Committee Summary for House Executive Departments and Administration (01/22/2026)

Bill/Time	Type	Title	Sponsor
HB119 00:01:16.560 - 9:00:48 AM	Public Hearing	allowing rental companies applying to register a rental fleet to choose New Hampshire as the base jurisdiction under the International Registration Plan (IRP).	Spillane, James(R)[A]2025
HB1457 00:31:11.440 - 9:30:43 AM	Public Hearing	relative to natural organic reduction of human remains.	LaMontagne, Jessica(D)[F]2025
HB1286 01:22:32.639 - 10:22:04 AM	Public Hearing	relative to the practice of dentistry and when x-rays are required.	Drago, Mike(R)[A-]2025
HB1259 03:00:46.800 - 12:00:18 PM	Public Hearing	relative to the issuance of certificates as a certified public accountant.	Johnson, Erik(D)[F]2025
HB1407 03:29:48.080 - 12:29:20 PM	Public Hearing	enabling veterinary technicians to provide rabies vaccinations while indirectly supervised by a veterinarian.	Long, Patrick(D)[D]2025
HB1269 03:58:59.359 - 12:58:31 PM	Public Hearing	relative to qualifications to practice acupuncture.	Schmidt, Peter(D)[F]2025
HB1060 04:13:59.840 - 1:13:31 PM	Public Hearing	relative to the requirements for licensure as an engineer.	Barton, Joseph(R)[A-]2025
HB1110 04:59:16.000 - 1:58:48 PM	Public Hearing	relative to the New Hampshire real estate practice act.	Flanagan, Jack(R)[B]2025
HB1126 05:05:34.958 - 2:05:06 PM	Public Hearing	repealing the certification requirement to perform residential mold assessments.	Slottje, Jeremy(R)[A+]2025
HB1472 05:16:02.480 - 2:15:34 PM	Public Hearing	relative to the suspension period in cases involving the administrative appeals unit relative to licensure or certification concerning lead paint poisoning prevention.	Kelley, Diane(R)[A-]2025

HB119: Representative Jennifer Rhodess Support00:01:16.560 - 9:00:48 AM; Introduced HB 119 to address workforce shortages in the funeral profession due to high cremation rates (80%) reducing embalming opportunities needed for licensing. Proposed amending associate funeral director requirements to exclude embalming, deferring detailed questions to experts from the New Hampshire Funeral Directors Association.
HB119: Julie Thibo, Immediate Past President, New Hampshire Funeral Directors Association, Peterborough Support00:03:42.480 - 9:03:14 AM; Testified in support of HB 119, highlighting the aging workforce (72% over 40, 50-70% retiring in next decade), low retention (2.7 years average), and barriers from embalming requirements amid 80% cremation rates. Proposed associate funeral director license for non-embalming activities, including 1,000 apprenticeship hours, certificate program, and state exam, to attract professionals like counselors while maintaining full licensing for embalming. Emphasized embalming's value for some families but reduced focus in modern services. Answered committee questions on burial rates, demand, standards, and training paths.
HB119: DJ Jurus, Executive Director, OPLC; Nick Fry, General Counsel, OPLC Information Only00:22:33.760 - 9:22:05 AM; Provided information on rulemaking authority under RSA 325:9, recommending a simple amendment to include section 14A for associate funeral director qualifications. Suggested referencing existing requirements from RSA 325:13 and 14 if more specificity desired, to ensure proper regulation.
HB1457: Representative Jessica Laontaine, Strafford County District 17, Dover Ward 5 Support00:31:11.440 - 9:30:43 AM; Sponsored HB 1457 to legalize natural organic reduction (NOR), an eco-friendly alternative to cremation and burial, converting remains to soil in 6-8 weeks using microbes, air, and water. Highlighted 80% cremation rates, environmental drawbacks of cremation (fossil fuels, pollution), and burial (land use, resources). Described process: body in shroud on organic matter in vessel, resulting in ~1 cubic yard of soil for family use or conservation donation. Bill models cremation statutes for licensing, oversight, and rules on health/sanitation via OPLC. Noted 14 states allow it; enables choice without mandate, avoiding out-of-state transport hardships. Open to minor wording changes and work session.
HB1457: David Bryant, President, New Hampshire Funeral Directors Association, Berlin Information Only00:50:48.559 - 9:50:20 AM; Provided neutral testimony on HB 1457, noting bill copies cremation statutes but has flaws due to NOR differences (e.g., cubic yard volume vs. <10 lbs ashes; unclaimed remains handling; non-biodegradable 'alternative containers'). Attended seminar; only 3 operational facilities in U.S., New England states in rulemaking delays. No opposition to NOR as family choice but urged polished legislation addressing transport time (30+ days), definitions (casket, shroud), and unclaimed remains. Suggested consulting operators from other states and discussing alkaline hydrolysis (previously banned). Offered association help for amendments.
HB1457: Mike Vloic, Earth Funeral Support01:03:11.520 - 10:02:43 AM; Supported HB 1457, offering collaboration with funeral directors. Noted 14 states base regulations on cremation statutes, customizable for NH. Evolved preferences (e.g., parents' cremation) show need for options. Provided written testimony and slide deck; available experts (attorneys, scientists). Incorporated DES feedback for regulatory framework ensuring thoughtful implementation.
HB1457: Representative Schmidt Information Only01:05:33.839 - 10:05:05 AM; Representative Schmidt asked about studies on the feasibility of continuing traditional burials given the growing population and large cemeteries in cities, suggesting natural organic reduction as a space-saving alternative. The speaker responded that they lacked specific studies but urged viewing it in the context of other end-of-life options like cremation, which faced similar initial resistance but now dominates the market at 80%.
HB1457: Bob Dunn, Director of Public Policy, Roman Catholic Diocese of Manchester Oppose01:07:51.920 - 10:07:23 AM; Bob Dunn opposed the bill on behalf of Bishop Peter Labashi, emphasizing the Catholic Church's teachings on the proper disposal of human remains without dictating legislative action. He urged the committee to consider if natural organic reduction respects the inherent dignity of human beings, a principle underlying statutes on remains disposal. He argued that treating remains utilitarianism, especially via human composting, could imply similar treatment of living people, particularly amid global challenges to human dignity. He recommended inexpedient to legislate (ITL). During questioning, he distinguished it from cremation, noting cremation's historical respectfulness and different end product (ashes vs. compost), and affirmed the state's role in limiting options for the common good over individual autonomy. He supported honoring end-of-life wishes within reason but questioned the state's affirmative allowance of undignified processes.
HB1457: DJ Jerus and Nicholas Fry, OPLC Information Only01:16:02.159 - 10:15:34 AM; DJ Jerus, Executive Director of OPLC, and attorney Nicholas Fry provided information on technical conflicts in the bill's model legislation with New Hampshire statutes. They offered to supply detailed fiscal note worksheets outlining these issues for the committee's review, without taking a policy position. They suggested addressing these conflicts to achieve the bill's goals if advanced, and agreed to email the details.
HB1457: Representative Darby Support01:18:42.560 - 10:18:14 AM; Representative Darby supported the bill, sharing personal motivations for exploring natural organic reduction after learning cremation ashes are toxic to trees, despite initially planning that. She noted space constraints prevent green burials on her property and appreciated going last to address raised details. She explained the bill was modeled after cremation statutes, including definitions, and clarified it focuses solely on natural organic reduction, not water cremation. She described the process: body in casket from funeral home to chamber post-ceremony, remains in temporary container for family, with statutes covering claimed/unclaimed remains (page 9). She recommended videos for process understanding and urged reading the final disposition section.
HB1286: Representative Mike Drago, Raymond Support01:22:32.639 - 10:22:04 AM; Representative Drago introduced HB 1286, dubbed the 'X-ray ultimatum bill,' based on personal experiences of being forced to get routine X-rays annually for cleanings despite no issues, incurring costs without insurance and concerns for children's radiation exposure. He described dentists refusing cleanings without X-rays, even delaying bookings, and noted failed attempts to find flexible providers. He highlighted benefits of cleanings for oral health, preventing costly issues and reducing stroke/blood pressure risks, contrasting with primary care where patients choose tests. He cited studies on radiation risks to youth, recent ADA guidance for judicious use, and dentists' liability fears plus licensing tied to ADA/CDC guidelines. The bill limits liability for patient refusals, removes licensing penalties for non-compliance when refused, and upholds informed consent, allowing X-rays for specific needs but not routine cleanings. During questions, he acknowledged potential missed detections but emphasized they're less necessary without symptoms; agreed to refine language on 'may' to 'shall' for waivers, dental standards of care, and professional misconduct to ensure non-routine requirements.
HB1259: Representative Eric Johnson, Lee/Madbury/Dover Ward 4 Support03:00:46.800 - 12:00:18 PM; Representative Johnson introduced HB 1259 to address the nationwide CPA shortage by adding pathways: 4 years school + 2 years experience, alongside the current 5 years + 1 year, both plus passing the exam. This boosts bachelor's degree value and allows exam 120 days pre-graduation. He noted a technical redundancy on page 3, lines 4-27, suggesting amendment to strike it.
HB1259: Representative Chris Muns, Hampton Support03:02:42.800 - 12:02:14 PM; Representative Muns supported HB 1259, citing New Hampshire's aging population and CPA shortages threatening financial reporting integrity for businesses and investors. He noted retiring baby boomers and low accounting majors, with 150+ semester hours required delaying entry and increasing costs. The bill creates three paths: post-baccalaureate like MBA in accounting +1 year experience; bachelor's +30 hours +1 year; or bachelor's in accounting +2 years. It eases exam timing pre-graduation. It also allows out-of-state CPAs at permitted NH firms full services. He urged ought to pass, aligning with national trends.
HB1259: Robin Houston, CEO, New Hampshire Society of CPAs Support03:07:48.319 - 12:07:20 PM; Robin Houston supports HB 1259 due to a critical shortage of CPAs in New Hampshire. She receives frequent calls from retiring CPA firms seeking to offload clients and from those needing young professionals. Senate Bill 571 passed unanimously, indicating bipartisan recognition of the need. The Department of Revenue Administration also supports the bill. Houston notes addressing 80 students at Southern New Hampshire University about opportunities in the field, but students hesitate due to the cost of an additional year of education and debt. The bill alleviates this by providing an alternative pathway.
HB1259: Kevin Kennedy, CPA, New Hampshire Society of CPAs Support03:09:41.359 - 12:09:13 PM; Kevin Kennedy, a CPA with 30 years in New Hampshire, supports HB 1259. He recalls that licensing previously required a bachelor's degree and two years of experience, but in 2014, it changed to 150 credit hours, creating a hurdle that led to students dropping out of the profession. Firms struggle with workforce shortages, receiving calls from retired or unresponsive CPAs. The bill offers an alternative pathway with an extra year of experience, reduces education costs, and allows taking the CPA exam earlier in school, which Kennedy sees as beneficial since life often interrupts post-graduation plans. It reduces compliance burdens, is supported by AICPA and NASBA, and aligns with changes in other states. He provides letters from CPA firms statewide and his written testimony.
HB1259: John Nash, CPA, University of New Hampshire Support03:21:01.200 - 12:20:33 PM; John Nash, an accounting professor at UNH and CPA, supports HB 1259 personally, noting UNH and stakeholders like practitioners, students, and businesses also support it due to the accounting labor shortage. This shortage affects nonprofits (higher loan rates without audits), individuals (tax penalties), and businesses (reduced returns). Public companies like Tupperware have missed filings. The 150-hour requirement caused a 36% drop in CPA applications nationwide with only a 3% pass rate increase, netting a one-third decrease. HB 1259 acknowledges this failure and offers a solution, similar to legislation in nearly half of states including Massachusetts, Connecticut, and New York. Higher NH requirements could drive students away.
HB1259: Nick Fry, General Counsel, OPLC Information Only03:23:53.840 - 12:23:25 PM; Nick Fry provides information on section six of HB 1259 regarding universal licensure. RSA 310:17, passed a couple years ago, states 'notwithstanding any other statute or rule,' so it trumps conflicting provisions. This creates confusion in licensing processes, and OPLC can flag invalid statutes for cleanup. The universal statute controls endorsement for all boards, making some bill language superfluous.
HB1407: Representative Long Support03:29:48.080 - 12:29:20 PM; Representative Long introduces HB 1407, which allows veterinary technicians to administer rabies vaccines under indirect supervision, meaning the vet has examined the animal and indicated the need. This lets vets focus on complex issues, practicing at the top of their license, while technicians handle routine vaccinations. No full veterinary license is needed for this. Comparable to human vaccinations given by nurses or pharmacy techs. States like California allow it without issues, saving time and money for consumers, reducing pet stress, and improving public health by increasing vaccination rates among those skipping due to cost or wait times.
HB1407: Dr. Jane Barloy, New Hampshire Veterinary Medical Association Oppose03:34:01.279 - 12:33:33 PM; Dr. Jane Barloy opposes HB 1407, citing public health concerns as rabies is 100% fatal without immediate treatment. State law mandates veterinarian-administered vaccines with a valid client-patient relationship via in-person exam. The bill lacks definition of 'veterinary technician' (not licensed in NH, falling under vet jurisdiction), potentially allowing non-credentialed individuals to administer under indirect supervision (vet not on premises), increasing liability for vets. Veterinary technicians need statutory licensing and a board first before expanding scope. Access to care is needed, but this approach creates risks; alternatives like clinics exist.
HB1407: Kurt Erinberg, New Hampshire State Director, Humane World for Animals Support03:46:26.960 - 12:45:58 PM; Kurt Erinberg supports HB 1407 for access to care. 70% of low-income families' pets never see a vet. Increasing supply reduces costs via supply-demand. Only rabies vaccines are restricted to vets; technicians are highly trained (AVMA-accredited, passed VTNE exam, credentialed). It frees vets for essential services, supports clinics, reduces wait times/costs. Rabies threatens public health; vaccination is key, required for dogs, cats, ferrets. Defines veterinary technician per NH rules.
HB1407: Dr. Mark Prescott, State Veterinarian Oppose03:51:45.600 - 12:51:17 PM; Dr. Mark Prescott opposes HB 1407 on behalf of Commissioner Jasper. No known problem with vaccination access; clinics have availability, involve vet exams to ensure animal health for immune response. Technicians aren't trained for exams. Indirect supervision doesn't require vet presence. Unhealthy animals may not respond to vaccines. No studies support titers for rabies immunity; challenging is inhumane due to fatality. Prior experience shows same-day appointments possible at lower-cost clinics with vet oversight.
HB1269: Representative Peter B. Schmidt, Dover Support03:58:59.359 - 12:58:31 PM; Representative Schmidt introduces HB 1269, an accommodation between acupuncturists and acu-detox specialists. The committee previously started licensing acu-detox. Practitioners from the board will explain details; handouts available. Urges passage.
HB1269: Amy Odell Wilson, Peterborough (representing NHAHA) Support04:01:01.600 - 1:00:33 PM; Amy Odell Wilson, a licensed acupuncturist from Peterborough and representative of the New Hampshire Acupuncture Association (NHAHA), testified in support of HB 1269 with proposed amendments. She explained that NHAHA cannot support the bill as originally written but endorses it with amendments due to issues with the online testimony system not allowing for amendment specifications. She outlined four parts of the bill: (1) a clerical clarification they accept as is; (2) adding an Acute Detox Specialist (ADS) to the five-member licensing board, making it six members, or replacing one acupuncturist with an ADS if limited to five; (3) removing the bachelor's degree requirement for licensing to align with other states, relying instead on post-secondary education from an accredited acupuncture school and passing a board exam, as the school already verifies prerequisites; (4) maintaining ongoing yearly supervision of ADS by licensed acupuncturists rather than capping it after two years, to ensure collaboration and burden distribution among a growing number of practitioners. She provided handouts with research on other states' practices.
HB1269: Elizabeth Rob, Manchester Support04:06:00.880 - 1:05:32 PM; Elizabeth Rob, a licensed acupuncturist and general supervisor for ADS in Manchester, supported HB 1269 with amendments. She highlighted New Hampshire's struggles with opioid, mental health, and chronic pain epidemics, emphasizing the need for these changes. On the bachelor's degree issue, she noted it prevents parity with other states and suggested either requiring an associate's degree or 60 credit hours, or accepting the accredited acupuncture school degree alone. She supported adding an ADS to the board and keeping supervision, noting it's currently two site visits per year and fosters communication in mental health and substance misuse settings. She addressed a 2017 law issue preventing NADA's manual from being approved as equivalent to itself and requested striking problematic language to allow the board to update rules.
HB1269: Carol Ellis, ADS Support04:10:41.120 - 1:10:13 PM; Carol Ellis, a recently certified ADS from last spring, expressed support for HB 1269. She shared that she has witnessed positive outcomes from ear acupuncture in treating addiction and chronic illnesses.
HB1269: Representative Mark Pru, Hillsborough 15 Support04:11:59.120 - 1:11:31 PM; Representative Mark Pru from Hillsborough 15, a former committee member, supported HB 1269. He recalled the 2017 bill creating ADS positions aimed for simple, non-burdensome rules, which have not been achieved. He praised ADS for substance abuse and stress reduction, based on his experience as chairman of the Granite State Critical Incident Stress Management Team for first responders. He criticized the outdated 2017 NADA reference and the failure to cap supervision at two years as intended. He advocated for adding an ADS to the board for better decision-making and urged passage of the bill.
HB1060: Representative Barton Support04:13:59.840 - 1:13:31 PM; Representative Barton testified in support of HB 1060, which addresses the lack of licensed professional engineers (PEs) in rural northern New Hampshire regions like Coos, Carroll, and Grafton, where supervision by a PE is required to sit for the PE exam, creating a barrier. He shared his 16 years of experience at the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard without PE supervision due to scarcity even there. The bill allows 10 years of engineering experience plus a bachelor's degree as an alternative to four years under PE supervision, without eliminating experience requirements or weakening the exam, which remains under board control. He noted other states like California, Texas, and 13 others permit alternative experience verification. The proposed amendment defines qualifying experience per engineering rule 303.02. Committee questions addressed concerns about experience quality, supervision's role in safety and competency, and potential impacts on PE stamping; Barton emphasized the exam as the safeguard, the alternative pathway's existence in other states, and retention of the traditional path, arguing it levels the playing field for rural engineers without compromising standards.
HB1060: Representative Barton Support04:31:34.239 - 1:31:06 PM; Representative Barton concludes his testimony on HB 1060, emphasizing the difficulty of the PE exam comparable to the bar exam and the need for demonstrated experience. He highlights the shortage of PEs in the North Country, explaining that this lack of lobbyists prompted him to draft the bill to address the issue.
HB1060: Chris Malavi, representing ACC New Hampshire Oppose04:34:22.400 - 1:33:54 PM; Chris Malavi, a professional engineer and former chair of the NH PE board, strongly opposes HB 1060. He argues that removing supervised experience requirements undermines public protection by shifting to self-reported experience, eliminating the board's vetting authority, and diluting the PE license's value. He stresses that supervision ensures ethical and technical standards, preventing risks like structural failures, and notes that remote supervision is feasible. Malavi also criticizes decoupling as a money grab and affirms that the PE exam requires progressive, supervised experience for full licensure.
HB1060: Chuck Gregory, President of New Hampshire Society of Professional Engineers Oppose04:45:44.878 - 1:45:16 PM; Chuck Gregory, a licensed PE with over 25 years of experience, opposes HB 1060 on behalf of the New Hampshire Society of Professional Engineers. He argues that the bill removes supervised experience and board discretion, weakening safeguards for public safety. He clarifies that the bill is not about reciprocity and that supervised experience develops judgment and ethics, which the PE exam alone cannot assess. Gregory notes remote supervision addresses geographic issues and recommends addressing workforce shortages through mentoring, not lowering standards.
HB1060: Dan Martell, representing Structural Engineers of New Hampshire Oppose04:53:57.600 - 1:53:29 PM; Dan Martell, a licensed PE, opposes HB 1060 on behalf of the Structural Engineers of New Hampshire. He emphasizes that PE supervision is essential for teaching engineering judgment, ethics, and practicality. He expresses concern over the bill diminishing the PE board's authority to evaluate experience quality.
HB1110: Jack Flanigan, Representative for Hillsborough District 45 (Hollis, Brookline, Mason, Greenville) Information Only04:59:16.000 - 1:58:48 PM; Jack Flanigan explains that the bill was proposed by his sister, a former real estate commission inspector and instructor. He describes it as housekeeping changes to real estate law, including updating references to outdated laws under RSA 310 and 331, converting terms to 'credit hours' for education, clarifying that inactive principal managing brokers do not need surety bonds, addressing annulled offenses consistently with other laws, and including rentals under fair housing laws. He notes the bill was reviewed by OPLC without issues.
HB1110: Nick Fry, OPLC General Counsel Support05:02:53.520 - 2:02:25 PM; Nick Fry confirms that the bill was reviewed with the representative and is operationalizable as cleanup changes with no problems for implementation.
HB1126: Jeremy Slouchy, Representative for Hillsborough District 13 (Hudson) Support05:05:34.958 - 2:05:06 PM; Jeremy Slouchy presents the bill to repeal the mold inspection license, noting its odd narrow scope: it only applies to identifying mold via a third-party exam and biennial renewal, but exempts general contractors, remediation workers, or incidental inspections. He views it as potentially unnecessary and cynical, suggesting no significant advances in mycology justify recertification every two years.
HB1126: Joanie McIntyre, Real Estate Agent from Concord, NH, Vice Chair of Public Policy Committee, New Hampshire Association of Realtors Oppose05:11:31.600 - 2:11:03 PM; Joanie McIntyre opposes the bill, arguing it preserves consumer protection by setting minimum standards for mold inspectors, ensuring reliable information. She shares a story of a property where a certified mold inspector discovered severe hidden mold under a subfloor, leading to a deal falling through but providing confidence in the findings. Home inspectors disclaim mold detection, recommending certified professionals, especially in real estate transactions.
HB1472: Diane Kelly, Representative for Hillsborough District 32 (Temple, New Ipswich, Wilton) Support05:16:02.480 - 2:15:34 PM; Diane Kelly explains the bill addresses excessive suspension periods for licenses revoked or suspended, often for minor technical violations like agency discrepancies. Current rules impose a two-year wait after a negative appeals decision, leading to delays up to four and a half years, destroying livelihoods in shortage fields. The bill shifts the two-year reapplication period to start from the initial revocation notice, emphasizing learning over punishment and aligning with 'innocent until proven guilty' principles.
HB1472: Debbie Valente, Lead Inspector, Risk Assessor, Abatement Contractor, and Trainer Support05:21:22.798 - 2:20:54 PM; Debbie Valente supports the bill, sharing her 16-year career building the lead industry in NH with major contracts in Manchester and Nashua, training professionals, and growing the field. Her license was revoked on July 13, 2023, for minor issues like documentation discrepancies (e.g., providing required Secretary of State ID but accused of fraud), despite compliance. She criticizes the punitive two-year post-appeal wait, even if appeals succeed, as it cripples livelihoods without 'time served' credit. She describes another case of wrongful revocation based on unverified video, returned after two years and jail time. The bill would credit time without license during appeals, preventing indefinite punishment and allowing return after fines.
HB1472: DHHS Representative Information Only05:34:47.520 - 2:34:19 PM; The DHHS representative clarifies that all lead licensing, including denial, suspension, revocation, and procedures, is covered in He-P 1612 rules, with no additional administrative rules.
HB1472: Colleen Smith and Beverly Duan, Department of Health and Human Services, Bureau of Public Health Protection Information Only05:34:56.240 - 2:34:28 PM; Colleen Smith and her supervisor Beverly Duan from the Division of Public Health provided clarification on the administrative rules governing licensing under the lead poisoning prevention program. They specified that He-P 1600 covers the state's lead laws, with He-P 1606.02 addressing denial, suspension, and revocation of licenses. They corrected a minor transcription error in the rule numbering and offered to provide pink sheets with the details.
HB1472: Committee Member (unidentified) Information Only05:35:53.760 - 2:35:25 PM; A committee member inquired about the number of license suspensions over the last few years to determine if the issue is isolated or widespread. The DHHS representatives agreed to provide that data.

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