Committee Summary for House Finance (05/28/2025)

Bill/Time	Type	Title	Sponsor
SB63 00:02:39.599 - 9:00:55 AM	Executive Session	relative to funding for the division of travel and tourism.	Lang, Timothy(R)[B-]2025
SB74 2282 00:06:44.479 - 9:05:00 AM	Executive Session	relative to real property annual reporting requirements of state departments for permitting programs.	Pearl, Howard (R)[B]2025
SB241 00:13:25.360 - 9:11:41 AM	Executive Session	relative to construction of a public pier on Hampton Beach and making an appropriation therefor.	Avard, Kevin(R)[B]2025
SB145 2301H 00:16:02.000 - 9:14:18 AM	Executive Session	(Second New Title) establishing an evidence shipping pilot program.	Altschiller, Debra(D)[CT]2025
SB295 2271H 00:21:35.440 - 9:19:51 AM	Executive Session	(New Title) relative to education freedom accounts.	Sullivan, Victoria(R)[A-]2025
SB118 01:01:37.440 - 9:59:53 AM	Executive Session	(Second New Title) relative to the personal needs allowance of residents of nursing homes; making an appropriation to the department of health and human services for Hampstead hospital and residential treatment facility staff; establishing the Hampstead hospital and residential treatment facility capital investment fund; and permitting qualifying patients and designated caregivers to cultivate cannabis for therapeutic use.	Birdsell, Regina(R)[B-]2025

SB63: Representative Maguire Information Only00:02:39.599 - 9:00:55 AM; Representative Maguire moved to retain Senate Bill 63, which sets funding for the Division of Travel and Tourism. The bill was straightforward and the funding number differed from what was in the budget. The decision to retain was due to the budget already having been passed with a different number.
SB63: Vote Vote00:04:56.320 - 9:03:12 AM; The vote on the motion to retain Senate Bill 63 resulted in 23 yes votes, 1 no vote, and 1 absent. The motion passed.
SB74 2282: Representative Maguire Information Only00:06:44.479 - 9:05:00 AM; Representative Maguire moved to pass Senate Bill 74 with amendment 2282. The bill requires departments issuing permits, such as DES and DOT, to report on permits not concluded within 90 days. The amendment changes the reporting to summarize delayed permits at different intervals and delays the first report to 2027 to allow departments to collect data prospectively. This amendment was proposed to reduce the volume of the report and was supported by both departments as not requiring additional funding.
SB74 2282: Vote Vote00:09:55.240 - 9:08:11 AM; The committee voted on amendment 2282 to Senate Bill 74. All members present were in favor of adopting the amendment.
SB74 2282: Vote Information Only00:09:55.240 - 9:08:11 AM; The speaker concluded the voting process for the amendment to Senate Bill 74, which was adopted with a vote of 24-1.
SB74 2282: Chair Wiler Information Only00:12:35.120 - 9:10:51 AM; Chair Wiler announced the adoption of amendment 2282 to Senate Bill 74 with a vote of 24-1 and noted that the bill could not go on consent due to financial implications. The discussion then moved to Senate Bill 241.
SB241: Representative Sweeney Information Only00:13:25.360 - 9:11:41 AM; Representative Sweeney explained that Senate Bill 241 proposed to establish a fund for a future pier at Hampton Beach. After committee discussion, there was no public support for the project, leading to a motion for inexpedient to legislate. The bill was passed with a unanimous vote of 25-0 and could go on consent.
SB145 2301H: Representative Papovich Support00:16:02.000 - 9:14:18 AM; Representative Papovich introduced Senate Bill 145, which aims to allow rape kits to be shipped to Concord for testing rather than requiring police officers to drive them. The amendment 2301H removed a reimbursement program, which was deemed unnecessary as the bill already reduced costs for police departments. The amendment was adopted unanimously.
SB295 2271H: Representative Earth Support00:21:35.440 - 9:19:51 AM; Representative Earth introduced Senate Bill 295, which expands eligibility for Education Freedom Accounts by removing income thresholds and capping total enrollment at 10,000 students. The amendment 2271H clarifies the bill and adds exceptions for certain students to be outside the cap. The amendment was adopted with a vote of 14-11.
SB295 2271H: Representative Papovichi Müller Support00:29:22.080 - 9:27:38 AM; Representative Papovichi Müller supported the amendment, stating that it would control the growth of the Education Freedom Account program and ensure that the program does not exceed spending limits. He argued that the cap was necessary to address concerns about uncontrolled spending.
SB295 2271H: Representative Luno Oppose00:30:40.240 - 9:28:56 AM; Representative Luno opposed the amendment, citing significant opposition from constituents and local towns, including a specific example from where, NH. He argued that the expansion of the voucher program was not supported by the public and could lead to uncontrolled spending.
SB295 2271H: Representative Turski Oppose00:31:56.480 - 9:30:12 AM; Representative Turski opposed the bill, arguing that it would increase spending after the budget had already been set, which goes against precedent. He highlighted the state's financial constraints and the lack of support for the voucher program among constituents.
SB295 2271H: Representative Hacken Phillips Oppose00:36:22.000 - 9:34:38 AM; Representative Hacken Phillips opposed the bill, pointing out that it would advance universal enrollment for income levels by a year, resulting in an unaccounted $16.8 million increase in the first year of the biennium. She argued that this move was fiscally irresponsible and could complicate budget negotiations.
SB295 2271H: Representative Papovichi Müller Support00:40:39.599 - 9:38:55 AM; Representative Papovichi Müller argued in favor of the bill, stating that the projected costs were based on worst-case scenarios and that the actual impact would be less. He emphasized the need to provide educational equity for students not properly served by public schools.
SB295 2271H: Representative Murray Oppose00:46:37.599 - 9:44:53 AM; Representative Murray opposed the bill, citing the potential cost increase to the EFA program and the lack of funds to cover it. He mentioned the number of students eligible for vouchers and the potential financial impact on the state.
SB295 2271H: Representative R Oppose00:52:59.520 - 9:51:15 AM; Representative R opposed the bill, criticizing the education system and school boards for failing to improve education outcomes. He argued that moving students to private schools should result in savings for public schools, which he claimed were not being realized.
SB118: Representative Seaworth Support01:01:37.440 - 9:59:53 AM; Representative Seaworth supported Senate Bill 118, which increases the Medicaid personal needs allowance. He explained that the allowance comes from the patient's own funds, and adjusting it annually would prevent a large increase every five years. He noted the bill's minimal budget impact.
SB118: Representative Daniels Oppose01:04:14.799 - 10:02:30 AM; Representative Daniels opposed Senate Bill 118, arguing that the state does not have the funds to support the increase in the personal needs allowance. He also criticized the addition of pro-marijuana language from House Bill 53, suggesting it could jeopardize the bill's passage in the Senate.
SB118: Representative Weber Support01:12:08.320 - 10:10:24 AM; Representative Weber supported the bill, highlighting the importance of the personal needs allowance for nursing home residents, such as covering cell phone costs for communication with family and friends. She argued that annual adjustments would make budgeting easier.
SB118: Representative Maguire Support01:14:31.280 - 10:12:47 AM; Representative Maguire supported the cannabis section of the bill, explaining that it allows homegrow of medical marijuana, potentially saving patients money. He believed the Senate might be more open to the bill with the addition of other favorable sections.
SB118: Representative Nellen Oppose01:15:43.600 - 10:13:59 AM; Representative Nellen opposed the bill, particularly the cannabis section, arguing it was a Trojan horse for open use and sale of cannabis. He noted the lack of enforcement mechanisms and believed the section could lead to the bill's rejection in the Senate.
SB118: Representative Weber Support01:18:12.920 - 10:16:28 AM; Representative Weber supported the bill, arguing that the personal needs allowance is important for individual comfort and communication. She believed the bill's overall impact would be beneficial despite the addition of the cannabis section.
SB118: Representative Edwards Support01:19:39.360 - 10:17:55 AM; Representative Edwards expressed support for the House position on the bill, emphasizing the simplicity of the committee's decision and urging a vote to align with the House.
SB118: Representative Terski Support01:19:39.360 - 10:17:55 AM; Representative Terski thanked Representative Seaworth for explaining the funding source of the bill, highlighting the importance of dignity and choice for elderly individuals in nursing homes. He stressed that the money involved is from individuals who have worked hard and paid into social security and pensions, and the bill aims to give them control over their care and life.
SB118: Representative Gamles Oppose01:20:47.440 - 10:19:03 AM; Representative Gamles expressed disappointment that a good bill was ruined by a non-germane amendment, stating his intention to vote against the bill due to this issue.
SB118: Representative Daniels Oppose01:21:32.880 - 10:19:48 AM; Representative Daniels voted no on the bill during the roll call.
SB118: Representative Papabichi Mueller Support01:21:32.880 - 10:19:48 AM; Representative Papabichi Mueller voted in favor of the bill during the roll call.
SB118: Representative Seaworth Support01:21:32.880 - 10:19:48 AM; Representative Seaworth voted in favor of the bill during the roll call.
SB118: Representative Doy Oppose01:21:32.880 - 10:19:48 AM; Representative Doy voted against the bill during the roll call.
SB118: Representative Naleno Oppose01:21:32.880 - 10:19:48 AM; Representative Naleno voted against the bill during the roll call.
SB118: Representative Walner Support01:21:32.880 - 10:19:48 AM; Representative Walner voted in favor of the bill during the roll call.
SB118: Representative Hall Support01:21:32.880 - 10:19:48 AM; Representative Hall voted in favor of the bill during the roll call.
SB118: Representative Murray Support01:21:32.880 - 10:19:48 AM; Representative Murray voted in favor of the bill during the roll call.
SB118: Representative Bruno Support01:21:32.880 - 10:19:48 AM; Representative Bruno voted in favor of the bill during the roll call.
SB118: Representative Tleski Support01:21:32.880 - 10:19:48 AM; Representative Tleski voted in favor of the bill during the roll call.
SB118: Representative Arin Phillips Support01:21:32.880 - 10:19:48 AM; Representative Arin Phillips voted in favor of the bill during the roll call.
SB118: Representative Edward Support01:21:32.880 - 10:19:48 AM; Representative Edward voted in favor of the bill during the roll call.
SB118: Representative Weber Support01:21:32.880 - 10:19:48 AM; Representative Weber voted in favor of the bill during the roll call.
SB118: Representative Priest Support01:21:32.880 - 10:19:48 AM; Representative Priest voted in favor of the bill during the roll call.
SB118: Representative R Support01:21:32.880 - 10:19:48 AM; Representative R voted in favor of the bill during the roll call.
SB118: Representative Muns Support01:22:21.920 - 10:20:37 AM; Representative Muns voted in favor of the bill during the roll call.
SB118: Representative Kelly Support01:22:21.920 - 10:20:37 AM; Representative Kelly voted in favor of the bill during the roll call.
SB118: Chair Wiler Support01:22:21.920 - 10:20:37 AM; Chair Wiler voted in favor of the bill during the roll call and announced the final vote count as 18 to 7, with the motion passing. He noted that there would be a minority report from Representative Daniels.
SB118: Representative Daniels Information Only01:23:09.159 - 10:21:25 AM; Representative Daniels confirmed that she would be submitting a minority report, though the specific motion was not clarified in the transcript.
SB118: Chair Wiler Information Only01:23:09.159 - 10:21:25 AM; Chair Wiler discussed the submission of reports, expecting them before the end of the day and listed the names of those writing the reports. He also mentioned that unless there were additional bills from other sessions, the committee would not need to meet again before the end of June.
SB118: Chair Wiler Information Only01:24:17.040 - 10:22:33 AM; Chair Wiler made an announcement about a state championship trophy for Bridge and invited committee members to view it and attend the upcoming championship in Manchester.
SB118: Representative Papovichi Muller Information Only01:25:20.400 - 10:23:36 AM; Representative Papovichi Muller expressed gratitude to the committee members and staff, acknowledging the respectful and fact-based culture of the committee. He appreciated the passion and dedication of all involved and noted this could potentially be the last meeting of the year.

Weyler, Kenneth(Chairman)(R)[A-]2025	Griffin, Gerald(Clerk)(R)[A-]2025	McGuire, Dan(V Chairman)(R)[A]2025
Wallner, Mary Jane(D)[F]2025	Daniels, Gary(R)[A-]2025	Leishman, Peter(D)[D-]2025
McGuire, Carol(R)[A+]2025	Ebel, Karen(D)[F]2025	Muns, Chris(D)[CT]2025
Sweeney, Joe(R)[A]2025	Seaworth, Brian(R)[A-]2025	Preece, David(D)[CT]2025
Nalevanko, Rich(R)[B+]2025	Mooney, Maureen(R)[B+]2025	Murray, Kate(D)[F]2025
Cambrils, Jose(R)[B+]2025	Popovici-Muller, Daniel(R)[A-]2025	Rung, Rosemarie(D)[CT]2025
Bean, Harry(R)[B+]2025	Kelly, Eileen(D)[F]2025	Hakken-Phillips, Mary(D)[F]2025
Telerski, Laura(D)[CT]2025	Stringham, Jerry(D)[D-]2025	Erf, Keith(R)[A]2025
Farrington, Samuel(R)[A+]2025