Committee Summary for House Legislative Administration (04/16/2025)

Bill/Time	Type	Title	Sponsor
SB197 00:03:39.599 - 12:02:40 PM	Public Hearing	(New Title) relative to the medical supervision of the licensed registered nurse employed by general court.	Pearl, Howard (R)[B]2025
SB186 00:16:23.120 - 12:15:24 PM	Public Hearing	(New Title) preventing portraits depicting persons from being hung in certain places in the statehouse, unless the subject of the portrait has been dead for at least 10 years and provided exemplary and noteworthy services to the citizens of this state.	Ricciardi, Denise(R)[B]2025
SB200 00:31:21.520 - 12:30:22 PM	Public Hearing	relative to accepting a portrait of Sylvia Larsen.	Reardon, Tara(D)[F]2025
Unclear 00:46:10.079 - 12:45:11 PM	General Working Session	Unclear

SB197: Ryan Maliti, Assistant to Senator Pearl Support00:03:39.599 - 12:02:40 PM; Ryan Maliti introduced Senate Bill 197 on behalf of Senator Pearl, who was unavailable due to another commitment. The bill aims to remove the supervision of nurses employed by the legislative facilities committee from the Department of Health and Human Services. Instead, it proposes that the nurse should operate within the scope of practice outlined by the Board of Nursing and RSA 326-B, the Nurse Practice Act. Maliti mentioned that John Williams, the Director of Legislative Affairs for the Department of Health and Human Services, was present to provide further details and answer questions about the bill.
SB197: John Williams, Legislative Director, Department of Health and Human Services Support00:05:38.880 - 12:04:39 PM; John Williams spoke in support of Senate Bill 197, explaining that the bill was developed at the request of the Department of Health and Human Services. He noted that the legislation seeks to amend a section of law that has remained unchanged since 1995, which previously placed the Department's commissioner, who is not a medical professional, in a supervisory role over the RN at the legislative health room. Williams explained that the bill aims to align the supervision of the RN with the scope of practice as defined by the Board of Nursing, similar to school nurses. He confirmed that discussions had been held with the chief operating officer of the joint legislative committee and the executive director of the Office of Professional Licensure and Certification, both of whom supported the proposed changes.
SB186: Max Taylor, Legislative Aid to Senator Rashardi Support00:16:23.120 - 12:15:24 PM; Max Taylor, representing Senator Rashardi, introduced Senate Bill 186, which proposes the display of a portrait of Senator Jeb Bradley in the New Hampshire State House. Taylor highlighted Senator Bradley's extensive service to New Hampshire, including his time in the New Hampshire House of Representatives, the United States Congress, and as President of the New Hampshire Senate. He emphasized Bradley's contributions to responsible budgeting, environmental conservation, and healthcare access, as well as his ability to work across party lines. Taylor urged the committee to pass the bill to honor Bradley's contributions to the state.
SB200: Senator Tara Rearden, representing Concord, Bow, and Hopkinton Support00:31:21.520 - 12:30:22 PM; Senator Tara Rearden introduced Senate Bill 200 to honor former Senator Sylvia Larson by displaying her portrait in the New Hampshire State House. Rearden, representing District 15, detailed Larson's 20-year service, her leadership as Senate President from 2006 to 2010, and her sponsorship of numerous pieces of legislation covering diverse subjects, including education, housing, and women's rights. The portrait, already completed by a local New Hampshire artist, is currently stored and ready to be hung upon the bill's passage.
SB200: Donna Susi, former Chief of Staff to Senator Larson Support00:34:37.359 - 12:33:38 PM; Donna Susi, who served as Senator Larson's Chief of Staff, supported Senate Bill 200 by emphasizing Larson's leadership and contributions, particularly during her time as Senate President. Susi highlighted Larson's role in leading the first female legislative majority in the country, her bipartisan approach, and her steady leadership during financial challenges. Susi also mentioned the portrait, painted by local artist Ralph Stony Jacobs, and its readiness for display in the State House upon the bill's approval.
SB200: Unidentified Speaker Information Only00:44:02.480 - 12:43:03 PM; The speaker discusses the current status of a portrait, mentioning that it is framed and stored in a box, accessible for viewing in Room 120 at the state house. They mention that Jennifer Gallagher, the receptionist and administrative assistant, could show the portrait to interested parties. They also discuss the status of portraits for Senator Martha Fuller Clark and Jeb Bradley, noting that Jeb Bradley's portrait is expected to be completed.
Unclear: Unidentified Speaker Information Only00:46:10.079 - 12:45:11 PM; The speaker introduces a work session focused on handling two portraits, describing it as a less formal process for offering ideas and suggestions. They mention ongoing issues with RSAs and overlapping responsibilities, suggesting a need for clarification and improvement in these areas. They also reference a research report on how other states handle similar issues, proposing the use of the current situation as a means to address statutory and guideline shortcomings.
Unclear: Unidentified Speaker Information Only00:47:18.480 - 12:46:19 PM; The speaker discusses the need for further work on RSAs related to portraits, mentioning that a researcher had compiled information on how other states manage similar issues. They suggest considering a moratorium on portraits and other limitations, such as requiring a person to be deceased for five years before a portrait is accepted, as potential solutions.
Unclear: Unidentified Speaker Information Only00:48:54.880 - 12:47:55 PM; The speaker proposes using the current situation with the portraits to address broader issues with statutes and guidelines, particularly those affecting the historical committee's responsibilities. They suggest discussing size limitations and appropriate placement for portraits, and they invite other committee members to contribute ideas.
Unclear: Unidentified Speaker Information Only00:50:17.839 - 12:49:18 PM; The speaker responds to a question about the requirements set by the historical committee for portraits, referencing RSA 17-I:2, which outlines the committee's responsibilities for placement and management of historical items. They mention the need to possibly update or review the collections policy established in 1990.
Unclear: Unidentified Speaker Information Only00:52:30.119 - 12:51:31 PM; The speaker discussed the procedures for accepting cultural objects into state collections, expressing uncertainty about the active utilization of these procedures and whether any legislative actions have been suggested.
Unclear: Unidentified Speaker Information Only00:53:21.119 - 12:52:22 PM; The speaker mentioned receiving a document from Terry Path and noted that there are many details and overlapping responsibilities among departments that need attention, particularly at the State House.
Unclear: Unidentified Speaker Information Only00:54:14.160 - 12:53:15 PM; The speaker detailed the control over different floors of the State House, highlighting that the governor controls the second floor, and the first and third floors have limited space for legislative portraits. They also mentioned an instance where a flag signed by soldiers could not be accepted due to desecration concerns.
Unclear: Unidentified Speaker Information Only00:55:16.480 - 12:54:17 PM; The speaker discussed the challenges and rules of the joint historic committee, including the limited space for displaying portraits, and the need for regular meetings to address these issues. They noted the committee's oversight on the entire state house complex and its history.
Unclear: Unidentified Speaker Information Only00:57:21.599 - 12:56:22 PM; The speaker explained the funding and preservation of portraits at the State House, mentioning a non-lapsing fund of $10,000 annually for restoration and the importance of collaborating with artists for repairs.
Unclear: Unidentified Speaker Information Only00:58:32.640 - 12:57:33 PM; The speaker asked about the current display status of accepted portraits and the need for an archive due to limited space. They highlighted the importance of proper storage conditions for preservation.
Unclear: Unidentified Speaker Information Only01:00:37.520 - 12:59:38 PM; The speaker discussed the potential need for an archive due to the limited space for portraits and the associated costs of storage and preservation. They suggested the committee should establish clear guidelines for handling these issues.
Unclear: Unidentified Speaker Information Only01:01:49.359 - 1:00:50 PM; The speaker shared a personal opinion on the placement of portraits, using Merilla Ricker's portrait as an example, and suggested moving portraits around to better reflect historical significance and space constraints.
Unclear: Unidentified Speaker Information Only01:04:56.000 - 1:03:57 PM; The speaker discussed the possibility of loaning portraits to the New Hampshire Historical Society or storing them in the state archives. They also mentioned the chronological arrangement of portraits and the need for more space.
Unclear: Unidentified Speaker Information Only01:10:11.040 - 1:09:12 PM; The speaker suggested looking into how other states manage their portraits, focusing on the original 13 colonies due to the larger number of portraits in New Hampshire. They acknowledged the complexity and messiness of current responsibilities.
Unclear: Unidentified Speaker Information Only01:11:19.360 - 1:10:20 PM; The speaker proposed the idea of a virtual wall to accommodate more portraits without physical space constraints, noting the minimal cost and flexibility it would provide.
Unclear: Unidentified Speaker Information Only01:12:40.239 - 1:11:41 PM; The speaker mentioned a previous initiative by Representative Bob Rowe to create a virtual tour of the State House, suggesting it could be expanded to include portraits not currently displayed.
Unclear: Unidentified Speaker Information Only01:13:43.199 - 1:12:44 PM; The speaker raised concerns about the decision-making process for accepting gifts and the need for legislative action. They also questioned the commissioning of a new portrait and suggested holding off until size restrictions are clarified.
Unclear: Unidentified Speaker Information Only01:14:56.080 - 1:13:57 PM; The speaker discussed who pays for portraits and suggested returning them to families and using a virtual wall as a solution to space and decision-making issues.
Unclear: Unidentified Speaker Information Only01:17:46.480 - 1:16:47 PM; The speaker continued the discussion on Turkot's idea, expressing uncertainty about the involvement of groups when sensitive topics are discussed. They mentioned the concept of a virtual tour of the State House, which would primarily feature portraits and would be funded through the joint historic committee, noting that funds were set aside for this purpose several years ago.
Unclear: Virginia Drew Information Only01:18:59.600 - 1:18:00 PM; Virginia Drew mentioned looking at the New Hampshire State Board's website and found a video, indicating that it might not be fully functional as it did not respond to her interaction. She also noted the availability of pamphlets with current portraits.
Unclear: Representative Berg Information Only01:20:15.679 - 1:19:16 PM; Representative Berg expressed a preference for traditional oil paintings over virtual representations, valuing the cultural and historical context they provide. He discussed the potential of a virtual wall but emphasized the importance of physical artifacts, suggesting a method for deciding which portraits to accept to maintain consistency.
Unclear: Representative Wade Information Only01:22:23.120 - 1:21:24 PM; Representative Wade shared an experience from Dover where renaming a cemetery led to discussions about historical context. He suggested including more historical context with portraits to enhance public understanding and appreciation of the individuals depicted.
Unclear: Representative Wall Information Only01:23:35.679 - 1:22:36 PM; Representative Wall discussed the existing plaques under portraits, which are difficult to read, and mentioned ongoing efforts to replace them with more legible ones. He emphasized the importance of historical information and suggested it should be available in multiple formats, including books and virtual tours.
Unclear: Unidentified Speaker Information Only01:24:41.760 - 1:23:42 PM; The speaker expressed agreement with the idea of retaining the bills for further discussion, suggesting a later work session in the summer to invite historical societies and other groups to contribute to the amendment process.
Unclear: Representative Senson Information Only01:27:20.800 - 1:26:21 PM; Representative Senson inquired about the status of a portrait of Senator Fuller Clark, questioning whether the related legislation had passed or if it was simply a donation. He highlighted the need for clarity on this matter during the Senate hearing.
Unclear: Representative Turkot Information Only01:28:46.480 - 1:27:47 PM; Representative Turkot moved to retain Senate Bills 186 and 200, suggesting that they be retained individually. The motion to retain SB 186 passed unanimously, followed by a similar motion for SB 200, which also passed unanimously.
Unclear: Unidentified Speaker Information Only01:31:19.920 - 1:30:20 PM; The speaker concluded the session by announcing the retention of two additional bills and suggested a potential meeting after a regular house session to discuss a housekeeping amendment related to the nurses bill. They also mentioned the upcoming need to remove personal items from the building by May 21st and the uncertainty about future meeting locations due to a move to another building.
Unclear: Representative W Information Only01:32:38.480 - 1:31:39 PM; Representative W asked about the timing of a potential work session on the portrait bills, expressing concern about the summer schedule. The response indicated that such sessions typically would not start until after the legislative session ends, potentially in July or later.
Unclear: Unidentified Speaker Information Only01:35:00.880 - 1:34:01 PM; The speaker suggested starting conversations with relevant groups about the portrait bills and mentioned a potential agenda item for the historical committee meeting on May 5th. They emphasized the need to be cautious about spreading information to avoid violating open meeting laws.
Unclear: Representative Wall Information Only01:36:18.400 - 1:35:19 PM; Representative Wall confirmed that historical committee meetings are not available on YouTube and expressed frustration about the lack of scheduling in the calendar. He noted the importance of these meetings and the need for better communication.

Hill, Gregory(Chairman)(R)[A-]2025	Sirois, Shane(Clerk)(R)[A-]2025	Sheehan, Vanessa(V Chairman)(R)[A-]2025
Wall, Janet(D)[F]2025	Notter, Jeanine(R)[A-]2025	Turcotte, Len(R)[B]2025
Verville, Kevin(R)[B-]2025	Richards, Beth(D)[D]2025	Payeur, Stephanie(D)[D-]2025
Boyd, Stephen(R)[B+]2025	Wade, Alice(D)[F]2025	Sorensen, Carrie(D)[F]2025