Committee Summary for Senate Children and Family Law (01/14/2025)

Bill/Time	Type	Title	Sponsor
SB22 00:01:23.600 - 10:00:29 AM	Public Hearing	relative to disclosure of criminal history and criminal records to the child care licensing unit of the department of health and human services.	Pearl, Howard (R)[B]2025
SB23 00:31:10.710 - 10:30:16 AM	Public Hearing	expanding the crime of endangering the welfare of a child.	Long, Pat(D)[F]2025
SB22 00:38:09.800 - 10:37:15 AM	Executive Session	relative to disclosure of criminal history and criminal records to the child care licensing unit of the department of health and human services.	Pearl, Howard (R)[B]2025

SB22: Senator Howard Pearl, District 17, Loudon Support00:01:23.600 - 10:00:29 AM; Senator Pearl introduced Senate Bill 22, which was requested by the New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services. The bill amends RSA 170-E:7 and RSA 170-E:29 to facilitate background checks for the child care licensing unit. He highlighted the importance of the bill for ensuring thorough background checks and deferred technical questions to the department staff.
SB22: Melissa Clement, Chief of the Childcare Licensing Unit, Department of Health and Human Services Support00:03:24.159 - 10:02:30 AM; Melissa Clement testified in support of Senate Bill 22, explaining that the current background check system only reveals convictions, not pending charges. The proposed legislation would allow them to receive all charges, including pending ones, to better evaluate individuals working with children. She mentioned collaboration with the Department of Safety and similarities with the Department of Education's statutes. Clement also clarified that individuals found not guilty or with dismissed charges would not be excluded based on those charges, but the bill would ensure they can act on pending charges at the initial check.
SB22: Victor Muzzy, State Police, Justice Information Bureau Support00:07:30.199 - 10:06:36 AM; Victor Muzzy supported Senate Bill 22, explaining that the legislation was prompted by cases where the Department of Health and Human Services should have been aware of a person's full criminal history. He noted the intent to provide the full record to the department, including all charges, to allow for a more informed decision on an applicant's eligibility. Muzzy confirmed that annulled convictions would not appear on records.
SB22: Katie, Early Morning New Hampshire Support00:10:13.519 - 10:09:19 AM; Katie from Early Morning New Hampshire expressed support for Senate Bill 22, praising the Childcare Licensing Unit for their collaboration and responsiveness to the field. She viewed the bill as a positive step forward.
SB23: Senator Pat Long, Manchester Support00:31:10.710 - 10:30:16 AM; Senator Long introduced Senate Bill 23, which aims to expand the crime of endangering the welfare of a child by adding additional culpable conduct. He highlighted the bill's importance in strengthening child protection and introduced Lieutenant Nick Jolis from the Manchester Police Department to testify.
SB23: Lieutenant Nick Jolis, Manchester Police Department Support00:32:33.200 - 10:31:39 AM; Lieutenant Jolis supported Senate Bill 23, explaining that the current law only allows for a misdemeanor charge for endangering the welfare of a child, which he felt was inadequate for many cases involving horrific conditions. The proposed bill would introduce felony options for more severe conduct, including potential for serious injury or death, and a pattern of behavior. He cited a recent case to illustrate the need for stronger legislation, noting a judge's comment on the inadequacy of the current law.
SB22: Information Only00:38:09.800 - 10:37:15 AM; The committee voted unanimously to pass Senate Bill 22 and moved it to the consent calendar.