Committee Summary for House Executive Departments and Administration (03/25/2026)

Bill/Time	Type	Title	Sponsor
SB526 00:06:24.630 - 9:10:11 AM	Public Hearing	establishing a New Hampshire-Greece trade council.	Ricciardi, Denise(R)[B]2025
SB526 00:15:00.000 - 9:18:47 AM	Executive Session	establishing a New Hampshire-Greece trade council.	Ricciardi, Denise(R)[B]2025
SB400 00:21:24.630 - 9:25:11 AM	Public Hearing	relative to duties and reporting requirements of the therapeutic cannabis medical oversight board.	Gannon, Bill(R)[B-]2025
SB572 1231 00:56:29.221 - 10:00:16 AM	Public Hearing	relative to New Hampshire hospital real estate.	Reardon, Tara(D)[F]2025
SB423 01:15:34.337 - 10:19:21 AM	Public Hearing	reestablishing the commission to study the incidence of post-traumatic stress disorder in first responders.	Birdsell, Regina(R)[B-]2025
SB656 01:30:34.337 - 10:34:21 AM	Public Hearing	establishing a web-based occupational license application portal for veterans and military spouses.	McGough, Tim(R)[B+]2025
SB510 01:54:44.384 - 10:58:31 AM	Public Hearing	ensuring state-operated, publicly accessible spaces have designated smoking areas undetectable to visitors.	Murphy, Keith(R)[A]2025
SB571 02:58:48.074 - 12:02:35 PM	Public Hearing	relative to the requirements to be issued a certificate as a certified public accountant.	Reardon, Tara(D)[F]2025
SB494 03:16:21.215 - 12:20:08 PM	Public Hearing	relative to the state fire code, fire incident reporting and investigations, and the duties of the state fire marshal.	Pearl, Howard (R)[B]2025
SB530 03:36:07.841 - 12:39:54 PM	Public Hearing	relative to fetal death reporting to the Centers for Disease Control.	Rosenwald, Cindy(D)[F]2025
SB530 03:36:07.841 - 12:39:54 PM	Executive Session	relative to fetal death reporting to the Centers for Disease Control.	Rosenwald, Cindy(D)[F]2025
HB656 03:36:07.841 - 12:39:54 PM	Public Hearing	relative to the authority of local school districts to accept federal grants.	Peternel, Katy(R)[A]2025
SB298 amended in Senate 04:06:07.841 - 1:09:54 PM	Public Hearing	relative to sober living house certification and operational standards.	Avard, Kevin(R)[B]2025

SB526: Senator Denise Ricciardi, District 9 Support00:06:24.630 - 9:10:11 AM; Senator Ricciardi introduced SB 526, highlighting economic and cultural benefits of establishing a New Hampshire-Greece trade council. She noted shared values like 'live free or die,' historical parallels in democracy and primaries, existing trade in aerospace, electronics, metals, and food, and tourism as economic drivers. She emphasized attracting investment and jobs, New Hampshire's highest per capita Greek American population, and the council's low cost through private funds and grants, modeled after councils for Canada and Ireland. She shared an anecdote from a D.C. conference about potential partnership with Metlin Energy for gallium production to reduce reliance on China, positioning NH as the first U.S. state with a Greek trade council. She mentioned the governor's support and asked for committee backing.
SB526: Committee Chair Vote00:15:00.000 - 9:18:47 AM; The chair moved ought to pass, seconded by Representative Groda. The chair spoke in support, emphasizing strong existing ties, NH's high per capita Greek and Irish populations as diversity to recognize, potential opportunities from the council, and reliance on private funding. No further discussion occurred. The roll call vote passed 14-1 in favor. The bill was placed on the consent calendar.
SB400: Prime Sponsor Support00:21:24.630 - 9:25:11 AM; The prime sponsor supported SB 400, describing it as a simple change to RSA 126-X requiring the Therapeutic Cannabis Medical Oversight Board (TCMOB) to review scientific evidence on current and additional qualifying conditions biennially, including citations in reports. They credited TCMOB's volunteer efforts, meeting four times yearly beyond the required two, and cited support from experts like those at Memorial Hospital, Dr. Bertha Madras from Harvard, and Dr. Amy Turncliffe. They proposed funding a researcher via the self-funded Therapeutic Cannabis Program (TCP) if needed, noting meta-analyses update frequently and the bill ensures transparency for cardholders and legislators without adding undue burden.
SB400: Representative Matthew Pitara, Allenstown Support00:30:00.000 - 9:33:47 AM; Representative Pitara spoke in favor of SB 400 on his own behalf, supporting recreational marijuana legalization generally. He endorsed gathering evidence and data through research to inform decisions, aligning with the bill's aim to review and cite studies on qualifying conditions.
SB400: Dr. Jerry Knurick, TCMOB Chair Oppose00:36:24.630 - 9:40:11 AM; Dr. Knurick opposed SB 400, arguing biennial reviews of all conditions are unnecessary and burdensome for the volunteer board, as scientific knowledge evolves slowly and decisions rely on accumulated data over years, not frequent re-reviews. He clarified conditions like cancer or Alzheimer's are listed for treating symptoms (e.g., nausea, agitation), not curing the disease, and HB 1278 allows provider discretion for other cases. He detailed the board's extensive work, including monthly meetings initially and homework, and noted ongoing reviews like pediatric epilepsy, glaucoma, and hepatitis C. He suggested an amendment to require citations in annual reports without mandating biennial full reviews, agreeing citations should be standard but emphasizing the workload risk to volunteers.
SB400: Dr. James Kelly, primary care physician, NH Army National Guard Support00:51:24.630 - 9:55:11 AM; Dr. Kelly supported SB 400, stating it ensures TCMOB fulfills its statutory oversight obligations to the medical community, DHHS, legislature, and public by reviewing evidence on conditions and potential complications or interactions. He noted benefits from proactive oversight and criticized re-litigating the list of over 35 conditions, as HB 1278 allows provider certification for any debilitating condition where benefits outweigh risks. He suggested eventually eliminating the list and was open to amendments making the bill less problematic while enabling constructive oversight.
SB572 1231: Representative Representative Erica Layon Rockingham - District 13 (Rockingham 13) Support00:56:29.221 - 10:00:16 AM; Introduces the non-germane amendment to SB 572, which replaces the underlying bill (sale of Philbrook Center) with content from HB 1616. HB 1616 aims to prevent taxpayers from subsidizing pharmaceutical companies' vaccine advertising budgets, ensuring companies pay for their own promotion given their profits and liability protections. Explains tabling HB 1616 previously due to numerous amendments delaying other bills. The amendment allows HB 1616 content to proceed to a full body vote.
SB572 1231: Representative Lucy Weber, Cheshire 5 (Surry and Walpole) Oppose01:00:00.000 - 10:03:47 AM; Opposes the amendment agreeing that pharmaceutical companies should fund their own advertising, but notes the amendment targets DHHS actions without defining 'advertising.' Questions if vaccine clinic schedules count as advertising. Criticizes section on educational materials requiring reproduction of disclaimer forms, increasing taxpayer costs for editing, reformatting, and printing. Argues it burdens DHHS and limits vaccine information dissemination, failing to save money and hindering public access.
SB572 1231: Kate Frey, Vice President of Advocacy, New Futures Oppose01:03:00.000 - 10:06:47 AM; Opposes the non-germane amendment to SB 572, as New Futures is a non-partisan nonprofit focused on health and wellness. Reiterates prior opposition to HB 1616. Highlights lack of definition for 'advertising,' potentially limiting public education by health networks and DHHS. Warns it could hinder life-saving vaccine provision during outbreaks, e.g., hepatitis A via press releases. Provides written testimony similar to previous.
SB572 1231: Lorna Carlisle Oppose01:06:00.000 - 10:09:47 AM; Briefly opposes, questioning if it's the state's responsibility to inform citizens of health concerns. Compares to basic duties like handwashing reminders, emphasizing vaccines and health as state responsibilities.
SB572 1231: Alexandria Prescott, Raymond Oppose01:08:00.000 - 10:11:47 AM; Opposes the amendment's bottom half, concerned about prohibiting broad vaccination recommendations. Cites CDC data on flu vaccine saving millions annually and reducing hospital impacts. Fears inability to recommend vaccines during outbreaks like measles, risking public safety and limiting professionals' use of information.
SB572 1231: Megan Hetty, Chief of Bureau of Infectious Disease Control, DHHS; Dr. Benjamin Chan, State Epidemiologist Oppose01:11:29.221 - 10:15:16 AM; Oppose the amendment, similar to prior testimony on HB 1616. Section 1 lacks definition of 'advertise or promote,' potentially prohibiting all immunization communication, including recommendations, risking funding for contracted entities like local health departments. Section 2 unclear on educational materials, restricting routine education on immunizations. Dr. Chan adds example: cannot recommend flu vaccines annually or measles vaccines during outbreaks without advertising specific brands or exchanging money with pharma.
SB423: Senator Birdsall Support01:15:34.337 - 10:19:21 AM; Prime sponsor introduces SB 423 to reestablish the commission, as the prior report ended November 1. Aims to reduce PTSD stigma in first responders. Accomplishments: attention to PTSD management, academy training for recruits, ongoing and retirement training, modified workers' comp notifications, standards for comfort dogs (to be heard next week). Future goals: structure peer programs, create succession plans for retirees. Adds members: mental health community center (governor-appointed) and comfort dog organization. Passed Senate on voice vote with amendments.
SB423: David Goldstein, retired police chief, mental health and wellness coordinator, Rockingham County Sheriff's Office; NH Association of Chiefs of Police Support01:22:00.000 - 10:25:47 AM; Supports SB 423 as a commission member since inception. Highlights statistic: first responders face ~900 critical incidents in a 20-year career vs. civilians' ~6 lifetime. Emphasizes ongoing stigma battle and new PTSD treatments. Supports extension to 2027, adding sheriffs, and opposes cutting members like community health centers.
SB423: Sam Hawkins, NAMI New Hampshire Support01:27:00.000 - 10:30:47 AM; Supports SB 423, complimenting the commission's diligent work (NAMI executive director serves on it). Notes strong expertise, motivation, and quorum reliability. Addresses membership: NAMI connects to lived experiences but doesn't provide services; urges including mental health providers if changes made. Supports continuing supports for first responders.
SB656: Kevin Grady, State Veterans Advisory Committee; Air Force veteran, Hooksett Support01:30:34.337 - 10:34:21 AM; Represents 20 veteran organizations supporting SB 656. Aids recruiting veterans by easing occupational licensing for them and spouses, aligning with labor needs and governor's New Hampshire First for Veterans initiative (HB 1415 moose plates). Notes OPLC and DMV efforts on skill translations. Supports including spouses; suggests potential expansion but prioritizes veterans. Addresses funding questions, noting indeterminate Salesforce costs; unaware of using plate proceeds.
SB656: Trevor Cornwell, President of Government Affairs, Aspire Technologies Support01:39:44.384 - 10:43:31 AM; Supports SB 656 as part of coalition including military/veterans organizations. Advocates digital licenses for reciprocity, implemented in states like Florida/Kansas. Addresses military families' 30% higher licensing issues and 3x moves. Reduces delays (avg. 41 days, $400B economic impact) via secure digital verification, matching credentials (e.g., for nurses/cosmetologists). Flags needs like training. Examples: instant approvals in reciprocal cases, expedited for military. Barrier is integrating into OPLC portal; no statutory changes needed beyond implementation. Effective in other states, reducing wait times to days/zero.
SB510: Senator Murphy Support01:54:44.384 - 10:58:31 AM; Senator Murphy testifies in support of SB 510, explaining that the bill prohibits smoking in areas accessible to the public within 25 feet of entrances to state buildings, ensuring no detectable smoke in public or common areas. He notes that this would eliminate smoking on the State House steps and references a previous unsuccessful smoking room in the LOB building. He clarifies that the bill focuses on cigarette smoke, with uncertainty about vaping, as it is mostly water vapor rather than smoke. Exemptions apply to publicly owned property or areas under state control not accessible to the visiting public.
SB571: Representative Grota Information Only02:58:48.074 - 12:02:35 PM; Representative Grota introduces SB 571, noting it addresses requirements for certified public accountants and anticipates testimony from experts.
SB571: Kevin Kennedy and Robin Houston, New Hampshire Society of CPAs Support02:58:48.074 - 12:02:35 PM; Kevin Kennedy, Chair of the Tax and Legislation Committee, and Robin Houston, CEO, testify in support of SB 571, highlighting its similarity to HB 1259, which recently passed unanimously in both chambers and is on the consent calendar. They explain the need for more CPAs in the workforce and note that SB 571 lacks the mobility clause present in HB 1259, which allows practice across state lines. They prefer HB 1259 and suggest SB 571 may not be necessary if HB 1259 passes.
SB571: Teresa Rosenberger, Bernstein Shure representing CPAs Support02:58:48.074 - 12:02:35 PM; Teresa Rosenberger testifies that SB 571 contains all provisions of SB 1259 except the mobility addition, along with cleanups like specifying CPA manual updates and removing foreign jurisdiction references after OPLC testimony. She praises HB 1259 as the better bill due to mobility and urges its passage on the consent calendar.
SB494: Representative Steve Pearson, Rockingham District 13 Information Only03:16:21.215 - 12:20:08 PM; Representative Pearson introduces SB 494, which addresses state fire code updates and duties of the state fire marshal, and notes the presence of the state fire marshal to answer questions.
SB494: Sean Toomey, State Fire Marshal Support03:16:21.215 - 12:20:08 PM; Sean Toomey testifies in support of SB 494, describing it as mostly cleanup items including updating the state fire code to the 2024 edition, adding carbon monoxide detection requirements for additional uses, shifting to electronic fire incident reporting via NEARS, reorganizing investigation statutes, adjusting fees for electrical and mechanical inspections to the Department of Safety, enabling information sharing with OPLC while protecting privacy, and allowing the state to conduct inspections for small municipalities unable to do so locally after a short delay, with fees following the state building permit program. He addresses questions on carbon monoxide dangers from heating systems and maintenance, detector costs around $50, fiscal note details showing $50,000 revenue and $135,000 for a new position, and flexibility to decline inspection requests.
SB530: Senator Sydney Rosenwald, Senate District 13 Support03:36:07.841 - 12:39:54 PM; Senator Rosenwald introduces SB 530 as a privacy bill aligning fetal death reporting after 20 weeks with last year's SB 92 on live births. It prevents sending identifying data like parents' names, dates of birth, medical record numbers, street addresses, and zip codes to the CDC, while still reporting year of birth, town, county, state, and delivery date. It also updates 'maiden surname' to 'name prior to first marriage or civil union' per Vital Records request. She emphasizes protecting privacy for parents experiencing loss without changing reported health information, notes no fiscal impact, and confirms no federal pushback.
SB530: Representative Grota Vote03:36:07.841 - 12:39:54 PM; Representative Grota moves ought to pass on SB 530, highlighting it as a continuation of privacy protections for families experiencing birth or loss, and praises Senator Rosenwald's work.
SB530: Committee Roll Call Vote03:36:07.841 - 12:39:54 PM; The committee unanimously votes 16-0 in favor of ought to pass on SB 530, with all members voting yes. Representative Schmidt notes oversight via the vital records privacy board. The bill is placed on the consent calendar.
HB656: Dee Juris, Executive Director, OPLC Information Only03:36:07.841 - 12:39:54 PM; Dee Juris addresses questions on HB 656, explaining the desire for a facilitated online space to support veterans separate from existing systems. She notes current online application processes and prioritization for veterans and military in licensing reciprocity, questioning if new law is needed for a concierge service to assist military members, veterans, and spouses in navigating the process, or if it can be done under existing statutes.
HB656: Dee Juris, Executive Director, OPLC Information Only03:51:07.841 - 12:54:54 PM; Dee Juris provides context on existing legislative supports for military members and spouses in occupational licensing, including expedited pathways, fee waivers, inactive status during deployment, and rulemaking for military experience equivalents. She explains the bill's intent to procure software for a concierge service to assist with applications, separate from OPLC's role. She clarifies that OPLC processes applications but does not provide advisory support, and notes the office's neutral position on the bill while highlighting current processing timelines aiming for 30 days, with some quicker via reciprocity. She discusses policy measures like compacts for portability and the potential to start applications from out-of-state.
SB298 amended in Senate: Senator Avard, District 12 Support04:06:07.841 - 1:09:54 PM; As the prime sponsor, Senator Avard shares his personal 22 years of sobriety and belief in recovery housing to reintegrate individuals into communities. He notes the bill aims to add certification to ensure recovery residences fulfill their intended role without abuse, open to further amendments. He introduces the development of a certification process and mentions background experts.
SB298 amended in Senate: Anthony Salvicci, Operator, Tabula Rasa Sober Living, Manchester; Chair, NHCORE Advocacy Committee Oppose04:11:07.841 - 1:14:54 PM; Salvicci supports the premise but opposes the amended bill due to exclusion of stakeholders like NHCORE, which has access to national standards. He warns it risks driving operators underground, harming public safety and resident safety. He highlights concerns: subjective enforcement, fines without clear definitions, removal of timelines, no extensions for zoning delays, inconsistent treatment of operators, misuse of 'facility' term, and overlaps with fire marshal rules. Urges pausing for stakeholder inclusion or not passing as written.
SB298 amended in Senate: Laura Wargo, Director, New Hampshire Partnership for Recovery Residences (NHPRR) Support04:16:07.841 - 1:19:54 PM; Wargo emphasizes NHPRR's role as the statutorily designated certifying body, committed to safe, ethical recovery residences. Staff have lived experience in recovery. Notes national trend toward mandatory certification in states like Ohio and Colorado for inspections and compliance. Highlights voluntary certified homes meeting zoning and fire codes, and operators combating stigma while filling gaps for those exiting incarceration.
SB298 amended in Senate: Jake Barry, Senior Vice President, New Futures Support04:21:07.841 - 1:24:54 PM; Barry supports mandatory certification to apply standards to all houses, ensuring health and safety for residents and communities. Clarifies the bill doesn't change standards or process but makes certification mandatory, addressing uncertified houses that overcrowd or ignore best practices. Notes research from other states and openness to tweaks for improvement.
SB298 amended in Senate: Joshua Calvo, Person in Long-Term Recovery; VP Business Development, Brighter Day Recovery; Executive Director, Restoration Recovery, Rochester Support04:26:07.841 - 1:29:54 PM; Calvo shares his 7.5 years in recovery, crediting structure from a recovery residence. Supports certification to uphold standards, prevent harm like denying medications, ensure consistency statewide, and provide safe places for vulnerable populations.
SB298 amended in Senate: Persephone Lesperance, Person in Long-Term Recovery; Owner-Operator, Grand Mason Recovery Homes, Goffstown and Manchester; Principal Consultant, Grand Mason Management Support04:31:07.841 - 1:34:54 PM; Lesperance, sober over 10 years, stresses recovery housing's peer-led role in building independence. Supports mandatory certification for alignment, safety, and accountability, protecting vulnerable residents and communities. Notes voluntary system's inconsistencies and shares experiences with compliant operators.
SB298 amended in Senate: Sean Canizaro, Owner, Hope to Freedom Recovery Homes, Claremont; Person in Long-Term Recovery Support04:36:07.841 - 1:39:54 PM; Canizaro, 7 years sober, supports the bill after facing regulation challenges when opening homes. Shares learning from complaints, emphasizing certified homes' rules, structure, and support beyond housing. Contrasts with uncertified 'trap houses' allowing drug use. Notes financial challenges but mission to help residents like he was helped.
SB298 amended in Senate: Jenny O'Higgins, Legislative Liaison for Behavioral Health, DHHS Information Only04:51:07.841 - 1:54:54 PM; O'Higgins provides departmental context since 2018, noting collaboration on the bill with stakeholders and other states. Supports policy but highlights fiscal impact of ~$525,000 due to budget constraints; offers amendment for funding contingency. Clarifies NHPRR as current certifying body via competitive bid, mandatory certification's intent, phase-in for existing houses, and enforcement via inability to operate without certification. Addresses funding sources for uncertified homes and definitions.
SB298 amended in Senate: Committee Member Information Only05:06:07.841 - 2:09:54 PM; The committee member thanks the witness and requests that any cease and desist letters be forwarded so they can contact the organizations involved. They express interest in understanding why a national standards group does not want their standards used in the state.
SB298 amended in Senate: Representative Bailey Information Only05:06:45.000 - 2:10:32 PM; Representative Bailey seeks clarification on the witness's testimony regarding nationally recognized private standards versus HUD government standards. She advocates for a deep dive into the issues during work sessions, urging the committee to ensure the bill achieves its intent without unintended consequences, such as landlords fearing to rent to individuals in recovery due to unclear definitions. She emphasizes the importance of getting it right for operators, people in recovery, and their families.
SB298 amended in Senate: Chair Information Only05:08:00.000 - 2:11:47 PM; The chair thanks the witness for their helpful answers and notes that this was a wrap-up comment with no further questions. They confirm no additional pink cards for public testimony, describe the hearing as productive and the start of the process, instruct attendees to watch the House calendar for work session notifications, and explain the use of the standard public notification system. The chair closes the hearing on Senate Bill 298, ends the day's business, and reminds of the next work session at 10 AM next Wednesday.

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