Committee Summary for Senate Executive Departments and Administration (01/08/2026)

Bill/Time	Type	Title	Sponsor
SB486 2024-1453h 00:03:58.319 - 8:02:49 AM	Public Hearing	relative to the administrative procedure act.	Lang, Timothy(R)[B-]2025
SB486 2024-1453h 00:09:45.839 - 8:08:36 AM	Executive Session	relative to the administrative procedure act.	Lang, Timothy(R)[B-]2025
SB427 00:12:01.600 - 8:10:52 AM	Public Hearing	relative to the joint committee on employee classification.	Lang, Timothy(R)[B-]2025
SB427 00:19:56.400 - 8:18:47 AM	Executive Session	relative to the joint committee on employee classification.	Lang, Timothy(R)[B-]2025
SB425 00:22:59.919 - 8:21:50 AM	Public Hearing	relative to the terms and qualifications for the adjutant general and deputy adjutant general, and commandant of the New Hampshire veterans' home.	Lang, Timothy(R)[B-]2025
SB425 00:55:02.640 - 8:53:53 AM	Public Hearing	relative to the terms and qualifications for the adjutant general and deputy adjutant general, and commandant of the New Hampshire veterans' home.	Lang, Timothy(R)[B-]2025
SB448 2026-0047s 01:06:22.319 - 9:05:13 AM	Public Hearing	modifying the definition of veteran and relative to lifetime hunting and fishing license fees for disabled veterans.	Innis, Daniel(R)[B]2025
SB472 01:25:40.159 - 9:24:31 AM	Public Hearing	removing the maximum age on the tenure of office for the position of deputy adjutant general.	McGough, Tim(R)[B+]2025
SB473 01:29:58.960 - 9:28:49 AM	Public Hearing	defining the term "field officers" within the national guard.	McGough, Tim(R)[B+]2025
SB492 amendment replacing first part 01:32:59.600 - 9:31:50 AM	Public Hearing	authorizing the department of military affairs and veterans services to license and lease property in which the department holds a property interest.	Watters, David(D)[D-]2025
SB566 01:51:16.960 - 9:50:07 AM	Public Hearing	relative to recruiting incentive programs for the national guard.	Pearl, Howard (R)[B]2025
Unclear 02:07:03.920 - 10:05:54 AM	Executive Session	Unclear

SB486 2024-1453h: Senator Tim Lang Support00:03:58.319 - 8:02:49 AM; Senator Lang, chair of JCAR, introduced the bill as a modernization of administrative rules statutes based on issues identified over his 10 years on the committee. He highlighted examples like expediting non-substantive fee changes mandated by the legislature to save costs and updating reporting structures to the Director of Administrative Rules. He noted it's a cleanup bill to make processes more efficient.
SB486 2024-1453h: Doug Olmstead, Director of Division of Administrative Rules Support00:07:46.080 - 8:06:37 AM; Olmstead supported the bill, explaining it redrafts sections for readability without changing citations. He mentioned extensive rewriting of section 541-A:13, with OS repealing and readopting rules, ensuring continuity and ease of use. He offered to answer questions.
SB486 2024-1453h: Committee Vote00:09:45.839 - 8:08:36 AM; The committee moved to executive session, adopted the proposed amendment for interim rules, and voted to pass SB 486 as amended by unanimous consent.
SB427: Senator Tim Lang Support00:12:01.600 - 8:10:52 AM; Senator Lang, chair of the Joint Commission on Employee Classifications, described the bill as housekeeping to implement approved classification changes from the commission, such as reclassifying positions for cost savings and alignment. He explained salary range adjustments for associate medical examiners based on pay studies to aid hiring, all within current budgets. He clarified changes elevate positions like state fire marshal and EMS director, and addressed concerns about medical examiner salaries, noting they are range expansions for advertising, not raises, and no new funding is requested.
SB427: Senator (unnamed) Information Only00:13:51.040 - 8:12:42 AM; The senator confirmed the bill elevates the state fire marshal and EMS director positions and sought clarification on salary increases for associate medical examiners.
SB427: Senator (unnamed) Information Only00:16:49.759 - 8:15:40 AM; The senator questioned the salary range for associate medical examiners under Department of Justice (160k to 300k) and expressed puzzlement over the timing given prior budget discussions where the office declined pay raises and full-time conversions.
SB427: Senator (unnamed) Support00:19:56.400 - 8:18:47 AM; The senator spoke in favor of ought to pass, providing further clarification on the chief medical examiner role's heavy workload, succession planning due to impending retirement, and the need for competitive salaries to attract qualified candidates in a specialized field. Noted the department runs lean and adjustments ensure hiring capability without exceeding recommended ranges.
SB427: Committee Vote00:19:56.400 - 8:18:47 AM; The committee voted to pass SB 427, with the motion passing 4 to 1, followed by unanimous consent.
SB425: Senator Tim Lang Information Only00:22:59.919 - 8:21:50 AM; Senator Lang introduced the bill as a professional courtesy to Executive Councilor Kenny, deferring to him for details on why the topic is important.
SB425: Executive Councilor Joe Kenny, Wakefield Support00:23:48.240 - 8:22:39 AM; Kenny advocated for SB 425 to allow Executive Council review and reappointment of the Adjutant General every 5 years (currently lifetime until 65) and make the Commandant of the Veterans Home a 4-year appointed position nominated by the board and confirmed by Governor and Council. He emphasized it adds oversight and checks/balances like other senior executives, without reflecting on current holders. Noted historical terms average 10 years for Adjutant General and long tenures for Commandants, but argued for periodic review to ensure performance and introduce fresh ideas. Clarified it's not political, as all senior roles face politics, and addressed language tweaks for accuracy on appointment process.
SB425: Tony Gagnon, Executive Director, National Guard Association of NH Oppose00:33:34.720 - 8:32:25 AM; Gagnon, on behalf of Steve Greco and 500 members, opposed the bill, arguing the current age 65 retirement already infringes on US code allowing 66, and further restrictions are unnecessary as the Governor can remove for cause. Removing 'immediately' from the 5-year prior NHNG service requirement weakens qualifications, opens to political influence, and undermines apolitical nature. Long tenure builds relationships securing federal resources, citing successes like KC-46 refueler, military construction, and retaining medevac helicopters.
SB425: Kim McKay, Commandant, NH Veterans Home, Louden Oppose00:37:13.920 - 8:36:04 AM; McKay opposed on behalf of the Veterans Home, stating the bill politicizes the Commandant role, tying it to 4-year cycles risking instability in a long-term care environment where veterans need routine and trust. Noted only 11 Commandants in 136 years, emphasizing stability for care. As a licensed nursing home administrator in a limited pool (170 in NH), term limits would shrink candidates. Highlighted personal relationships with veterans/families and partners, which frequent changes disrupt. Argued existing board oversight (9/12 appointed by Governor/Council) suffices, and turnover would require costly new positions without improving care.
SB425: Major General David Molitus, Adjutant General, NH National Guard Oppose00:44:05.839 - 8:42:56 AM; Molitus strongly opposed, noting the department was not consulted. Argued the bill violates US code on retirement age (66, not 64), removes 'immediately' allowing outdated or politically connected appointments, term-limits hinder long-term strategic gains (e.g., 13 years for KC-46, 8-year construction processes), and age-discriminates against deputy (a retiree). Stated it undermines Governor's authority, politicizes an apolitical organization, and no problem is being solved. Governor can terminate for cause.
SB425: Paul Lloyd, Chairman, Board of Managers, NH Veterans Home Oppose00:50:17.040 - 8:49:08 AM; Lloyd opposed, reiterating risks of politicizing the neutral Commandant role and 4-year terms causing turnover (only 4 since 1968). Adding DVA oversight creates bureaucracy, ineffective as seen in other states during COVID. Current board (9/12 appointed) provides weekly communication and annual evaluations via DOP forms. Questioned what problem exists and what happens if Council rejects board's nominee, leaving no deputy to run the home.
SB425: Kevin Grady, State Veterans Advisory Committee, Hooksett Oppose00:52:58.720 - 8:51:49 AM; Grady opposed on behalf of SVAC, criticizing removal of 'immediately' from service requirement as opening to unqualified or political picks. Questioned reducing retirement age to 64, potentially disrupting healthcare before Medicare. Noted SVAC follows 6 bills and appreciates scheduling; will briefly affirm agreement in future if covered.
SB425: Eric Power, Brookline Information Only00:55:02.640 - 8:53:53 AM; Eric Power, a 30-year Air Force veteran from Brookline, provided background on his extensive service in the National Guard and Reserves. He expressed neutrality on SB 425, liking the five-year review by the executive council for the adjutant general but opposing the age reduction to 64, recommending alignment with federal law at 66. He suggested raising the minimum rank for the deputy adjutant general from O-4 to O-6 to ensure experience, citing examples of issues with lower ranks in other states. He emphasized the importance of the National Guard and the need for qualified leadership.
SB425: Unnamed Speaker (likely sponsor or official) Support00:59:40.799 - 8:58:31 AM; The speaker addressed concerns raised, noting the age oversight is correctable per US code as pointed out by Representative Edwards. They explained holdover positions allow transition periods without abrupt changes, as in other facilities. They highlighted oversight by the commissioner and the need for executive council checks and balances for the veterans home, providing an avenue for complaints outside internal channels. They stressed New Hampshire's transparency and the role of the governor and council.
SB425: Bill Veerell, former Adjutant General Oppose01:02:17.599 - 9:01:08 AM; Bill Veerell, former Adjutant General, emphasized the National Guard's billion-dollar status and the need for experienced leadership with active relationships, arguing retirees lack these connections essential for dealing with high-ranking officials and deploying troops to war. He supported the veterans home's work and noted existing oversight under the Uniform Code of Military Justice and inspector generals, dismissing political motivations for changes that would appoint non-Guard retirees.
SB448 2026-0047s: Senator Dan Innis, District 7, Bradford Support01:06:22.319 - 9:05:13 AM; Senator Dan Innis introduced SB 448, which modifies the veteran definition to include discharges under honorable conditions per RSA 215:0, aligning benefits like property tax credits with others such as special plates. An amendment makes technical corrections. The bill also establishes a lifetime combination hunting and fishing license for veterans, with fees based on VA disability ratings, promoting outdoor recreation to reduce suicide risks. He noted support from the Department of Military Affairs and Veterans Services and Fish and Game, open to adjustments for fiscal impact.
SB448 2026-0047s: Major General David Calitis, Adjutant General, NH National Guard Support01:09:30.238 - 9:08:21 AM; Major General David Calitis supported SB 448 with minor revisions, explaining the DD-214 form's discharge types. The bill aligns state law with federal by including honorable and general under honorable conditions discharges as qualifying for benefits, clarifying that the latter indicates honorable service with minor issues. This captures the two 'good' discharges out of eight types.
SB448 2026-0047s: Kevin Grady, State Veterans Advisory Committee, Hooksett Support01:12:08.480 - 9:10:59 AM; Kevin Grady, 25-year Air Force veteran from Hooksett, supported the bill on behalf of the State Veterans Advisory Committee. He noted prior unawareness that general discharges disqualified for veteran plates and argued such discharges reflect honorable service, citing examples like pre-'Don't Ask Don't Tell' and COVID vaccine refusals. He praised the bill's use of RSA 215:0 as a central definition for veterans across statutes.
SB448 2026-0047s: Jim Misho, Chief Assessor, Hudson Information Only01:13:35.520 - 9:12:26 AM; Jim Misho, chief assessor in Hudson and chair of the NHAO legislative committee, provided context on the bill's impact on tax credits. He explained the distinction between 'honorable' and 'under honorable conditions' on DD-214s, which currently bars the latter from credits. He estimated 4,300 additional eligible veterans in NH, potentially increasing credits and affecting local tax rates. He suggested statutory amendments for clarity, noted 2022's failed HB 1375, and explained implementation requires community readoption unless expressly required, leading to uneven application. He shared Hudson's experience where credits raise taxes by 16 cents, decided by voters.
SB448 2026-0047s: Melissa Neith and Jessica Wheelan, New Hampshire Fish and Game Department Information Only01:20:55.280 - 9:19:46 AM; Melissa Neith and Jessica Wheelan from the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department testified on concerns with SB 448, primarily financial. They noted the department already provides a lifetime special license for 100% permanently disabled veterans for a $10 fee and 50% discounts for those 80-99% disabled. Challenges include estimating costs since the bill extends to 0% disability without requiring permanence, lacks data on veteran lifetime licenses, and is limited to combination licenses. They supported removing retroactive refunds to avoid financial catastrophe for the self-funded agency. They expressed willingness to work on language fixes.
SB472: Senator Tim McCue, District 11 Support01:25:40.159 - 9:24:31 AM; Senator Tim McCue introduced SB 472 to remove the maximum age limit for the deputy adjutant general position, noting it is a state employee role not subject to federal military age restrictions.
SB472: Major General David Mikolitis, Adjutant General, NH National Guard Support01:27:48.080 - 9:26:39 AM; Major General David Mikolitis explained the bill addresses a reorganization since 2019, expanding veteran services without updating the deputy position's age limit. He argued it eliminates age discrimination, as no other state deputy positions have mandatory retirement ages.
SB472: Kevin Grady, Hooksett, State Veterans Advisory Committee Support01:28:43.600 - 9:27:34 AM; Kevin Grady supported the bill, agreeing the age limit removal is appropriate.
SB473: Senator Tim McCue, District 11 Support01:29:58.960 - 9:28:49 AM; Senator Tim McCue introduced SB 473 as administrative housekeeping to replace the outdated 1700s term 'field officer of the militia' with specific modern military ranks.
SB473: Major General David Mikolitis, Adjutant General, NH National Guard Support01:30:55.040 - 9:29:46 AM; Major General David Mikolitis clarified that 'field officer of the militia' is undefined from the 1790s, likely referring to regimental commanders like lieutenant colonel and above, excluding majors who are staff officers. The bill provides a clear definition for administrative purposes.
SB473: Kevin Grady, Hooksett, State Veterans Advisory Committee Support01:31:55.760 - 9:30:46 AM; Kevin Grady concurred with the bill, noting it cleans up archaic language to improve administrative functions.
SB492 amendment replacing first part: Senator David Watters, District 4 Support01:32:59.600 - 9:31:50 AM; Senator David Watters introduced SB 492 to authorize leasing military properties for affordable housing partnerships, addressing recruitment, retention, and readiness issues due to housing shortages. It includes tax obligations and a fund for projects, potentially at Pease and Pembroke sites, and for Navy personnel during sub maintenance.
SB492 amendment replacing first part: Major General David Mikolitis, Adjutant General, NH National Guard Support01:38:02.639 - 9:36:53 AM; Major General David Mikolitis supported the bill for enabling conversion of underutilized barracks into permanent housing for junior enlisted at Pease Air National Guard Base, tackling affordability on the seacoast and aiding vulnerable airmen without on-post options.
SB492 amendment replacing first part: Kevin Grady, Hooksett, State Veterans Advisory Committee Support01:40:07.119 - 9:38:58 AM; Kevin Grady initially puzzled but supported the concept of affordable housing to reduce long commutes for junior airmen, especially in bad weather.
SB492 amendment replacing first part: Jim Misho, Chief Assessor, Town of Hudson Information Only01:41:52.159 - 9:40:43 AM; Jim Misho provided neutral testimony on implementation, suggesting existing RSA 72:23 already covers taxing state-owned property leased to non-exempt entities, avoiding duplication in RSA 110-B. He noted discrepancies like interest rates and urged reviewing current statutes, while cautioning on local burdens like education costs from housing.
SB492 amendment replacing first part: Representative from New Hampshire Bankers Association Information Only01:47:55.600 - 9:46:46 AM; The representative had no position but noted the amendment addresses their concern about priority liens on lessee equipment in the original bill.
SB492 amendment replacing first part: Senator David Watters, District 4 (rebuttal) Support01:50:07.520 - 9:48:58 AM; Senator Watters clarified that RSA 72:23 applies to state-owned property, but military properties may involve federal aspects, necessitating language in RSA 110-B.
SB566: Senator Howard Pearl, District 17, Louden Support01:51:16.960 - 9:50:07 AM; Senator Howard Pearl introduced SB 566 to expand the referral bonus program by broadening eligibility, increase reenlistment bonuses from $4,000 to $8,000 for mid-career NCOs, and authorize up to $4,000 reimbursement for job-related credentials not covered federally.
SB566: Major General David Mikolitis, Adjutant General, NH National Guard Support01:55:22.719 - 9:54:13 AM; Major General David Mikolitis detailed the bill's benefits: expanding referrals (20% of recruits), boosting state retention bonuses amid tight federal funds, and reimbursing credentials like EMT or IT for roles such as search and rescue, using state funds if federal support lapses. No immediate additional funding needed.
SB566: Kevin Grady, Hooksett, State Veterans Advisory Committee Support02:00:12.960 - 9:59:03 AM; Kevin Grady applauded efforts to recruit and retain trained Guard members, emphasizing the cost of losing experienced personnel and the value of incentives for junior enlisted.
Unclear: Committee Discussion Vote02:07:03.920 - 10:05:54 AM; The committee moved to executive session. They recommended Ought to Pass on SB 448 with amendment 2026-0047s; Ought to Pass on SB 472; Ought to Pass on SB 473; held SB 492 for further review on statutory concerns; Ought to Pass on SB 566. Other bills like 486, 427 passed earlier; 425 held.

Pearl, Howard (Chairman)(R)[B]2025	McGough, Tim(V Chairman)(R)[B+]2025	Gannon, Bill(R)[B-]2025
Altschiller, Debra(D)[CT]2025	Reardon, Tara(D)[F]2025