01 AM; Moves consent without objection; no objection.
HB1757: Chair DeSimone Information Only02:17:05.638 - 11:12:01 AM; Closes hearing on HB 1757.
HB1771: Chair DeSimone Support02:17:05.638 - 11:12:01 AM; Moves OTP; bill from special committee, in effect a year with no complaints; makes permanent for children's safety.
HB1771: Representative Rice Support02:17:05.638 - 11:12:01 AM; Seconds motion.
HB1771: Clerk Vote02:17:05.638 - 11:12:01 AM; Calls roll on OTP; unanimous Yes: Rice, Pearson, Bogart, Nelson, Love, Corzan, Markell, LaBree, Gray, Jack, Scheer, Lavesque, Murray, Georges, Elberger, DeSimone (16-0).
HB1771: Chair DeSimone Information Only02:17:05.638 - 11:12:01 AM; Cannot consent due to FN; will voice vote on calendar; thanks participants and adjourns.

DeSimone, Debra(Chairman)(R)[B+]2025	Nelson, Jodi(Clerk)(R)[B]2025	Rice, Kimberly(V Chairman)(R)[B-]2025
McMahon, Charles(R)[B+]2025	Love, David(R)[B+]2025	Pearson, Mark(R)[B]2025
Korzen, Lori(R)[B+]2025	Georges, Mary(D)[D-]2025	Raymond, Heather(D)[CT]2025
Gregg, Alicia(D)[D-]2025	Petrigno, Peter(D)[F]2025	Grossman, Gaby(D)[IN]2025
Levesque, Cassandra (D)[D-]2025	Malone, Amy(D)[D-]2025	Markell, Jay(R)[B]2025