Committee Summary for House Environment and Agriculture (03/31/2026)

Member	Member	Member
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

Bill/Time	Type	Title	Sponsor
SB475	Public Hearing	including a determination of the best interest of the animal in the definition of foster home.	Birdsell, Regina(R)[B-]2025
SB418	Public Hearing	prohibiting municipalities from requiring licenses for the production and sale of homestead food products.	Sullivan, Victoria(R)[A-]2025
SB418	Public Hearing	prohibiting municipalities from requiring licenses for the production and sale of homestead food products.	Sullivan, Victoria(R)[A-]2025
SB644	Public Hearing	requiring background checks for solid waste and hazardous waste facility owners.	Pearl, Howard (R)[B]2025
SB624	Public Hearing	restricting access to certain hemp-derived products.	Gannon, Bill(R)[B-]2025
SB465	Public Hearing	classifying xylazine as a schedule III controlled drug.	Gannon, Bill(R)[B-]2025
Unclear	General Working Session	Unclear

SB475: Support 00:02:52.728 - 10:02:23 AM; Senator Bertzel, the prime sponsor, introduced SB 475, explaining that current law prevents pregnant and lactating dogs from being placed in foster homes, which she argues is inappropriate as foster environments can be calmer and more suitable than stressful shelters. She shared her experience fostering seven poodles for New England Poodle Rescue, noting that while her home wasn't suitable for pregnant dogs, many foster homes are. The bill allows placement based on the animal's best interest. She mentioned the Senate amendment to clarify language and responded to committee questions about foster home background, operations, inspections, applicability to other animals, and the amendment process.
SB475: Support 00:18:12.674 - 10:17:43 AM; Commissioner Jasper supported SB 475 but sought amendments for clarity. He explained that department rules since 2015-2016 limited foster facilities to medical or behavioral rehabilitation, excluding pregnancy as a medical necessity. He advocated changing 'foster home' to 'foster facility' to include veterinary clinics or rehab centers for severely injured animals, avoiding unintended consequences. He clarified that registration would be required from pet vending facilities, not individual fosters, to maintain oversight lists, noting most vendors comply but some do not.
SB475: Support 00:23:14.214 - 10:22:45 AM; Commissioner Jasper continues his testimony emphasizing the need for pet vendors to maintain and share lists of foster homes with inspection records to ensure compliance without invasive state inspections of private residences. He supports the bill's concept but proposes clarifying language to include 'facility or' in the definition of foster home to encompass non-residential locations like veterinarian clinics or training facilities without requiring financial transactions. He explains that fostering is limited to medical or behavioral rehabilitation, not general housing or adoption, and animals must return to the pet vendor for transfer. He addresses quarantine requirements for out-of-state animals and clarifies that private sales are exempt from these rules. Jasper stresses that inspections of foster homes only occur upon complaints, which have never happened in his tenure, and highlights the importance of pet vendors ensuring annual inspections to prevent issues like hoarding or poor conditions.
SB475: Support 00:43:38.465 - 10:43:09 AM; Patricia Morris testifies in support of SB 475 as amended by the Senate, representing the Governor's Commission which unanimously endorses it, and notes the Governor's office also supports it. Personally, as a foster home operator, animal lawyer, and UNH Law instructor, she expresses concerns about the proposed amendment adding 'facility or' to the foster home definition, arguing it blurs the line between private residences and commercial entities like vet clinics, which are already regulated differently. She opposes state registration and unannounced inspections of private foster homes, emphasizing that pet vendors should handle inspections and maintain records. Morris clarifies the bill codifies definitions to resolve confusion in rules, particularly around rehabilitation excluding pregnant/lactating animals, and urges keeping the focus on private residences without expanding to facilities.
SB475: Support 00:50:15.025 - 10:49:46 AM; Kurt Ehrenberg briefly supports SB 475 as amended by the Senate, thanking Senator Birdsell and Commissioner Jasper for their work on the bill, and urges the committee to pass it without further amendments.
SB475: Information Only 00:51:25.501 - 10:50:56 AM; In closing remarks, Commissioner Jasper clarifies that foster homes are part of pet vending under current rules, with inspections only upon complaints, which have not occurred. He reiterates the need to include non-residential facilities in the foster home definition to allow flexible arrangements tied to pet vendors without opposition to such expansions.
SB418: Support 00:55:04.885 - 10:54:35 AM; Senator Sullivan introduces SB 418, citing the 'Picklegate' incident in Manchester where a constituent, Mr. Mowry, received a cease-and-desist for sharing homemade pickles, despite no sales occurring. She criticizes Manchester's overreach in banning homemade goods like pickles, baked items, and spices, which contradicted state homesteading laws and led to national attention. Sullivan argues the bill codifies existing state RSA 143-A homestead exemptions uniformly, preventing local bans on low-risk items like jams, jellies, and acidified pickles. She addresses food safety concerns by noting commercial outbreaks despite regulations and emphasizes homesteading as a tradition, not commercial production, with proper labeling required. She requests an Ought to Pass recommendation to end such local overreach.
SB418: Support 01:04:11.160 - 11:03:42 AM; Senator Sullivan continues to answer questions about SB 418, emphasizing that the bill ensures uniform state homestead laws across municipalities, preventing local bans on safe, non-hazardous foods like pickles and baked goods. She explains how cities like Manchester have imposed stricter requirements, such as commercial kitchens, turning homesteading into licensed businesses and undermining community events like bake sales and farmers markets. She highlights the safety of homestead products, citing pH levels below 4.6 to prevent botulism, and notes that municipalities are selectively enforcing rules, picking winners and losers. Sullivan stresses the bill's intent to honor state law without affecting emergency carve-outs.
SB418: Information Only 01:15:12.557 - 11:14:43 AM; Colleen Smith provides information on the regulatory framework for food safety in New Hampshire. She explains that the state has jurisdiction over most areas except 15 self-inspecting cities and towns with MOUs. Cities derive authority from RSA 47 to make their own food regulations, while towns with MOUs under RSA 147 must align with state rules. Self-inspecting entities can set stricter standards, license temporary events, or ban homesteads for reasons like food safety or zoning. Smith notes that the bill cites RSA 147 (towns) but the issue involves cities under RSA 47, suggesting an amendment might be needed. She discusses the benefits of local control, such as revenue from licensing and more frequent inspections, and estimates that absorbing self-inspecting workloads would require a significant increase in state staff (from about 5,000 to over 8,000-9,000 establishments). DHHS has monitored the bill and supports aligning local rules with state homestead laws for consistency.
SB418: Support 01:35:36.359 - 11:35:07 AM; Chrissy Cantor supports SB 418, describing the 'picklegate' controversy in Manchester where a cease-and-desist was issued to Daniel Mowry for selling homemade pickles, creating a 'geography of fairness' issue where homestead activities are allowed in nearby towns like Hooksett but banned in Manchester. She argues that local restrictions add unnecessary red tape without enhancing safety, as the state Homestead Food Act is proven safe with no botulism cases from citizens, contrasting with corporate recalls elsewhere. Cantor notes Manchester recently allowed baking but seeks full alignment with state standards to treat residents as equals, enabling entrepreneurs to sell jams, pickles, and baked goods to cover bills or test ideas. She criticizes selective enforcement and urges support to live up to the state motto of trusting citizens.
SB418: Oppose 01:38:41.639 - 11:38:12 AM; Tim Poitras opposes SB 418, advocating for local control in one of the 15 self-inspecting communities. Nashua, the second-largest city, licenses over 500 food establishments with a small staff of six covering inspections, pools, and septics. He argues that RSAs 47, 147, and 143 allow self-inspecting entities to tailor regulations, and Nashua provides guidance on homestead requirements, steering operators to commissary kitchens or separate commercial spaces in homes to enable licensing, inspections, and education. Poitras emphasizes that licensing fosters relationships, ensures oversight, and prevents reactionary enforcement; without it, there's no routine inspection for homesteads. He notes Nashua supports small businesses, conducts 1,597 inspections annually, and allows licensed out-of-town homesteads at farmers markets but not unlicensed home-prepared foods per their food code. Bake sales are exempt under the 2017 food code. Poitras clarifies that homestead licensing applies only for certain sales, but Nashua requires commercial setups for public consumption to maintain safety and consistency.
SB418: Oppose 01:59:41.517 - 11:59:12 AM; Mike McGinnis, the deputy health officer for the city of Nashua, opposes the bill primarily because it does not allow for local control, including the issuance of licenses and the plan review process necessary to ensure that facilities have appropriate equipment and space for sanitary and safe food production for public distribution. He notes that Nashua, as a self-inspecting jurisdiction, has never allowed homestead operations to prepare and distribute food to the public, adhering to their rules even if it conflicts with state law. He emphasizes the importance of inspections, stating that even commercial establishments are inspected multiple times a year and issues are still found, highlighting the risks of no oversight in homestead settings, which he describes as the 'Wild West.' He personally disagrees with the bill due to the diversity of home environments in Nashua and the lack of regulation without licensing.
SB418: Information Only 02:05:04.277 - 12:04:35 PM; McGinnis responds to questions about food safety under state law, noting no current issues like botulism deaths. He confirms representing the City of Nashua's Environmental Health Department and addresses concerns about personal bias in testimony. In response to a question about Nashua's ordinances potentially discouraging homestead food businesses, he acknowledges it is possible and suspects unreported activity occurs, as enforcement is complaint-driven.
SB644: Support 03:02:49.863 - 1:02:20 PM; Scully introduces SB 644, explaining it amends state law for criminal background checks on solid waste and hazardous waste facility permit applicants. The bill corrects language to enable FBI multi-state checks, following issues identified post-2023 corrections. It clarifies subjects for checks and simplifies the process by removing the Department of Justice as intermediary. Notes the bill died in conference last session due to unrelated amendments.
SB644: Support 03:05:53.732 - 1:05:24 PM; Wimsatt testifies in support, confirming the bill is a DES request to fix deficiencies in background check language for FBI access. Changes include clarifying who is subject to checks, specifying DES officials to receive results, and streamlining by having applicants submit forms directly to DES, then to State Police. Emphasizes it is identical to the prior version before amendments, with minor fixes, and notes involvement from waste management industry without opposition.
SB624: Support 03:11:09.981 - 1:10:40 PM; Peter Bixby introduces SB 624 on behalf of Senator Gannon, who apologizes for not attending. The bill aims to close a loophole from the 2018 Federal Farm Bill that has allowed unregulated hemp products with high THC concentrations to be sold without labeling, potency testing, or age restrictions. It notes complaints to the Liquor Commission about children as young as 12 acquiring these products. The bill passed the Senate unanimously, bridging supporters and opponents of marijuana legalization. Bixby defers to the New Hampshire Liquor Enforcement on implementation.
SB624: Support 03:12:12.341 - 1:11:43 PM; Sue Homola explains that SB 624 updates the definition of hemp to include THCA, mirroring the federal definition, adds an age restriction for purchasing hemp products, and provides enforcement mechanisms for violations. Hemp and marijuana are the same plant, distinguished by THC levels; THCA can be converted into high THC concentrations for consumable products. The 2018 Farm Bill created a loophole exploited for 'gas station weed,' leading to mislabeled products with excessive THC. A 2024 report found 69% of tested products exceeded 0.3% Delta-9 THC, and 81% exceeded limits when including THCA. Current law lacks enforcement provisions. Federal changes to close the loophole take effect in November 2026, but advocacy may weaken them. SAM NH supports the bill and advocates for raising the age limit to 25 based on brain development science, though 21 aligns with alcohol laws. During Q&A, she discusses marketing to children, enforcement challenges, need for third-party testing, and the bill's focus on core issues without added complexity.
SB624: Oppose 03:33:25.879 - 1:32:56 PM; Jim Riddle opposes SB 624, calling it poorly written and recommending it be found inexpedient to legislate. Federal law passed last fall prohibits intoxicating hemp derivatives effective November 13, 2024, but rules are pending, and congressional bills may delay or amend it; states should wait for federal regulations as existing state law already prohibits these products. The bill creates new criminals by prohibiting those under 21 from possessing any hemp products without linking to THC limits, affecting college students and tourists. Business penalties up to $20,000 lack clear linkage to specific violations. The fiscal note claims no cost but ignores judicial, correctional, and enforcement impacts on state, county, and local governments, creating an unfunded mandate without funding for testing or prosecution. During Q&A, he notes potential restrictions on legitimate CBD products with trace THC, emphasizes regulatory approaches like certificates of analysis over criminalization, and highlights federal delays in cannabinoid listing by FDA.
SB624: Information Only 03:52:51.441 - 1:52:22 PM; Chief Armaganian introduces himself and Deputy Elston as experts on liquor and tobacco regulation. Elston explains the role of their agency in regulating alcohol and tobacco licensees, noting the lack of reference to hemp products in Title 13 (liquor laws) and Chapter 126K (tobacco laws). She highlights the need to direct licensees to the hemp definition in agriculture statutes for clarity on allowable products. Elston addresses mislabeling issues, explaining that many products are labeled as 'farm bill compliant' but contain intoxicating THC variants like THCA, THCO, Delta 8, etc., which are under 0.3% Delta 9 THC but still intoxicating. She describes products mimicking candy (e.g., Skittles, Nerds) accessible to minors, leading to underage purchases and overdoses. Elston notes suppliers are legitimate businesses from other states unaware of NH laws, and emphasizes penalties mirroring those for marijuana: civil infractions for minors until third offense, administrative and criminal penalties for establishments in egregious cases. She supports clarifying the bill to specify allowable products and links to Title 13 for enforcement.
SB624: Support 04:24:39.613 - 2:24:10 PM; Frey, Vice President of Advocacy at New Futures, a nonprofit focused on reducing youth alcohol and drug problems, supports SB 624. She describes the intentional marketing strategies of industries exploiting legal loopholes to target youth and vulnerable populations, similar to alcohol and tobacco playbooks. Frey counters misinformation on penalties, noting they are civil like cannabis until repeated offenses. She shares photos of intoxicating hemp products in NH stores and stresses the need for enforcement under tobacco and liquor licenses, which previous efforts lacked. Frey urges action now despite federal delays, as the intoxicating hemp industry lobbies against federal changes; state law provides protection for kids. She mentions similar issues with nitrous oxide and kratom.
SB465: Information Only 04:29:46.905 - 2:29:17 PM; Bixby introduces SB 465 on behalf of Senator Gannon, absent today. The bill classifies xylazine, an animal tranquilizer used to cut 30% of seized fentanyl in NH, as a Schedule III drug to enable enforcement against dealers. Xylazine interferes with overdose reversal efforts and is cheap on black markets. An amendment ensures veterinarians can continue using it. The bill passed unanimously in Senate committee and on consent calendar.
SB465: Support 04:31:38.712 - 2:31:09 PM; Homola supports SB 465, noting xylazine is added to fentanyl to extend highs and as a cheap filler since it's not federally controlled. It's emerging in polysubstance misuse. Federal scheduling to Schedule III is under discussion but slow, so state action is needed. The Police Chiefs Association also supports. Schedule III recognizes medicinal veterinary use, unlike Schedule I.
SB465: Support 04:34:56.168 - 2:34:27 PM; Johnson supports SB 465, particularly the language (lines 7-16) ensuring licensed veterinarians can continue using xylazine under the Veterinary Practice Act. Without it, record-keeping and compliance costs would be prohibitive for animal care. Xylazine sedates livestock for handling, exams, and surgeries, keeping costs down for farmers. It changes nothing for current veterinary practices.
SB465: Support 04:37:11.528 - 2:36:42 PM; Dr. Jane Barlow-Roy, a small animal practitioner in the Concord area, and Dr. Katie Larson, the NH VMA president and large animal practitioner, testified in support of SB 465 with the Senate amendments. They appreciated the veterinary exemption allowing continued use of xylazine. They noted pending federal legislation to schedule xylazine and the NH VMA's involvement in discussions. Dr. Larson explained that xylazine is used in 90% of large animal calls for safety during procedures like colicquing or treating lacerations. The bill, as amended, will not increase costs or prohibit farmers from administering xylazine under veterinary prescription and direction, maintaining current practices where farmers cannot purchase it independently without vet involvement.
SB465: Support 04:43:09.091 - 2:42:40 PM; Kaylee McGlynn, who developed an academic project on scheduling xylazine, testified in strong support of SB 465. She highlighted her background as a Granite Stater affected by substance use, her experiences at a federal drug agency and local law enforcement, and support from SNHU experts. Xylazine, known as 'tranq' or 'zombie drug,' is a veterinary tranquilizer unapproved for humans, used as an adulterant in fentanyl and heroin, reducing naloxone effectiveness, causing necrotic wounds leading to limb loss, and having severe withdrawals. Unscheduled federally, it's found in 30% of seized fentanyl in New Hampshire per DEA data. She advocated for state-level Schedule 3 classification to enable prosecution, increase oversight, and allow veterinary use, noting it's proactive against the growing crisis following fentanyl's path. The bill complements HB 287 on test strips and enables quicker action than federal efforts.
SB465: Support 04:52:51.571 - 2:52:22 PM; Alexandra McGlynn, a pediatric nurse with a master's in nursing education, supported SB 465 for public health and safety. She compared xylazine's rise to fentanyl's, quoting the DEA on its path. Referencing a TV show depicting necrotic xylazine wounds, she emphasized its national and local presence in New Hampshire. She urged the committee not to delay, viewing the bill as a second chance to safeguard residents by learning from opioid crisis missteps. The Senate amendment protects legitimate veterinary use.
Unclear: Information Only 04:55:34.990 - 2:55:05 PM; Following the close of the SB 465 hearing, the committee discussed scheduling. Deadlines for SB 465 and SB 624 (hemp derived products) are April 16. They planned a subcommittee for SB 624 and a work session next week on the five bills heard that day, including potential amendments to the hemp bill by Representative Wheeler. Hearings for remaining four bills (two pet transfer, solid waste, and education commissions) set for April 14, with later deadlines. They considered afternoon work sessions to accommodate Senate testimonies. Discussion on HB 418 (homestead food operations) focused on exempting cities and towns from stricter local regulations, ensuring state-level adequacy prevents overregulation, especially in Nashua, and uniform rules across towns to avoid inconsistencies for producers at markets.