Committee Summary for Senate Executive Departments and Administration (01/14/2026)

Bill/Time	Type	Title	Sponsor
SB451 00:01:25.439 - 8:00:46 AM	Public Hearing	amending the title of the position of senior deputy secretary of state.	Gray, James(R)[B-]2025
SB492 2024-095s 00:03:58.480 - 8:03:19 AM	Executive Session	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
SB401 00:10:49.360 - 8:10:10 AM	Public Hearing	relative to removing an obsolete annual reporting requirement by municipal overseers of public welfare to the department of health and human services and repealing the department of health and human services reporting requirement on 10-year demographic cost projections.	Gray, James(R)[B-]2025
SB401 00:14:38.399 - 8:13:59 AM	Executive Session	relative to removing an obsolete annual reporting requirement by municipal overseers of public welfare to the department of health and human services and repealing the department of health and human services reporting requirement on 10-year demographic cost projections.	Gray, James(R)[B-]2025
SB516 00:21:18.480 - 8:20:39 AM	Public Hearing	relative to certain unclassified positions in the department of health and human services.	Long, Pat(D)[F]2025
SB516 2024-062s 00:26:34.960 - 8:25:55 AM	Executive Session	relative to certain unclassified positions in the department of health and human services.	Long, Pat(D)[F]2025
SB421 2024-0081s 00:30:58.960 - 8:30:19 AM	Public Hearing	relative to the membership and duties of the trauma medical review committee.	Prentiss, Suzanne(D)[F]2025
SB426 00:42:27.920 - 8:41:48 AM	Public Hearing	repealing the permissible fireworks advisory committee.	Altschiller, Debra(D)[CT]2025
SB426 00:45:17.200 - 8:44:38 AM	Executive Session	repealing the permissible fireworks advisory committee.	Altschiller, Debra(D)[CT]2025
SB422 00:51:33.520 - 8:50:54 AM	Public Hearing	relative to membership of the governor's commission on addiction, treatment, and prevention.	Watters, David(D)[D-]2025
SB490 01:00:58.400 - 9:00:19 AM	Public Hearing	establishing a task force to assess the development of housing at Great Bay community college and authorizing the college the right to use vacant property for the purpose of developing housing.	Watters, David(D)[D-]2025
SB490 Committee Amendment (Senator Waters' language) 01:14:16.080 - 9:13:37 AM	Executive Session	establishing a task force to assess the development of housing at Great Bay community college and authorizing the college the right to use vacant property for the purpose of developing housing.	Watters, David(D)[D-]2025
SB502 2025-0087s 01:16:02.960 - 9:15:23 AM	Public Hearing	(New Title) removing references to the department of business and economic affairs and the office of planning and development, and makes various changes to how certain committees and commissions participate or operate.	Pearl, Howard (R)[B]2025
SB502 2025-0087s 01:20:24.480 - 9:19:45 AM	Executive Session	(New Title) removing references to the department of business and economic affairs and the office of planning and development, and makes various changes to how certain committees and commissions participate or operate.	Pearl, Howard (R)[B]2025
SB494 2025-064s 01:22:25.280 - 9:21:46 AM	Public Hearing	relative to the state fire code, fire incident reporting and investigations, and the duties of the state fire marshal.	Pearl, Howard (R)[B]2025
SB522 04:00:55.199 - 12:00:16 PM	Public Hearing	re-establishing the commission to study the economic impact of the arts and culture in New Hampshire.	Rochefort, David(R)[B-]2025
SB573 04:12:51.760 - 12:12:12 PM	Public Hearing	establishing certification standards for facility comfort dogs.	Birdsell, Regina(R)[B-]2025
SB571 04:48:14.240 - 12:47:35 PM	Public Hearing	relative to the requirements to be issued a certificate as a certified public accountant.	Reardon, Tara(D)[F]2025
SB640 05:07:19.360 - 1:06:40 PM	Public Hearing	relative to the use of artificial intelligence to provide services requiring a professional license.	Pearl, Howard (R)[B]2025
SB641 05:44:52.240 - 1:44:13 PM	Public Hearing	relative to examination requirements for licensure as a chiropractor.	Pearl, Howard (R)[B]2025

SB451: Senator James Gray, District 6 Support00:01:25.439 - 8:00:46 AM; Senator Gray introduced SB 451, explaining it resolves confusion in the Secretary of State's office between the senior deputy secretary (part-time) and deputy secretary (full-time) by renaming the senior deputy to special deputy.
SB492 2024-095s: Committee discussion Vote00:03:58.480 - 8:03:19 AM; The committee reviewed and adopted amendment 2024-095s to SB 492, addressing concerns about state vs. federal land and property taxes. After discussion, they voted to pass the bill as amended.
SB401: Senator James Gray, District 6 Support00:10:49.360 - 8:10:10 AM; Senator Gray introduced SB 401, stating it removes unnecessary reporting requirements from RSA 165:20-3(c) and another related to a deleted demographic commission, as the sections no longer exist.
SB401: Francesca Hennessy and Rob Barry, DHHS Support00:12:06.639 - 8:11:27 AM; Francesca Hennessy, Fraud, Waste, and Abuse Administrator, and Rob Barry, General Counsel for Medicaid Division at DHHS, supported the bill. They explained it deletes reporting requirements for non-existent sections, including one where they prepared a report but had no recipient after the demographic commission was abolished.
SB401: Committee vote Vote00:14:38.399 - 8:13:59 AM; The committee moved SB 401 out to pass without opposition.
SB516: Senator Pat Long, District 20 Support00:21:18.480 - 8:20:39 AM; Senator Long, prime sponsor at the request of DHHS, introduced SB 516. Section one renames five classified supervising staff attorney positions to lead attorney and fixes errors like 'council' to 'count cell'. He suggested removing or aligning section two with SB 515 for precision. An amendment deletes section two.
SB516: Susan Laravey, DCYF Support00:23:17.039 - 8:22:38 AM; Susan Laravey, general counsel and legislative liaison for DCYF, testified in support of the bill as a technical fix to align statutory job titles with actual DCYF attorney positions. She explained that grade EES attorneys are lead attorneys in the five largest district offices who do not supervise others, distinct from grade FF supervising regional attorneys. She also supported the amendment to strike section two, as it is addressed in another bill.
SB516: Karen Rosenberg, Disability Rights Center Support00:25:33.919 - 8:24:54 AM; Karen Rosenberg, policy director at Disability Rights Center, opposed the bill as introduced but supported it with the amendment removing section two. She emphasized the importance of right to counsel for children in foster care as a best practice that improves outcomes and reduces time to permanency. She urged the committee to correct spelling errors and support the amendment.
SB516 2024-062s: Committee Vote00:26:34.960 - 8:25:55 AM; The committee voted on amendment 2024-062s to strike section two, which passed unanimously. They then moved ought to pass as amended, which also passed by consent.
SB421 2024-0081s: Senator Suprenis, District 5 Support00:30:58.960 - 8:30:19 AM; Senator Suprenis introduced SB 421 to update the trauma medical review committee membership for inclusivity, representing trauma centers (levels 1-4), adding a trauma survivor and injury prevention professional, and requiring annual reporting to the governor on trauma system status, activities, and injury data. He introduced amendment 2024-0081s to add representatives from a rehabilitation hospital and the highway safety office to bridge gaps in traffic safety and trauma care.
SB421 2024-0081s: Dr. Rajan Gupta, Elliot Hospital Support00:36:41.200 - 8:36:02 AM; Dr. Rajan Gupta, trauma director at Elliot Hospital and experienced in trauma systems, supported the bill's changes for a more comprehensive trauma system approach, including rehabilitation, injury prevention, and functional outcomes beyond just survival. He advocated for global representation on the committee to improve reintegration of trauma survivors.
SB426: Senator Howard Pearl for Senator Deborah Altschiller, District 24 Support00:42:27.920 - 8:41:48 AM; Senator Pearl read testimony from Senator Altschiller, a statutory member, supporting repeal of the committee as it has fulfilled its obligations on product safety reforms. The state fire marshal now has sufficient tools to proceed without it.
SB426: Sean Tumi, State Fire Marshal Support00:44:23.280 - 8:43:44 AM; Sean Tumi, State Fire Marshal, supported repealing the committee formed in 1999, as laws now align with federal standards, meetings are minimal, and fireworks sales are safely regulated with few misuse-related injuries.
SB426: Committee Vote00:45:17.200 - 8:44:38 AM; The committee moved ought to pass on SB 426, which passed unanimously by consent.
SB422: Senator David Waters, District 4 Support00:51:33.520 - 8:50:54 AM; Senator Waters introduced SB 422 to update the commission's membership in response to House Bill 2, adding expertise in gaming addiction and a second long-term recovery representative, while making the Department of Health and Human Services representative a voting member to enhance focus on addiction.
SB490: Senator David Waters, District 4 Information Only01:00:58.400 - 9:00:19 AM; Senator Waters introduces SB 490, which establishes a task force to assess developing housing at Great Bay Community College on Pease property for military personnel and students. He discusses the amendment adding a duty to review federal aviation regulations. He highlights the housing needs for National Guard and active military in the Seacoast area, potential dual-use building, and task force duties including funding sources, ownership models, staffing, and feasibility.
SB490: David Molytus, Adjutant General, Department of Military Affairs and Veteran Services Support01:07:19.760 - 9:06:40 AM; Molytus explains the military housing challenges at Pease Air National Guard Base, where 1100 airmen and active duty personnel face long commutes due to high costs. He supports the task force for partnering with the community college system to create dormitory housing for both groups, noting synergies in age and demographics.
SB490: Chuck Lloyd, Vice Chancellor, Community College System of New Hampshire Support01:09:51.520 - 9:09:12 AM; Lloyd represents the community college system and Great Bay, noting existing housing models at other campuses. He supports the task force to address housing issues for students from wide regions, including those in welding and veterinary programs, and sees benefits for attracting talent.
SB490: Nick Taylor, Director, Housing Action New Hampshire Support01:11:02.560 - 9:10:23 AM; Taylor emphasizes the statewide housing crisis, with high costs requiring $182,000 income for median home or $35/hour for rent, worse on the Seacoast. He supports the bill for adding housing options to relieve market pressure and address needs of military and students.
SB490: Steve Dub, Chairman, Pease Development Authority Support01:12:16.400 - 9:11:37 AM; Dub supports studying housing on Pease property despite FAA restrictions requiring revenue to stay on-site for airport maintenance. He notes past challenges from base closure and welcomes exploring dual-use housing to aid the Guard and regional needs, though FAA rules complicate it.
SB490 Committee Amendment (Senator Waters' language): Committee Chair Vote01:14:16.080 - 9:13:37 AM; The committee adopts the amendment and votes unanimously to pass SB 490 as amended on a consent vote, then exits executive session.
SB502 2025-0087s: Senator Howard Pearl, District 17 Information Only01:16:02.960 - 9:15:23 AM; Senator Pearl introduces SB 502 as a housekeeping bill updating RSAs to reflect organizational changes, renaming Office of Planning and Development to Division of Planning and Community Development under BEA. It removes BEA from dormant UNH program and adjusts committee memberships. He presents an amendment for Department of Labor technical changes to streamline processes.
SB502 2025-0087s: Committee Chair Vote01:20:24.480 - 9:19:45 AM; The committee adopts the amendment and votes unanimously to pass SB 502 as amended on a consent vote.
SB494 2025-064s: Senator Howard Pearl, District 17 Information Only01:22:25.280 - 9:21:46 AM; Senator Pearl introduces SB 494 updating the fire code to 2024 edition, modernizing reporting to electronic systems, adding fire marshal duties, and allowing information sharing with OPLC for inspections. He notes the amendment clarifies data exchange between agencies.
SB494 2025-064s: Sean Tumi, State Fire Marshal Director Information Only01:23:30.159 - 9:22:51 AM; Tumi details the bill's updates: adopting 2024 NFPA codes with minor amendments like carbon monoxide alarms; shifting to electronic reporting via NEMSIS; clarifying arson and CO death investigations; aligning fees and adding third-party inspection options. He supports the amendment for OPLC data sharing to access licensee contact and history for efficient inspections.
SB494 2025-064s: Nicholas Fry, General Counsel, Office of Professional Licensure and Certification Information Only01:31:28.719 - 9:30:49 AM; Fry states OPLC takes no position but seeks precise language in the amendment for sharing licensing history, contact info, and other data, focusing on electronic systems. He notes concerns about broad terms requiring archival searches and ensuring RSA 91-A exemptions for confidentiality, offering to draft refined language.
SB494 2025-064s: Steven Rancort, Executive Director, Electrical Contractors Business Association Support01:35:34.880 - 9:34:55 AM; Steven Rancort, a licensed electrician and executive director of the ECBA, supports SB 494 and particularly the amendment. He explains that the bill addresses important fire safety issues, and the amendment aims to resolve concerns about inspectors from the Department of Safety accessing necessary information after moving from OPLC. Currently, inspectors can only check licenses via the public website, which is insufficient if the worker's name is unknown, leading to manual searches. The amendment seeks to provide access to business contact information (telephone, email) and licensing details that were in the original bill, without personal data like SSNs. It includes oversight by the State Fire Marshal to determine necessary information, ensuring code compliance during inspections. He offers to collaborate with OPLC to refine the wording.
SB522: Senator David Roachford, Senate District 1 Support04:00:55.199 - 12:00:16 PM; Senator David Roachford introduces SB 522 to reestablish a commission studying the economic impact of arts and culture in NH, prompted by last year's budget cuts to arts funding amid questions about ROI. He shares anecdotal evidence from northern NH communities like Littleton, Bethlehem, and Whitefield, where theaters draw crowds from other states, boosting local businesses like restaurants and stores. Local studies in Dover, Lebanon, Portsmouth, and Nashua show economic multipliers from arts investments. A decade-old study is outdated; this commission will provide current data for future budgets. He supports an Ought to Pass motion.
SB522: Victoria Cole, Director, White Mountain Voices, Littleton, NH Support04:06:30.000 - 12:05:51 PM; Victoria Cole, a Franconia native and director of White Mountain Voices youth and adult choirs in Littleton, supports SB 522. She returned to NH for its schools and cultural amenities, starting her choirs serving ages 6-14 and adults (now 50 members). Anecdotes include Christmas concerts drawing 400 attendees in Littleton (Coos County), leading to post-event restaurant spending and inquiries from hotel guests seeking entertainment. During COVID, young remote workers stayed for quality of life, including arts, competing with other states to retain residents and attract businesses to northern Grafton and Coos Counties, which have lost population. Arts enhance quality of life per US News rankings, supporting organizations like Theater Up and North Country Chamber Players. Choral music fosters community across political divides; she urges reinstating the commission for data on economic payback.
SB573: Senator Regina Barculo, Senate District 19 Support04:12:51.760 - 12:12:12 PM; Senator Regina Barculo, from District 19 (Derry, Hampstead, Windham), introduces SB 573 to establish standards for facility comfort dogs, trained for emotional support in trauma or crisis, distinct from therapy or service dogs. As PTSD Commission chair, she notes lack of statewide/national standards and access issues; a subcommittee, chaired by Justin Bretton and Patch, developed the bill. It defines terms, outlines certification via American Kennel Club programs (K9 Good Citizen, Advanced, Urban), requires quarterly/monthly structured training (clarified to one hour per month), exposure to emergency environments, record-keeping, handler training, rabies vaccination, licensing, insurance, and one-year certification timeline. Key provision allows certified dog-handler teams into public facilities during duties, e.g., Walmart during crises, addressing past barriers. She plans to clarify facility ownership vs. agency employment with the subcommittee.
SB573: Unnamed Speaker (possibly committee member) Information Only04:19:23.680 - 12:18:44 PM; Discusses details on page five regarding dog care facilities, noting no raw diets are used to avoid foodborne diseases. Mentions requirements for confining dogs in vehicles traveling over 55 mph using crates or seat belts, and prohibits prong collars or e-collars in training or work. Emphasizes the importance of a policy for safe and humane retirement of dogs, either through the facility or return to the originating agency or nonprofit.
SB573: Unnamed Speaker (possibly committee member) Information Only04:20:12.239 - 12:19:33 PM; Continues discussion on dog confinement in vehicles and collar prohibitions. Reiterates the need for humane retirement policies to prevent dogs from being sent to shelters after service.
SB573: Senator (unnamed) Support04:21:11.520 - 12:20:32 PM; Thanks Justin and the subcommittee for their work. Responds to questions about dog ownership, preferring facility ownership but open to options and grandfathering existing programs. Defers on spaying/neutering policy, suggesting consultation with subcommittee. Clarifies that 'fully insure' on page four refers to liability insurance, not pet health insurance.
SB573: Chief Ozgood Support04:24:22.800 - 12:23:43 PM; Believes the dog program started in New Hampshire. Thanks the committee and notes the time for training.
SB573: Justin Breton, Police Officer, Manchester Police Department Support04:25:24.479 - 12:24:45 PM; Introduces himself and apologizes for order. Explains the bill's importance for structure, safety, and accountability in comfort dog programs that save lives. Credits Chief Ozgood for the idea. As subcommittee chair, describes inclusive input from law enforcement, first responders, NAMI, associations, trainers, breeders, and handlers. Emphasizes getting it right in New Hampshire's 'live free or die' ethos. Focuses on initial training, certification via AKC, recertification, record-keeping, and addressing community crises like suicide, mental health, and substance misuse. Highlights benefits for first responder mental health within departments, where he serves as mental health coordinator and peer support team leader. Notes unmatched de-escalation and connection provided by dogs. Mentions items to clarify for national example.
SB573: David Goldstein, Retired Chief, Franklin; Mental Health and Wellness Coordinator, Rockingham County Sheriff's Office Support04:31:20.239 - 12:30:41 PM; Offers to answer questions as the second comfort dog program in the state. Affirms Justin's points and shares an example of their dog saving a middle school child's life after a suicide attempt, allowing her to thrive.
SB573: Holly Stevens, Director of Public Policy, NAMI New Hampshire Support04:32:56.800 - 12:32:17 PM; Testifies in support, apologizing for speaking order for continuity. Notes NAMI's seat on the PTSD commission in first responders, from which this bill emerges. Provides statistics: 1 in 5 NH adults and 1 in 6 youth experience mental illness; 260,000 Granite Staters affected, 66,000 with serious mental illness; 40% of adults had anxiety/depression symptoms in 2021. First responders have higher rates of depression, PTSD, anxiety; 30% have mental health conditions per federal data. Comfort dogs ease trauma from violence/tragedy, build community relations, alleviate symptoms in organizations, and provide emotional support to first responders and communities.
SB573: Detective Michelle Jones, Community Outreach Coordinator, Portsmouth Police Department; with partner Mason from Hero Pups Support04:36:09.118 - 12:35:30 PM; Introduces herself with 24 years as a police officer, US Army veteran, corrections experience, and Army National Guard service. Supports the bill but suggests amending 'facility first' to 'comfort first' to prioritize the dog's role, citing historical use of 'comfort dogs' since 2008 post-Hurricane Katrina by Lutherans. Notes 'facility' evokes a building, unlike other working dogs titled by function (e.g., therapy dog, emotional support dog). References Max's Law using 'comfort canines' for a fallen Portsmouth K9. Emphasizes the comfort provided regardless of environment. Discussed with the senator.
SB573: Laura Barker, Founder, Hero Pups Support04:39:37.440 - 12:38:58 PM; Laura Barker introduced herself and her organization Hero Pups, emphasizing their volunteer mission to help people. She discussed founding the program and partnering with Concord PD to create Liberty, New Hampshire's first comfort dog. She highlighted the unexpected popularity and impact of the program. Barker focused on the dog aspect, stressing the need for input from non-financially motivated parties to keep the mission on track. She advocated for agency ownership of the dogs for liability reasons and noted that terminology details can be decided by the committee to avoid public confusion, while acknowledging the service dog community's perspective.
SB573: Glenn O'Kee, Civilian Employee, Concord Police Department Support04:41:43.520 - 12:41:04 PM; Glenn O'Kee described his work with Liberty at the Concord Police Department, including supporting children at the child advocacy center during forensic interviews and practice trials. He explained that dogs provide comfort post-interview and during court proceedings without influencing testimony, often in abuse cases. He shared an anecdote about comforting a foreign exchange student's family during a trial, leading them to name their new dog after Liberty. O'Kee highlighted the dogs' proactive roles in community engagement, such as school events and building positive police perceptions among children. He supported expanding the program's reach and noted invitations from out-of-state agencies, hoping New Hampshire could lead in standardizing the approach.
SB571: Senator Tara Rear, Senate District 15 (Concord, Bow, Hopkinton) Support04:48:14.240 - 12:47:35 PM; Senator Tara Rear introduced SB 571, addressing the shortage of CPAs in New Hampshire amid a workforce crisis and declining candidates. The bill maintains the existing pathway but adds an alternative: reducing credit hours from 150 to 120 (bachelor's degree level), requiring two years of work experience instead of one, and allowing candidates to sit for the exam 120 days before completing their degree. It also permits out-of-state CPAs in good standing to practice in New Hampshire without a reciprocal license, subject to state regulations. Rear noted similar laws in 23 states and urged passage to ease relocation and practice.
SB571: John Nash, CPA, CMA, CISA, PhD, University of New Hampshire and NH Society of CPAs Support04:51:29.600 - 12:50:50 PM; John Nash, an accounting professor and board member of the NH Society of CPAs, testified based on his professional and academic experience, noting institutional support from USNH. He explained the task force's inclusive development of the bill to address the accountant shortage, crucial for business and personal decision-making. Nash cited empirical evidence showing the 150-hour rule caused a 36% drop in candidates with only a 3% exam pass rate increase, leading to adverse effects like delayed filings and higher costs for audits and taxes. He advocated for SB 571 to expand the pipeline, aligning with reforms in states like Massachusetts, and warned that failure would disadvantage New Hampshire's students and economy.
SB571: Joel Orich, CPA, Windham, New Hampshire Support04:57:28.160 - 12:56:49 PM; Joel Orich, a CPA from Windham, reflected on the profession's evolution since the 1980s when the 150-hour requirement was pushed to elevate standards. He noted the changed marketplace and supported SB 571 for providing alternatives: the traditional 150-hour path with one year experience or the 120-hour bachelor's with two years experience. Orich emphasized accommodating different learning styles—those who prefer academia versus on-the-job training—while maintaining quality, allowing flexibility without mandating extra education.
SB571: Kevin Kennedy, CPA, Concord, NH, New Hampshire Society of CPAs Support04:59:35.520 - 12:58:56 PM; Kevin Kennedy, a CPA with 30 years of experience running a small practice in Concord, and co-chair of the tax and legislation committee for the New Hampshire Society of CPAs, testified in support of SB 571. He highlighted the bill's alternative pathway to CPA licensure with a bachelor's degree and 120 credits, which reduces education costs and allows earlier workforce entry. He emphasized the value of hands-on experience and allowing candidates to sit for the exam 120 days early to avoid post-graduation delays. Kennedy noted the workforce shortage due to retiring CPAs and increasing client attrition, and that 30-40 states have similar laws. He supported adding mobility provisions and stated the bill would eliminate shortages, reduce administrative burdens, and is backed by the profession, AICPA, and NASBA.
SB571: Robin Houston, CEO, New Hampshire Society of CPAs Support05:02:27.200 - 1:01:48 PM; Robin Houston, CEO of the New Hampshire Society of CPAs for 10 years, supported SB 571, describing frequent calls from CPAs seeking retirement or staffing help amid workflow issues. She noted students' reluctance to pursue CPA due to extra student debt for the additional 30 hours beyond 120 credits, preferring finance paths instead. Houston reported unanimous board support, no opposition, and collected over seven letters of support from firms, colleges, and private institutions during tax season. She clarified the extra 30 hours need not be in accounting classes.
SB571: Nicholas Fry, General Counsel, OPLC Information Only05:04:12.160 - 1:03:33 PM; Nicholas Fry, general counsel for the Office of Professional Licensure and Certification (OPLC), provided information on Section 3 of SB 571, which changes language from 'substantially equivalent' to 'comparable' for licensure. He explained that a July 2025 review found the board lacks statutory authority to rulemaking under that section due to the overriding endorsement statute RSA 309:17, making Section 3 superfluous. Requirements under 309:17 are less arduous, so applicants would use endorsement anyway. Fry took no position on the bill but noted passing it as is would do no harm, and offered to provide written Jailcard comments.
SB640: Senator Howard Pearl, District 17, Loudon, NH Support05:07:19.360 - 1:06:40 PM; Senator Howard Pearl, prime sponsor representing District 17 and residing in Loudon, introduced SB 640 to regulate AI in providing licensed mental health services. He noted increasing use of AI chatbots and apps for therapy, leading to risks like self-harm or suicide, with no federal regulation. The bill protects consumers by ensuring therapy is by licensed professionals, exempting self-help and educational tools. It requires licensed professionals to oversee any AI use in therapy. Pearl mentioned discussions with OPLC to potentially expand the bill to other professions, inviting public input.
SB640: Lynn Currier, Executive Director, National Association of Social Workers NH Chapter, Penacook, NH Support05:10:16.718 - 1:09:37 PM; Lynn Currier, a social worker from Penacook and executive director of the National Association of Social Workers New Hampshire chapter (formerly Lynn Stanley), strongly supported SB 640 for banning independent AI therapy and holding licensed professionals accountable for AI tool use. She cited AI's inability to provide therapy, with risks of harm like the suicide of 16-year-old Adam Reigns after ChatGPT advice. AI lacks human critical thinking, relying on pattern matching from data, potentially normalizing harmful behaviors. While AI can assist with administrative tasks like notes or scheduling with clinician oversight and client consent, it should not replace licensed services. Currier emphasized AI's limitations in evidence-based practice and the bill's balance of utility with patient safety. She addressed questions on boundaries, distinguishing independent AI (not allowed) from clinician tools like note-taking or research, cautioning against AI's inaccuracies for in-depth work.
SB640: John DeJoy, National Association of Social Workers and New Hampshire Association of Marriage and Family Therapists Support05:19:15.040 - 1:18:36 PM; John DeJoy testified on behalf of the National Association of Social Workers and the New Hampshire Association of Marriage and Family Therapists, both supporting SB 640. He distributed materials including a section-by-section overview of the bill, newspaper articles on AI incidents such as Meta's chatbot engaging in inappropriate conversations with minors and investigations by Attorney General Paxton, an article on Adam Rain, a settlement in AI-related suicide cases, a document on global AI-linked suicides, and his personal transcripts of interactions with Microsoft's Copilot AI exploring ethics, chatbot issues, and therapy attempts. He emphasized the risks of unregulated AI in behavioral health.
SB640: Dr. Christopher Campbell, New Hampshire Psychiatric Society Oppose05:22:19.440 - 1:21:40 PM; Dr. Christopher Campbell, a psychiatry resident and member of the American Psychoanalytic Association's Council on Artificial Intelligence, testified on behalf of the New Hampshire Psychiatric Society opposing SB 640 as currently written. He highlighted the mental health crisis, with one in four Americans affected but half untreated due to cost and provider shortages. He argued AI tools designed for mental health are effective for conditions like anxiety and depression, offering scalability and affordability. The bill would prohibit supervised use of these clinically legitimate, evidence-based AI platforms with guardrails, potentially driving users to unregulated tools like ChatGPT, which have caused harms like suicides. He urged opposition to allow innovation while seeking a balanced approach under licensed supervision.
SB640: Dr. Nicholas Jacobson, Associate Professor, Dartmouth Geisel School of Medicine Oppose05:26:15.920 - 1:25:36 PM; Dr. Nicholas Jacobson, an expert in AI and mental health, opposed SB 640, emphasizing the national mental health crisis with 60 million affected and half untreated, exacerbated in New Hampshire by waitlists and rural shortages. His team's randomized trial in the New England Journal of Medicine showed generative AI psychotherapy's effectiveness. He argued the bill fails to regulate accessible unregulated apps, instead burdening licensed professionals with impractical review requirements, hindering scalable care. He recommended revisions to focus on safety and scalability without mandating prescriber supervision, given provider shortages, and offered input on achieving protective goals.
SB640: Diana Jurus, Executive Director, OPLC Information Only05:31:30.160 - 1:30:51 PM; Diana Jurus provided neutral policy input from the Office of Professional Licensure and Certification (OPLC). She suggested extending the bill's intent—that AI cannot perform licensed work—to all regulated professions for clearer enforcement, avoiding disparities in mental health fields. Section one clarifies AI lacks licensure, potentially allowing unlicensed practice prosecution via the Department of Justice, with new cost recovery provisions. Later sections' details might complicate enforcement. She noted current statutes might already cover AI as unlicensed and offered to review language adjustments.
SB640: Dr. J., President, New Hampshire Psychological Association Oppose05:36:31.440 - 1:35:52 PM; Dr. J., a licensed psychologist and president of the New Hampshire Psychological Association, opposed SB 640 as written, representing about 200 professionals. He raised concerns about prohibiting FDA-approved, HIPAA-compliant digital therapeutics using AI, such as sleep aids, due to data responsibility requirements creating disconnects. He questioned distinguishing AI from non-AI software in assessments where companies hold data, noting no prior issues. The bill's broad AI definition risks gray areas, limiting tools like AI transcription in HIPAA-compliant Zoom sessions, where professionals already bear note responsibility. He suggested exceptions for FDA/HIPAA-approved tools and provided written testimony, consulting the American Psychological Association's legal team.
SB641: Senator Howard Pearl, District 17, Laden, NH Support05:44:52.240 - 1:44:13 PM; Senator Howard Pearl introduced SB 641, aiming to remove NBCE Part 4 as a licensure requirement for chiropractors while retaining Parts 1-3, graduation from an accredited college, clinical exit exams, and the NH jurisprudence exam. He argued Part 4 is redundant as colleges certify clinical competency through supervised care and evaluations recognized by the US Department of Education. The NBCE's centralization to Colorado creates barriers with $1,500+ costs and travel, without adding safety value. The change eliminates unnecessary duplication by a third-party exam.
SB641: Dr. Lisa Lanzer Bazani, Licensed Chiropractor, Nashua and Manchester, NH Support05:48:11.280 - 1:47:32 PM; Dr. Lisa Lanzer Bazani, a 30-year licensed chiropractor, past president of the NH Chiropractic Society, and board member, supported SB 641 to update statutes. She noted redundancy in NBCE Part 4, as CCE-accredited colleges (recognized by USDOE) assess clinical competencies via supervised internships, performance exams, and institutional certifications. No other NH health professions require post-graduation practical exams; e.g., physicians and nurses use written exams. The Colorado-only testing from April imposes logistical and financial burdens. OPLC has no objections. The bill maintains standards via written exams and jurisprudence, promoting equity and removing proprietary mandates.
SB641: Dr. John Schistler, Chiropractor, Bedford, NH; Director, NH State Chiropractic Society Support05:55:59.120 - 1:55:20 PM; Dr. Schistler testifies in support of SB 641, arguing that the Part 4 exam is redundant and unnecessary. He notes that every chiropractic college requires its own version of Part 4 to graduate, making the national exam superfluous. He highlights the 90% pass rate per the NBCE website, a private for-profit company, and emphasizes that the real barriers are the cost and logistics of taking the exam, not the content itself. He describes it as costly for students and urges its removal.
SB641: Dr. Jenny Brooke, President, New Hampshire State Chiropractic Society, Amherst, NH Support05:57:27.600 - 1:56:48 PM; Dr. Brooke, licensed 30 years ago before the national Part 4 exam existed, supports SB 641 to remove the Part 4 requirement while retaining other safeguards like NBCE Parts 1-3, college graduation, clinical exams, and NH jurisprudence exam. She calls Part 4 a costly, out-of-state barrier for new graduates that does not enhance public safety. Removing it would strengthen the healthcare workforce and improve access to care in NH. During questioning, she notes graduation rates around 84% and affirms colleges maintain high standards under federal oversight.
SB641: De Jurus, Executive Director, OPLC Information Only05:59:26.400 - 1:58:47 PM; De Jurus provides neutral information on behalf of the Office of Professional Licensure and Certification (OPLC), clarifying that the legislature sets laws, boards set rules, and the office implements them without taking positions. Implementing SB 641 would involve simple IT and form changes via rulemaking, and OPLC is open to reducing barriers while protecting public safety. She confirms no other states except Vermont currently require Part 4, and a coalition is pushing for changes nationwide.
SB641: Dr. Stephanie Boisey Ryan, Chiropractor, Member, NH State Board of Chiropractic Examiners Oppose06:05:52.400 - 2:05:13 PM; Dr. Ryan, experienced in administering Part 4 exams including writing questions, traveling to and grading in Greeley, Colorado, and attending NBCE meetings, opposes removing the Part 4 requirement. She reveals a 90% first-try pass rate, but the 'secret' is that many retake it multiple times, spending more money until they pass—everyone licensed eventually succeeds. She believes Part 4 does not prevent many from practicing and stresses remaining safeguards like Parts 1-3 written exams, which are tough. During questioning, she notes Parts 1-4 are all NBCE-owned and that Part 4, while redundant to college clinical training, evaluates post-graduation competency in a standardized way, though she is limited by confidentiality.

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