Committee Summary for House Finance Division I (03/13/2026)

Bill/Time	Type	Title	Sponsor
HB1458 00:02:29.290 - 9:01:10 AM	General Working Session	(New Title) relative to the licensing of massage establishments and massage, reflexology, structural integration, and Asian bodywork facilities.	Layon, Erica(R)[A+]2025
HB1469 00:47:29.290 - 9:46:10 AM	General Working Session	(New Title) relative to the licensing requirements for massage therapy establishments.	Foote, Charles(R)[B]2025
HB1576 01:02:29.290 - 10:01:10 AM	Executive Session	relative to the enforcement of criminal restitution obligations.	Paquette, Kathleen(R)[B+]2025
HB1477 01:17:29.290 - 10:16:10 AM	Executive Session	relative to the permitting and regulation of anchored seasonal floating platforms on public waters.	MacDonald, John(R)[B+]2025
HB1710 01:47:29.290 - 10:46:10 AM	Executive Session	relative to procedures relating to child abduction.	Markell, Jay(R)[B]2025
HB1602 2026-1166-H 03:25:00.000 - 12:23:41 PM	Executive Session	creating a safe battery recycling stewardship program.	Ebel, Karen(D)[F]2025

HB1458: Acting Chair Information Only00:02:29.290 - 9:01:10 AM; Announces that Representative Cambrils is out sick and will run the meeting. Introduces the work session on House Bill 1458 as amended by the House, presents an amendment eliminating the need for a proprietor's license to include a massage therapist license, explaining it targets human traffickers running illicit massage establishments without burdening legitimate operators.
HB1458: Unnamed Representative Information Only00:02:29.290 - 9:01:10 AM; Notes difficulty in analyzing HB 1458 in isolation from HB 1469 due to similar subject matter. Questions if the bill regards licensing of the proprietor but not the establishment, and discusses how it focuses on individuals for prosecution while being easier for honest proprietors. Raises concerns about human trafficking networks replacing proprietors easily, suggesting shutting down establishments might be better.
HB1458: Representative Leon Support00:02:29.290 - 9:01:10 AM; Responds to questions, explaining that targeting the proprietor provides criminal liability and identity information. Argues that jailing proprietors disrupts operations and makes it hard for networks to find suitable individuals due to background checks. Addresses passing both bills as possible, and clarifies that multi-person establishments require a proprietor license, enabling inspections and closures.
HB1458: Representative from Merrimack Information Only00:02:29.290 - 9:01:10 AM; Shares experience with the issue in Merrimack, emphasizing that human trafficking organizations are not driven by single proprietors who can be replaced. Reiterates preference for shutting down entire establishments over arresting individuals to disrupt networks.
HB1458: Representative Representative Erica Layon Rockingham - District 13 Support00:02:29.290 - 9:01:10 AM; Introduces herself as prime sponsor of HB 1458, chair of relevant committees and commission. Defines massage establishment and explains how the bill provides tools for law enforcement by requiring proprietor identity and background checks excluding those with trafficking or sex crime convictions. Cites testimony from Derry police and Merrimack County sheriff on difficulties identifying out-of-state owners and fluid operations of illicit businesses. Argues HB 1458 is low-cost, identifies operators, and prepares for future inspections without overburdening legitimate businesses. Emphasizes making New Hampshire inhospitable to traffickers.
HB1458: Unnamed Representative Information Only00:02:29.290 - 9:01:10 AM; Asks if requiring proprietors to live in New Hampshire is possible, concerned about out-of-state operators and constitutional issues.
HB1458: Representative Leon Support00:02:29.290 - 9:01:10 AM; Explains that knowing identity via social security and clean record is key, regardless of residence, enabling interstate prosecution. Notes borders with other states and doesn't want to exclude legitimate out-of-state operators.
HB1458: Representative Sweeney Information Only00:02:29.290 - 9:01:10 AM; Seeks clarification on fiscal differences between HB 1458 and HB 1469, noting HB 1469's $100,000 cost for a paralegal while HB 1458 has none.
HB1458: Representative Leon Support00:17:29.290 - 9:16:10 AM; Continues discussion on fiscal notes, explaining parallel tracks in committees and preferring HB 1458 as surgical and low-cost to address root issues first. Responds to question on 'not a law enforcement first bill' comment regarding HB 1469, emphasizing HB 1458's focus on law enforcement tools against criminal organizations.
HB1458: Representative Abel Information Only00:17:29.290 - 9:16:10 AM; Notes difficulty discussing bills in isolation and mentions potential to reduce HB 1469's fiscal note to zero without affecting the bill, referencing updated fiscal note.
HB1458: Deanne Jerry's, Executive Director OPLC Information Only00:17:29.290 - 9:16:10 AM; Provides clarity on fiscal notes for both bills. Explains HB 1458 requires no new positions, while HB 1469 creates one position costing over $100,000, adjusted after amendments removing inspections. Discusses rulemaking costs (zero to $10,000), potential enforcement increases, and compliance costs. Confirms HB 1469 could proceed without the new position, as enforcement might handle increased complaints without it initially. Highlights past failures in licensing schemes due to burdens on legitimate small businesses.
HB1458: Unnamed Representative Information Only00:17:29.290 - 9:16:10 AM; Notes both bills passed EDNA on consent calendar, suggesting the committee saw value in both. Asks Deanne Jerry's about differences between the bills.
HB1458: Deanne Jerry's Information Only00:17:29.290 - 9:16:10 AM; Describes primary distinction: HB 1458 licenses the individual proprietor, while HB 1469 licenses the facility. Both could coexist, with HB 1458 targeting bad actors via personal credentials and HB 1469 focusing on facility criteria for health and safety, though inspections were removed due to cost.
HB1458: Unidentified Public Speaker Oppose00:32:29.290 - 9:31:10 AM; Testifies on HB 1469, criticizing approaches that only license proprietors as exploitable by traffickers using 'paper owners' or 'paper husbands' with clean records. Argues HB 1458 alone is ineffective as it doesn't address systemic issues or stop business mobility. Supports both bills working together but believes licensing the business (HB 1469) is better to track and deter operations. Clarifies neither bill allows warrantless entry; investigations and warrants still required. Responds to questions on definition, suggesting focus on business licensing. Notes more support and bipartisan sponsorship for HB 1469, including Derry Police Chief.
HB1458: Representative Mannion Information Only00:32:29.290 - 9:31:10 AM; Asks if changes to the definition of massage establishment proprietor in HB 1458 could catch referenced bad actors.
HB1458: Unidentified Public Speaker Support00:32:29.290 - 9:31:10 AM; Reiterates that licensing the business, not just the proprietor, is key to preventing easy relocation and signaling New Hampshire's inhospitality to such operations.
HB1458: Representative Abel Information Only00:32:29.290 - 9:31:10 AM; Asks if HB 1458 and HB 1469 were heard same day and notes more support for HB 1469 with broader stakeholders.
HB1458: Acting Chair Information Only00:32:29.290 - 9:31:10 AM; Vouches that bills were heard back-to-back and explains why some spoke generally on trafficking rather than specifics.
HB1458: Representative Brundt Information Only00:32:29.290 - 9:31:10 AM; Notes Representative Sweeney as co-sponsor on HB 1469 and asks for insight.
HB1458: Representative Sweeney Support00:32:29.290 - 9:31:10 AM; Recalls co-sponsoring to fight trafficking, hasn't tracked progression closely, supports policy direction of both bills, suggests moving one forward and studying the other, emphasizes determining full costs.
HB1458: Acting Chair Support00:32:29.290 - 9:31:10 AM; Suggests recommending passage of HB 1458 as low-cost first step to identify bad actors and count establishments, without burdening legitimate ones. Proposes studying HB 1469.
HB1458: Representative Lund Information Only00:32:29.290 - 9:31:10 AM; Suggests amendment to define proprietor as operating and/or owning, excluding property owners but including business owners in lease situations.
HB1458: Representative Leon Support00:32:29.290 - 9:31:10 AM; Considers amendment inappropriate, notes original bill requires proprietor to have massage license, targeting daily operators. Argues eliminating middle management disrupts networks. Points out unamended bill narrows funnel for bad actors without impacting legitimate businesses much, as paper husbands unlikely to obtain massage licenses with requirements.
HB1458: Deanne Jerry's Information Only00:32:29.290 - 9:31:10 AM; Confirms massage therapist licenses involve criminal background checks under OPLC authority, though not statutorily mandated for all.
HB1458: Representative Glenn Support00:47:29.290 - 9:46:10 AM; Suggests working with Director Jerry's for FBI and state background checks to avoid delays.
HB1458: Representative Brunk Information Only00:47:29.290 - 9:46:10 AM; Asks if FBI check affects fiscal note; confirms it doesn't, as applicants pay the cost.
HB1458: Unnamed Representative Information Only00:47:29.290 - 9:46:10 AM; Hopes both bills can be made effective together.
HB1458: Acting Chair Support00:47:29.290 - 9:46:10 AM; Moves ought to pass HB 1458 with amendment for background checks vetted by Director Jerry's.
HB1458: Representative Griffin Support00:47:29.290 - 9:46:10 AM; Seconds the motion.
HB1458: Representative Munt Support00:47:29.290 - 9:46:10 AM; Confirms background check language includes state and federal.
HB1458: Representative Glisson Vote00:47:29.290 - 9:46:10 AM; Calls the roll on motion to move HB 1458 with amendment; all vote yes (8-0).
HB1469: Acting Chair Information Only00:47:29.290 - 9:46:10 AM; Moves to HB 1469 after passing HB 1458, notes prior discussion. Addresses need to vote on unpapered amendment for HB 1458 but proceeds. For HB 1469, discusses potential amendment to remove section 18 creating enforcement position to reduce fiscal note.
HB1469: Deanne Jerry's Information Only00:47:29.290 - 9:46:10 AM; Confirms removing section 18 eliminates the paralegal position and associated costs without cramping enforcement style, as complaint-based work can be handled by existing staff initially. Notes inspections were already removed but criteria for facilities remain.
HB1469: Unnamed Representative Information Only00:47:29.290 - 9:46:10 AM; Notes town of Derry supported both but concerned about deleted clause invalidating local regulations; confirms it's removed.
HB1469: Representative Rung Information Only00:47:29.290 - 9:46:10 AM; Points out HB 1469 requires owners/managers/agents to be licensed massage therapists, ensuring state-licensed operation.
HB1469: Representative Sweeney Information Only00:47:29.290 - 9:46:10 AM; Moves interim study on HB 1469 to allow sponsors to prepare amendment over weekend for full committee consideration Tuesday, citing need for worked-out changes beyond on-the-fly.
HB1469: Representative Leishman Support00:47:29.290 - 9:46:10 AM; Seconds motion for interim study.
HB1469: Representative Brown Oppose00:47:29.290 - 9:46:10 AM; Opposes interim study, argues no policy conflict in passing both, fiscal impact delayed to 2028, urges respecting EDNA vote and modifying later if needed.
HB1469: Representative Leishman Support00:47:29.290 - 9:46:10 AM; Supports interim study as committee delved deep into policy; significant changes like removing section 18 alter original bill, better to study unless amendment ready by Tuesday.
HB1469: Representative Leon Support00:47:29.290 - 9:46:10 AM; Agrees delving into weeds but as finance committee, cost concerns valid; offers to prepare amendment removing enforcement position for Tuesday, strongly supports both bills, will vote against interim study.
HB1469: Unnamed Representative Support00:47:29.290 - 9:46:10 AM; Supports interim study not just for state cost but to avoid burdening legitimate establishments, as number and legitimacy unknown; rulemaking could impose severe costs on small businesses.
HB1576: Representative Sweeney Support01:02:29.290 - 10:01:10 AM; Moves to pass the bill as presented, noting it is bipartisan and came out unanimously from policy committee with House floor support.
HB1576: Representative Griffin Support01:05:00.000 - 10:03:41 AM; Supports moving ahead, notes consensus, mentions fiscal note but is comfortable proceeding.
HB1576: Representative Munns Information Only01:06:00.000 - 10:04:41 AM; Expresses general agreement but asks for details on the fiscal note.
HB1576: Jessica Coron, Commissioner, Department of Corrections Support01:07:00.000 - 10:05:41 AM; Supports the spirit of the bill. Explains current collections handle 13,000 cases for 21,000 victims with four officers. Requests three additional officers and an accountant due to new requirements like frequent financial reevaluations, victim notifications, quarterly statements, liens on property, tax intercepts, wage garnishment, and increased court coordination. Expects increased restitution payments, with $2 million collected last year. Implementation starts FY 2027, evaluation by end of FY 2028.
HB1576: Representative Munns Information Only01:10:00.000 - 10:08:41 AM; Asks about specific provisions requiring additional staffing and notes past higher staffing levels.
HB1576: Jessica Coron Information Only01:11:00.000 - 10:09:41 AM; Details provisions: more frequent financial evaluations, 30-day notifications, annual manual reevaluations, quarterly statements, liens, tax intercepts, prosecutor coordination across 11 superior and 33 circuit courts, wage garnishment leading to job changes. Notes new tools like liens and tax intercepts.
HB1576: Chair McGuire Vote01:15:00.000 - 10:13:41 AM; Calls for roll on ought to pass motion. Vote: 8-0 yes.
HB1477: Representative Griffin Oppose01:17:29.290 - 10:16:10 AM; Opposes the bill, views it as increasing bureaucracy by registering stationary items.
HB1477: Unnamed Representative (likely Rep. Runn or similar) Support01:18:00.000 - 10:16:41 AM; As a co-sponsor and affected party, strongly supports for fiscal reasons. Argues public waters require fees like boat registrations to fund mitigation of toxic cyanobacteria blooms linked to health issues. Notes local expenditures for mitigation and need for revenue from structures on public waters for cyanobacteria and marine navigation funds. Suggests amendment to cover administration costs from fees.
HB1477: Representative Ebel Support01:22:00.000 - 10:20:41 AM; Supports, notes fiscal note covers costs from navigation safety fund, not general fund.
HB1477: Representative McDonald, Sponsor Support01:25:00.000 - 10:23:41 AM; Supports, notes existing successful mooring decal program since 1985. Bill supported by NH Lakes, Marine Trades Association, lake associations. Amendment addresses seacoast oystering concerns. Helps maintain cyanobacteria fund without state cost. Estimates many platforms statewide, compares to state park fees.
HB1477: Captain Dunleavy, Department of Marine Patrol Information Only01:28:00.000 - 10:26:41 AM; Enforcement similar to moorings, routine patrols on 975 waters, more on busy lakes like Winnipesaukee. Seeks compliance, not punishment; rainy day task for officers. Navigation safety fund covers costs.
HB1477: Representative Abel Support01:30:00.000 - 10:28:41 AM; Supports due to safety and impact concerns from large inflatables obstructing lake use, affecting public access and experience.
HB1477: Representative Munns Information Only01:32:29.290 - 10:31:10 AM; Clarifies fiscal note: first year $178,000 cost, decreases to $144,000; covered by navigation safety fund revenues.
HB1477: Representative Brunk Oppose01:35:00.000 - 10:33:41 AM; Strongly opposes ITL, emphasizes worsening cyanobacteria issue, bill fully funded by fees, necessary for lake health.
HB1477: Unnamed Representative Support01:36:00.000 - 10:34:41 AM; Compares to $105 state park pass, $50 fee reasonable for public waterway use.
HB1477: Representative Wyler Support01:37:00.000 - 10:35:41 AM; Supports to shift cleanup burden from local taxpayers to platform users.
HB1477: Representative Luns Information Only01:38:00.000 - 10:36:41 AM; Notes bill projected to raise $300,000 annually for each fund, covering personnel costs.
HB1477: Representative (from Salem) Oppose01:39:00.000 - 10:37:41 AM; Constituents on Arlington Mill Reservoir oppose the bill.
HB1477: Representative Brunk Support01:40:00.000 - 10:38:41 AM; Believes estimate of affected platforms conservative, more revenue expected.
HB1477: Captain Dunleavy Information Only01:41:00.000 - 10:39:41 AM; Number of platforms depends on frontage; must stay within own frontage, not impede public or neighbors.
HB1477: Representative Weiler Information Only01:42:00.000 - 10:40:41 AM; Asks about patrol scheduling; notes neighbors often self-police.
HB1477: Captain Dunleavy Information Only01:43:00.000 - 10:41:41 AM; Routine patrols on assigned lakes, daily plans, but flexible for calls. Permanent boats on larger lakes.
HB1477: Representative Griffin Information Only01:44:00.000 - 10:42:41 AM; Asks if moorings specified for boats or platforms.
HB1477: Captain Dunleavy Information Only01:45:00.000 - 10:43:41 AM; Moorings for boats; platforms cannot attach boats or other devices.
HB1477: Chair McGuire Vote01:47:29.290 - 10:46:10 AM; Motion for ITL by Rep. Griffin, seconded by Sweeney. Vote: 4-4 tie (Griffin yes, Sweeney yes, Weiler yes, Ebel no, Munns no, Run no, McGuire no - wait, correction to 4-4).
HB1710: Representative Scheer Information Only01:47:29.290 - 10:46:10 AM; Provides policy overview: language issues, concerns about weaponization against domestic violence victims (esp. foreign nationals), moving too fast. Notes 20 states passed with changes, prior NH attempt failed. Fiscal: judiciary needs Hague Convention expert; indeterminable court load due to complex transnational issues.
HB1710: Representative Sweeney Support01:55:00.000 - 10:53:41 AM; Supports passing, similar to prior bill on obligations.
HB1710: Charles Mooney, Commissioner on Uniform State Laws Support01:56:00.000 - 10:54:41 AM; Supports merits and fiscal. Notes many states report no or negligible fiscal impact; NH figure outlier. Fills gap for pre-custody order abductions. Existing law complements Hague Convention. Offers data from other states.
HB1710: Chair McGuire Information Only02:00:00.000 - 10:58:41 AM; Asks about annual child abduction cases.
HB1710: Charles Mooney Information Only02:01:00.000 - 10:59:41 AM; Marginal cases small fraction; costs similar regardless of volume.
HB1710: Representative Egan Information Only02:02:00.000 - 11:00:41 AM; Notes judicial branch representative present.
HB1710: Lauren Warner, Deputy General Counsel, Judicial Branch Information Only02:03:00.000 - 11:01:41 AM; Fiscal note for expert hire, training on transnational issues. Judges not routinely handling; need proper training. Comments aid interpretation. Existing avenues like emergency motions exist, but bill provides specific criteria.
HB1710: Senator Menz Information Only02:05:00.000 - 11:03:41 AM; Asks about bill wording concerns: vague 'credible risk', domestic violence impact.
HB1710: Lauren Warner Information Only02:06:00.000 - 11:04:41 AM; Clearer definitions help; training required. Concerns on weaponization from other parties. Uniform law comments assist. No universal standard, but would standardize in NH.
HB1710: Representative Bunns Information Only02:08:00.000 - 11:06:41 AM; Notes divided policy vote, strong feelings.
HB1710: Tom McKinney, New Hampshire Legal Assistance Oppose02:10:00.000 - 11:08:41 AM; Expresses concerns from policy hearing on weaponization for domestic/sexual violence victims; offers follow-up testimony.
HB1710: Representative Ryan Information Only02:11:00.000 - 11:09:41 AM; Suggests enough heard to vote.
HB1710: Representative Sweeney Support03:17:06.110 - 12:15:47 PM; Moves for interim study on HB 1710, noting it is a worthwhile bill but requires examination of how the uniform act fits in New Hampshire, considering the fiscal note and need for additional staff as per judiciary testimony. Suggests studying this year and addressing in next year's budget.
HB1710: Representative Ebel Support03:20:00.000 - 12:18:41 PM; Concurs with Representative Sweeney on interim study, stating there are still questions, judicial branch may manage some aspects, but legal aid has issues. Views interim study as a good approach.
HB1710: Chair McGuire Support03:22:00.000 - 12:20:41 PM; Comments that the fiscal note for training judges seems excessive given unknown case volume, supports taking a look to assess need.
HB1602 2026-1166-H: Representative Ebel Support03:25:00.000 - 12:23:41 PM; Proposes a one-word amendment on page 4, line 33, to change 'point of scale' to 'point of sale' to clarify no point of sale fee is allowed. Moves ought to pass as amended. Explains the bill establishes a battery stewardship program covering lithium, alkaline, and rechargeable batteries, addressing fire risks evidenced by support from fire marshal, firefighters, fire chiefs, and Governor Ayotte's proclamation. Notes prior law banning landfill disposal of lithium batteries effective July 1, 2025, and this bill creates a free collection program. Details no cost to state as reimbursed by battery stewardship organization, savings for municipalities far exceeding fiscal note's $150,000 estimate, with examples of high disposal costs. Provides support letters from waste management, solid waste districts, Casella, etc., highlighting fires caused by batteries. Compares to paint bill, emphasizes industry support, no per-can fee but costs rolled into manufacturing. Discusses meeting with governor's budget director, Vermont's similar program with no cost increase to consumers, minimal impact on $20 billion battery industry. Highlights benefits: reduced reliance on China for minerals, supports national security and recycling goals, aligns with state solid waste plan to reduce landfilling and protect workers.
HB1602 2026-1166-H: Representative (unnamed) Information Only03:28:00.000 - 12:26:41 PM; Asks if clarifying no point of sale fee means rolling stewardship costs into base cost of the bill.
HB1602 2026-1166-H: Representative Rung Support03:30:00.000 - 12:28:41 PM; Seconds the motion for ought to pass as amended. Later states Representative Ebel covered all bases, nothing to add.
HB1602 2026-1166-H: Chair McGuire Vote03:17:06.110 - 12:15:47 PM; Calls for show of hands on amendment, approves it. Calls for roll on ought to pass as amended.