Committee Summary for House Environment and Agriculture (03/03/2026)

Bill/Time	Type	Title	Sponsor
HB1766 2026-0985H 00:07:30.264 - 8:32:27 AM	Executive Session	relative to cruelty to livestock.	Comtois, Barbara(R)[B+]2025
Unclear 00:36:00.068 - 9:00:57 AM	General Working Session	Unclear
HB1189 2026-0965h 00:51:00.068 - 9:15:57 AM	Executive Session	establishing a solid waste site evaluation committee.	Bixby, Peter(D)[F]2025
HB1305 01:21:00.068 - 9:45:57 AM	Executive Session	enabling the use of telehealth to deliver veterinary care.	Litchfield, Melissa(R)[B+]2025
HB1478 2026-0975h 01:36:00.068 - 10:00:57 AM	Executive Session	requiring the department of environmental services to revise the rules for proposed new landfills.	Potenza, Kelley(R)[A]2025
HB1092 01:51:00.068 - 10:15:57 AM	Executive Session	relative to guard dogs.	Comtois, Barbara(R)[B+]2025
HB1133 01:51:00.068 - 10:15:57 AM	Executive Session	defining and regulating livestock guardian dogs.	Schamberg, Thomas(D)[CT]2025
HB1253 2026-0930h 01:51:00.068 - 10:15:57 AM	Executive Session	enabling the use of dogs to guard crops.	Comtois, Barbara(R)[B+]2025
HB1275 2024-0925h 02:06:00.068 - 10:30:57 AM	General Working Session	relative to the effects of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances on agriculture.	Thomas, Wendy(D)[CT]2025
HB1488 2024-Potenza amendment 03:03:58.037 - 11:28:55 AM	General Working Session	relative to rabies vaccines for animals.	Ammon, Keith(R)[A]2025
HB1488 2024-Potenza amendment 03:18:58.037 - 11:43:55 AM	Executive Session	relative to rabies vaccines for animals.	Ammon, Keith(R)[A]2025
HB1620 2026-0936-H 03:26:00.000 - 11:50:57 AM	Executive Session	establishing closure and remediation requirements for abandoned or leaking on-premises-use fuel oil tanks and requiring disclosure of tank status during property sales.	Perez, Kristine(R)[B+]2025
HB1766 2026-0985-H 03:35:00.000 - 11:59:57 AM	Executive Session	relative to cruelty to livestock.	Comtois, Barbara(R)[B+]2025

HB1766 2026-0985H: Chair Information Only00:07:30.264 - 8:32:27 AM; Opens the subcommittee meeting on HB 1766 and the amendment 2026-0985H, waits for Rep. Bixby to settle, notes copies available for the public.
HB1766 2026-0985H: Rep. Bixby Information Only00:07:30.264 - 8:32:27 AM; Discusses the amendment wording, confirms separation of livestock sections, notes amendments to veterinarian assistant language, suggests time to read through.
HB1766 2026-0985H: Rep. Kenny Information Only00:07:30.264 - 8:32:27 AM; Asks about the veterinarian assistant section and its relation to designee, clarifies it's a different section.
HB1766 2026-0985H: Rep. Hopkins Information Only00:11:42.409 - 8:36:39 AM; Comments on agriculture bills impacting vacation, engages in light conversation about beach activities.
HB1766 2026-0985H: Chair Information Only00:15:44.088 - 8:40:41 AM; Thanks Rep. Bixby for the amendment work, asks for further discussion on the bill.
HB1766 2026-0985H: Rep. Baskin Information Only00:15:44.088 - 8:40:41 AM; Raises concern about municipalities bearing costs in the original bill, suggests asking the commissioner about the cost of care fund.
HB1766 2026-0985H: Commissioner Information Only00:15:44.088 - 8:40:41 AM; Confirms original bill does not burden municipalities as seized animals are eligible for reimbursement from the cost of care fund; notes fund has been sufficient with few large cases, funded at $25,000 annually, and applications are manageable.
HB1766 2026-0985H: Rep. Bixby Vote00:15:44.088 - 8:40:41 AM; Moves adoption of amendment 2026-0985H, seconds motion for OTPA HB 1766 with amendment, votes aye.
HB1766 2026-0985H: Chair Vote00:15:44.088 - 8:40:41 AM; Calls for vote on amendment adoption (passes unanimously), then on OTPA motion (passes unanimously), adjourns the meeting.
Unclear: Chair Information Only00:36:00.068 - 9:00:57 AM; Notes missing representatives, leads Pledge of Allegiance via Rep. Freeman, introduces Dr. Prescott for formal introduction as new state veterinarian.
Unclear: Dr. Mark Prescott Information Only00:36:00.068 - 9:00:57 AM; Introduces himself: from Bartlett NH, education in CA and Tufts, career in USDA, APHIS, international work; family background; vision for connecting youth to agriculture, addressing mental health through farming, emphasizing NH's importance.
Unclear: Rep. Bixby Information Only00:36:00.068 - 9:00:57 AM; Welcomes Dr. Prescott, asks about shortage of large animal vets; discusses national issue, federal support, and recent NH legislation allowing temporary licensing for foreign vets, shares personal anecdote of meeting such a vet.
Unclear: Dr. Prescott (State Veterinarian) Information Only00:51:00.068 - 9:15:57 AM; Dr. Prescott discusses challenges in New Hampshire agriculture, including loss of farmland due to housing development and difficulties in leasing land for farming. He mentions conservation easements as a potential solution but defers to the committee for creative ideas. He notes a farmer's experience where leased land was developed mid-use, causing resource loss. He confirms no current research projects but mentions potential collaboration with UNH veterinarians on wildlife-domestic animal disease interactions. He expresses frustration with research grant pressures and his departure from academia. Regarding improvements to the state veterinarian's office, he praises predecessor Dr. Crawford and staff, notes Commissioner Jasper's open door policy, and wishes for more staff time on agriculture issues over pet vending, despite funding from the latter.
Unclear: Representative Minor Information Only00:51:00.068 - 9:15:57 AM; Representative Minor asks Dr. Prescott about his involvement in research projects, publications, and potential studies on wildlife-domestic animal disease spread. He also inquires about streamlining or changing operations in the state veterinarian's office.
Unclear: Dr. Prescott Information Only00:51:00.068 - 9:15:57 AM; Dr. Prescott responds that he is new and has not yet identified specific changes but feels fortunate with the staff and leadership. He advocates for shifting staff focus from pet vending to agriculture and animal health issues, noting funding constraints.
Unclear: Representative Minor Information Only00:51:00.068 - 9:15:57 AM; Representative Minor asks Dr. Prescott's feelings on HB 396, which alleviates regulations on meat processing and raising food for select cut operations without FDA involvement.
Unclear: Dr. Prescott Oppose00:51:00.068 - 9:15:57 AM; Dr. Prescott expresses concerns about HB 396, noting it could risk New Hampshire citizens violating federal law and requiring waivers, which he opposes to avoid putting citizens at risk.
Unclear: Chair Information Only00:51:00.068 - 9:15:57 AM; The Chair thanks Dr. Prescott for his introduction, background, and discussion on issues, noting he missed skiing with his brother to attend.
Unclear: Dr. Prescott Support00:51:00.068 - 9:15:57 AM; Dr. Prescott thanks the committee for the opportunity to introduce himself and offers to discuss or support New Hampshire agriculture further.
HB1189 2026-0965h: Representative Bixby (Prime Sponsor) Support00:51:00.068 - 9:15:57 AM; Representative Bixby introduces the amendment to HB 1189, discussing clarifications on membership to avoid conflicts of interest, fixes to typos (e.g., 149 to 189), and additions for balance like limiting industry-affiliated members. He defers to Representative Potenza for details on changes to committee composition and denial criteria.
HB1189 2026-0965h: Representative Potenza Support01:06:00.068 - 9:30:57 AM; Representative Potenza details amendment changes: succinct expertise requirements for members, limits on industry ties, additions for denying certificates based on public benefit and qualifications criteria early in the process, and references to existing laws for red flags.
HB1189 2026-0965h: Representative (Unnamed) Information Only01:06:00.068 - 9:30:57 AM; Clarifies the public benefit reference in RSA 149-M:11 relates to capacity need, allowing early denial if unmet.
HB1189 2026-0965h: Representative Bixby Support01:06:00.068 - 9:30:57 AM; Notes the amendment cleans up confusing language with double negatives and references greenfields/brownfields, traffic impacts, and transportation.
HB1189 2026-0965h: Representative Potenza Support01:06:00.068 - 9:30:57 AM; Explains replacing greenhouse gases with transportation impacts for broader coverage, including road degradation.
HB1189 2026-0965h: Representative Scully Information Only01:06:00.068 - 9:30:57 AM; Asks Director Wimsett if the bill improves the siting process.
HB1189 2026-0965h: Director Mike Wimsett (DES) Support01:06:00.068 - 9:30:57 AM; Director Wimsett, with Leah McKenna, states the bill provides thorough public review for topics outside DES expertise.
HB1189 2026-0965h: Representative (Unnamed) Information Only01:06:00.068 - 9:30:57 AM; Clarifies agency was not consulted on this amendment.
HB1189 2026-0965h: Representative Bixby Support01:06:00.068 - 9:30:57 AM; Mentions minor changes like keeping 'shall' in severability clause per OLS, adding notice pursuant to RSA 36:56 for projects of regional impact, and preference for expansions over greenfields.
HB1189 2026-0965h: Representative Bixby Support01:21:00.068 - 9:45:57 AM; Moves to adopt amendment 2026-0965h, emphasizing public transparency and involvement beyond technical permitting.
HB1189 2026-0965h: Committee Vote Vote01:21:00.068 - 9:45:57 AM; Amendment adoption passes 12-0.
HB1189 2026-0965h: Representative Potenza Support01:21:00.068 - 9:45:57 AM; Moves Ought to Pass with Amendment (OTPA).
HB1189 2026-0965h: Representative Bixby Support01:21:00.068 - 9:45:57 AM; Notes coverage in discussion.
HB1189 2026-0965h: Committee Vote Vote01:21:00.068 - 9:45:57 AM; OTPA passes 12-0, placed on consent.
HB1305: Representative Aaron Oppose01:21:00.068 - 9:45:57 AM; Recommends ITL, arguing telehealth for animals differs from humans as animals cannot communicate symptoms, requiring physical exams for accurate diagnoses.
HB1305: Representative Bixby Oppose01:21:00.068 - 9:45:57 AM; Supports ITL, noting remote work leads to excessive drug prescriptions, pushing away from non-medicinal interventions.
HB1305: Representative Wheeler Oppose01:21:00.068 - 9:45:57 AM; Agrees, citing veterinarian shortage but questioning telehealth as a solution; notes existing phone consultations suffice.
HB1305: Representative Aaron Oppose01:21:00.068 - 9:45:57 AM; Highlights flaw in establishing patient-provider relationship via telehealth.
HB1305: Representative Minor Support01:21:00.068 - 9:45:57 AM; Sees bill as step forward due to vet hiring challenges but needs work, opposes ITL.
HB1305: Representative Comptoir Oppose01:21:00.068 - 9:45:57 AM; Moves ITL, emphasizing need for in-person relationships and physical exams; animals cannot communicate.
HB1305: Representative Germano Oppose01:21:00.068 - 9:45:57 AM; Adds concern from Dr. Prescott on antibiotic resistance from over-prescription via telehealth.
HB1305: Committee Vote Vote01:21:00.068 - 9:45:57 AM; ITL passes 11-2 (Freeman and Minor no), on consent.
HB1478 2026-0975h: Representative Potenza Support01:36:00.068 - 10:00:57 AM; Introduces amendment clarifying 'new landfill' excludes expansions, removes 24/7 staffing requirement, adds hydrogeologic standards matching current rules (50-year storm), and addresses travel time concerns.
HB1478 2026-0975h: Representative Germana Support01:36:00.068 - 10:00:57 AM; Praises amendment, addresses DES concerns on 'ample margin of safety' (established term in federal/state law) and travel time (applies to landfill footprint per existing law).
HB1478 2026-0975h: Representative Bixby Support01:36:00.068 - 10:00:57 AM; Notes approximations for hydrogeology are necessary when exact measurements are infeasible.
HB1478 2026-0975h: Representative Potenza Support01:36:00.068 - 10:00:57 AM; Confirms 'ample margin of safety' used for 70+ years in environmental laws.
HB1478 2026-0975h: Representative Gruber Support01:36:00.068 - 10:00:57 AM; Thanks for edits aligning with other states on conductivity and 5-year timeframe to protect soil/water.
HB1478 2026-0975h: Representative Potenza Support01:36:00.068 - 10:00:57 AM; Moves to adopt amendment 2026-0975h.
HB1478 2026-0975h: Representative Germana Support01:36:00.068 - 10:00:57 AM; Seconds.
HB1478 2026-0975h: Representative Scully Oppose01:36:00.068 - 10:00:57 AM; Praises improvements but opposes due to precluding repeat qualified professionals (hydrogeologists), risking unqualified hires.
HB1478 2026-0975h: Representative Potenza Support01:36:00.068 - 10:00:57 AM; Clarifies applies only to hydrogeologists for new landfills (rare), not engineers; existing experts unaffected.
HB1478 2026-0975h: Committee Vote Vote01:51:00.068 - 10:15:57 AM; Amendment passes 12-1 (Scully no).
HB1478 2026-0975h: Representative (Unnamed) Support01:51:00.068 - 10:15:57 AM; Emphasizes bill's enforceable 5-year travel time standard over vague assurances.
HB1478 2026-0975h: Committee Vote Vote01:51:00.068 - 10:15:57 AM; OTPA passes 12-1, on consent.
HB1092: Chair (Representative Aaron) Oppose01:51:00.068 - 10:15:57 AM; Proposes ITL as content incorporated into HB 1253 amendment.
HB1092: Committee Vote Vote01:51:00.068 - 10:15:57 AM; ITL passes 13-0, on consent.
HB1133: Chair (Representative Aaron) Oppose01:51:00.068 - 10:15:57 AM; Proposes ITL as content incorporated into HB 1253 amendment; original bill too harsh on nuisance issues.
HB1133: Committee Vote Vote01:51:00.068 - 10:15:57 AM; ITL passes 13-0, on consent.
HB1253 2026-0930h: Chair (Representative Aaron) Support01:51:00.068 - 10:15:57 AM; Introduces amendment incorporating HB 1092 and HB 1133 language: adds guarding crops/livestock to exceptions in RSA 466:30-a; defines livestock/crop guardian dogs clearly (working in agricultural settings, not nuisance barking); adds penalties for false claims in nuisance complaints. Worked with Farm Bureau and stakeholders.
HB1253 2026-0930h: Representative Bixby Support01:51:00.068 - 10:15:57 AM; Thanks Chair for balancing opinions.
HB1253 2026-0930h: Representative Haskins Support01:51:00.068 - 10:15:57 AM; Thanks for clarity to address upsetting testimony on nuisances.
HB1253 2026-0930h: Representative Potenza Support01:51:00.068 - 10:15:57 AM; Praises collaborative work on hard testimony.
HB1253 2026-0930h: Representative Barber Support01:51:00.068 - 10:15:57 AM; Thanks as vice chair for masterclass in collaboration.
HB1253 2026-0930h: Chair (Representative Aaron) Support01:51:00.068 - 10:15:57 AM; Moves adoption of amendment 2026-0930h.
HB1253 2026-0930h: Representative Bixby Support01:51:00.068 - 10:15:57 AM; Seconds.
HB1253 2026-0930h: Committee Vote Vote01:51:00.068 - 10:15:57 AM; Amendment passes 13-0.
HB1253 2026-0930h: Committee Vote01:51:00.068 - 10:15:57 AM; OTPA implied and supported unanimously.
HB1275 2024-0925h: Representative Germana Support02:06:00.068 - 10:30:57 AM; Explains the amendment's key changes: removes the dedicated fund and instead allows funding from the existing drinking water and groundwater trust fund for PFAS testing in agricultural soil; requires testing of soil and biosolids before land application; sets rulemaking deadline for standards by June 30, 2027; discusses health-based vs. concentration-based standards, emphasizing that DES should determine soil PFAS levels to protect drinking water standards without legislative dictation due to site-specific factors.
HB1275 2024-0925h: Representative Cantor Information Only02:06:00.068 - 10:30:57 AM; Seeks clarification on the conflict between the bill's effective date 60 days after passage and the rulemaking initiation by June 30, 2027, questioning how testing can occur without rules in place.
HB1275 2024-0925h: Representative Germana Information Only02:06:00.068 - 10:30:57 AM; Acknowledges the question and suggests a possible floor amendment to clarify; notes it's an excellent point without an immediate answer.
HB1275 2024-0925h: Representative Comtois Information Only02:06:00.068 - 10:30:57 AM; Reiterates the concern about the effective date and testing without rules.
HB1275 2024-0925h: Representative Bixby Information Only02:06:00.068 - 10:30:57 AM; Suggests checking with OLS; points to line 18 indicating rulemaking by June 30, 2027, which aligns timing for other elements.
HB1275 2024-0925h: Representative Haskins Oppose02:06:00.068 - 10:30:57 AM; Appreciates Rep. Germana's work but sees deficiencies in the amendment; calls for Rep. Thomas, the bill sponsor, to speak on it.
HB1275 2024-0925h: Representative Potenza Support02:06:00.068 - 10:30:57 AM; Supports calling Rep. Thomas; notes current standards exist from federal and state levels, so it's not a free-for-all; emphasizes the amendment requires testing to meet existing standards.
HB1275 2024-0925h: Representative Germana Support02:06:00.068 - 10:30:57 AM; Reiterates that the bill's core is requiring testing of soil and additives to ensure compliance with existing health-based standards.
HB1275 2024-0925h: Representative Comtois Information Only02:06:00.068 - 10:30:57 AM; Requests explanation from DES on current rules for sludge/biosolids land application.
HB1275 2024-0925h: Jeff Martz, DES Hazardous Waste Remediation Bureau Administrator Information Only02:21:00.068 - 10:45:57 AM; Introduces himself; explains current soil remediation standards for four PFAS protective of groundwater, designed for subsurface releases; notes PFAS bind to organic carbon in surface soil.
HB1275 2024-0925h: Ren Bodo, DES Residuals Management Section Supervisor Information Only02:21:00.068 - 10:45:57 AM; Clarifies no PFAS standards yet in sludge management rules; they are working on them; defers to Jeff Martz on soil standards.
HB1275 2024-0925h: Representative Scully Oppose02:21:00.068 - 10:45:57 AM; Raises concern about effective date allowing land application before standards are set by 2027, potentially leading to retroactive issues; suggests aligning effective date with standards creation.
HB1275 2024-0925h: Representative Bixby Information Only02:21:00.068 - 10:45:57 AM; Argues that mandating rulemaking by June 30, 2027, requires passage; clarifies section 3 allows but does not require testing immediately; testing requirement starts after 2027.
HB1275 2024-0925h: Representative Comtois Oppose02:21:00.068 - 10:45:57 AM; Likes the amendment but concerned about 60-day effective date; would support if delayed to January 1, 2027; will vote for amendment but against bill.
HB1275 2024-0925h: Representative Germana Support02:21:00.068 - 10:45:57 AM; Suggests floor amendment could address; explains current rules apply immediately, and post-passage to 2027 effectively pauses land application until new PFAS rules are adopted, as exceeding future standards would prohibit it.
HB1275 2024-0925h: Representative Bixby Information Only02:36:00.068 - 11:00:57 AM; Questions if current rules without PFAS would allow application until 2027; DES confirms biosolids meeting current non-PFAS specs can be applied, but PFAS not yet regulated.
HB1275 2024-0925h: Ren Bodo Information Only02:36:00.068 - 11:00:57 AM; Confirms modeling project for standards expected by October; emphasizes doing it right, even if delayed.
HB1275 2024-0925h: Representative Haskins Support02:36:00.068 - 11:00:57 AM; Suggests floor amendment to delay section 2 (testing/application) to later date, keeping others as is.
HB1275 2024-0925h: Representative Contour Support02:36:00.068 - 11:00:57 AM; Concurs with delaying section 2.
HB1275 2024-0925h: Representative Gruber Information Only02:36:00.068 - 11:00:57 AM; Requests input from bill prime sponsor Rep. Thomas.
HB1275 2024-0925h: Representative Thomas, Merrimack Oppose02:36:00.068 - 11:00:57 AM; Reads emails from stakeholders (Merrimack Citizens for Clean Water, etc.) opposing the amendment for moving away from health-based criteria, providing immunity without end date, and misusing trust fund; scientists from Just Zero oppose for immunity, funding misuse, and lack of prohibition on contaminated sludge; stakeholders withdraw support; urges ITL amendment and bill if amendment passes.
HB1275 2024-0925h: Rob Johnson, NH Farm Bureau Policy Director Support02:36:00.068 - 11:00:57 AM; Supports original bill and amendment after discussion with Rep. Germana; concerned about effective date clarity for farmers' planning if not adjusted.
HB1275 2024-0925h: Representative Bixby Support02:36:00.068 - 11:00:57 AM; Notes section 3 mostly existing law; adds permission (not mandate) for soil testing funding; stepwise legislation needed to start testing untested soils; immunity protects farmers from lawsuits for unknowing prior contamination, incentivizing testing.
HB1275 2024-0925h: Representative Scully Support02:36:00.068 - 11:00:57 AM; Echoes need for farmer immunity against lawsuits for unknowing PFAS in biosolids; without it, testing could lead to suits; if immunity, pre-standard testing less risky.
HB1275 2024-0925h: Representative Miner Oppose02:36:00.068 - 11:00:57 AM; Questions why continue spreading PFAS-contaminated sludge if known; wouldn't order more if aware.
HB1275 2024-0925h: Representative Potenza Information Only02:36:00.068 - 11:00:57 AM; Did not hear testimony about suing farmers; clarifies no such intent expressed.
HB1275 2024-0925h: Representative Wheeler Support02:36:00.068 - 11:00:57 AM; Opposes delegating to rulemaking generally but supports here for PFAS; stepwise progress needed; this compromise could pass House/Senate/Governor, unlike others.
HB1275 2024-0925h: Representative Germana Support02:51:00.068 - 11:15:57 AM; Briefly supports moving forward.
HB1275 2024-0925h: Committee Chair Vote02:51:00.068 - 11:15:57 AM; Calls vote on amendment 0925h for HB1275: passes 12-1.
HB1275 2024-0925h: Committee Chair Vote02:51:00.068 - 11:15:57 AM; Calls vote on OTPA with amendment: passes 12-1; not on consent due to planned floor amendment; assigns Rep. Germana and Comtois to draft floor amendment delaying effective date.
HB1488 2024-Potenza amendment: Representative Potenza Support03:03:58.037 - 11:28:55 AM; Explains amendment: converts bill to study committee on rabies vaccination requirements, exemptions, evidence for titers, other states' approaches, public health/veterinary implications; defines 'veterinary medical condition' for exemptions (contraindicated due to medical issues); reduces initial exemption certification from three to two veterinary entities (owner's vet and American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine); reports to state veterinarian but not decision-maker.
HB1488 2024-Potenza amendment: Representative Bixby Oppose03:03:58.037 - 11:28:55 AM; Opposes section 6 changes to RSA 436:100 on exemptions as not germane, not heard in public hearing; suggests separate bill next year; open to study but prefers interim study over committee to avoid legislative hurdles.
HB1488 2024-Potenza amendment: Representative Germana Oppose03:03:58.037 - 11:28:55 AM; Opposes exemption language changes; study committee should address exemptions; waffles on study committee due to past overload but prefers over bill.
HB1488 2024-Potenza amendment: Representative Potenza Information Only03:03:58.037 - 11:28:55 AM; Clarifies amendment does not change exemptions; defines existing known conditions already used; no new exemptions created.
HB1488 2024-Potenza amendment: Representative Gruber Support03:03:58.037 - 11:28:55 AM; Emphasizes rabies severity (fatal); US system working (rare human cases); titer data inconclusive, needs study; supports study committee if including state veterinarian's office for data/science review.
HB1488 2024-Potenza amendment: Committee Chair Information Only03:03:58.037 - 11:28:55 AM; Notes study committee can invite anyone, including state vet.
HB1488 2024-Potenza amendment: Representative Compton Support03:03:58.037 - 11:28:55 AM; Prefers interim study over committee for quicker action without full legislative passage; this bill recurs yearly; interim allows committee to study with invitations.
HB1488 2024-Potenza amendment: Representative Freeman Support03:03:58.037 - 11:28:55 AM; Prefers interim study for speed; missed public hearing testimony, has questions.
HB1488 2024-Potenza amendment: State Veterinarian Information Only03:18:58.037 - 11:43:55 AM; Described experiences intervening in exemption cases where veterinarians hesitate to challenge clients, advocated for state veterinarian oversight to ensure thorough consideration of animal health, public health implications of rabies, and proper reporting of adverse vaccine reactions, noting value in questioning exemption reasons.
HB1488 2024-Potenza amendment: Representative Potenza Oppose03:20:30.000 - 11:45:27 AM; Questioned the vagueness of 'veterinary medical condition' versus more prescriptive criteria, raised concerns about adding bureaucracy with multiple tiers of review including state veterinarian as a third level, suggested simplifying to two tiers or direct state vet involvement if needed.
HB1488 2024-Potenza amendment: Chair Gruber Information Only03:22:00.000 - 11:46:57 AM; Facilitated discussion on amendment options, appreciated state veterinarian's input, proposed committee decision on moving amendment or interim study, thanked for clarifications.
HB1488 2024-Potenza amendment: Representative Contro Support03:23:00.000 - 11:47:57 AM; Moved for interim study on the bill to further examine issues like exemption criteria and state veterinarian role, noted studies typically start in fall despite election year, affirmed commitment to conducting the study with public hearings and recommendations.
HB1488 2024-Potenza amendment: Representative Bixby Support03:24:00.000 - 11:48:57 AM; Explained interim study process to newbie representative, clarifying it commits committee to future sessions with witnesses and public input, leading to recommendation on further legislation.
HB1488 2024-Potenza amendment: Representative Wheeler Support03:25:00.000 - 11:49:57 AM; Added that interim studies can proceed during election years without scheduling issues, citing personal experience from criminal justice committee.
HB1620 2026-0936-H: Representative Bixby Support03:26:00.000 - 11:50:57 AM; Presented amendment removing prohibition on new underground storage in construction due to low probability and safeguards, changed removal trigger from 12 months unused to change in heating system or no future intent, emphasized compliance via heating industry awareness and oil remediation fund assistance for environmental protection.
HB1620 2026-0936-H: Representative Freeman Information Only03:30:00.000 - 11:54:57 AM; Noted absence of original bill's tank disclosure requirement in the amendment.
HB1620 2026-0936-H: Chair Gruber Information Only03:33:58.037 - 11:58:55 AM; Jokingly referenced British baking show handshake after discussion, called for motion on amendment.
HB1620 2026-0936-H: Representative Bixby Support03:34:00.000 - 11:58:57 AM; Moved to adopt HB1620 with amendment 2026-0936-H.
HB1620 2026-0936-H: Representative Scully Support03:34:30.000 - 11:59:27 AM; Seconded the motion to adopt the amendment.
HB1766 2026-0985-H: Representative Comtois Support03:35:00.000 - 11:59:57 AM; Explained amendment creating separate livestock section in cruelty statutes, allowing confiscation only upon charge or imminent danger with 7-day return if not charged, mimicking existing animal laws but specifying livestock, requiring court hearings within 14 days if charged, mandating euthanasia if suffering costs exceed fund without owner payment, clarifying temporary protective custody boundaries for due process, limiting to law enforcement or animal control, addressing donations and publicity.
HB1766 2026-0985-H: Representative Potenza Support03:40:00.000 - 12:04:57 PM; Asked if 7-day return provision helps reduce state costs, agreed it does.
HB1766 2026-0985-H: Representative Bixby Support03:41:00.000 - 12:05:57 PM; Clarified 'pays for care' means actual payment not agreement, explained 'shall' for euthanasia avoids putting veterinarian in difficult position once suffering level determined.
HB1766 2026-0985-H: Representative Wheeler Information Only03:42:00.000 - 12:06:57 PM; Questioned inclusion of humane society officers in temporary custody for non-livestock, noted separation needed separate section without changing existing law, expressed appreciation for due process improvements but uncertainty on complexities and private sector involvement, stated intent to vote no per mentor advice when unsure.
HB1766 2026-0985-H: Representative Comtois Support03:48:58.037 - 12:13:55 PM; Responded to cost question for 7-day returns as needing future legislation, clarified 14-day hearing from confiscation not charge, emphasized priority for charged cases and immediate return if not charged, noted officer may decide not to charge post-confiscation.
HB1766 2026-0985-H: Representative Wheeler Oppose03:50:00.000 - 12:14:57 PM; Reiterated concerns on humane society provisions and overall uncertainties in law enforcement interactions and public vs private sector roles in prosecution, affirmed voting no but following bill closely.
HB1766 2026-0985-H: Representative Potenza Support03:52:00.000 - 12:16:57 PM; Praised extensive work by Representatives Comtois and Bixby on the bill across sessions and bodies, appreciated impact on constituents.
HB1766 2026-0985-H: Representative Comtois Support03:53:00.000 - 12:17:57 PM; Moved for OTPA on HB1766 with amendment.
HB1766 2026-0985-H: Representative Bixby Support03:53:30.000 - 12:18:27 PM; Seconded the OTPA motion.

Aron, Judy(Chairman)(R)[A-]2025	King, Seth(Clerk)(R)[B+]2025	Barbour, Liz(V Chairman)(R)[B+]2025
Gruber, James(D)[F]2025	Bixby, Peter(D)[F]2025	Sofikitis, Catherine(D)[D-]2025
Freeman, Lisa(R)[B+]2025	Comtois, Barbara(R)[B+]2025	Scully, Kevin(R)[A-]2025
Howard, Molly(D)[D]2025	Wheeler, Jonah(D)[D-]2025	Haskins, Linda(D)[F]2025
Potenza, Kelley(R)[A]2025	Kenny, Catherine(R)[B]2025	Germana, Nicholas(D)[F]2025
Miner, Laurence(R)[B]2025