Committee Summary for Senate Commerce (03/03/2026)

Innis, Daniel(Chairman)(R)[B]2025	Ricciardi, Denise(V Chairman)(R)[B]2025	Murphy, Keith(R)[A]2025
Fenton, Donovan(D)[F]2025	McGough, Tim(R)[B+]2025	Reardon, Tara(D)[F]2025

Bill/Time	Type	Title	Sponsor
SB509 00:02:16.896 - 10:01:27 AM	Executive Session	preventing municipalities from limiting dead-end road length if compliant with the state fire code.	Murphy, Keith(R)[A]2025
Unclear 00:17:16.896 - 10:16:27 AM	Executive Session	relative to claims data for self-funded plans and portability
HB396 00:25:00.000 - 10:24:11 AM	Executive Session	(New Title) relative to the processing of beef cows, swine, sheep, and goats at facilities not certified by the United States Department of Agriculture.	Comtois, Barbara(R)[B+]2025
HB1196 00:28:00.000 - 10:27:11 AM	Executive Session	repealing the state housing champion designation and grant program.	Drew, Matt(R)[A+]2025

SB509: Committee Chair Vote00:02:16.896 - 10:01:27 AM; Welcomed the committee to the executive session and explained that SB 509 is similar to SB 564, which has already passed. Made a motion to find the bill inexpedient to legislate, which was seconded and passed unanimously with no opposition.
Unclear: Senator McGoo Support00:17:16.896 - 10:16:27 AM; Explained the amendment using an example of an incidental finding requiring a biopsy, emphasizing that it allows peer-to-peer discussions between doctors of similar specialties to expedite appeals and approvals, especially for life-saving care. Noted it is a simple fix with no cost to insurers, eliminates unintentional delays, is germane to the bill, and was highlighted by recent events like the United Healthcare incident. Responded to concerns by stating that peer-to-peer processes and 'similar specialty' are already defined in prior authorization statute (Chapter 172), making it easier by allowing consultants or retired physicians, and essential in rural New Hampshire to avoid limiting access to specialists.
Unclear: Senator Reardon Oppose00:18:30.000 - 10:17:41 AM; Expressed concerns that the amendment on peer-to-peer review and portability, while potentially valuable, represents a significant departure from the bill's focus on claims data, with no public hearing held on it. First time seeing the amendment, nervous about undefined 'similar specialty' terms, potential mismatches causing delays (e.g., general vs. orthopedic surgeon), and that peer-to-peer could prolong approvals. Would support the underlying bill but not comfortable adding this without expert input and definitions.
Unclear: Senator Rashardi Information Only00:22:00.000 - 10:21:11 AM; Suggested holding the bill for a hearing on the amendment to ensure due process, referencing months of stakeholder work on the prior authorization bill.
Unclear: Committee Chair Information Only00:23:00.000 - 10:22:11 AM; Agreed to hold the bill and schedule a hearing with the department to address concerns, noting plenty of time until April, a zero fiscal note, and withdrawal of the pass motion to avoid voting.
HB396: Committee Chair Information Only00:25:00.000 - 10:24:11 AM; Expressed love for HB 396 but discomfort with the amendment, requesting more time to let it 'dry age' before proceeding.
HB1196: Committee Member Vote00:28:00.000 - 10:27:11 AM; Made a motion to find HB 1196 inexpedient to legislate.
HB1196: Committee Member Vote00:28:30.000 - 10:27:41 AM; Seconded the motion to find the bill inexpedient to legislate.
HB1196: Committee Member Information Only00:29:00.000 - 10:28:11 AM; Informed the chair of a potential amendment that the committee might be happy with.
HB1196: Committee Chair Information Only00:29:30.000 - 10:28:41 AM; Agreed there is plenty of time and to hold the vote on HB 1196; facilitated withdrawal of the motion and second.