Committee Summary for House Legislative Administration (10/08/2025)

Bill/Time	Type	Title	Sponsor
HB477 00:05:49.280 - 12:04:30 PM	General Working Session	establishing a commission to study safety and security procedures in the New Hampshire state house.	Telerski, Laura(D)[CT]2025
SB186 2025-2993h 01:06:05.119 - 1:04:46 PM	General Working Session	(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
Unclear 01:36:52.639 - 1:35:33 PM	General Working Session	Unclear

HB477: Chair Information Only00:05:49.280 - 12:04:30 PM; The chair opens the session by discussing the ongoing security review at the State House and LOB, noting that an independent third party has been hired via RFP and the report is pending. Emphasizes that security matters are handled responsibly by the bipartisan Joint Facilities Committee, which can go into non-public sessions to avoid broadcasting deficiencies. Suggests that concerns should be addressed through representatives on that committee.
HB477: Representative Wall Information Only00:11:14.240 - 12:09:55 PM; Representative Wall expresses agreement with the chair but highlights ongoing security concerns, including incidents in the gallery and members feeling unsafe. Shares a personal anecdote about being followed and notes swift resolution. Discusses drawbacks of commissions, such as pulling staff from regular duties and their ineffectiveness compared to study committees. Suggests a study committee as an alternative and questions how members will be kept informed to feel safe, referencing discussions with the bill sponsor and Director Chris Veter.
HB477: Chair (response) Information Only00:15:24.399 - 12:14:05 PM; The chair responds that the Joint Facilities Committee serves as the conduit for information and suggestions from both parties, with the ability for non-public discussions.
HB477: Representative Wade Information Only00:16:40.560 - 12:15:21 PM; Representative Wade agrees with prior comments and notes increasing safety concerns and a lack of knowledge on reporting incidents. References past issues with the ethics committee handling behavioral complaints, leading to a special committee by the Speaker's office. Recommends that the Speaker's office and Joint Facilities Committee create clear reporting channels and communicate seriously about security findings from studies with Homeland Security.
HB477: Representative Wall (follow-up) Information Only00:19:03.200 - 12:17:44 PM; Representative Wall supports the previous comments, reiterating frustrations with ethics handling non-behavioral issues and the creation of a special committee. Suggests involving members in a special committee to work with facilities for ongoing discussions to ensure safety.
HB477: Chair (further response) Information Only00:19:03.200 - 12:17:44 PM; The chair directs comments to the present member of the Facilities Committee, stating that discussing information return to members is their role, not this committee's.
HB477: Representative (unnamed, possibly Turkot) Oppose00:20:23.120 - 12:19:04 PM; The representative believes general security policies can be publicized, but sensitive procedures should remain on a need-to-know basis with current study groups. Opposes creating a commission or study committee that might broadcast procedures.
HB477: Representative N. Oppose00:21:12.559 - 12:19:53 PM; Representative N. agrees with the previous representative's opposition to a commission or study committee.
HB477: Chair (closing) Information Only00:21:12.559 - 12:19:53 PM; The chair notes general agreement and questions if the bill can be used as a vehicle without a commission. Responds to a query about directing the Joint Facilities Committee by stating no need, as they are capable of addressing security issues independently without additional study or commission.
HB477: Representative Richards Information Only00:22:34.480 - 12:21:15 PM; Representative Richards inquires about the procedure for assigning members to committees at the start of each biennium, specifically focusing on the Joint Facilities Committee. He emphasizes the importance of having reliable, standing members on the committee for handling sensitive matters like security, and suggests that membership should be more publicized. He stresses the need to ensure the committee is equipped to perform thorough work and holds accountability.
HB477: Unidentified Speaker (possibly staff or leadership) Information Only00:22:34.480 - 12:21:15 PM; The speaker confirms understanding of committee assignments and notes that the Joint Facilities Committee includes standing members from the Democratic side, such as the minority leader and Representative Eel. They agree on the importance of leadership involvement and publicizing the committee's role to ensure accountability.
HB477: Representative W (possibly Wall) Information Only00:24:52.880 - 12:23:33 PM; Representative W seeks clarification on the duties of the Facilities Committee, particularly regarding addressing security issues. He questions whether members can bring concerns to the committee and highlights the mystery surrounding its operations, emphasizing the importance of communication on security matters.
HB477: Unidentified Speaker Information Only00:26:01.679 - 12:24:42 PM; The speaker notes that Representative W was previously on the Facilities Committee and affirms that members can address security concerns to the committee, which includes leadership and the security director.
HB477: House Clerk Smith Information Only00:27:10.640 - 12:25:51 PM; House Clerk Smith provides detailed information on RSA 17-e, outlining the committee's bipartisan membership, public listing on the website and in black books, duties including security, and structure with subcommittees. He explains that agendas are set by leadership, non-public sessions are used for sensitive topics like security, and members can speak to committee members or request full committee discussion. He advises against adding staff like the director of safety services to the committee due to authority and hiring/firing dynamics.
HB477: Representative Wall Information Only00:30:17.919 - 12:28:58 PM; Representative Wall thanks the clerk for the information and asks about the frequency of meetings and how members can be added to agendas, either for the full committee or subcommittees. He notes additional briefings on safety and the importance of guiding members on where to address security concerns.
HB477: Unidentified Representative Information Only00:31:20.159 - 12:30:01 PM; The representative questions whether the Joint Facilities Committee consists only of elected officials and if it would be possible to add the director of safety services by amending RSA. The clerk responds that it is all elected officials and advises against adding staff due to conflicts with the committee's authority.
HB477: Unidentified Representative Information Only00:33:35.519 - 12:32:16 PM; The representative inquires about minority reports and bipartisan committee reports for HB 477, suggesting collaboration between parties. The chair defers discussion to executive session.
HB477: Representative Sheen Support00:33:35.519 - 12:32:16 PM; In executive session, Representative Sheen moves for Inexpedient to Legislate (ITL) on HB 477, stating that security is constantly studied and best handled by the Facilities Committee.
HB477: Representative Turkot Support00:33:35.519 - 12:32:16 PM; Representative Turkot seconds the motion for ITL on HB 477 without additional comments.
HB477: Unidentified Representative Information Only00:34:54.239 - 12:33:35 PM; The representative notes that minority reports are possible and encourages collaboration on wording, ensuring members know the options.
HB477: Unidentified Representative Information Only00:34:54.239 - 12:33:35 PM; The representative confirms notice for the executive session on pending legislation.
HB477: Committee Members (voting) Support00:36:15.280 - 12:34:56 PM; The committee votes 12-0 (later corrected to 11-0, then 12-0) in favor of ITL on HB 477, with no objections to consent. Discussion follows on involving both parties in the committee report.
HB477: Representative W Support00:36:15.280 - 12:34:56 PM; Representative W agrees with the consent vote, provided both parties collaborate on the committee report.
HB477: Chair Information Only00:37:31.119 - 12:36:12 PM; The chair confirms HB 477 advances on consent for ITL and moves to discuss HB 314 in work session mode, noting a new LSR and opening discussion.
HB477: Representative Turkot Information Only00:38:36.720 - 12:37:17 PM; Representative Turkot discusses working on an amendment for full repeal and replace of HB 314 to find middle ground between sponsors and opponents, emphasizing local decision-making similar to zoning issues. He requests recessing the bill to a later date, aiming to complete it by November 21st for review, and assures it will be significantly different from previously indefinitely postponed HB 456.
HB477: Unidentified Representative Information Only00:41:20.160 - 12:40:01 PM; The representative seeks more elaboration on the direction of the amendment to allow preparation time, and Representative Turkot responds that details may change but intends thorough review for all sides.
HB477: Representative Richards Information Only00:42:08.079 - 12:40:49 PM; Representative Richards supports giving thought to the amendment, ensuring alignment and preparation time for the committee.
HB477: Representative Wall Information Only00:43:20.400 - 12:42:01 PM; Representative Wall respects the approach and hopes for a workable solution, noting serious problems with the current HB 314.
HB477: House Clerk Information Only00:44:20.160 - 12:43:01 PM; The clerk reminds the committee of HB 456's indefinite postponement on a similar issue, advising new language must not be substantially similar without rule suspension.
HB477: Chair Information Only00:46:27.520 - 12:45:08 PM; The chair recesses HB 314 to a date certain between late October and early November, allowing time before filing, and notes Wednesdays as potential meeting days. The discussion moves to SB 186.
HB477: Chair Information Only00:47:22.319 - 12:46:03 PM; The chair notes SB 186 was retained for broader considerations on portraits, including space and other details, based on conversations.
HB477: Speaker 1 (likely Representative proposing amendment) Information Only00:48:08.880 - 12:46:49 PM; The speaker discusses research from NCSL on other states' practices for portraits, emphasizing a significant time gap after service, ranging from 2 to 25 years. They propose an amendment requiring 10 years after death and exemplary service to the state. They review testimony for the Bradley bill, noting it lacks specificity for historic impact, and suggest a replace-all bill to codify these criteria.
HB477: Representative Sson Information Only00:48:55.839 - 12:47:36 PM; Representative Sson asks two questions: first, notes that 'exemplary and noteworthy services' is vague but accepts the 10-year post-death period as the key factor, as time will naturally highlight significance. Second, suggests 10 years after service instead of death to benefit younger legislators like Representative Wade, who might live long after exemplary service.
HB477: Unidentified Representative (possibly Representative Wait or similar) Information Only00:51:10.480 - 12:49:51 PM; Thanks the proposer for the research and data. Questions the deceased vs. service timing, noting cases where quick honoring post-death might be needed (referencing out-of-state example). Asks about sources of input without naming names, confirming it came from both sides of the aisle, legislature, and outside.
HB477: Amendment Proposer (response) Information Only00:53:49.920 - 12:52:30 PM; Confirms input was broad, not just from one side, from legislature and outsiders. Notes some states allow alternative paths for remarkable individuals, like supermajority votes.
HB477: Unidentified Representative (follow-up on research) Information Only00:54:49.760 - 12:53:30 PM; Follows up on research regarding wall space limitations in the State House, referencing discussions on flags and historic landmarks. Asks if calculations considered space, bringing in Representative Wall who notes a study showed room for only 14 more portraits, with space very limited and RSA 14:14B covering legislative-controlled areas only.
HB477: Representative Wait Information Only00:56:09.760 - 12:54:50 PM; Agrees to recess the bill for further discussion. Points out line 15 requiring governor and council consent for placements, questions why bills were introduced if a process via joint historical committee already exists under RSA. Suggests giving the committee authority to define guidelines like portrait size instead of legislating them.
HB477: Unidentified Representative Information Only00:59:41.200 - 12:58:22 PM; Asks about timing for naming bridges or mountains (5 or 10 years). References failed bills by Representative Cludier for 2-year post-service naming, which failed in Senate, expressing concern this amendment might face similar issues.
HB477: Representative Wall Information Only01:02:10.000 - 1:00:51 PM; Recalls an exception where a rule was broken to name Mount Reagan during President Reagan's lifetime, requiring votes of House and Senate, indicating another avenue exists beyond standard timing.
HB477: Representative Turkot Support01:02:59.839 - 1:01:40 PM; Supports the full replacement amendment for SB 186, noting it mostly retains existing language and adds only the 10-year post-death requirement for the portrait subject. States they are totally in favor.
SB186 2025-2993h: Representative Richards Information Only01:06:05.119 - 1:04:46 PM; Representative Richards expresses concern about the 10-year requirement in the amendment, suggesting more time to clarify language on the period out of service rather than dead for 10 years, to better distinguish cases like Sylvia Larson (out since 2014) versus Jeb Bradley (recently out). He supports refining terms like 'exemplary and noteworthy' to something more objective like 'significant and historic' and discusses procedural options for amending now or recessing.
SB186 2025-2993h: Representative Turkot Information Only01:07:22.240 - 1:06:03 PM; Representative Turkot emphasizes that length of service alone is not a qualifier for a portrait and supports amending the amendment if the committee wills it. He discusses the 'deadness' factor, noting that portraits honor legacy for families and towns, and questions why someone significant must be dead for a decade, suggesting shorter periods like 2-4 years might be considered, but defers to the general policy of 10 years with potential exceptions via legislative override.
SB186 2025-2993h: Representative Wade Information Only01:04:53.440 - 1:03:34 PM; Representative Wade suggests recessing the session to draft an amendment clarifying the historic committee's role, avoiding the full bill process, and including an exception clause. Later, he proposes recessing both SB 186 and SB 200 to apply similar amendment language, emphasizing equity in treatment for all involved.
SB186 2025-2993h: Representative Ner Support01:10:56.719 - 1:09:37 PM; Representative Ner supports the amendment as is, noting that monumental cases can be handled via future bills. He inquires about existing portraits like Sylvia Larson's, confirming it can be hung in offices without facilities issues, and expresses comfort with the 10-year requirement.
SB186 2025-2993h: Unnamed Speaker (potentially new) Support01:12:50.800 - 1:11:31 PM; The speaker compares portraits to a 'gold watch' in the private sector, supporting the 10-year wait based on practices in other states, and agrees with having another pathway but prioritizes the time restriction to avoid casual honors.
SB186 2025-2993h: Representative Wall Support01:14:04.480 - 1:12:45 PM; As a member of the joint historic committee, Representative Wall supports the amendment to provide guidelines amid space limitations in the State House and LOB. He notes ongoing issues with portraits like Wentworth Cheswell's and trends with figures like Martha Fuller Clark, Sylvia Larson, Jeb Bradley, and others, emphasizing the need for restrictions and that maintenance funds are already allocated annually.
SB186 2025-2993h: Unnamed Chairman/Speaker Information Only01:16:27.199 - 1:15:08 PM; The chairman notes more onerous recommendations from other states, like requiring donors to fund maintenance, and anticipates further portrait-related bills, suggesting ongoing requirements like size and materials could be added.
SB186 2025-2993h: Representative Dto Support01:17:38.400 - 1:16:19 PM; Representative Dto supports the amendment and suggests the historical society apply a 'sweater rule'—replacing old portraits with new ones and archiving others—to manage space, ready for a motion.
SB186 2025-2993h: Representative (unnamed, suggesting recess) Information Only01:18:41.120 - 1:17:22 PM; The representative urges recessing to refine language on 'deadness,' taxpayer costs for maintenance, and stronger criteria beyond 'exemplary and noteworthy' to limit future portraits effectively, volunteering to work on it.
SB186 2025-2993h: Representative W. Information Only01:21:13.360 - 1:19:54 PM; Representative W. compiles discussion points: agreement on time out of service (debate on 5 vs. 10 years), alternative legislative pathways, historic committee handling restrictions like size and placement, and potential maintenance funds (noting existing allocations).
SB186 2025-2993h: Representative Sheen Support01:28:47.600 - 1:27:28 PM; Representative Sheen moves ITL (Inexpedient to Legislate) on SB 200, seconded, and later votes yes on all motions.
SB186 2025-2993h: Representative Turkot (motion) Support01:22:24.800 - 1:21:05 PM; Representative Turkot moves to recommend ought to pass on amendment 2025-2993h to SB 186, later adjusts to adopt the amendment and ought to pass the bill as amended.
Unclear: Committee Chair Information Only01:36:52.639 - 1:35:33 PM; The chair inquires about reports, notes there are no minority reports, and mentions they must be submitted by November. The discussion shifts to scheduling future meetings.
Unclear: Representative Senson Information Only01:37:40.239 - 1:36:21 PM; Representative Senson mentions a conflict on October 30th, which is a Thursday, and notes that the committee prefers Wednesdays, though they are not ideal for him. He also mentions that the transportation committee is meeting on the 8th, a Tuesday.
Unclear: Representative N. Information Only01:37:40.239 - 1:36:21 PM; Representative N. comments on the good collaboration between committees and then brings up a bill related to the Hannah Dustin Memorial, noting memorials in Boscawen and that someone has submitted an LSR to remove it, suggesting the committee look into it.
Unclear: Committee Member Information Only01:38:38.880 - 1:37:19 PM; A committee member asks if the matter regarding the Hannah Dustin Memorial came to this committee.
Unclear: Committee Chair Information Only01:38:38.880 - 1:37:19 PM; The chair confirms they need to look up Hannah Dustin and then adjourns the meeting, thanking everyone and noting three bills on consent.

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