Committee Summary for House Finance Division III (09/29/2025)

Bill/Time	Type	Title	Sponsor
Unclear 00:06:39.440 - 9:00:30 AM	General Working Session	Unclear
HB570 00:24:42.000 - 9:18:33 AM	Executive Session	(New Title) repealing the prescription drug affordability board.	Edwards, Jess(R)[B+]2025
HB704 2963H 00:25:43.440 - 9:19:34 AM	Executive Session	(New Title) making an appropriation to the retired senior volunteer program.	Wallner, Mary Jane(D)[F]2025
HB751 00:33:32.320 - 9:27:23 AM	Executive Session	(Second New Title) establishing a committee to study licensure of outpatient substance use disorder treatment facilities, authorizing parents to enroll their children in any public school in the state, and creating a limited exemption from parental consent required for certain recordings under the parental bill of rights.	McLean, Mark(R)[A-]2025
HB661 01:19:19.360 - 10:13:10 AM	Executive Session	relative to the department of health and human services management of social security payments, supplemental security income payments, and veterans benefits for children in foster care.	Wallner, Mary Jane(D)[F]2025
HB661 01:55:11.760 - 10:49:02 AM	Public Hearing	relative to the department of health and human services management of social security payments, supplemental security income payments, and veterans benefits for children in foster care.	Wallner, Mary Jane(D)[F]2025
HB661 02:39:00.640 - 11:32:51 AM	Executive Session	relative to the department of health and human services management of social security payments, supplemental security income payments, and veterans benefits for children in foster care.	Wallner, Mary Jane(D)[F]2025

Unclear: Representative Moren Mooney, Chair, Town of Marlow Information Only00:06:39.440 - 9:00:30 AM; Opened the Division 3 work session of the House Finance Committee at 10 o'clock on September 29, 2025. Introduced herself as the new chair from Hillsborough County District 12. Welcomed Vice Chair Representative Gary Daniels and new permanent member Representative Sam Farington of Rochester. Noted the meeting was properly noticed per House Rule 44A. Mentioned absences and welcomed replacement Representative Heather Raymond from Children and Family Law. Expressed gratitude to former chair Representative Jess Edwards for leading through three budget cycles. Announced creation and distribution of a budget index for DHS and the Veterans Home, as the LBA software lacks this feature. Explained Division 3's advisory role, with recommendations going to full Finance Committee then the full House. Reviewed House Rule 45 options for bill recommendations: ought to pass, ought to pass with amendment, inexpedient to legislate (ITL), refer for interim study, and recommend but lay on table due to funding. Noted next full Finance meeting date TBD and deadline for retained bills is November 21, 2025. Moved HB 661 to the end of the agenda. Requested use of pink cards for testimony.
Unclear: Representative Sam Farington, Rochester Information Only00:07:39.840 - 9:01:30 AM; Thanked the chair for the welcome to Division 3.
Unclear: Representative Heather Raymond, Replacement from Children and Family Law Information Only00:07:39.840 - 9:01:30 AM; Confirmed her assignment and thanked for the welcome to Division 3.
Unclear: Representative Terski Information Only00:10:59.120 - 9:04:50 AM; Thanked the chair for highlighting the motions under House Rule 45, particularly noting the new motion to lay on table due to funding, which she was unaware of and inquired if it was year-two specific. Expressed never having seen it used.
Unclear: Representative Moren Mooney, Chair, Town of Marlow Information Only00:12:26.160 - 9:06:17 AM; Clarified the lay on table due to funding motion is not specified to second year, unlike interim study. Suggested a committee visit to the Veterans Home in Tilton, NH, and proposed circulating dates, noting unavailable dates as October 1st, 15th, 20th, and 29th. Explained sources of second-year budget money: surplus monies, existing revenue streams, newly created revenue streams, grants, reappropriation of existing lines, and the rainy day fund (RSA 9:13-e). Announced review of six retained bills from first year, moving HB 661 to the end. Reiterated request for pink cards for testimony.
Unclear: Mr. Ripple, Staff Information Only00:13:33.279 - 9:07:24 AM; Confirmed contact with Veterans Home; October mostly open except specified dates. Reviewed fiscal note for HB 519: funding for Waypoint Youth and Young Adult Shelter was included in HB1 under unit 3170 via committee footnote. Reviewed fiscal note for HB 547: reimbursement to counties over four years (22.5 million starting FY26) included in HB2, section 287, extending original two-year period. Reviewed fiscal note for HB 570: repeal of Prescription Drug Affordability Board included in HB2.
Unclear: Representative Priest Information Only00:16:46.079 - 9:10:37 AM; Moved ITL for HB 519-FN-A, noting it was included in HB1 2025 under unit 3170.
Unclear: Representative Priest Support00:18:01.039 - 9:11:52 AM; Voted yes on ITL motion for HB 519.
Unclear: Representative Raymond Support00:18:52.559 - 9:12:43 AM; Voted yes on ITL motion for HB 519.
Unclear: Representative Walner Support00:18:52.559 - 9:12:43 AM; Voted yes on ITL motion for HB 519.
Unclear: Representative (Unnamed) Support00:18:52.559 - 9:12:43 AM; Voted yes on ITL motion for HB 519.
Unclear: Representative Barington Support00:18:52.559 - 9:12:43 AM; Voted yes on ITL motion for HB 519.
Unclear: Representative Wy Support00:18:52.559 - 9:12:43 AM; Voted yes on ITL motion for HB 519.
Unclear: Clerk Support00:18:52.559 - 9:12:43 AM; Voted yes on ITL motion for HB 519.
Unclear: Representative Seaworth Support00:18:52.559 - 9:12:43 AM; Voted yes on ITL motion for HB 519.
Unclear: Representative Daniels Support00:18:52.559 - 9:12:43 AM; Voted yes on ITL motion for HB 519.
Unclear: Representative Mooney Support00:18:52.559 - 9:12:43 AM; Voted yes on ITL motion for HB 519. Noted motion passes 10-0.
Unclear: Representative Seaworth Information Only00:19:30.000 - 9:13:21 AM; Moved ITL for HB 547. Explained background: federal funds from 2020-2021 delayed state payments to counties; bill addressed gap but substance included in HB2 section 287.
Unclear: Representative Terski Support00:20:39.919 - 9:14:30 AM; Seconded ITL motion for HB 547. Voted yes on ITL motion for HB 547.
Unclear: Representative Daniels Support00:21:43.440 - 9:15:34 AM; Voted yes on ITL motion for HB 547. Seconded ITL motion for HB 570.
Unclear: Representative Farington Support00:21:43.440 - 9:15:34 AM; Voted yes on ITL motion for HB 547. Moved ITL for HB 570, noting it was addressed in HB2 and not needed.
Unclear: Representative Wild Support00:21:43.440 - 9:15:34 AM; Voted yes on ITL motion for HB 547.
Unclear: Clerk Support00:21:43.440 - 9:15:34 AM; Voted yes on ITL motion for HB 547.
Unclear: Representative Seaworth Support00:21:43.440 - 9:15:34 AM; Voted yes on ITL motion for HB 547.
Unclear: Representative Wolner Support00:21:43.440 - 9:15:34 AM; Voted yes on ITL motion for HB 547.
Unclear: Representative Raymond Support00:21:43.440 - 9:15:34 AM; Voted yes on ITL motion for HB 547.
Unclear: Representative Priest Support00:21:43.440 - 9:15:34 AM; Voted yes on ITL motion for HB 547.
Unclear: Representative Moon Support00:21:43.440 - 9:15:34 AM; Voted yes on ITL motion for HB 547. Noted motion passes 10-0.
Unclear: Representative Terski Information Only00:22:40.559 - 9:16:31 AM; Acknowledged minority opposition to HB 570 originally, believing the Prescription Drug Affordability Board provided important cost savings for Granite Staters, especially seniors. Noted HB2 repealed it, so supported ITL but hoped for future work on drug costs.
HB570: Committee Chair (unidentified) Information Only00:24:42.000 - 9:18:33 AM; The chair calls the roll for a vote on the motion to ITL House Bill 570. All members vote yes, resulting in 10 yeses and 0 nays. The motion passes, recommending ITL for HB 570.
HB704 2963H: Mr. Ripple (Fiscal Analyst) Information Only00:25:43.440 - 9:19:34 AM; Provides a fiscal note review for HB 704. Notes that several items, such as the Alzheimer's respite program ($42,000/year) and senior companion program ($40,000/year), were funded in House Bill One. The foster grandparent program was suspended. The only unfunded item is the senior volunteer grant program (RSVP) at $180,000.
HB704 2963H: Committee Member (unidentified, proposing amendment) Support00:26:49.200 - 9:20:40 AM; Proposes amendment 2963H to HB 704. The amendment funds the RSVP program at $180,000 for one year, contingent on surplus funds availability, starting from line 12. Explains that other elements were funded in House Bill Two. Invites testimony on RSVP.
HB704 2963H: Brian Clark, General Counsel, Bureau of Adult and Aging Services, NH DHHS Information Only00:28:22.159 - 9:22:13 AM; Describes the Retired Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) as a federally funded program through AmeriCorps that connects seniors with community volunteer opportunities, aiding access for seniors with difficulties and providing services to programs. It has never received state funding and is fully federal. Answers questions: no matching funds required; proposal adds state general funds to the existing federal program without changing federal funding.
HB704 2963H: Representative Terski Information Only00:29:44.399 - 9:23:35 AM; Asks Brian Clark about federal funds eligibility if state portion is funded. Clark confirms no matching required; it's additional state funds.
HB704 2963H: Representative Seaworth Information Only00:30:46.159 - 9:24:37 AM; Clarifies with Brian Clark that federal funding remains unchanged, and the proposal adds state funding to the existing program. Clark confirms.
HB704 2963H: Representative Terski Support00:31:53.600 - 9:25:44 AM; Moves to accept amendment 2963H to HB 704.
HB704 2963H: Representative Priest Support00:31:53.600 - 9:25:44 AM; Seconds the motion to accept amendment 2963H.
HB704 2963H: Committee Chair (unidentified) Information Only00:31:53.600 - 9:25:44 AM; Calls for vote on amendment 2963H; unanimous by show of hands.
HB704 2963H: Representative Terski Support00:31:53.600 - 9:25:44 AM; Moves for ought to pass as amended (OTPA) on HB 704 with amendment 2963H.
HB704 2963H: Representative Priest Support00:31:53.600 - 9:25:44 AM; Seconds the motion for OTPA on HB 704 as amended.
HB704 2963H: Committee Clerk/Chair Information Only00:32:46.399 - 9:26:37 AM; Calls the roll for the OTPA motion on HB 704 as amended. All 10 members vote yes, 0 nays. Motion passes 10-0.
HB751: Mr. Ripple (Fiscal Analyst) Information Only00:33:32.320 - 9:27:23 AM; Provides fiscal note for HB 751: $211,000 general fund appropriation for one position over the biennium. Notes the bill originated with a larger fiscal note over $1 million and revenue stream but was reduced. Came from Health and Human Services Committee 12-6 and full House 216-152. Invites testimony.
HB751: Jenny O. Higgins, Legislative Liaison for Behavioral Health, NH DHHS; Kelly Keith, Licensing Unit Chief, Health Facility Licensing, NH DHHS Information Only00:35:47.520 - 9:29:38 AM; Provides information on HB 751. Notes the bill started as certification but has evolved through iterations. The department offers details on its current form.
HB751: Jenny O. Higgins, Legislative Liaison for Behavioral Health, NH DHHS Information Only00:36:34.400 - 9:30:25 AM; Explains the evolution of the bill from a certification program to licensing within the existing Bureau of Health Facility Licensing, which reduced fiscal impact by leveraging current IT infrastructure, staff, and processes. Notes that the ombudsman position is no longer needed as licensed facilities would fall under the existing ombudsman office. Discusses the lack of knowledge about the number of outpatient providers, highlighting oversight gaps for non-contracted, non-Medicaid facilities. Emphasizes the bill's goal to expand access and ensure quality in substance use disorder treatment.
HB751: Representative Terki Information Only00:37:36.320 - 9:31:27 AM; Asks about the potential dangers of unknown treatment facilities and follows up on the ombudsman and compliance officer positions in the bill.
HB751: Jenny O. Higgins, Legislative Liaison for Behavioral Health, NH DHHS Information Only00:38:36.240 - 9:32:27 AM; Describes regulatory gaps for outpatient providers not enrolled in Medicaid or contracted with the department, noting 46 Medicaid-registered organizations at 76 sites versus 7 contracted with the Bureau of Drug and Alcohol Services. Confirms that licensed facilities would integrate into the existing ombudsman structure and that one additional position would support the team for licensing, regulation, inspections, and complaints.
HB751: Representative Seaworth Information Only00:41:44.640 - 9:35:35 AM; Follows up on how shifting from certification to licensing reduces staffing needs, seeking confirmation that the end goal of oversight remains the same.
HB751: Jenny O. Higgins, Legislative Liaison for Behavioral Health, NH DHHS Information Only00:43:05.280 - 9:36:56 AM; Clarifies that certification would have required new IT and staff for a standalone program, while licensing builds on existing infrastructure, policies, and processes, achieving the same oversight with less cost.
HB751: Representative Daniels Oppose00:45:12.400 - 9:39:03 AM; Expresses concerns about the lack of a dedicated revenue stream and uncertainty on the number of facilities. Moves to form a study committee to address these questions before advancing the bill, in reference to amendment 2964H.
HB751: Jenny O. Higgins, Legislative Liaison for Behavioral Health, NH DHHS Information Only00:47:10.319 - 9:41:01 AM; Clarifies that licensing fees from substance use disorder facilities would provide an existing revenue stream.
HB751: Representative Terki Information Only00:47:10.319 - 9:41:01 AM; Asks if licensing fees would support the new position.
HB751: Dorene Shockley, Manager of the Bureau of Licensing and Certification, NH DHHS Information Only00:47:58.319 - 9:41:49 AM; States that current licensing revenues do not cover all costs, and without knowing the number of facilities, the shortfall for this addition is uncertain.
HB751: Representative Terki Support00:49:06.000 - 9:42:57 AM; Appreciates the study committee option but notes advocates present and mentions having an amendment to reduce initial costs for further discussion.
HB751: Jake Barry, Vice President of Policy, New Futures Support00:50:06.880 - 9:43:57 AM; Provides background on the bill's origins from a podcast exposing sexual assault allegations and oversight lapses in treatment facilities. Stresses the need for licensing to ensure best practices, patient protections, and efficient use of state funds, noting the bill's scope has been narrowed to minimize costs. Urges against delay, as lack of oversight harms vulnerable individuals and increases long-term costs.
HB751: Joshua Cowwell, Person in Long-Term Recovery and Vice President of Business Development, Brighter Day Recovery Support00:51:01.200 - 9:44:52 AM; Shares personal experience in recovery and the field, highlighting uneven treatment quality and lack of oversight for out-of-network providers, which can cause harm to traumatized individuals. Emphasizes the need for uniform best practices across all facilities to ensure fair access and prevent exploitation of families seeking help.
HB751: Jake Barry, Vice President of Policy, New Futures Support00:56:01.280 - 9:49:52 AM; Responds to the study committee proposal by noting prior work, including retention in the last session and subcommittee discussions that refined the bill to use existing licensing. Argues against further delay due to urgency in protecting patients and avoiding higher future costs from inadequate treatment.
HB751: Representative Terki Support00:59:36.240 - 9:53:27 AM; Presents two amendments: 2958H (delays implementation to July 1, 2027, and requests funding in the next budget) and 2957H (further details not fully provided in transcript).
HB751: Representative Terski Support01:00:34.079 - 9:54:25 AM; Representative Terski discusses amendments to HB 751, including one that revises the bill by removing the ombudsman role and incorporating licensing, with funding only for the second year of the biennium at $105,000. He emphasizes the importance of establishing licensing to move forward.
HB751: Committee Chair Information Only01:01:46.319 - 9:55:37 AM; The Chair thanks Representative Terski and asks about the fiscal note for amendment 2958h, confirming it delays implementation without cost this biennium and directs the department to include funding in future budget requests.
HB751: Mr. Ripple (Department Representative) Information Only01:01:46.319 - 9:55:37 AM; Confirms the interpretation that amendment 2958h would not cost anything this biennium and directs future budget requests for funding the position.
HB751: Committee Chair Information Only01:02:35.599 - 9:56:26 AM; Notes multiple options on the table and calls for a motion on the amendments.
HB751: Representative Terski Support01:02:35.599 - 9:56:26 AM; Moves to accept amendment 2958h, advocating for moving forward with licensing despite concerns about the price tag, to provide structure and progress on substance use disorder facilities. Acknowledges preference for faster implementation but understands fiscal concerns.
HB751: Representative Priest Support01:02:35.599 - 9:56:26 AM; Seconds the motion for amendment 2958h.
HB751: Representative Daniels Oppose01:03:40.799 - 9:57:31 AM; Questions the effective date of the amendment, arguing it ties the hands of the next legislature by mandating budget inclusions.
HB751: Representative Terski Support01:04:49.920 - 9:58:40 AM; Responds that the amendment establishes policy for licensing in statute, directing the department to budget accordingly, and emphasizes the need for this policy given years of discussion. Notes the low annual cost of $105,000 and compares to other bills with future impacts.
HB751: Representative Daniels Oppose01:04:49.920 - 9:58:40 AM; Challenges how this does not dictate the next legislature's budget.
HB751: Representative Terski Support01:06:04.000 - 9:59:55 AM; Reiterates that many bills have future budgetary impacts and this is necessary policy to ensure licensing and quality care.
HB751: Representative Walner Information Only01:06:04.000 - 9:59:55 AM; Asks the department about a report from the previous study on the issue.
HB751: Ms. O'Higgins (Department Representative) Information Only01:06:53.520 - 10:00:44 AM; Confirms a subcommittee studied the issue in summer 2024, producing a report on types of substance use disorder treatment and oversight, and agrees to forward it to committee members.
HB751: Committee Chair Information Only01:06:53.520 - 10:00:44 AM; Calls for a vote on amendment 2958h after confirming no further discussion.
HB751: Clerk Information Only01:08:04.000 - 10:01:55 AM; Calls the roll for the vote on amendment 2958h.
HB751: Various Representatives (Daniels, Seaworth, Wiley, etc.) Vote01:08:04.000 - 10:01:55 AM; Roll call vote on amendment 2958h results in 4 yes, 5 no, with chairman voting no, failing 4-6.
HB751: Committee Chair Information Only01:09:03.040 - 10:02:54 AM; Announces amendment 2958h does not pass and asks Representative Daniels about proceeding with his amendment.
HB751: Representative Daniels Support01:09:03.040 - 10:02:54 AM; Moves amendment 2964h, a full replacement creating a study committee, citing outstanding questions on regulation effectiveness, number of unregulated facilities, and funding sources.
HB751: Representative Seaworth Support01:09:03.040 - 10:02:54 AM; Seconds the motion for amendment 2964h.
HB751: Representative Walner Oppose01:09:56.480 - 10:03:47 AM; States intent to vote against the study committee amendment, noting recent study and report already address the issues, making another study unnecessary.
HB751: Representative Priest Oppose01:11:10.560 - 10:05:01 AM; Echoes opposition to another study committee, emphasizing the need to move forward for better treatment practices and quality care.
HB751: Unidentified Representative Support01:11:10.560 - 10:05:01 AM; Supports the amendment due to unresolved issues on bill forms and fiscal notes despite prior work, suggesting more study could refine options, and notes budget constraints like $51 million cut to DHS.
HB751: Unidentified Representative Support01:13:49.600 - 10:07:40 AM; Adds comment on current budget revenues running behind forecasts, highlighting uncertainty in funding.
HB751: Clerk Information Only01:14:46.080 - 10:08:37 AM; Calls the roll for the vote on amendment 2964h.
HB751: Various Representatives (Daniels, Seaworth, etc.) Vote01:14:46.080 - 10:08:37 AM; Roll call vote on amendment 2964h passes 6 yes (Daniels, Seaworth, Clerk vote, Wiley, Farington, Chair Mooney) to 4 no (Terski, Walner, Raymond, Priest).
HB751: Representative Daniels Support01:14:46.080 - 10:08:37 AM; Moves ought to pass with amendment 2964h, reiterating that discussions show need for further study on this important issue.
HB751: Representative Farington Support01:14:46.080 - 10:08:37 AM; Seconds the motion for ought to pass with amendment.
HB751: Clerk Information Only01:16:03.760 - 10:09:54 AM; Calls the roll for the vote on ought to pass with amendment.
HB751: Various Representatives Vote01:16:03.760 - 10:09:54 AM; Roll call vote on ought to pass with amendment 2964h passes 6 yes to 4 no.
HB751: Committee Chair Information Only01:17:02.960 - 10:10:53 AM; Announces the motion passes 6-4, recommending ought to pass with amendment 2964h to full Finance Committee. Moves to discuss House Bill 661FN.
HB661: Representative (Unnamed, likely co-sponsor) Information Only01:19:19.360 - 10:13:10 AM; The representative emphasizes the importance of HB 661 as a co-sponsor but stresses that the financial math must work, questioning the cost-effectiveness of spending significant taxpayer dollars to save minimal amounts, such as a 25:1 ratio. They note unanswered questions from the audience and hope for responses during the discussion, expressing intent to further study if necessary.
HB661: Representative Walner Information Only01:20:30.960 - 10:14:21 AM; Representative Walner thanks the previous speaker for the list of questions and expresses anticipation for answers.
HB661: Marie Nunan, Director for DCYF Information Only01:20:30.960 - 10:14:21 AM; Marie Nunan introduces the 42-page report from the Public Consulting Group on child-centered benefits management assessment, received in December 2024. She outlines findings on other states' approaches to eligibility and benefits for children in out-of-home care, notes New Hampshire's low 4% eligibility rate compared to the national average, and discusses four cost models for implementation, including estimates based on 2024 out-of-home care numbers. She mentions recommendations for training and other components, and is joined by Nathan White (CFO, DHHS) and Susan Larby (General Counsel, DCYF).
HB661: Committee Chair Information Only01:22:50.719 - 10:16:41 AM; The Chair confirms the report's thoroughness, notes its funding, references page 5 indicating eight full-time employees needed, and questions the fiscal note, originally around $7-8 million, now clarified as lower.
HB661: Nathan White, CFO, Department of Health and Human Services Information Only01:24:07.360 - 10:17:58 AM; Nathan White provides details on the original fiscal note for HB 661 (introduced as HB 598), estimating $2.9 million annually starting in FY 2026 for 290 eligible children out of about 1,000 in foster care. He explains the fiscal impact stems from administrative costs for managing ABLE accounts and the need for supplemental general fund appropriations to replace federal dollars previously used for child care costs, noting national policy changes. He addresses the ratio of taxpayer dollars to savings, breaking down costs into oversight and federal fund shifts, and offers to delve into details with supporting staff.
HB661: Gayen Smith, DCYF Finance Manager, Health and Human Services Information Only01:28:26.080 - 10:22:17 AM; Gayen Smith reports that DCYF collects SSI benefits for 65 children totaling $47,725 and SSA benefits for 199 children totaling $1.112 million annually (FY 2025 figures, subject to fluctuation). She confirms these are used for the specific child's needs.
HB661: Unnamed Speaker (likely Nathan White or similar) Information Only01:29:44.239 - 10:23:35 AM; The speaker explains that benefits are budgeted under accounting unit 2958, with expenses varying based on the number of children in care and their eligibility.
HB661: Representative Raymond Information Only01:29:44.239 - 10:23:35 AM; Representative Raymond questions how incoming funds are tracked and spent, confirming they stay child-specific. Follow-up inquiries address scenarios where benefits exceed care costs, noting excesses are conserved up to caps ($2,000 for SSI, higher for SSA), used for additional child needs, or returned to Social Security if limits are reached. He raises the idea of using ABLE accounts for accruing excess funds.
HB661: Anissa Drake, Title IV-E Administrator for DCYF Information Only01:34:09.120 - 10:28:00 AM; Anissa Drake explains that excess funds are conserved in child-specific accounts, with compliance to SSI's $2,000 cap by coordinating with workers or Social Security; SSA funds have no cap and are conserved or returned upon child exit from care. For ABLE accounts, she notes the need for a new banking relationship (current bank not equipped), child-specific communication processes, and limitation to SSI only, not SSA. She confirms returns of excess SSI funds occur and go back to Social Security, not parents or children directly; subsequent payees (e.g., adults over 18) can apply for ongoing benefits.
HB661: Representative Nelleno Information Only01:35:27.199 - 10:29:18 AM; Representative Nelleno asks if SSI money has ever been returned under the cap (yes), and what happens to returned funds (sent to Social Security Agency; new payees can apply). Follow-up clarifies that for minors, returns are immediate, but adults can apply later, though expertise is needed.
HB661: Representative Walner Information Only01:38:06.400 - 10:31:57 AM; Representative Walner seeks clarification on SSI (65 children, eligible for ABLE) vs. SSA (199 children, ineligible). Inquires about payees for children in relative or foster placements, noting preferences for agency as payee in licensed foster homes, with appeals possible by parents/guardians. Suggests modifications to the bill to limit to children entering care with existing benefits, reducing resource needs.
HB661: Unnamed Speaker (likely Susan Larby or similar) Information Only01:40:59.040 - 10:34:50 AM; The speaker notes the current 1997 electronic case management system may require upgrades for ABLE account integration and electronic communication with banks.
HB661: Committee Chair Information Only01:42:03.119 - 10:35:54 AM; The Chair questions interest-bearing accounts, confirming the revolving fund is non-interest-bearing to offset bank fees, compliant with GN 00603.020 as a collective account with child-specific ledgers. Guides discussion through 27 questions, covering categories on counting units, ABLE accounts, payees, and more.
HB661: Nathan White, CFO, Department of Health and Human Services Information Only01:43:22.880 - 10:37:13 AM; Nathan White details four models from the report for conserving benefits (e.g., Model 1: $2.1M for 100% SSA; costs include 8 FTEs or $300K implementation + $460K annual for system changes). Notes nine states have similar policies, with varying implementation; addresses staffing (16 staff involved part-time in benefits management), policy updates needed (e.g., to 1676, new SOPs for finance, caseworkers, training to boost eligibility). Explains challenges with 1997 system for tracking data, requiring manual processes for details like applications filed or appeals.
HB661: Unidentified Committee Member Information Only01:55:11.760 - 10:49:02 AM; The speaker discusses the need to understand the processing and management of ABLE accounts and potential resource reductions compared to full report recommendations, without specifying an exact number of FTEs.
HB661: Representative Wiler Information Only01:55:11.760 - 10:49:02 AM; The representative shares personal experience as a rep payee for a sibling in Massachusetts, noting the annual two to three-page report required by Social Security for accounting funds, and comments on it being busy work.
HB661: Representative Terki Information Only01:56:17.679 - 10:50:08 AM; The representative seeks clarification on whether the state already files annual reports for children receiving funds, confirming it is not additional work for current cases.
HB661: Unidentified Presenter Information Only01:57:05.760 - 10:50:56 AM; The presenter explains that the state cannot secure additional 4E maintenance or administrative funds under HB 661 due to loss of eligibility when collecting SSI, impacting ABC and ND as well.
HB661: Representative Walner Information Only01:58:21.280 - 10:52:12 AM; The representative recalls a previous expert on Social Security and the payee system, noting the state's low priority on the list, and suggests inviting her back. Also requests information on ABLE accounts and setup effort.
HB661: Maddie (Youth Advisory Board) Support02:00:52.800 - 10:54:43 AM; Maddie testifies in support of HB 661, sharing her experience receiving death benefits in care that were held by the state without her knowledge. She aged out unaware, leading to irresponsible spending and homelessness for three years. She advocates for easier access to funds for youth needs like home visits, personal items, and housing, and suggests direct notification to youth, allowing responsible use with oversight, potentially without a rep payee. She estimates receiving about $791 monthly, totaling around $5,700 upon aging out.
HB661: Tim Lahan (Interim Director, Office of the Advocate for Special Education) Support02:06:08.639 - 10:59:59 AM; Tim shares experiences from his time at DCYF with youth Social Security recipients. He describes a case where delayed benefit transfer caused family strife and homelessness, and another where funds enabled orthodontic work but were not returned to the child. As a grandparent guardian, he notes no benefits received to avoid strife, emphasizing costs for housing, clothing, visits (e.g., $250 for a trip from Portsmouth to Bennington, VT), and reunification. He supports the bill for balancing needs, criticizes the outdated database, and notes child support pursuits rarely yield results, viewing SSI diversion as a hardship.
HB661: Representative Raymond Information Only02:12:04.400 - 11:05:55 AM; The representative, a former DCYF worker, asks if diverting Social Security to placement caused family hardships impacting home maintenance or reunification, receiving confirmation from Tim Lahan of such a case leading to smaller housing and missed visits.
HB661: Karen Rosenberg (Policy Director, Disability Rights Center) Support02:13:16.079 - 11:07:07 AM; Karen supports HB 661, highlighting its importance for foster youth with disabilities (many qualify for SSI due to trauma). She notes high homelessness rates post-care and how funds prevent trafficking or justice involvement. The bill enforces existing federal duties for managing Title II (parent-based, no cap) and SSI (capped at $2,000, use ABLE accounts) benefits, with 2/3-3/4 of kids on easier Title II. Suggests amendments: delay effective date to July 1, 2027 for database/expertise/4E funds; remove state appeal obligation for denials (notify parties instead); remove periodic re-evaluation of payee. Emphasizes conserving funds for current needs (e.g., extra supports for disabled youth like aides or sensory devices) rather than offsetting state costs, treating these kids like others in care while saving for post-18 housing/education.
HB661: Megan Dylan, New Hampshire Legal Assistance Support02:31:30.240 - 11:25:21 AM; Megan Dylan, co-director of the public benefits project at New Hampshire Legal Assistance, testified in support of HB 661. With over 18 years of experience in disability-related claims, she emphasized that the bill aligns with existing DCYF policies and federal regulations for applying benefits. She highlighted that federal rules do not automatically appoint the state as a child's representative payee; instead, there's a preferred list prioritizing family members or close contacts over agencies like the state. She shared experiences where grandparents, uncles, or siblings successfully manage funds for children in care, noting a lack of effort to explore these options upon entry into care to ensure continuity when children exit. Regarding appeals for SSI denials, she explained the strict eligibility criteria often lead to initial denials due to insufficient information, but reversals are common at reconsideration or administrative law judge levels with proper support. She offered to provide the federal priority list and CFR references. In response to questions, she affirmed that the state should communicate the appeals process clearly to encourage filings, suggested simple notices with instructions on evidence submission, and confirmed that existing representative payees (like an uncle in a prior testimony) can remain in place under federal rules, with advance notice and appeal rights for any changes.
HB661: Representative Seaworth Information Only02:39:00.640 - 11:32:51 AM; Representative Seaworth moved for an interim study on HB 661, arguing that the bill mixes trivial changes with complex proposals requiring significant resources. She suggested interim study to implement easy parts, understand challenges, and refine language before passage, similar to delaying implementation but allowing prior answers.
HB661: Representative Walner Oppose02:41:33.280 - 11:35:24 AM; Representative Walner opposed the interim study, referencing a proposed amendment by Attorney Rosenberg to minimize the bill and start implementation. Noting the bill's four-year history and prior study, she argued against delaying work, as it might lead the department to expend effort on unpassed legislation.
HB661: Representative Terski Oppose02:42:56.319 - 11:36:47 AM; Representative Terski opposed the interim study, reminding members of the eight weeks until November 21st to refine the bill, review requested information, and examine the amendment. She encouraged continued work on this sole remaining bill rather than rushing to interim study.
HB661: Representative Nelleno Support02:45:14.800 - 11:39:05 AM; Representative Nelleno supported the interim study, citing the bill's complexity, additional issues beyond the initial list, and the need for time to address questions and simplify focused areas, including for DHS.
HB661: Representative Tereski Oppose02:46:27.680 - 11:40:18 AM; Representative Tereski opposed the interim study, recalling prior term discussions, amendments, and the funded consulting report. With eight weeks left, she advocated continuing work instead of studying further.
HB661: Committee Chair Support02:47:39.600 - 11:41:30 AM; The Committee Chair supported the interim study, acknowledging the bill's difficulty and multiple components (e.g., ABLE accounts, banking, appeals). She questioned if HB 661 is the right vehicle currently and noted the strain on DHHS, suggesting more time may be needed beyond November.