Committee Summary for House Executive Departments and Administration (01/28/2026)

Bill/Time	Type	Title	Sponsor
HB1159 00:03:58.720 - 9:02:44 AM	Public Hearing	relative to updating the state building code.	McGuire, Carol(R)[A+]2025
HB1159 00:12:41.200 - 9:11:27 AM	Executive Session	relative to updating the state building code.	McGuire, Carol(R)[A+]2025
HB1030 2024-022h 00:17:28.640 - 9:16:14 AM	Executive Session	relative to licensed practical nurse scope of practice.	McGuire, Carol(R)[A+]2025
HB1636 00:23:12.240 - 9:21:58 AM	Executive Session	directing the department of revenue administration to study options for generating state revenue.	Oppel, Thomas(D)[F]2025
HB6005 00:26:16.880 - 9:25:02 AM	Executive Session	establishing a state office for intelligence and counter intelligence within the executive branch	Likely Text to Speech Error on Bill #
HB1110 00:29:04.000 - 9:27:50 AM	Executive Session	relative to the New Hampshire real estate practice act.	Flanagan, Jack(R)[B]2025
HB1180 00:31:19.440 - 9:30:05 AM	Public Hearing	updating the definition of the state building code to include the International Energy Conservation Code 2024.	Thomas, Wendy(D)[CT]2025
HB104 01:27:33.520 - 10:26:19 AM	Public Hearing	relative to requiring an official declaration of war for the activation of the New Hampshire national guard in a foreign state.	Mannion, Tom(R)[A+]2025
HB1271 01:51:56.000 - 10:50:42 AM	Public Hearing	relative to third-party code review and inspection services for building permits.	Sweeney, Joe(R)[A]2025
HB1271 03:18:05.120 - 12:16:51 PM	Executive Session	relative to third-party code review and inspection services for building permits.	Sweeney, Joe(R)[A]2025
HB1555 03:02:09.359 - 12:00:55 PM	Public Hearing	relative to the administration and enforcement of the state fire code.	Layon, Erica(R)[A+]2025
HB1259 2024-0360h 03:21:57.840 - 12:20:43 PM	Executive Session	relative to the issuance of certificates as a certified public accountant.	Johnson, Erik(D)[F]2025
HB1500 03:24:50.479 - 12:23:36 PM	Executive Session	establishing a commission to study and propose procedures in the event of a state government shutdown.	Telerski, Laura(D)[CT]2025
HB1119 2026-0337h 03:30:09.520 - 12:28:55 PM	Executive Session	relative to the regulation of funeral directors.	Rhodes, Jennifer(R)[B+]2025
HB1109 03:46:42.560 - 12:45:28 PM	Public Hearing	relative to notice and update requirements regarding state employee investigations.	Flanagan, Jack(R)[B]2025
HB1617 04:03:02.239 - 1:01:48 PM	Public Hearing	relative to enhancing business development and economic investment opportunities.	Wherry, Robert(R)[A-]2025
HB1544 04:21:02.479 - 1:19:48 PM	Public Hearing	prohibiting the use of scented products in public areas of state buildings.	Prout, Andrew(R)[B+]2025
HB1472 04:25:52.880 - 1:24:38 PM	Executive Session	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
HB1657 04:42:03.200 - 1:40:49 PM	Public Hearing	relative to the reporting and elimination of prolonged vacancies in state government.	Layon, Erica(R)[A+]2025

HB1159: Representative Carol Maguire, Merrimack District 27 Support00:03:58.720 - 9:02:44 AM; Representative Maguire introduced HB 1159, which updates the state building code from the 2021 to the 2024 version, excluding the energy code addressed in a subsequent bill. It incorporates amendments approved by the Building Code Review Board as of October 10th and adds a clause allowing the board to adopt errata from the code organization without legislative approval to streamline updates.
HB1159: Philip Sherman, Chair of the Building Code Review Board Support00:06:54.560 - 9:05:40 AM; Philip Sherman supported the bill, stating it reflects the board's recommendations. The bill updates six of the eight codes in the state building code, ratifies amendments, and permits adoption of model code errata after board approval. The electrical code was updated last year, and the energy code is proposed to remain at the 2018 edition until 2025. Various committees reviewed changes, public hearings were held, and reports were sent to the legislative advisory committee. Errata adoption ensures consistent enforcement without multiple versions in use.
HB1159: Susan Richmond, Durham, New Hampshire Oppose00:10:53.279 - 9:09:39 AM; Susan Richmond opposed HB 1159 due to the omission of the 2024 International Energy Conservation Code. She argued that updating other codes without the energy code would lead to buildings with lower energy efficiency, resulting in higher long-term energy bills for occupants, which could outweigh initial construction cost savings. She urged opposition unless amended to include the 2024 energy code.
HB1159: Representative Croa Support00:12:41.200 - 9:11:27 AM; Representative Croa moved for ought to pass on HB 1159, emphasizing the committee's commitment to keeping building codes updated, typically one to two years behind current versions, while handling energy codes separately due to selective adoption. Encouraged support for the motion.
HB1159: Representative Pearson Support00:13:56.560 - 9:12:42 AM; Representative Pearson seconded and supported the motion, drawing from experience with the National Fire Protection Association. He noted the importance of staying current with codes to avoid outdated standards, praising the legislature for keeping New Hampshire aligned with modern practices, benefiting the building community and code enforcement.
HB1030 2024-022h: Chair Leon Support00:17:28.640 - 9:16:14 AM; Chair Leon moved to adopt amendment 2024-022h and ought to pass as amended, explaining it updates statutes to align with licensed practical nurses' training for patient assessments, incorporating changes requested by the nursing board. Noted support from the board and hospitals.
HB1030 2024-022h: Representative Pearson Support00:19:41.120 - 9:18:27 AM; Representative Pearson supported the amendment and bill, stressing the need to ensure expanded scope of practice matches training requirements, especially for human-based professions. Confirmed the amendment addresses this appropriately.
HB1636: Representative Kelly Oppose00:23:12.240 - 9:21:58 AM; Representative Kelly moved and spoke for inexpedient to legislate (ITL), arguing the bill is not the best approach for revenue generation, as the Ways and Means Committee already addresses this thoroughly.
HB1636: Representative Dere Support00:24:06.799 - 9:22:52 AM; Representative Dere opposed ITL, stating the study would provide valuable insights into revenue pathways, aiding informed decisions to meet constitutional obligations for funding education.
HB6005: Representative Slouchy Oppose00:26:16.880 - 9:25:02 AM; Representative Slouchy moved for ITL, acknowledging the bill's importance but deeming it economically unfeasible in an off-budget year.
HB6005: Representative Bailey Information Only00:27:18.320 - 9:26:04 AM; Representative Bailey humorously expressed interest in being '007' but did not formally speak to the motion.
HB1110: Chair Leon Support00:29:04.000 - 9:27:50 AM; Chair Leon moved for ought to pass, describing the bill as a cleanup of statutes with outdated references repealed in 2023 and OPLC language updates. Confirmed no further repeals needed as referenced laws are off the books.
HB1180: Representative Wendy Thomas, town of Merrimack Support00:31:19.440 - 9:30:05 AM; Representative Thomas strongly supported HB 1180, highlighting its benefits for affordability, predictability, and sustainability. It promotes energy-efficient buildings reducing long-term heating/cooling costs, improving health and property value, and extending building life. Benefits builders with standardization, reduces waste, and supports the economy by lowering energy expenses, aiding home ownership stability and worker retention. Emphasized balance without compromising safety.
HB1180: Philip Jayzek, New Hampshire Homebuilders Association Oppose00:35:48.400 - 9:34:34 AM; Philip Jayzek opposed HB 1180, arguing it would add approximately $10,000 to new home costs (plus 20-50% passed to consumers via markups), exacerbating housing affordability issues where median home prices are 1.5 times median income. Noted the Building Code Review Board voted to retain the 2018 code as more suitable for New Hampshire.
HB1180: Sam Evans Brown, Clean Energy New Hampshire Support00:43:34.560 - 9:42:20 AM; Sam Evans Brown testified in support of HB 1180, emphasizing that it is an affordability bill. He explained that multiple independent analyses show 2024 energy code-compliant buildings are cheaper to own over time due to lower energy bills offsetting the upfront costs. The $10,000 added to a mortgage has a minimal impact on monthly payments but yields significant energy savings from day one. He highlighted barriers like mortgage underwriters not considering total cost of ownership, including energy bills, which prevents homeowners from affording efficient homes. Evans Brown praised New Hampshire's code adoption process but noted politicization of energy codes and urged updating to avoid future disruptions.
HB1180: Paul Beimis, ASHRAE Support00:54:30.160 - 9:53:16 AM; Paul Beimis, a building scientist representing ASHRAE, provided detailed data from a New Hampshire-specific study on two properties: a 30-unit building in Laconia and a single-family home in Portsmouth. The study showed incremental costs of $22,000 (0.21% of $10M) for the multi-unit and $9,000 for the single-family (about 1.3% of $700K build cost). Financial analysis demonstrated net monthly cash savings: $941 for the multi-unit and break-even to $109 positive for the single-family, factoring in 15-17% energy savings and preferred financing rates for efficient buildings. He noted the 2024 code is less stringent than 2021, with flexible compliance paths, no mandates for heat pumps or electrification, and benefits for indoor air quality via mechanical ventilation. Beimis emphasized conservative assumptions and offered a full 28-page report.
HB1180: Susan Richmond, Durham Support01:14:30.000 - 10:13:16 AM; Susan Richmond spoke in support of HB 1180, noting it fills a gap left by HB 159, which updated other codes but not energy. She questioned why builders focus on energy code costs when other updates in HB 159 also incur expenses. Richmond highlighted retrofit costs for existing homes, arguing building efficiently from the start is cheaper long-term. She also stressed health benefits, citing concerns from New Hampshire Healthy Climate about temperature extremes, particulate matter, and mold in inefficient homes.
HB1180: Alex Krubis, Associated General Contractors of New Hampshire Oppose01:16:26.239 - 10:15:12 AM; Alex Krubis opposed HB 1180, sharing concerns with homebuilders about increased costs to commercial buildings. He acknowledged the 2024 code is better than 2021 but supported the Building Code Review Board's (BCRB) recommendation to retain the 2018 code with six amendments, voted 9-3. Krubis deferred technical details to the BCRB chair and offered written testimony for more detail.
HB1180: Phil Sherman, Chairman, Building Code Review Board Information Only01:18:16.080 - 10:17:02 AM; Phil Sherman, BCRB chairman, took no position on HB 1180 but explained the board's process under RSA 155-A:10, requiring review of codes one year behind publication. After extensive review, a subcommittee recommended retaining the 2018 IEC with amendments, approved 9-3 by the board. Amendments include extending residential provisions to four stories, reclassifying Merrimack County to zone 5 for warmer climate, and others to support housing costs. Sherman noted collaboration with Paul Beimis on modeling, offered a 62-page report, and mentioned only five states adopted 2024 IEC, mostly with amendments, positioning NH as a leader if adopting. He introduced Med Kapchensky for technical details.
HB1180: Scott Tenny, New Hampshire Building Officials Association Oppose01:25:35.840 - 10:24:21 AM; Scott Tenny from the NHBOA opposed HB 1180 as submitted, aligning with the BCRB's position to retain the 2018 code with amendments. He noted much information was already covered and offered assistance to any subcommittee.
HB104: Representative Matt Drew, Manchester Ward 10 Support01:27:33.520 - 10:26:19 AM; Rep. Matt Drew sponsored HB 104, which raises the sprinkler exemption to four units for new detached residential buildings to reduce housing costs amid skyrocketing prices. He acknowledged sprinklers enhance safety but argued cost-effectiveness is unclear, citing NIST and UNLV studies showing mixed results, including negative value in Las Vegas due to maintenance and water damage risks. Drew noted inconsistent insurance discounts and that state law prohibits mandating sprinklers in existing buildings, suggesting the market should decide for small builds. He estimated sprinkler costs at $30,000-$50,000 in a $1M-$1.5M building.
HB104: Ivy Van, Peterborough Support01:35:50.719 - 10:34:36 AM; Ivy Van, a town planner and Incremental Development Alliance faculty, supported HB 104 but suggested amendments for broader impact. She argued current codes treat small multi-unit (3-6) buildings like large commercial ones under the International Building Code (IBC), deterring small developers. Van recommended moving up to four (or six) units to the International Residential Code (IRC), which is more appropriate for house-sized buildings. She highlighted townhouses as low-risk due to fire walls and separate exits, citing examples from Memphis, Dallas, and North Carolina.
HB104: Philip Jzac, New Hampshire Homebuilders Association Support01:39:21.119 - 10:38:07 AM; Philip Jzac supported HB 104 in principle but raised concerns about single-staircase buildings under three or four units, post-SB 282. He suggested an amendment requiring two means of egress or sprinklers for life safety in fire scenarios.
HB104: Sean Tumi, State Fire Marshal Oppose01:40:32.320 - 10:39:18 AM; Sean Tumi opposed HB 104, noting sprinkler requirements for multi-family since the 1980s/2000s for life safety. He cited Pew Charitable Trusts data showing modern multi-family (post-2000, sprinkled) have far lower death rates (1/16th of single-family). NH saw 22 residential fire deaths in 2024, five in multi-family. Tumi warned eliminating sprinklers with single stairs would be a safety step back, emphasizing sprinklers' role in egress, property protection, and firefighter safety. He suggested compromises like independent egress but preferred retaining sprinklers.
HB104: Representative Carol Maguire, Merrimack District 27 Information Only01:47:12.880 - 10:45:58 AM; Rep. Carol Maguire provided context: state codes allow up to four units in converted nonresidential buildings without new sprinklers. For well-water homes, sprinklers require costly cisterns in conditioned space to avoid freezing and ensure function during power outages, increasing expenses significantly.
HB1271: Jeremy Sloty, Representative of Hillsboro 13 Hudson Information Only01:51:56.000 - 10:50:42 AM; Introduced House Bill 1271 on behalf of Representative Sweeney. The bill clarifies definitions and expands the role of approved third-party inspection agencies, particularly for solar energy system projects. Admitted not having read the bill yet.
HB1271: Susan Richmond, Durham representing herself Support01:52:54.960 - 10:51:40 AM; Provided information on soft costs in rooftop solar projects in New Hampshire, which account for 65% of total costs, compared to 25% in Australia and 15% in Germany. Argued that HB 1271 would streamline permitting, reduce costs, make solar accessible to less affluent individuals, promote energy independence, and create energy democracy. Urged support for the bill.
HB1271: Sam Evans Brown, Executive Director of Clean Air New Hampshire Information Only01:54:05.440 - 10:52:51 AM; Requested interim study for the bill, noting positive conversations with code enforcement. Suggested piloting the concept in willing communities before statewide implementation. Described the goal of automated permitting for simple projects like solar, which reduces costs (e.g., $3/watt in NH vs. less than $1/watt in Australia). Highlighted benefits like eliminating customer acquisition costs and examples from other jurisdictions. Noted some towns like Keene are already moving in this direction.
HB1271: Michael Hagen, Vice President of New Hampshire Building Officials Association Oppose01:57:44.560 - 10:56:30 AM; Opposed the bill as written but looked forward to working with Clean Energy New Hampshire on piloting programs in communities.
HB1271: Phil Sherman Information Only01:58:35.840 - 10:57:21 AM; Encouraged interim study, noting positive past collaboration with Sam Evans Brown. Mentioned concerns about fiscal note and unfunded mandate.
HB1271: Steven Rancort, licensed electrician representing Electrical Contractors Business Association (ECBA) Information Only01:59:09.360 - 10:57:55 AM; Expressed interest in being part of the conversation for interim study. Noted existing third-party inspectors and processes for electrical work, and potential concerns with the bill as written.
HB1271: Sarah Burke Cohen, New Hampshire Municipal Association Oppose01:59:50.719 - 10:58:36 AM; Opposed the bill as written but supportive of interim study. Appreciated members working with organizations for efficiency.
HB1271: Committee Vote03:18:05.120 - 12:16:51 PM; Motion for interim study passed unanimously 12-0. Confirmed prime sponsor agrees with interim study. Placed on consent calendar.
HB1555: Representative Erica Leyon, Rockingham 13 Derry Support03:02:09.359 - 12:00:55 PM; Introduced HB 1555, born from a business owner's experience with expensive sprinkler requirements. Seeks improvements for exemptions and appeals process to ensure lowest burden and cost while maintaining life safety. Highlighted additions to state fire marshal's authority. Hopes for subcommittee review as more work needed.
HB1555: Brian Ferguson, owner of Flaghill Distillery and Winery in Lee Support03:04:14.080 - 12:03:00 PM; Testified in support based on personal experience. Purchased business in 2015; in 2020, town required compliance with current fire code, leading to hiring FPE and discovering building couldn't be retrofitted economically. Built new building costing millions extra, employing 100 people. Seeks 20-year protection from re-enforcement, better appeals for common-sense solutions (e.g., unnecessary sprinkler in crawl space). Emphasized need for investment security.
HB1555: Sean Tumi, State Fire Marshal Information Only03:10:18.479 - 12:09:04 PM; Worked with sponsor on amendments. Requested more time to refine. Opposed 20-year moratorium on enforcement as concerning for safety. Supported potential state-level appeals but noted workload. Critiqued added process/cost to variance applications; current process is simpler. Suggested code modifications over exemptions. Noted low appeals historically. Advocated incremental code updates over moratoriums.
HB1259 2024-0360h: Unidentified Representative Information Only03:21:57.840 - 12:20:43 PM; Explains that the amendment addresses issues from the hearing, ensuring reference to the proper addition of the Uniform Accountancy Act and repealing portion 309-B:7, based on suggestions from OPLC and testifiers.
HB1259 2024-0360h: Unidentified Representative Information Only03:21:57.840 - 12:20:43 PM; Confirms the amendment cleans up issues noted at the hearing.
HB1259 2024-0360h: Representative Pearson Information Only03:22:53.200 - 12:21:39 PM; Asks about the process for determining the addition in code, whether by board, rules, or statute.
HB1259 2024-0360h: Unidentified Representative Information Only03:22:53.200 - 12:21:39 PM; Responds that it is a statutory determination; the bill originally proposed updating to the most recent version but legislature does not delegate responsibilities permanently.
HB1259 2024-0360h: Clerk/Chair Vote03:24:02.399 - 12:22:48 PM; Calls the roll for adopting amendment 0360h on HB 1259; all representatives vote yes, amendment adopted 12-0.
HB1259 2024-0360h: Unidentified Representative Information Only03:24:02.399 - 12:22:48 PM; Moves Ought to Pass As (OTPA) on HB 1259 with amendment 036.
HB1259 2024-0360h: Clerk/Chair Vote03:24:50.479 - 12:23:36 PM; Calls the roll for OTPA with amendment; all vote yes except one 'I' (abstain?), passes 12-0; placed on consent calendar; executive session closed.
HB1500: Representative Sloty Oppose03:24:50.479 - 12:23:36 PM; Moves Inexpedient to Legislate (ITL).
HB1500: Unidentified Representative Oppose03:26:04.560 - 12:24:50 PM; Speaks to the motion, explaining risks of the bill reducing incentives for budget agreement, preferring annual balanced budgets over continuing resolutions like in DC; acknowledges benefits but recommends ITL.
HB1500: Representative Groa Support03:27:00.960 - 12:25:46 PM; Respectfully votes against ITL, noting the bill sets up a commission to study and propose procedures for shutdowns, which is important.
HB1500: Clerk/Chair Vote03:27:58.880 - 12:26:44 PM; Calls the roll for ITL on HB 1500; votes result in 7 yes (for ITL), 6 no; motion carries; minority report anticipated; executive session closed.
HB1119 2026-0337h: Representative Groa Support03:30:09.520 - 12:28:55 PM; Moves adoption of amendment 2026-0337h, explaining it adds necessary RSAs for the new position, addressing rulemaking authority of the board of embalmers and funeral directors.
HB1119 2026-0337h: Unidentified Representative Support03:31:30.960 - 12:30:16 PM; Confirms discussion with prime sponsor; amendment helps implement associate funeral directors licensing sooner.
HB1119 2026-0337h: Unidentified Representative Information Only03:31:30.960 - 12:30:16 PM; Asks if the amendment was done with the association and OPLC.
HB1119 2026-0337h: Representative Groa Information Only03:31:30.960 - 12:30:16 PM; Confirms it was done with the association and OPLC.
HB1119 2026-0337h: Clerk/Chair Vote03:32:43.120 - 12:31:29 PM; Calls the roll for adopting amendment 0337h on HB 1119; all vote yes, adopted 13-0.
HB1119 2026-0337h: Representative Groto (Groa) Support03:32:43.120 - 12:31:29 PM; Moves Ought to Pass (OTP) with amendment 0337h.
HB1119 2026-0337h: Clerk/Chair Vote03:34:09.120 - 12:32:55 PM; Calls the roll for OTP with amendment; all vote yes, passes 13-0; placed on consent calendar; executive session closed.
HB1109: Representative Flanigan Support03:46:42.560 - 12:45:28 PM; Presents the bill, noting it passed House last year bipartisanly 20-0 via Labor Committee on consent, but Senate amended it harming House ethics; reintroduced. Explains history inspired by Gino Maronei's unexplained suspension causing issues for his wife, a Supreme Court justice, leading to conflicts with AG's office. Bill requires reasons for suspensions to ensure fairness; similar to Pearson's termination bill. Open to expanding to municipal employees despite focusing on state due to varying local policies.
HB1109: Unidentified Representative Information Only03:50:50.960 - 12:49:36 PM; Asks why the bill is limited to state employees, not all public employees, considering municipal workers.
HB1109: Representative Flanigan Information Only03:50:50.960 - 12:49:36 PM; Explains focus on state due to unknown municipal bargaining/HR variations; open to adding if desired; emphasizes fairness intent applicable to municipalities too.
HB1109: Unidentified Representative Support03:50:50.960 - 12:49:36 PM; Agrees and supports adding municipal employees.
HB1109: Representative Sitec Support03:51:44.640 - 12:50:30 PM; Requests to be added to the amendment.
HB1617: Representative Robert Wary, Hudson Support04:03:02.239 - 1:01:48 PM; Representative Wary introduced HB 1617, explaining its purpose to proactively market New Hampshire to attract corporate investments amid emerging trends like corporate migrations from high-tax states and tariff-induced investments into the US. He highlighted research showing $18 trillion in pledged investments by end of 2025, with New Hampshire absent from the list. The bill empowers the Department of Business and Economic Affairs (BEA) to leverage the SelectUSA program and requires rapid updates to business development reports. He addressed committee questions on costs (no new funds needed, uses existing resources), structure (statement of findings for weight), research depth (18-slide presentation and report shared with officials), benefits (strategic growth without over-expansion), and BEA collaboration (presented but neutral stance). He emphasized timely response to capitalize on opportunities.
HB1544: Representative Andrew Prout, Hudson Support04:21:02.479 - 1:19:48 PM; Representative Prout sponsored HB 1544 to require fragrance-free cleaning products and amenities in public areas of state buildings to accommodate individuals with severe allergies to artificial fragrances, comparable to peanut allergies. He shared personal experience with worsening reactions and noted limitations of ADA accommodations for infrequent visits like DMV or Secretary of State. Citing the American Medical Association's June 2025 recommendation for fragrance-free policies in medical and government facilities, the bill applies only to state buildings, not locals or privates, and excludes employee-only areas. He confirmed with Department of Administrative Services that equivalent fragrance-free products are available at no extra cost. In response to questions, he explained the bill targets structural sources like wall dispensers, easier to manage than personal scents, and would reduce overall exposure.
HB1472: Representative Kelly Support04:25:52.880 - 1:24:38 PM; Representative Kelly moved for ought to pass on HB 1472, noting minimal opposition and the bill's sensible approach. Discussion emphasized appropriate regulatory punishments, ensuring appeals do not extend suspension time, and starting the clock at suspension. Concerns raised included inter-agency discrepancies unfairly burdening individuals, the need for due process, consistent policy across departments, and recognizing time served. Agency representatives listened without comment. The motion passed 12-0 unanimously, placed on consent calendar.
HB1472: Representative Li Support04:26:54.000 - 1:25:40 PM; Representative Li supported the bill for clarifying regulatory roles, ensuring punishments are not prolonged by appeals, and maintaining appropriate durations.
HB1472: Representative Pearson Support04:28:09.040 - 1:26:55 PM; Representative Pearson expressed shock at individuals becoming scapegoats in agency disagreements, stressing due process and full support.
HB1472: Representative Groa Support04:29:20.319 - 1:28:06 PM; Representative Groa supported out of courtesy to a colleague but cautioned on language regarding agencies, rulings, and 'punishment,' noting two sides to every story.
HB1472: Representative Dargy Support04:30:17.600 - 1:29:03 PM; Representative Dargy advocated recognizing time served, as appeals can take years, and hoped the two-year limit would prevent dragging out processes.
HB1472: Representative Duray Information Only04:31:11.680 - 1:29:57 PM; Representative Duray questioned reviewing the two involved departments, but clarified legislators cannot intervene in specific cases, focusing instead on overall policy fairness.
HB1657: Representative Erikica Leon, Derry Support04:42:03.200 - 1:40:49 PM; Representative Leon introduced HB 1657 to address prolonged vacancies in state positions by requiring agency heads to report vacancies over 90 days to key officials (speaker, governor, senate president, fiscal committee, EDNA chairs, executive council) quarterly, using existing spreadsheets. She noted vacancies lasting years undermine balanced budgeting and resource allocation. For positions unfilled over 90 days, executive council approval would be needed, encouraging faster filling or elimination of unneeded roles. Drawing from finance committee experience, she highlighted ghost positions in agencies like DHHS, where flexibility allows reassignments without oversight. Responses to questions addressed frequency (needs specification, e.g., quarterly), incentives for rushed hiring (balance with flexibility via provisional approvals), budget oversight (supplements finance reviews by spotlighting issues), and potential downsides (may push restructuring for better pay or elimination to avoid skeleton crews). She advocated for streamlined government without aggressive elimination.
HB1657: Representative Gro Information Only04:46:01.040 - 1:44:47 PM; Representative Gro raised concerns about high vacancy rates (e.g., 40% in Corrections) stressing employees, questioning if eliminating positions adds pressure without relief, especially in demanding roles like corrections where hiring is challenging.
HB1657: Representative Darie Information Only04:50:11.440 - 1:48:57 PM; Representative Darie asked about report frequency, noting it needs clarification (e.g., every six months) separate from 90-day threshold, suggesting work session discussion.
HB1657: Representative Dere Information Only04:51:06.080 - 1:49:52 PM; Representative Dere, as a private employer, worried 90-day reporting might rush hiring to suboptimal candidates to protect budgets, potentially leading to poor fits.
HB1657: Representative Pearson Information Only04:54:13.440 - 1:52:59 PM; Representative Pearson noted agencies present budgets including positions in finance, questioning if this shifts legislative authority to executive, especially if cost-cutting motives differ.
HB1657: Representative Droid Information Only04:57:48.560 - 1:56:34 PM; Representative Droid asked if finance committee reviewed and eliminated positions during education budget, to which Leon clarified such reviews occur in initial budgeting, not later, and unfilled positions were overwhelming.
HB1657: Richard Gulla, President of the State Employees Association Oppose04:58:54.638 - 1:57:40 PM; Richard Gulla testified against HB 1657, arguing that it misdiagnoses prolonged vacancies as waste when they are symptoms of systematic workforce challenges like uncompetitive wages, lengthy hiring processes, credentialed positions, hiring freezes, and retention issues. He highlighted that the 90-day threshold for elimination is arbitrary and harmful, as many public sector positions take longer to fill. The bill would require governor and executive council approval to fill vacancies, creating bureaucratic delays akin to a second hiring freeze. He cited real-world examples, such as the Department of Corrections at 47% vacancy rate and the state overall at 20%, leading to costly mandatory overtime covered by higher-paid staff. Eliminating positions would lock in these costs and worsen shortages. The bill undermines agency management by shifting staffing authority away from leaders who understand needs. Long-term, it would increase overtime, burnout, reliance on contractors, service delays, and liability, costing taxpayers more. Gulla supported transparency through contextual vacancy reporting, workforce planning, pay equity, retention investments, and streamlined hiring, but opposed automatic eliminations. He urged the committee to find the bill inexpedient to legislate, noting that current vacancies mean employees are often doing the work of two or more people, referencing challenges in Corrections and Department of Transportation.

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