Committee Summary for House Commerce and Consumer Affairs (01/21/2026)

Bill/Time	Type	Title	Sponsor
HB1463 00:09:37.760 - 9:04:28 AM	Public Hearing	requiring the insurance department to conduct an analysis and produce a report detailing compliance with the state's managed care and medical utilization review laws.	Tellez, Trinidad(D)[F]2025
HB1812 00:56:26.720 - 9:51:17 AM	Public Hearing	requiring periodic evaluation of mental health access adequacy by an independent third party.	Gregg, Alicia(D)[D-]2025
HB1761 02:04:19.840 - 10:59:10 AM	Public Hearing	expanding the New Hampshire paid family and medical leave program.	Beauchemin, Paige(D)[F]2025
HB1197 03:25:35.279 - 12:20:26 PM	Public Hearing	making technical corrections to certain insurance laws.	Hunt, John(R)[B+]2025
HB1568 03:50:52.640 - 12:45:43 PM	Public Hearing	relative to mandatory minimum insurance coverage requirements for motor vehicles.	Barton, Joseph(R)[A-]2025
HB1558 04:15:02.479 - 1:09:53 PM	Public Hearing	requiring proof of insurance or adequate financial responsibility for vehicle registration.	Vandecasteele, Susan(R)[B+]2025
Unclear 04:20:17.120 - 1:15:08 PM	General Working Session	Unclear

HB1463: Representative Trinidad Telles, District 40, Manchester Support00:09:37.760 - 9:04:28 AM; As the prime sponsor and a family physician, Representative Telles explained the bill's purpose to address transparency in prior authorization requirements under RSA 420-J:6, stemming from SB 561 passed in 2024. She highlighted issues with opaque insurer criteria leading to delays, denials, burnout, and patient care abandonment. She shared her research on NH insurers' websites, finding information hard to access or understand. The bill seeks an assessment of compliance via provider feedback to improve transparency, reduce costs, and ensure timely care. She addressed the fiscal note, suggesting amendments for a limited scope like surveys, and emphasized building on existing data collection.
HB1463: Representative Dave Nagel, Belknap District 6, Gilmanton, Gilford, Laconia Support00:26:50.480 - 9:21:41 AM; As co-sponsor and lead author of SB 561, Representative Nagel stressed the importance of enforcing prior authorization reforms. He noted the US healthcare system's inefficiencies, with NH ranking low in cost, access, and outcomes. The bill ensures enforceability of transparency requirements, building on multistakeholder efforts. He recommended cost-effective implementation using existing relationships, avoiding the high fiscal note.
HB1463: Michelle Heaton, Director of Life and Health, New Hampshire Insurance Department Information Only00:30:38.480 - 9:25:29 AM; The department takes no position but provided background on implementing SB 561, effective January 1, 2025. They are rewriting utilization review rules and collecting first prior authorization metrics due April 1, 2026, for public posting. The bill's broad drafting covers all of RSA 420-J, inflating the fiscal note; narrowing to prior authorization would reduce costs but still require external contractors for provider feedback. Prior authorization ensures appropriate care but needs reforms; the department is committed to enforcement post-implementation.
HB1463: Dr. Travis Harker, Family Physician, NH Medical Society Board Member Support00:34:40.320 - 9:29:31 AM; As a family physician practicing in NH, Dr. Harker supported the bill to enhance transparency in prior authorization criteria. He described frequent denials reversed via peer-to-peer reviews, avoidable if criteria were website-accessible. Examples included knee injury MRIs, where opaque rules lead to unnecessary steps, costs, and delays. He praised Sigma's clear criteria and urged others to follow, noting insurers already have internal criteria that could be shared to save time and money for all parties.
HB1463: Kathy Stratton, CEO, New Hampshire Medical Society Support00:50:02.319 - 9:44:53 AM; Representing over 2,000 physicians, Stratton applauded the bill's focus on transparency in prior authorization to reduce administrative burdens and delays. Anecdotal feedback shows unclear requirements; the society supports gathering practitioner input and is willing to collaborate on cost-effective implementation to improve clarity.
HB1463: Paula Rogers, representing AHIP (America's Health Insurance Plans) Information Only00:51:05.200 - 9:45:56 AM; Initially concerned about the bill's broad scope covering all managed care laws, Rogers noted relief from testimony focusing on prior authorization transparency issues. She acknowledged provider communication gaps despite website posting obligations and suggested stakeholder discussions, including the existing group from SB 561, to address deficiencies without standardization. AHIP members are open to collaboration given the tight legislative timeline.
HB1812: Representative Alicia Gregg, NH House Support00:56:26.720 - 9:51:17 AM; As prime sponsor, Representative Gregg presented HB 1812 to improve mental health network adequacy by requiring independent third-party evaluations every three years, excluding non-accepting providers from counts, setting 30-minute drive time standards, mandating 70% in-person appointments, and imposing penalties for non-compliance. She cited Insurance Department findings of deficiencies in behavioral health networks self-reported by carriers like Cigna and Harvard Pilgrim, emphasizing the gap between reported and actual access leading to care delays.
HB1812: Sam Hawkins, NAMI New Hampshire Support01:05:20.319 - 10:00:11 AM; Sam Hawkins from NAMI New Hampshire testified in support of HB 1812, highlighting the struggles of Granite Staters with mental health conditions in accessing timely care due to ghost networks—provider directories with inaccurate information that falsely indicate network adequacy. He shared stories of individuals receiving lists of providers who are not accepting new patients, no longer accepting insurance, or out of practice, leading to increased costs or delayed care. Hawkins noted the behavioral health provider shortage but emphasized that some providers opt out of insurance for cash-paying patients, making care unaffordable. He praised New Hampshire's Insurance Department for mental health parity efforts but urged moving beyond standards to assess and fix the issues, recommending ought to pass and offering to discuss technical changes.
HB1812: Michelle Heaton, New Hampshire Insurance Department Information Only01:08:17.120 - 10:03:08 AM; Michelle Heaton, Director of Life and Health at the NH Insurance Department, provided detailed information on the state's network adequacy regulations, which predate federal ones and apply broadly to all health plans, not just exchange plans. She explained the services-based approach using a template and all-payer claims database to validate providers are billing and meet time/distance standards adjusted for rurality. Unlike federal rules, NH includes APRNs and PAs and verifies active billing. Heaton discussed ongoing updates to rules for alignment with CMS, appointment wait time standards, and challenges with secret shopper methods. She noted consumer protections like out-of-network coverage when in-network unavailable, acknowledged provider shortages in specialties like substance use treatment, and affirmed the department's proactive reviews and education efforts. During Q&A, she addressed technical defects in the bill, such as narrowing scope to primary care and mental health, potential issues with blanket standards, and willingness to work with sponsors on amendments, suggesting current rules largely address concerns but more education is needed.
HB1812: Peter Braggden, Harvard Pilgrim Healthcare Oppose01:23:36.560 - 10:18:27 AM; Peter Braggden, representing Harvard Pilgrim Healthcare, opposed HB 1812, arguing it is unnecessary given existing federal requirements and NH Insurance Department rules for primary care and behavioral health adequacy. He raised concerns about penalties of $1,000 per covered life, which could reach $40 million for a plan covering 40,000, for issues beyond carriers' control like provider shortages or failure to notify about not accepting new patients—required by RSA 420-J:8 XVIII. Braggden criticized the bill for not allowing out-of-state providers in adequacy calculations despite 80% of NH's population living near borders, and for penalizing carriers when all local providers are already in-network but insufficient. He noted monthly reminders to providers but lack of control over compliance, urging inexpedient to legislate. In Q&A, he confirmed providers must notify carriers and attributed non-acceptance to supply-demand issues or low reimbursements leading to out-of-pocket payments.
HB1812: Sam Burgess, New Futures Support01:29:54.960 - 10:24:45 AM; Sam Burgess, Healthcare Policy Director at New Futures, supported HB 1812 and addressed points from the Insurance Department and insurers. He cited RTI International research showing NH's high out-of-network utilization for behavioral health—fifth highest nationally for outpatient facilities and 10 times higher for psychiatrists than other specialists—indicating access issues drive out-of-pocket care. Burgess argued providers are not to blame; problems stem from insurers' narrow networks, inaccurate directories, ghost listings, and administrative hurdles, not just shortages, as patients seek care out-of-network. He defended secret shopper audits as reflecting real patient experiences, including delays in callbacks. Burgess shared an anecdote of Kristen Merritt from Hollis denied a single-case agreement despite no in-network options, paying out-of-pocket after futile appeals. He noted federal precedents like Medicaid MCOs and ACA requirements for such audits, praising the bill's triennial approach as reasonable, and offered further information.
HB1812: Sabrina Dunlap, Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield Oppose01:36:18.159 - 10:31:09 AM; Sabrina Dunlap, Senior Director of Government Relations at Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield, opposed HB 1812 as redundant and unnecessary, agreeing with prior testimonies on technical issues. She described efforts to maintain accurate provider directories using teams to update via public sources when providers fail to report changes, as contractually required. Dunlap highlighted the robust mental health network and initiatives like eliminating co-pays for children's mental health services under 19, and ongoing recruitment of providers, though they cannot be forced into networks. She emphasized the shared responsibility with providers and offered to discuss access improvements with stakeholders.
HB1812: John DeJoy, National Association of Social Workers NH and NH Association for Marriage and Family Therapy Information Only01:38:18.080 - 10:33:09 AM; John DeJoy represented the National Association of Social Workers NH chapter and NH chapter of the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy, neither fully supporting nor opposing HB 1812. He emphasized that parity and access are interconnected, with no evidence clinicians fail to notify insurers of changes—required by statute—and called such claims a red herring. DeJoy noted providers leaving networks due to unaffordable reimbursement rates (e.g., 25% less for some professionals) or preferring private pay to avoid red tape, harming citizens. He described broader issues beyond provider numbers, including discharge planners struggling to find timely appointments, with waitlists of weeks or months. DeJoy advocated not blaming providers, who report information, and urged collaborative solutions with the Insurance Commissioner, stressing ongoing mental health access problems.
HB1812: Maline Rubbley, New London, NH Support01:43:46.159 - 10:38:37 AM; Maline Rubbley testified in support of HB 1812 on behalf of her late sister Maisie Rubley from New London, who died in November 2025 at age 25 from schizophrenia diagnosed in 2021. She described Maisie's struggles accessing consistent care, leading to repeated emergency hospitalizations—six times from 2021 onward—due to inability to see therapists or psychiatrists timely or afford out-of-pocket options. Rubbley argued stronger networks could have saved her sister by preventing crisis cycles and enabling post-discharge support. She advocated for periodic independent evaluations to address financial and accessibility barriers, noting schizophrenia affects 1% of the US population (2,750-7,000 in NH), and called for comprehensive insurance-covered mental health care to help residents thrive.
HB1812: Representative Paige Boschman, Nashua Ward 4 Support01:47:23.920 - 10:42:14 AM; Representative Boschman, a women's maternal child health nurse specializing in perinatal mental health, testified in support of expanding paid family medical leave. She highlighted that her constituents, particularly moms, prioritize this issue alongside childcare. She noted America's poor maternal and child health outcomes, with mental health conditions being the leading cause of pregnancy-related deaths. Recent research shows that at least 6 months of paid leave improves maternal physical and mental health, breastfeeding rates, and infant attachment. She discussed workforce retention benefits, as longer leave helps moms return to work. While over 20,000 New Hampshire residents use the current voluntary program, it falls short for many. She proposed an amendment to replace the bill with a study committee on the continued need for paid family medical leave to gather more information.
HB1812: Representative Howard Support01:56:33.920 - 10:51:24 AM; Representative Howard supported studying the expansion of the paid family leave program, drawing from personal experience. At age 15 in 2016, he suffered a severe back injury requiring surgery with rods and screws. His mother, an occupational therapist in the Rochester school system, used all her sick and vacation days to care for him in the hospital. Without the then-nonexistent paid family leave program, it would have helped immensely. He advocated for expansion to cover maternal needs, family illnesses, and injuries, calling it pro-family and pro-child legislation to ensure accessibility for all Granite Staters.
HB1812: Dr. Og Young, Concord Support01:58:19.920 - 10:53:10 AM; Dr. Young, a retired obstetrician-gynecologist with 40 years of practice in Concord, past president of the New Hampshire Medical Society, and adjunct professor at Dartmouth, spoke on behalf of multiple organizations including the NH Medical Society, American College of Obstetrics, Academy of Family Physicians, Academy of Pediatrics, and Psychiatric Society, all endorsing the legislation. He recalled advocating for paid family leave since 1998 with former Representative Mary Guile, motivated by seeing new mothers struggling at 6 weeks postpartum. He noted progress but highlighted the 2018 veto despite strong public and business support. The US is the only developed nation without mandated paid family leave, leading to poorer health outcomes compared to Europe. He quoted a pediatrician on investing in youth to avoid future costs in hospitals and prisons, and promised Mary Guile to never give up on this cause.
HB1761: Unnamed Speaker Support02:04:19.840 - 10:59:10 AM; The speaker emphasizes that paid family leave is essential, humane, and foundational to a healthy society. They reference Mary Gal's long-term commitment to the legislation and humorously note her influence in attending the hearing instead of skiing. They argue against concerns about affordability, stating that society cannot afford not to have it, as it invests in future health.
HB1761: Committee Chair Information Only02:05:13.040 - 11:00:04 AM; The chair thanks the speaker, shares a personal recollection of Mary Gal's passion for the issue, thanks all participants, and closes the public hearing on HB 1761, announcing a return at 1:15.
HB1197: Representative Hunt (Sponsor) Information Only03:25:35.279 - 12:20:26 PM; The sponsor introduces the bill as a department-initiated technical bill, admitting unfamiliarity with details from a summer call. He commits to not introducing it himself, emphasizing the need to review sections for clarity via subcommittees, noting 19 sections to discuss general subject matters.
HB1197: DJ Bentancourt, Commissioner, NH Insurance Department Support03:27:20.640 - 12:22:11 PM; The commissioner thanks the sponsor and outlines the bill's goals to clarify, update, and improve insurance laws. He highlights supported sections: strengthening confidentiality of investigative materials to align with NAIC standards; removing automatic annual filing requirements to reduce paperwork while allowing on-demand requests; standardizing licensing and enforcement language; clarifying workers' compensation rating flexibility for group captives. He notes issues needing amendment: non-response to inquiries (proposing $5,000 fine with intent standard instead of per-day penalties); removing automatic non-renewal provisions via bulletin; refining producer licensing to deny for crimes of moral turpitude related to insurance duties; and a technical fix for continuing care retirement communities oversight. He offers to answer questions.
HB1197: Christian Citadella, Actuary Information Only03:31:38.960 - 12:26:29 PM; Confirms no additional comments on unamended provisions and offers to answer questions on workers' compensation premium regulation.
HB1197: Josh Hillyard, Lead Enforcement Counsel Information Only03:31:38.960 - 12:26:29 PM; Briefly mentions harmonizing licensing statutes for producers, adjusters, and public adjusters.
HB1197: Representative Barose Information Only03:44:46.640 - 12:39:37 PM; Asks how fines are enforced on non-responsive companies.
HB1197: Lindsey Nato, Attorney, Orr & Reno Law Firm (representing NH Association of Domestic Insurance Companies and American Property Casualty Insurance Association) Oppose03:46:46.560 - 12:41:37 PM; Expresses opposition to the bill as drafted but anticipates the department's amendment will address concerns. Appreciates enhanced confidentiality and reduced filings. Raises issues with per-day penalties making NH an outlier and logistical concerns with auto renewals, hoping a bulletin resolves the latter. Looks forward to reviewing the amendment to potentially withdraw opposition.
HB1568: Representative Joe Barton (Sponsor) Information Only03:50:52.640 - 12:45:43 PM; The sponsor introduces the bill at constituent request, stating he has no personal opinion and lets the committee process it. He notes multiple constituents raised the issue and emphasizes representing them, even if not fully agreeing.
HB1568: Unnamed Committee Member Information Only03:51:49.520 - 12:46:40 PM; Comments on the bill's subject matter having been discussed many times with reasons for not passing previously.
HB1568: Unnamed Freshman Representative Support03:53:54.800 - 12:48:45 PM; Asks for the definition of mandatory requirements, notes the bill proposes $25,000 minimum coverage for those required to have insurance (e.g., after violations), and expresses personal support for knowing others on the road are insured.
HB1568: Unnamed Committee Member Support03:55:09.199 - 12:50:00 PM; Shares experience as an adjuster in Maine seeing uninsured drivers flee accidents, supports the bill but notes NH's uninsured motorist coverage provides protection if hit by an uninsured driver.
HB1568: Mike Mclofflin, lawyer and lobbyist in Concord Oppose03:56:12.319 - 12:51:03 PM; Mike Mclofflin testifies against both HB 1568 and HB 1558, arguing that New Hampshire's unique system without mandatory insurance results in a low 7.8% uninsured motorist rate, one of the lowest in the nation. He explains that drivers can purchase uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage to protect themselves regardless of others' insurance status, allowing flexibility in coverage amounts. He warns that mandating insurance could lead to scams, higher premiums, and market distortions, as seen in other states. He also notes societal benefits, like allowing low-income individuals to obtain licenses for employment without insurance requirements.
HB1558: Unnamed Committee Member Information Only04:15:02.479 - 1:09:53 PM; The committee member reads the bill title and notes it requires proof of financial responsibility (insurance, CD, or bond) at registration, with immediate suspension for failure to produce proof upon request.
HB1558: Representative Lily Walsh, Rockingham 15, Hampstead Information Only04:16:52.080 - 1:11:43 PM; Representative Walsh introduces the bill, stating she has no recollection of it but explains it requires proof of financial responsibility, which includes options like insurance, a CD, or bond, during registration, and authorizes suspension of license and registration for non-compliance.
HB1558: Christian Cinderella, Insurance Department Information Only04:17:42.960 - 1:12:33 PM; Christian Cinderella from the Insurance Department states they take no position on the bill and are unfamiliar with its origin. He notes it appears to mandate auto insurance but allows alternatives like a CD for those with financial means, similar to systems in other states like Virginia where a fee substitutes for insurance.
Unclear: Committee Chair Information Only04:20:17.120 - 1:15:08 PM; The chair announces the schedule: tomorrow at 10:00 a.m. for liquor bills in the morning, followed by discussion of 18 early bills in subcommittee to decide on work, kill, or interim study. Next week, sessions are planned for Wednesday and possibly Thursday (28th and 29th) at 10:00 a.m., either in Concord or at the State House, pending confirmation on session days.

Hunt, John(Chairman)(R)[B+]2025	Post, Lisa(Clerk)(R)[A]2025	Potucek, John(V Chairman)(R)[A-]2025
Salvi, Santosh(D)[CT]2025	Chourasia, Manoj(D)[F]2025	Ammon, Keith(R)[A]2025
Herbert, Christopher(D)[D-]2025	Osborne, Jason(R)[A+]2025	Thackston, Dick(R)[B+]2025
Walsh, Lilli(R)[B]2025	Porcelli, Susan(R)[B]2025	Spier, Carry(D)[D-]2025
Burroughs, Anita(D)[F]2025	Gibbs, Merryl(D)[D-]2025	McAleer, Chris(D)[D-]2025
Sullivan, Jared(D)[D]2025	Miles, Julie(R)[A-]2025	Presa, Adam(R)[B]2025