Committee Summary for House Executive Departments and Administration (01/21/2026)

Bill/Time	Type	Title	Sponsor
HB1469 00:06:24.560 - 9:01:16 AM	Public Hearing	relative to the licensing and inspections requirements for massage therapy establishments, and making an appropriation therefor.	Foote, Charles(R)[B]2025
HB1438 03:06:18.240 - 12:01:10 PM	Public Hearing	requiring mental health caseworkers to report instances of animal abuse by their clients.	Read, Ellen(D)[D]2025
HB1030 03:51:19.279 - 12:46:11 PM	Public Hearing	relative to licensed practical nurse scope of practice.	McGuire, Carol(R)[A+]2025
HB1310 04:05:14.080 - 1:00:06 PM	Public Hearing	relative to state licensed or certified real estate appraisers.	Grote, Jaci(D)[CT]2025
HB1310 04:08:28.239 - 1:03:20 PM	Executive Session	relative to state licensed or certified real estate appraisers.	Grote, Jaci(D)[CT]2025
HB1572 04:15:42.880 - 1:10:34 PM	Public Hearing	relative to the qualifications to obtain certain occupational licenses.	Kesselring, Steven(R)[A]2025
HB1458 05:24:09.280 - 2:19:01 PM	Public Hearing	relative to the licensing of massage, reflexology, structural integration, and Asian bodywork facilities.	Layon, Erica(R)[A+]2025
HB1443 05:49:52.160 - 2:44:44 PM	Executive Session	allowing retired state employees to defer earned retirement medical benefits to their surviving spouse.	Sabourin dit Choinière, Matt(R)[A-]2025
HB1170 05:52:14.240 - 2:47:06 PM	Executive Session	relative to stipends for retired group II members of the state retirement system.	Trottier, Douglas(R)[IN]2025
HB1459 05:56:06.080 - 2:50:58 PM	Executive Session	standardizing the application of post-retirement part-time hour limits under the New Hampshire retirement system.	MacDonald, John(R)[B+]2025
HB1527 05:58:10.878 - 2:53:02 PM	Executive Session	relative to annual notification of benefits to state employees.	Wade, Alice(D)[F]2025

HB1469: Representative Charlie Foot, Derry Support00:06:24.560 - 9:01:16 AM; Representative Foot introduced HB1469 as a measure to combat human sex trafficking by requiring licensing and inspections for massage establishments. He explained that trafficking is a widespread crisis in New Hampshire, with illicit operations reopening under new names. The bill addresses a gap by licensing businesses, not just individuals, enabling state inspections for health, safety, and compliance. It includes penalties for unlicensed operations and adds an investigative position. Foot emphasized that it protects legitimate businesses and victims, who are often vulnerable Asian women coerced into exploitation. He answered questions on stats (15 shutdowns in 2024, 6 in Derry), local ordinances, and how it aids enforcement without doing police work.
HB1469: Representative Jod Nelson Support00:22:28.640 - 9:17:20 AM; Representative Nelson testified that HB1469 is preventative, establishing upfront standards for massage establishments similar to childcare centers or restaurants to prevent harm before it occurs. It ensures visibility and accountability, making exploitation harder to hide. She monitors online sites revealing illegal activities and dangers like lack of protection. The bill protects legitimate practitioners and victims by creating regulatory presence through OPLC, focusing on guidance over punishment. Nelson urged passage, noting it reflects New Hampshire values of early intervention.
HB1469: Sergeant Charlie Pendlebury, Merrimack County Sheriff's Office Support00:28:39.520 - 9:23:31 AM; Sergeant Pendlebury, a former task force officer on human trafficking, shared experiences investigating illicit massage businesses. He described weak laws, misdemeanor penalties, and how operations evade enforcement by changing names and rotating workers, who are often undocumented victims using fake IDs. Licensing would provide oversight to prevent illicit businesses from opening and exploiting workers. He advocated for higher penalties and noted the coordinated, multi-state nature of the problem. Pendlebury addressed questions on investigations, victim identification challenges, and how administrative inspections could refer criminal activity to law enforcement without crossing jurisdictions.
HB1469: Michael Fowler, Town Administrator (testimony not provided in transcript) Information Only00:43:18.880 - 9:38:10 AM; Called to testify but no content provided in the transcript.
HB1469: Michael Fowler, Town Administrator, Derry Support00:44:10.000 - 9:39:02 AM; Michael Fowler, Town Administrator for Derry, testified in support of HB1469, sharing Derry's experience with illicit massage parlors. Derry had up to eight such establishments, leading to a 2023 ordinance modeled after Salem's, requiring proof of licensure. This enabled the town to shut down six of eight businesses by issuing cease and desist orders after investigating complaints, including out-of-state visitors and dodgy responses from owners. Concerns include businesses refiling as new LLCs and relocating. Fowler emphasized the need for statewide regulation to prevent proliferation, noting the resource burden on Derry's small code enforcement team (over 500 hours spent). He confirmed the bill mirrors Derry's ordinance and offered to provide a copy (Chapter 56 of Derry Town Code). He noted all shut-down cases involved massage parlors, not other facades, and supported broader efforts like HB405 to deter trafficking.
HB1469: Lieutenant Jonathan Breen, Derry Police Department Support00:50:41.839 - 9:45:33 AM; Lieutenant Jonathan Breen, Investigative Services Bureau Commander for Derry Police with 28 years of service, testified in support of HB1469 on behalf of Chief George Fioli and the New Hampshire Association of Chiefs of Police. He described the rise of illicit massage businesses in Derry, up to eight operating near schools and family areas, including one next to a child advocacy center. Investigations are challenging due to late hours, dark web advertising, on-site worker living, language barriers, rotations (e.g., via U-Haul), and out-of-state owners. Derry, with state/federal partners and code enforcement, shut down several. The bill's licensing would aid inspectors in spotting illegal activity for reporting to law enforcement. Breen clarified the bill provides administrative tools, not criminal enforcement, and addressed challenges like uncooperative clients, anonymous online posts insufficient for warrants, and rotation hurdles. He noted no federal prosecutions in Derry and resource limits for federal involvement. Legitimate therapists face no issues, and the bill protects public safety without targeting workers, focusing on rings.
HB1469: Jack Webb, Councilor at Large, Derry Support01:09:58.159 - 10:04:50 AM; Jack Webb, Councilor at Large for Derry and resident at 25 Drewwoods Drive, submitted written testimony and spoke briefly in support of HB1469. Drawing from 33 years as a firefighter, he likened the bill to an additional 'hose' in combating complex fires like human trafficking, complementing law enforcement and federal efforts. Derry's administrative ordinance shut down eight businesses, including one where a felon with a NH massage license (post-Delaware prostitution conviction) was exposed via code enforcement. He advocated shining a 'bright light' on illicit operations to drive them out. On compliance costs, Webb shared a personal story of a legitimate therapist (Phil Basaro) who initially grumbled about fees but supported after learning of issues like drugs, poor hygiene, and enslavement. The bill mimics Derry's effective ordinance, and he confirmed licenses expire annually on March 31st. To his knowledge, Derry is unique in having such an ordinance.
HB1469: Diana Juris, Executive Director, OPLC Information Only01:15:44.719 - 10:10:36 AM; Diana Juris, Executive Director of the Office of Professional Licensure and Certification (OPLC), provided neutral information on HB1469, stating OPLC would enforce whatever passes. She raised technical concerns about the bill's structure aligning with RSA 310, suggesting collaboration for fixes, possibly from outdated model language. On grandfathering (Section 12), she questioned if it's perpetual and how renewals work. She noted the bill preempts local ordinances, potentially requiring Derry to repeal its effective one, and would increase costs via establishment fees, likely raising massage board fees overall. She opposed general fund appropriation, favoring OPLC's fee-funded structure (no tax dollars). On inspections, she compared to cosmetology (routine scheduled or complaint-based unannounced), noting similar trafficking challenges like rotations and non-payment of fines. OPLC handles administrative functions (8-4, paperwork, standards), not criminal enforcement; unlicensed practice is criminal, referred to AG. Fiscal note ( ~$400k first year for staff/vehicles) is a rough estimate; cosmetology inspectors handle 1,000-2,500/year, with proposed roles for chief inspector and enforcement.
HB1469: Diana Juris, Executive Director, OPLC Information Only01:15:44.719 - 10:10:36 AM; Diana Juris continues answering committee questions about HB1469. She explains that the number of licensed massage therapists can be found in the annual report. She confirms that complaints can be filed against registered massage establishments similar to cosmetology. She discusses exemptions for health facilities under RSA 151, noting they are regulated by DHHS. She addresses whether chiropractors offering massage would need licensing, suggesting it depends on business structure. She notes the cost of cosmetology inspections is $100 annually but cannot quantify full compliance costs. She supports the investigative paralegal position to handle increased investigations. She explains complaints require non-anonymous filing and cooperation, though egregious cases can proceed otherwise. She mentions statutory authority to share information with law enforcement. She clarifies the massage board's unique uncompensated status and potential for per diem. She discusses funding through fees, estimating shared costs across licenses and establishments.
HB1469: Pamela Kyle and Meg Chant, New Hampshire Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Violence Support01:34:05.040 - 10:28:57 AM; Pamela Kyle and Meg Chant testify in strong support of HB1469. They highlight the coalition's work with victims of trafficking and gratitude for legislative focus. They describe the NH Human Trafficking Collaborative Task Force, a multi-disciplinary group addressing trends like illicit massage businesses (IMBs). They explain how IMBs evade scrutiny by not licensing establishments, shifting liability to victimized therapists. They emphasize connecting victims to services, noting complex investigations require victim input for prosecutions. Traffickers control victims and deter reporting by threatening prosecution for prostitution. Lack of oversight risks victims, communities (e.g., Derry), patrons, and legitimate therapists facing harassment. They advocate for coordinated criminal, civil, and regulatory responses to identify victims, provide resources, hold traffickers accountable, and protect communities. They offer to connect the committee with national experts on establishment licensing.
HB1469: Audrey Dudy, Co-Executive Director, Safe Exit Initiative Support01:40:12.960 - 10:35:04 AM; Audrey Dudy, a survivor of human trafficking and prostitution in illicit massage parlors, supports HB1469. She describes horrific conditions as 'paid rape,' with workers treated as objects and rules often broken. Stronger regulations deter sex buyers fearing exposure. She shares personal stigma and notes human trafficking's global scale, with victims hard to use as witnesses due to distrust and cultural barriers. She cites Methuen, MA shutting down eight parlors, which relocated to Derry, NH, stressing statewide action. She emphasizes sex buyers fuel trafficking and praises NH's prior bill on fines and exit services, calling for more support.
HB1469: Carolyn Farrier, New Hampshire Nurses Association Support01:45:34.480 - 10:40:26 AM; Carolyn Farrier, a 37-year nurse, shares a public health perspective supporting HB1469. She cites global estimates of 27.6 million trafficking victims and 118 NH cases in 2024. Nurses encounter trafficking victims in emergency departments and clinics, trained to recognize and support them, but limited without broader measures. She views the bill as an evidence-based step, endorsed by massage therapy boards and the coalition, to address trafficking multifacetedly.
HB1469: Beverly Donovan, Economic Development Director, Derry Support01:47:43.040 - 10:42:35 AM; Beverly Donovan supports HB1469, drawing from Derry's change of use process tightened over eight years. She notes illicit massage applicants often use New York addresses or broker properties, evading scrutiny. Businesses switch licenses (e.g., to estheticians) to avoid inspections and use duplicate or fake licenses. Legitimate therapists welcome stricter standards to avoid propositions. She describes suspicious behaviors like camera surveillance, turning away customers, and neighbor impacts. Landlords sometimes accept cash upfront despite ads shown to them. Without inspections, prevention is stymied; a fire drill revealed people living in units. She highlights economic detriment, stigmatizing plazas and complicating leasing.
HB1469: Alex Kellerman, Assistant Attorney General, NH Department of Justice Support01:59:53.679 - 10:54:45 AM; Alex Kellerman provides an overview of illicit massage businesses (IMBs) as organized trafficking rings with high mobility, closed-door operations, and coerced women rotated frequently. Nationally, there are 16,000+ IMBs growing 9% yearly, each earning up to $4M. NH has 30-40 such parlors. HB405 aided landlord engagement, closing 40% via notifications and leverage, but landlords seek more tools like civil liability protections. Investigations are resource-intensive due to victim control and mobility. Licensing establishments would enable inspections, providing evidence for cases, verifying operators, and slowing setups. It adds accountability beyond individuals, complementing law enforcement, regulatory, and community efforts. He addresses questions on landlord inspection rights, LLC anonymity, penalties, state comparisons, and potential trafficking shifts, noting profit drives operations but regulations raise costs and reduce prevalence.
HB1438: Representative Ellen Reid, Rockingham District 10 (Newmarket and Newfields) Support03:06:18.240 - 12:01:10 PM; Representative Reid introduced HB1438, explaining it makes mental health professionals mandatory reporters for animal abuse, addressing confidentiality concerns by providing legal protection. She shared her experience with animal welfare legislation, including creating a wildlife cruelty statute, and highlighted the psychological link between animal abuse and violence against humans, citing examples like serial killers starting with animal cruelty and statistics from studies showing correlations with domestic violence and other crimes. She provided a handout linking violence to people and animals, emphasizing early intervention. Reid noted the bill's language was vetted by professionals and boards, and she is open to making reporting permissive if preferred.
HB1438: Lauren Blanchett, Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Concord Support03:24:34.720 - 12:19:26 PM; Blanchett, testifying as a professional, described her experiences with domestic violence cases where animal abuse was prevalent, used by abusers to control victims. She explained how animals become tools of coercive control, instilling fear, and noted that domestic violence escalates from animal aggression to human violence. She advocated for mandatory reporting to enable early intervention and proposed amendments: referencing specific RSAs for clarity, including all licensed and pre-licensed individuals, and changing 'mental health caseworker' to 'mental health professional' for accuracy.
HB1438: Dana Jurus, Executive Director, OPLC Information Only03:35:42.160 - 12:30:34 PM; Jurus clarified that the bill's language already includes candidates for licensure under Chapter 330-A, as approvals are considered licenses. She noted the bill applies only to those under the mental health practice board, not psychologists, psychiatrists, or nurse practitioners.
HB1438: Kevin Blanchett, Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor, New Hampshire Support03:36:45.279 - 12:31:37 PM; Blanchett shared clinical experiences linking animal abuse to human abuse in households, affecting both domestic and wild animals. He explained the current legal uncertainty forces providers into an ethical dilemma: reporting violates confidentiality, while not reporting allows abuse to continue. He advocated for mandated reporting to enable collaboration with social services, animal services, and law enforcement, citing FBI recognition of animal abuse as a signal for intervention. The bill provides clarity, reducing risk and supporting ethical decision-making.
HB1438: John DeJoy, National Association of Social Workers NH Chapter and NH Affiliate of American Association of Marriage and Family Therapy Oppose03:39:23.359 - 12:34:15 PM; DeJoy opposed the bill, stating it only covers certain mental health professionals under the Board of Mental Health Practice, excluding others like psychiatrists and psychologists. He argued it violates state confidentiality statutes (330-A:32), duty to warn provisions (330-A:35), professional codes of ethics, and federal HIPAA laws, as animal abuse does not qualify for exceptions like imminent harm to specific individuals. He noted that even optional reporting wouldn't resolve these issues, and compared it to child reporting, emphasizing animals lack constitutional protections. He agreed on the data linking animal and human abuse but said therapy processes, often involving families and teens, cannot overcome confidentiality hurdles. He offered to provide specific HIPAA sections.
HB1030: Representative Carol Maguire, Merrimack District 27 Support03:51:19.279 - 12:46:11 PM; Representative Maguire introduced HB1030 as a request from the New Hampshire Hospital Association to align language on licensed practical nurses' duties with current practices. She described it as a minor tweak to specific wording and mentioned an upcoming update from the association for further adjustments.
HB1030: Alyssa Cummings, Interim Nursing Director, Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center Support03:53:08.399 - 12:48:00 PM; Alyssa Cummings testified in support of HB1030 with an amendment to revise the scope of practice for LPNs, allowing them to practice at the highest level of their education and training. She shared her experience working with LPNs in hospital settings and noted their underutilization due to restrictive language in Chapter 326-B:13 of the Nurse Practice Act, which limits LPNs to segmented assessments rather than comprehensive ones, despite curriculum teachings. Through consultations with nursing leaders, program directors, and the New Hampshire Nurses Association, they recommend removing 'focus' from line item A and changing 'participating in' to 'contributing in' in line item C. This change would strengthen team care, improve access to patient care, enhance employee satisfaction and retention, and address growing patient needs.
HB1030: Kathy Bazar Thumbberg, Executive Vice President, New Hampshire Hospital Association Support03:56:41.680 - 12:51:33 PM; Kathy Bazar Thumbberg supported Alyssa's testimony and provided a handout with proposed amendment language to replace the original placeholder in HB1030. After further discussions with nursing programs and the New Hampshire Nurses Association, they refined the language to strike 'focus' in 326-B:13(1)(a) and change 'participating in' to 'contributing to' in subparagraph C, excluding the addition of 'registered nurse initiated' to allow LPNs to work independently based on their competencies as part of the nursing team.
HB1030: Carlen Farrier, New Hampshire Nurses Association Support03:59:53.439 - 12:54:45 PM; Carlen Farrier, a nurse with 37 years of experience, provided context on LPN assessments, noting that education has evolved to train LPNs for full initial assessments, especially in long-term care facilities with few RNs. The New Hampshire Nurses Association supports the bill's language changes to enable all nurses to work to the top of their license. She explained assessments as visual and physical evaluations of patient well-being, clarifying that current language limits LPNs to subsequent assessments after RNs, but LPNs are capable of initial ones. In response to questions, she affirmed LPNs can act on perceived patient duress without waiting for an RN, subject to institutional policies.
HB1310: Representative Jackie Groa, Rockingham 24 (Rye and Greenland) Support04:05:14.080 - 1:00:06 PM; Representative Jackie Groa introduced HB1310 at the request of the Real Estate Appraiser Board. The bill requires apprentice appraisers to work under a New Hampshire certified appraiser with at least two years of certification and no disciplinary actions in the prior three years. It also limits participation in non-approved educational programs to satisfy up to half of continuing education requirements.
HB1310: DJ, Executive Director, OPLC Support04:06:26.239 - 1:01:18 PM; DJ, Executive Director of the Office of Professional Licensure and Certification (OPLC), confirmed the bill was requested in conjunction with the Real Estate Appraisers Board to align state law with federal regulations ahead of an upcoming audit. It is a technical change to ensure compliance in appraiser certification and reporting.
HB1310: Committee Vote04:08:28.239 - 1:03:20 PM; The committee moved to executive session on HB1310. Representative Groa moved for ought to pass, which was seconded. The roll call vote resulted in 13 yes votes and 0 no votes. The motion passed unanimously, and the bill was placed on the consent calendar.
HB1572: Representative Steven Castle Ring, Hillsborough 18 and Manchester Ward 12 Support04:15:42.880 - 1:10:34 PM; Representative Steven Castle Ring introduced HB1572, brought forward by Alderwoman from Manchester Ward 12, to address the shortage of drug and alcohol counselors by allowing pathways for college students in their final year to work in the community and stay in New Hampshire post-graduation. Sections two and three include cleanups requested by OPLC for speech-language pathology and recreational therapy licensing to provide flexibility for experienced individuals with equivalent programs or experience outside strict statutory requirements.
HB1572: DJ, Executive Director, OPLC Information Only04:17:42.800 - 1:12:34 PM; DJ explained sections two and three of HB1572 as board requests to expand licensing flexibility. For speech-language pathology, it adds approval for equivalent accredited programs. For recreational therapy, it removes the requirement for a specific bachelor's major, allowing experience from certifications or post-grad programs to qualify, as current programs like at UNH may not fully align and to bring more people into the field. She clarified that removing specific language does not broaden requirements excessively, as other experience and criteria still apply. On fiscal impact, any costs would come from OPLC's budget, not the general fund.
HB1572: Kelly Thomas, Alderman in Manchester Support04:23:38.159 - 1:18:30 PM; Kelly Thomas spoke in support of HB1572, emphasizing the need to remove unnecessary red tape to recruit more mental health providers. She explained that current requirements for becoming a Master's Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor (MLADC) include a full graduate degree with internships, creating barriers due to high costs and extended time. She proposed an additional pathway for Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselors (LADCs) with at least five years of good standing experience, allowing them to obtain MLADC licensure after completing 60 graduate credit hours without the additional internship, as they already have supervised experience. Thomas highlighted that both LADC and MLADC require similar continuing education, supervision, state exams, and work experience. She noted the importance of MLADCs being billable through insurance to improve accessibility and affordability, especially given the interconnectedness of substance use disorders and mental health issues. As a therapist and alderman, she stressed the shortage of providers and funding in New Hampshire, urging support for the bill to eliminate the internship requirement without compromising safety due to ongoing supervision, education, and training.
HB1572: Jackie Albakov, representing New Hampshire Alcohol and Drug Abuse Counselors Association Oppose04:32:01.920 - 1:26:53 PM; Jackie Albakov, executive director of a substance use treatment program and chair of the LADC board, supported some aspects of HB1572 but opposed key provisions due to potential risks to professional standards and insurance reimbursement. She clarified that LADCs require supervision, while MLADCs can opt for peer collaboration, recognizing their equivalence to mental health licenses. Albakov argued that the proposed pathway for LADCs with five years experience to become MLADCs after 60 credit hours without internship could lower standards, endangering insurance billing for MLADCs treating mental health disorders. She emphasized the need for comprehensive preparation in co-occurring disorders, as MLADCs must handle full mental health diagnoses, unlike LADCs limited to substance use. Responding to questions, she explained that national insurance requirements demand specific education and experience for behavioral health treatment, and shortcuts could lead insurers to differentiate or deny reimbursement, reverting to past issues. Albakov noted that current pathways already credit LADC experience toward MLADC requirements but ensure supervised training in co-occurring disorders. She expressed concerns about conflating LADC and mental health counselor pathways under different statutes (330-C vs. 330-A), potentially allowing insufficient training in substance use for mental health professionals or vice versa. She suggested amendments requiring 300 hours of substance use education and supervised co-occurring experience to address gaps, warning that the bill risks client safety by not ensuring expertise in integrated treatment of substance use and mental health disorders.
HB1572: DJ Jurus, Executive Director, OPLC Information Only04:50:00.480 - 1:44:52 PM; DJ Jurus provided clarifying information on HB1572, explaining the bill's intent to add a third pathway for MLADC licensure. She detailed current statutory requirements: a 60-hour master's degree with internship and 300 hours each of education and supervised training in substance use and co-occurring disorders, or a shorter master's with additional board-determined coursework. The proposed addition allows 60 hours of relevant master's coursework plus five years licensed experience under RSA 330-A (mental health), substituting for the internship due to equivalent practical experience. Jurus noted potential drafting issues, such as including license candidates unintentionally and ambiguity in 'shall' language, suggesting amendments for clarity like 'or' between sections. She confirmed the bill does not alter co-occurring disorder training explicitly but noted existing exam and 3,000-hour supervised experience requirements cover it, with up to 1,500 hours creditable from prior LADC work. Jurus offered to assist in redrafting to align with intent.
HB1572: Jackie Groda, Representative Rockingham 24 (Rye, Greenland) Information Only05:00:11.680 - 1:55:03 PM; Representative Jackie Groda introduced HB1328, requested by the board and OPLC, to adjust the composition of the Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselors Board by adding a second LADC member (making two LADCs) and changing the title definition. She suggested coordinating with HB1572 to avoid conflicts and expressed openness to combining related bills.
HB1572: DJ Jurus, Executive Director, OPLC Information Only05:03:39.120 - 1:58:31 PM; DJ Jurus testified on HB1328, recommending an amendment to include a second Certified Recovery Support Worker (CRSW) as intended by the board, resulting in three MLADCs, one LADC, and two CRSWs. She noted a scrivener's error in the bill language implying multiple CRSWs. Additionally, she supported eliminating the Licensed Clinical Supervisor (LCS) designation, as it is unnecessary for supervision and burdens licensees with extra fees without value.
HB1572: Carol Maguire, Representative Merrimack 27 (Allenstown, Dunbarton, Epsom, Hooksett) Support05:09:48.560 - 2:04:40 PM; Representative Carol Maguire introduced HB1052, aimed at removing the associate's degree requirement for LADC licensure to better recognize extensive supervised experience. She cited a case of an applicant with over 6,000 hours of supervised work (equivalent to three years full-time) from California, where no degree is required, but denied a waiver by the New Hampshire board despite statutory provisions allowing flexibility. Maguire argued that such experience outweighs the degree for entry-level LADCs, who do not need advanced training like MLADCs, and offered to combine the bill with related legislation on LADCs.
HB1572: Jackie Abacov, representing New Hampshire Alcohol and Drug Abuse Counselors Association Oppose05:13:46.320 - 2:08:38 PM; Jackie Abacov opposes HB1572 due to misunderstandings about the profession. She emphasizes the need for proper professional education and training for Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselors (LADCs), highlighting the sophisticated judgment and boundary maintenance required in hands-on work with substance use, homelessness, and related issues. She clarifies that the bill applies to LADCs, not CRSWs. She explains the IC&RC certification standards used in New Hampshire, including 6,000 hours of supervised experience for an associate's degree, 4,000 for a bachelor's, and 2,000 for higher degrees. The IC&RC requires 300 hours of specific education in alcohol and drug counseling, an exam, and supervised hours, but no degree is needed. In California, LADCs can only work in approved programs, not independently. She notes the international certification costs $10 extra and is available to all NH LADCs who take the IC&RC exam.
HB1572: Kelly Leki, MLADC, representing self and academia Oppose05:17:12.240 - 2:12:04 PM; Kelly Leki opposes HB1572, arguing it compares apples to oranges by equating the LADC license with the IC&RC certification, which are not equivalent. A license permits work in the state, while certification proves specialization. The bill falsely claims to expand qualifications without equivalency and bypasses higher education requirements, posing risks to public safety, ethics, and professional standards. Substance use disorders are complex, requiring critical thinking, ethical frameworks, and theoretical foundations from accredited degrees. Current LADC requirements include 6,000 hours with an associate's plus 300 hours of education, providing scientific knowledge in psychology, pharmacology, and ethics, which the IC&RC lacks. She compares it to not requiring higher education for doctors and suggests this is a reciprocity issue for OPLC, referencing existing laws like ALC 309.
HB1572: DJ Jurus, Executive Director, OPLC Information Only05:20:58.958 - 2:15:50 PM; DJ Jurus is available for questions on reciprocity under House Bill 655 and OPLC rules. He explains that boards define substantially similar qualifications in rules, and licenses are not granted reciprocally if criteria like those in PLC 313 are not met. He avoids speculating on this case.
HB1572: Representative Carol Maguire, Merrimack District 27 Oppose05:27:42.718 - 2:22:34 PM; Carol Maguire opposes HB1458, as she has previous massage licensing attempts, because it's hard to catch bad actors without burdening legitimate businesses. She urges careful consideration of impacts on small, law-abiding massage establishments statewide, noting bad actors are concentrated in southern NH due to population density. Regulations like fees, mandatory inspections, paperwork, and employee verifications impose burdens. She warns of collateral damage from using civil regulations to enforce criminal laws against human trafficking.
HB1458: Representative Erica Leon, Rockingham 13 (Derry) Support05:24:09.280 - 2:19:01 PM; Representative Erica Leon introduces HB1458 as a targeted 'scalpel' approach to human trafficking issues in massage establishments, following her prior HB405 study commission. Unlike a broader 'sledgehammer' bill, it requires attestation of no convictions for prostitution or human trafficking to operate, with a light touch on cosmetology. She aims to avoid driving independent massage therapists out of business by imposing half a million dollars in annual costs, preserving their professional status. She plans to incorporate morning testimony and welcomes questions.
HB1458: DJ Jurus, Executive Director, OPLC Information Only05:26:53.360 - 2:21:45 PM; DJ Jurus offers testimony similar to the previous bill, ensuring proposed policies align with OPLC's existing criteria set by boards in rules, license issuance by the office, and inspection procedures. He provides technical support to align with statutes and is open to combinations with other legislation.
HB1458: Representative Pearson (R), Derry Information Only05:35:05.920 - 2:29:57 PM; Representative Pearson clarifies that Derry is not a seedy town and that the issues with massage parlors exist beyond Derry. He notes Derry's progress in addressing the problem but emphasizes not to misconstrue the characteristics of his constituents.
HB1458: Chair (or Representative) Information Only05:35:05.920 - 2:29:57 PM; The chair acknowledges Representative Pearson's point, praises Derry's efforts to combat massage parlors, mentions discussions with contractors about operators moving to other towns, and salutes Derry's initiative while noting the state's past failures in creating regulations.
HB1443: Representative Groa Oppose05:49:52.160 - 2:44:44 PM; Moves inexpedient to legislate (ITL) due to concerns about costs in the second year of the biennium with the current budget constraints. Does not want to expand benefits to spouses at this time.
HB1443: Representative (Seconding) Oppose05:49:52.160 - 2:44:44 PM; Seconds the motion and explains that attempts to fix specific constituent issues, like for a veteran, lead to more problems. Notes recent changes to the retirement system and that further changes are not beneficial.
HB1443: Committee Vote Vote05:51:11.600 - 2:46:03 PM; The motion for ITL passes 15-0. Placed on consent calendar. Representative Groa to write the committee report.
HB1170: Representative Slotchi Oppose05:52:14.240 - 2:47:06 PM; Moves ITL, appreciating retirees' service but citing the current budget and treasury situation as not appropriate for such expenditures.
HB1170: Representative Groto (Seconding) Oppose05:52:14.240 - 2:47:06 PM; Seconds the motion without additional comments.
HB1170: Committee Member Information Only05:55:20.400 - 2:50:12 PM; Expresses regret that nothing has been done for a long time regarding adjustments, mentions issues with defined benefit plans not responding to inflation.
HB1170: Committee Vote Vote05:53:15.840 - 2:48:07 PM; The motion for ITL passes 15-0. Placed on consent calendar.
HB1459: Representative (Moving) Oppose05:56:06.080 - 2:50:58 PM; Moves ITL, sympathizing with grandfathered retirees but noting it limits opportunities for earlier career individuals and reduces contributions to the system. Policy supports maintaining current limits, with options for non-government work available.
HB1459: Representative Sers (Seconding) Oppose05:56:06.080 - 2:50:58 PM; Seconds the motion without additional comments.
HB1459: Committee Vote Vote05:57:05.840 - 2:51:57 PM; The motion for ITL passes 14-1. Placed on consent calendar.
HB1527: Representative Howard Oppose05:58:10.878 - 2:53:02 PM; Moves ITL after discussions with State Employees Association and Stratford County administrator. Notes counties can handle notifications without state mandate; originated from sheriff's issue but they have programs in place.
HB1527: Committee Member (Seconding) Oppose05:58:10.878 - 2:53:02 PM; Seconds the motion, agreeing with the points made.
HB1527: Committee Vote Vote05:59:13.920 - 2:54:05 PM; The motion for ITL passes 15-0. Placed on consent calendar.

Layon, Erica(Chairman)(R)[A+]2025	Sytek, John(Clerk)(R)[B-]2025	Slottje, Jeremy(V Chairman)(R)[A+]2025
Schmidt, Peter(D)[F]2025	Thibault, James(R)[A]2025	Howard, Heath(D)[F]2025
Sellers, John(R)[A-]2025	de Vries, Erica(D)[CT]2025	Dargie, Paul(D)[F]2025
Davis, Fred(D)[D-]2025	Bailey, Glenn(R)[A+]2025	Kelley, Diane(R)[A-]2025
Pearson, Stephen(R)[B-]2025	Grote, Jaci(D)[CT]2025	Long, Patrick(D)[D]2025
DeRoy, Susan(R)[A-]2025