Committee Summary for House Resources, Recreation and Development (01/21/2026)

Bill/Time	Type	Title	Sponsor
HB1603 Sponsor Amendment 00:09:53.440 - 8:38:40 AM	Public Hearing	requiring state agencies to provide current and verifiable evidence of a species presence before imposing any land use restriction related to that species' habitat.	DeVito, Sayra(R)[A-]2025
HB1626 01:19:38.560 - 9:48:25 AM	Public Hearing	relative to the effectiveness of tourism expenditures.	Wherry, Robert(R)[A-]2025
HB1655 01:36:11.600 - 10:04:58 AM	Public Hearing	establishing a funding source for maintaining state owned dams.	Darby, Will(D)[CT]2025
HB1664 Replace All Amendment 02:12:26.880 - 10:41:13 AM	Public Hearing	directing the department of natural and cultural resources to remove the Hannah Duston Memorial in Boscawen.	Nagel, David(R)[C]2025
HB1664 03:10:01.040 - 11:38:48 AM	Executive Session	directing the department of natural and cultural resources to remove the Hannah Duston Memorial in Boscawen.	Nagel, David(R)[C]2025
HB11751 -	Public Hearing	relative to state park public safety parking surcharge	Likely Text to Speech Error on Bill #
HB11751 04:00:46.000 - 12:29:33 PM	Executive Session	relative to state park public safety parking surcharge	Likely Text to Speech Error on Bill #
HB1752 2024-1453h 04:18:46.399 - 12:47:33 PM	Public Hearing	requiring the creation of a ticket to follow timber through the harvesting and production process to establish a chain of custody.	Howard, Heath(D)[F]2025
HB1768 2024-1453h 05:01:16.560 - 1:30:03 PM	Public Hearing	relative to free day-use admission and metered parking at state parks for all honorably discharged state resident veterans.	Bridle, Nicholas(R)[C]2025
HB1837 05:46:09.040 - 2:14:56 PM	Public Hearing	relative to the New Hampshire marine patrol.	MacDonald, John(R)[B+]2025

HB1603 Sponsor Amendment: Representative Dvito Support00:09:53.440 - 8:38:40 AM; Representative Dvito, the prime sponsor, introduced HB1603FN in response to constituent concerns about land use restrictions based on outdated or unverified endangered species data. The bill aims to ensure that restrictions are based on current, site-specific, verifiable evidence, respecting due process like landowner permission or warrants. He clarified that the bill does not intend to create new databases or surveys but to use existing systems fairly. Due to a large fiscal note, he proposed a sponsor amendment that narrows the language, removes fiscal impacts, and focuses on lawful, location-specific evidence to balance conservation and property rights.
HB1603 Sponsor Amendment: Representative Mary Murphy, Hillsboro 27 (Deering and Francestown) Support00:18:05.919 - 8:46:52 AM; Representative Murphy shared a personal experience from her 110-acre riverfront property in Francestown, designated high-value habitat. Despite conservation efforts like preserving buffers and donating land to a trust, a 2023 garage project was delayed due to a 2014 wood turtle sighting (not endangered but listed). No recent sightings occurred, yet the project faced delays and added $20,000 in costs from winter construction needs. She supports the bill to prevent unnecessary delays and costs from outdated species data.
HB1603 Sponsor Amendment: Alexandra Prescott, private citizen Oppose00:23:12.640 - 8:51:59 AM; Alexandra Prescott, a lifelong New Hampshire resident, expressed concern for wildlife and opposed the bill, fearing it would endanger native species. She noted that endangered species are rare, camouflaged, and hard to detect even when present, making verification difficult. Easing restrictions could lead to their extinction, as seen globally and in the U.S.
HB1603 Sponsor Amendment: Nissa Marks, Heniker Oppose00:25:23.600 - 8:54:10 AM; Nissa Marks, former US Fish and Wildlife Service biologist, opposed the bill as introduced, calling it unimplementable and harmful to endangered species protections. She highlighted low detection rates for rare species, spotty survey data, seasonal presence, and reliance on indirect evidence like tracks rather than sightings. Wildlife cameras are inadequate for rare species. The bill ignores creative win-win solutions under the Endangered Species Act and successes like the Karner blue butterfly recovery. She urged voting it inexpedient to legislate.
HB1603 Sponsor Amendment: Jason Stock, New Hampshire Timberland Owners Association Support00:29:26.159 - 8:58:13 AM; Jason Stock supported the bill's focus on landowner permission for data collection on private property. He shared a 2009 incident on Mount Cube where a state contractor surveyed without permission, leading to improved DFG standard operating procedures requiring notification. He emphasized that habitats change (e.g., after timber harvests), making old data unreliable. Landowners often welcome species but want courtesy and control over data to prevent issues like over-visitation. He suggested a subcommittee to refine processes for accurate, permission-based data.
HB1603 Sponsor Amendment: Mike Morland, New Hampshire Fish and Game Oppose00:39:11.599 - 9:07:58 AM; The transcript cuts off before full testimony, but Mike Morland from New Hampshire Fish and Game is listed as opposing the bill.
HB1603 Sponsor Amendment: Mike Marshand, New Hampshire Fish and Game Oppose00:39:46.240 - 9:08:33 AM; Mike Marshand, supervisor of the non-game and endangered wildlife program at New Hampshire Fish and Game, testified in opposition to HB1603FN, stating that it would disrupt the state land use permitting process and reduce protections for threatened and endangered wildlife. He explained the department's role under RSA 212A in conserving species through data collection, research, and collaboration with landowners, including providing grants for conservation. Marshand noted that recent changes via House Bill 2 shifted some authority to the Department of Environmental Services (DES), but the bill would limit their ability to avoid, minimize, and mitigate harm. He highlighted existing procedures for vetting data and concerns that the bill's criteria would eliminate most database records, requiring a complete overhaul. This would withhold verified information from applicants, increasing harm risks, leading to species declines and potential federal listings. He emphasized the timing is poor as the transition to DES is new, and efficiencies are being developed. Regarding specific paragraphs, he noted concerns with paragraphs one and three, such as the need for surveys in cases like freshwater mussels to avoid harm during construction. During Q&A, he discussed data acquisition methods (own surveys, consultants, incidental reports), the use of public lands data, and challenges with requiring documented landowner permission, especially for subdivided or transferred properties.
HB1603 Sponsor Amendment: Adam Crapo, New Hampshire DES Oppose00:50:07.200 - 9:18:54 AM; Adam Crapo, assistant commissioner at the Department of Environmental Services (DES), testified in opposition to HB1603FN, providing historical context from his time in the governor's office and noting that House Bill 2 transferred responsibility for reviewing threatened and endangered species impacts in certain permits (wetlands, alteration of terrain, DOT driveway) to DES to address past concerns. The transition occurred in December, and with only a month and a half experience, they have hired staff and are improving the process. Crapo expressed concerns with the bill's terminology and proposed an alternative involving rulemaking with Fish and Game and DNCR's Natural Heritage Bureau to enhance transparency and data management via MOUs and agreements. He argued the bill would reduce flexibility by prohibiting use of biodiversity searches (data check tool), forcing more conservative approaches or applicant-conducted surveys, which could increase costs and timelines, countering the goal of 60-day permits. DES has succeeded in quick reviews (under 2 days for data checks, under 20 for ecological reviews) and added conveniences like online payments and adopted rules. They are developing a compensatory mitigation program, modeled after wetlands, but more complex due to diverse habitats, involving public listening sessions for input from stakeholders.
HB1603 Sponsor Amendment: Philip Trobridge, New Hampshire DES Oppose00:56:06.160 - 9:24:53 AM; Philip Trobridge, manager of land resources programs at DES, supplemented Crapo's testimony by detailing progress since the House Bill 2 transition: reducing review times (under 2 days for data checks, under 20 days for ecological reviews without consultation), clearing backlogs, adding online payments, and adopting rules effective January 19. He discussed future plans for a compensatory mitigation program for wildlife impacts, similar to the aquatic resource mitigation fund, but more challenging due to hundreds of habitat types. This includes listening sessions with conservation groups, developers, and legislators to establish formal mitigation processes and options like restoration projects or road crossing improvements. Trobridge reiterated that the issues are nuanced and better addressed through rules rather than statute, and the time is not right for the bill despite understanding the sponsor's concerns and productive conversations.
HB1603 Sponsor Amendment: Mr. Springer, Town Representative Support01:02:29.599 - 9:31:16 AM; Mr. Springer supported HB1603FN while acknowledging Fish and Game and DES efforts. With background as a conservation chairman and forestry committee chair managing a 450-acre town forest, he emphasized the need for standards in respecting property owners' rights during data gathering. He argued that current practices lack respect, such as unpermitted entries, and cited the Fish and Game website encouraging landowner permission for sightings on private property. Springer addressed questions on data accuracy, noting past inefficiencies despite claims, and provided examples of projects derailed: a 34-acre commercial parcel where only 2 acres were disturbed but 17 acres required deed restrictions (coercion), and a 150-acre forest management area where easements were demanded on undisturbed land, hindering affordable housing and open space. He distinguished that the bill focuses on wildlife under RSA 212A, not plants, and criticized conflation. Springer advocated for accurate, cooperatively collected data, respect for landowners to protect the tax base and housing, and opposed DES's proposed amendment placement, insisting it belongs in the notification section for landowner respect.
HB1603 Sponsor Amendment: Carol Foss, representing conservation organizations Oppose01:16:41.600 - 9:45:28 AM; Carol Foss, senior adviser for science and policy at New Hampshire Audubon, testified in strong opposition to HB1603FN on behalf of New Hampshire Audubon, Society for the Protection of New Hampshire Forests, The Nature Conservancy, New Hampshire Rivers Council, New Hampshire Sierra Club, Connecticut River Conservancy, and others. She described the bill as a 'lose-lose': complicating and lengthening the permitting process for applicants while harming threatened and endangered species protections. Foss referenced the background provided by Fish and Game and DES, applauding their efforts in the new process and her organizations' involvement in public input. She submitted written testimony and offered to take questions.
HB1626: Representative Robert Weary, Hudson Support01:19:38.560 - 9:48:25 AM; Representative Weary introduced HB1626, emphasizing tourism's importance to New Hampshire's economy, generating $7.5 billion annually and supporting 70,000 jobs. He explained that the bill requires the Department of Business and Economic Affairs (BEA) to report on tourism expenditures to demonstrate return on investment (ROI), aiding budgeting and marketing improvements. He suggested internal analysis over expensive third-party reports and closer collaboration between BEA's tourism and business development arms. He advocated for marketing methods like remnant advertising to track effectiveness and urged support for the bill.
HB1626: Representative Mary Murphy, Deering and Francestown Support01:25:46.159 - 9:54:33 AM; Representative Murphy supported HB1626 as a best business practice to justify expenditures by measuring outcomes, particularly for BEA's role in marketing the state. She highlighted the near-elimination of the $14.6 million tourism budget last year and the negative impacts seen in other states that cut such funding. The bill helps BEA provide empirical evidence of contributions to state revenue and small businesses. She endorsed remnant advertising for cost-effective tracking of responses like hotel reservations.
HB1626: Michelle Cruz, Director of Division of Travel and Tourism Development Information Only01:32:23.040 - 10:01:10 AM; Michelle Cruz corrected the tourism marketing budget to $11.5 million for the year. She noted that ROI is already calculated annually for winter, summer, and fall campaigns, with research contracts in place since 1990, though the current one was not approved by the Executive Council. She confirmed no formal position on the bill but was available for questions.
HB1655: Representative Will Derby, Nashua Support01:36:11.600 - 10:04:58 AM; Representative Derby presented HB1655FN, addressing the $300 million needed to repair high-hazard state-owned dams, plus ongoing costs. He advocated an 'all-of-the-above' funding strategy, building on HB629's boat decal surcharge. The bill imposes a flat fee on waterfront property owners with deeded rights to state-impounded waters, exempting farms and current use lands, collected by municipalities and remitted to the dam maintenance fund. He acknowledged needed amendments based on feedback from DRA and DES, emphasizing benefits to property values and recreation from maintained dams.
HB1655: Andrea Lamo, New Hampshire Lakes Association Oppose01:50:13.679 - 10:19:00 AM; Andrea Lamo opposed HB1655FN as written, representing 150 lake associations. While supporting the intent to fund dam maintenance (needing $16 million annually), the bill's $3 million projection places too much burden on shorefront owners without broader stakeholder contributions. She suggested revisiting other sources like a minimal meals and rooms tax increase and sought assurances of continued study to avoid future fee hikes without holistic solutions.
HB1655: Corey Clark, Chief Engineer, DES Dam Bureau Information Only01:55:44.639 - 10:24:31 AM; Corey Clark provided background on New Hampshire's 276 state-owned dams, acquired in the mid-20th century when private owners abandoned them. Historically funded by hydropower leases, revenues declined post-deregulation, shifting reliance to general funds ($5.2 million annually). He detailed a $414 million repair need, with $300 million for 64 high-hazard dams, estimating $16 million yearly to address the backlog over 50 years. DES is open to transfers or removals but lacks authority to mandate them.
HB1655: Jason Stock, New Hampshire Timberland Owners Association Oppose02:05:11.760 - 10:33:58 AM; Jason Stock opposed the bill, arguing the user fee unfairly burdens timberland owners in current use, who manage raw land for timber or agriculture without recreational benefits like docks or boats. He suggested exempting current use lands as an easy fix and was open to further discussion if the committee pursues the idea.
HB1655: Jennifer Ramsey, Department of Revenue Administration Information Only02:08:57.599 - 10:37:44 AM; Jennifer Ramsey outlined DRA's role in collecting unremitted fees, feasible with system upgrades and staffing, but raised technical concerns detailed in written testimony. She questioned DRA's suitability for identifying affected properties, suggesting DES use GIS for state-impounded waterfronts and deed research for access rights, potentially requiring appropriations.
HB1664 Replace All Amendment: Representative David Nagel, representing native groups Support02:12:26.880 - 10:41:13 AM; Representative Nagel supported the amended HB1664FN, which creates an advisory council instead of removal. He detailed Hannah Duston's controversial 1697 story of escaping captivity by killing and scalping 10 Native Americans, including children, for a bounty. The 1919 memorial glorifies this as patriotism, ignoring Native perspectives and built on sacred Abenaki land. He advocated contextualizing history inclusively, involving stakeholders like Boscawen town, historians, and Natives, with private funding for interpretive signs, trails, and a revised highway sign. The council addresses multi-entity ownership complexities.
HB1664 Replace All Amendment: Representative Wendy Thomas, Merrimack Support02:25:52.319 - 10:54:39 AM; Representative Thomas supported the bill as amended, viewing it as an opportunity for honest discussion on past actions' fairness, not erasing history. The advisory council offers a compassionate solution to add context while retaining the statue.
HB1664 Replace All Amendment: Lori Kerry, Town of Boscawen Select Board Oppose02:27:02.160 - 10:55:49 AM; Lori Kerry opposed demolition, favoring expanded interpretation without removing the first U.S. statue to a woman, dedicated in 1874 to honor New England mothers. The town has implemented prior advisory recommendations like trail maintenance and vandalism prevention. She advocated reconstituting the committee for inclusive history via friends group, interpretive signage, QR codes, living exhibits, and art displays, involving all stakeholders including the town, to engage visitors and boost local economy.
HB1664 Replace All Amendment: Denise Pulio, head female speaker of the Kawasak band of the Penobscot Abenaki people Support02:33:58.000 - 11:02:45 AM; Denise Pulio supports the amended version of the bill. She acknowledges the Native community's disdain for the Hannah Dustin statue but emphasizes the importance of preserving regional history, including manifest destiny and the statue's role as the first depiction of a woman. She notes that the story was propagated by Cotton Mather, not Hannah herself, and their 60-minute documentary reveals the true history. Removing the statue would erase opportunities to tell the full story. Instead, maintaining the site with added narratives and expansions would make it more palatable and educational for the community.
HB1664 Replace All Amendment: Bob Listister, longtime resident of Portsmouth Oppose02:39:06.319 - 11:07:53 AM; Bob Listister opposes HB1664 and the removal of the Hannah Dustin monument in Boscawen. As a former educator and mayor, he highlights the monument's historical significance as the first and oldest to a woman in the US, erected in 1824. He respects Native American contributions but argues for equal recognition alongside the monument rather than removal, citing a similar decision in Haverhill, Massachusetts. He stresses that history cannot and should not be changed, and removing it sends the wrong message to students. The monument represents survival, and the site should be revitalized with new signage telling the true 1697 story, involving the Dustin Association and public input, especially with the 2026 semiquincentennial approaching. He mentions marrying into Dustin descendants.
HB1664 Replace All Amendment: Paul Pulio, chair of the New Hampshire Native American Commission on Native American Affairs Support02:44:49.920 - 11:13:36 AM; Paul Pulio supports keeping the monument and reenvisioning the site as a historical park. Initially opposed to removal, the commission now favors this after discussions. He envisions including railroad, logging, and Merrimack River history, plus a memorial to the 10 Christian Abenaki Indians killed, who were not involved in the raid but left behind. Their documentary uncovers convoluted narratives created long after the event, tied to manifest destiny imagery. This presents an opportunity for mutual cooperation with Boscawen to develop a robust park telling the full story without finger-pointing, emphasizing the site's complexity.
HB1664 Replace All Amendment: Elaine Clow, president of the Boscawen Historical Society Oppose02:49:00.000 - 11:17:47 AM; Elaine Clow opposes the bill as president of the Boscawen Historical Society. About a dozen years ago, they organized an advisory meeting involving state agencies, artists, and Dustin family descendants like Cedric Dustin, leading to cleanup and positive changes at the neglected site. She was on an advisory committee whose report, issued during COVID, recommended actions but was ignored. She notes the scarcity of colonial monuments interpreting the French and Indian Wars and highlights the monument's pioneering role in honoring colonial women and mothers, representing many subjected to raids and captivity from 1717 to 1760, with settlements starting in 1625.
HB1664 Replace All Amendment: Elaine Clow, Boscawen Historical Society Oppose02:52:41.040 - 11:21:28 AM; The speaker provides historical context on the dedication of the Hannah Dustin memorial statue in 1874 and its rededication in 1974, highlighting its significance as the first monument to feminine fortitude in the US. She discusses the artistic merit of the statue, emphasizing its humanistic depiction of suffering during the Indian wars, and argues against modifying or removing any features like the scalp or hatchet, comparing it to defacing art. She advocates recognizing all women involved in the era's events, including colonial mothers, Abenaki, and others.
HB1664 Replace All Amendment: Timothy Lord, Hancock, NH Oppose02:57:23.279 - 11:26:10 AM; Timothy Lord opposes HB1664, arguing that removing the Hannah Dustin Memorial sanitizes New Hampshire's colonial history of conflict between English, French, and Native Americans. He notes Hannah Dustin's story as one of frontier courage amid captivity and loss, and suggests adding contextual interpretation to acknowledge the Abenaki's role, French coercion, and Native devastation, turning the site into an educational space rather than erasure.
HB1664 Replace All Amendment: Tyler Damrosio, member of the public Oppose02:59:52.560 - 11:28:39 AM; Tyler Damrosio, a colonial history enthusiast, opposes removing the statue, suggesting added interpretation like at national parks to revitalize the site. He describes the brutal 1600s frontier, Hannah Dustin's unique escape after childbirth and captivity, and her role in building America through descendants. He argues the memorial commemorates survival in a clash of civilizations, and removal erases history, noting most monuments are built later to remember.
HB1664 Replace All Amendment: Adam Gats, New England National Party Oppose03:05:12.160 - 11:33:59 AM; Adam Gats opposes the bill, stating most points about Hannah Dustin's traumatic experience have been covered. He views removal as erasing history to appease feelings about centuries-old events, emphasizing it was a clash of civilizations where European forefathers prevailed, and no crimes were committed against modern complainants.
HB1664 Replace All Amendment: Representative Darby Information Only03:06:57.439 - 11:35:44 AM; Representative Darby appreciates the perspectives, notes the abduction of European settlers but reminds of thousands of Natives abducted, murdered, or enslaved since the 1620s. He stresses fairness in recalling both sides' stories and hopes for respect at the site.
HB1664 Replace All Amendment: Unidentified Questioner (Representative) Information Only03:07:58.160 - 11:36:45 AM; The questioner seeks clarification on Representative Darby's support for the amended bill, which forms a commission with stakeholders to recommend state direction without mandating removal, aiming to bring people together for accurate history representation.
HB1664 Replace All Amendment: Representative Darby (response) Information Only03:08:53.680 - 11:37:40 AM; Representative Darby maintains his personal view but pragmatically supports the advisory council amendment after discussions with many, including attendees. He praises a referenced movie as educational on New Hampshire issues.
HB1664 Replace All Amendment: Representative Bridal Support03:45:57.920 - 12:14:44 PM; Representative Bridal introduces HB11751 FN as the Shared Responsibility for Safe State Parks Act, proposing a 5% surcharge on paid state park parking to fund host municipalities' public safety costs (police, fire, EMS) from high visitation, without new bureaucracy or penalties. Funds return quarterly, restricted to park-related safety. She emphasizes fairness, minimal visitor impact, preservation of park integrity, and partnership between state and locals, originating from observations during July 4th events. She clarifies it applies only to parking fees, not admissions, and benefits coastal parks with paid parking.
HB1664 Replace All Amendment: Representative G. Information Only03:50:36.640 - 12:19:23 PM; Representative G. questions application to events like weddings with parking included in facility fees, seeking clarity on whether the surcharge applies.
HB1664 Replace All Amendment: Representative Bridal (response to G.) Information Only03:51:23.600 - 12:20:10 PM; Representative Bridal explains it depends on parking coordination; for events, it would add to any parking fees, but if rolled into contracts, it's included without separate charge.
HB1664 Replace All Amendment: Representative Nab Information Only03:53:30.800 - 12:22:17 PM; Representative Nab questions necessity for smaller state parks with less traffic, and the bill's origin.
HB1664 Replace All Amendment: Representative Bridal (response to Nab) Information Only03:54:29.120 - 12:23:16 PM; Representative Bridal notes discussions with state parks showed it mainly affects coastal areas with paid parking; northern parks like Cannon Mountain charge admission, not parking. Origin: assisting police on July 4th, realizing mutual aid costs borne by locals.
HB1664 Replace All Amendment: Representative Sergeant Information Only03:55:27.120 - 12:24:14 PM; Representative Sergeant clarifies the surcharge applies only to parking fees, not entry fees or combinations.
HB1664 Replace All Amendment: Representative Bridal (response to Sergeant) Information Only03:56:37.359 - 12:25:24 PM; Representative Bridal confirms intent is strictly parking fees, like meters or flat $10 fees, not admission combos.
HB1664 Replace All Amendment: Representative N. Information Only03:56:37.359 - 12:25:24 PM; Representative N. asks about payment for additional police during busy weekends, like detail patrols.
HB1664 Replace All Amendment: Representative Bridal (response to N.) Information Only03:57:41.279 - 12:26:28 PM; Representative Bridal explains detail rates for planned events like July 4th; for unexpected incidents, mutual aid has reimbursement frameworks, and the bill offsets such costs.
HB1664 Replace All Amendment: Representative Darby Information Only03:57:41.279 - 12:26:28 PM; Representative Darby asks if Hampton Beach's business tax base offsets first responder costs from visitors.
HB1664 Replace All Amendment: Representative Bridal (response to Darby) Information Only03:58:58.800 - 12:27:45 PM; Representative Bridal acknowledges anticipated seasonal service needs but sees the bill as a state partnership to share burden with visitors, preventing uncontrolled costs on local taxpayers.
HB1664 Replace All Amendment: Representative Mike Wlette Oppose03:59:53.120 - 12:28:40 PM; Announced as opposing but no testimony provided in transcript; hearing closes without further input.
HB1664 Replace All Amendment: Nick Briol Support03:59:53.120 - 12:28:40 PM; Announced as supporting but no testimony provided in transcript; hearing closes.
HB1664: Committee Chair Information Only03:10:01.040 - 11:38:48 AM; The chair closes the public hearing on HB1664, notes executive session next week with expected amendments, mentions a break, and discusses distributing a 2016 prior commission report (23 pages) via email for review.
HB11751: Committee Vote04:00:46.000 - 12:29:33 PM; No opposition voiced; motion by Representative Sergeant for Ought to Pass (OTP) on HB11751, seconded by Representative Darby. Discussion emphasizes shared resource costs. Roll call vote: unanimous yes from present members (Representatives Dunn, G., Davis, Donnelly, Bridle, Trimley, Nab, Vale, Baldwin, Derby, Ryan, Sergeant; absents: Duponts, Buo). Clerk votes yes. Bill referred for report writing.
HB1752 2024-1453h: Representative Heath Howard (Strafford and Barrington, District 4) Support04:18:46.399 - 12:47:33 PM; Representative Howard introduced the bill, explaining that the current draft was not his intention due to late drafting, and provided a replace-all amendment that better reflects his goals. The bill aims to require the origin of timber on scale slips to help forest rangers track wood and prevent theft, which costs landowners thousands of dollars per case. He cited consultations with rangers showing multiple high-value thefts and emphasized that the amendment defines origin flexibly (municipality, address, map/lot, or intent to cut) and addresses mislabeling as consumer protection. He requested a new fiscal note as the bill would be cheaper and answered questions on fictitious addresses, carbon sequestration, multi-lot origins, intent to cut tracking, theft scale, and international transport.
HB1752 2024-1453h: Representative Mike Olette (Coos District 3) Oppose04:28:08.159 - 12:56:55 PM; Representative Olette opposed the bill, clarifying that scale slips are generated at mills, not in the woods, and logs to Canada are not checked. He noted logging is mostly in the north country with few theft issues handled by forest rangers via surveys. He argued chain of custody has value for carbon sales, which tie up timberland for up to 100 years, potentially by foreign entities, hindering lumber production and housing affordability. He supported chain of custody for carbon to protect resources but opposed it for general timber tracking.
HB1752 2024-1453h: Jason Stock (New Hampshire Timberland Owners Association) Oppose04:31:24.560 - 1:00:11 PM; Jason Stock opposed the bill and amendment, explaining scale slips are created at sawmills, not following logs from stump to landing. He stated that determined thieves would falsify documents, and tracking is impractical for mixed loads, multiple stops, and low-value wood chips. Loggers already use internal trip tickets for accounting. He argued the burden outweighs benefits, as rangers handle issues effectively, and opposed extensive tracking for chips or international shipments.
HB1752 2024-1453h: Patrick Hackley (DNCR, Division of Forest and Lands, State Forester) Support04:38:43.759 - 1:07:30 PM; Patrick Hackley opposed the original bill but supported the amendment, which focuses on requiring timber origin on scale slips. He detailed recent indictments for thefts totaling tens of thousands (e.g., $17k-$35k in Barnstead, $15k-$27k in Gilmanton/Alton), noting challenges in tracking without origin data. He refuted burden claims, stating adding intent to cut or landowner info to slips is minimal effort compared to investigations. Addressed concentration yards, wood chips (low theft risk), municipal tax losses, perpetrator methods, and global timber theft standards. Urged starting in-state tracking to combat the issue.
HB1768 2024-1453h: Representative Brado (Prime Sponsor) Support05:01:16.560 - 1:30:03 PM; Representative Brado introduced HB1768-FN and an amendment to address both honoring veterans and ensuring fiscal sustainability of state parks. The bill provides free metered parking at state parks for honorably discharged New Hampshire veterans, verified via veteran license plates, to remove barriers especially for seniors on fixed incomes. The amendment allows DNCR to accept donations (monetary or in-kind) to offset revenue loss, with controls on sponsor recognition to avoid commercialization. It raises the donation approval threshold from $2,500 to $50,000 for flexibility while maintaining oversight. Brado emphasized the bill balances veteran benefits with park funding without raising fees or seeking new appropriations. He answered questions on implementation, donations, and consistency with state procedures.
HB1768 2024-1453h: Representative Mike Edgar (Hampton) Support05:13:28.320 - 1:42:15 PM; Representative Edgar from Hampton expressed support for HB1768-FN, thanking DNCR for past assistance with veteran events like beach activities and memorials. He noted excitement among American Legion members in Hampton and surrounding areas about the bill, viewing it as a nice state gesture. Edgar appreciated the bill's implementation for simplicity and believed it would be well-received by veterans statewide.
HB1768 2024-1453h: Kevin Grady (Hooksett, State Veterans Advisory Committee) Support05:17:14.000 - 1:46:01 PM; Kevin Grady, a 25-year Air Force veteran from Hooksett, represented the State Veterans Advisory Committee supporting HB1768-FN in spirit if economically feasible. He highlighted sensitivity to fiscal impacts as taxpayers and noted the fiscal note's uncertainty. Grady informed about the upcoming New Hampshire First for Veterans program and HB1415 for a new license plate (not exclusive to veterans, like a moose plate, with fees supporting veteran functions), warning of potential confusion with the bill's veteran plate verification. He clarified HB1415 won't replace current veteran plates and is still pending amendments.
HB1837: Representative McDonald (Prime Sponsor) Support05:46:09.040 - 2:14:56 PM; Representative McDonald introduced HB1837-FN at the request of New Hampshire Marine Patrol to address fines payment issues and cleanup wording. He noted a request for effective date upon passage, to be explained by Captain Dunlevy, and expressed amenability to amendments decoupling from mooring fees and adjusting the effective date.
HB1837: Captain Tim Dunlevy (NH Marine Patrol, State Police) Support05:48:37.200 - 2:17:24 PM; Captain Dunlevy supported HB1837-FN as a housekeeping bill requested by Marine Patrol. It adds fines for boating violations lacking penalties (mirroring motor vehicle statutes at $50 + 20% for simplicity in pleading and payment, reducing court burdens). It shifts responsibility for passengers riding gunnels, transom, or bow to the operator for consistency and to avoid child enforcement issues. It corrects a mooring fee inconsistency from 2006. It repeals obsolete 2001-era boating education mandates now covered by general requirements. He requested effective upon passage to quickly resolve court inefficiencies and confirmed reciprocity for boating education courses across states.

Harb, Robert(Chairman)(R)[B+]2025	Taylor, Brian(Clerk)(R)[C]2025	Dunn, Ron(V Chairman)(R)[A]2025
Buco, Thomas(D)[D]2025	Vail, Suzanne(D)[CT]2025	Gould, Linda(R)[B+]2025
Tremblay, Marc(R)	Ryan, Linda(D)[D-]2025	Darby, Will(D)[CT]2025
Donnelly, Tanya(R)[B+]2025	Knab, Allison(D)[CT]2025	Sargent, Gregory(D)[D-]2025
Baldwin, Heather(D)[F]2025	Dupont, Pierre(R)[B]2025	Davis, Arnold(R)[B+]2025
Bridle, Nicholas(R)[C]2025