Committee Summary for Senate Executive Departments and Administration (03/11/2026)

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

Bill/Time	Type	Title	Sponsor
HB1768 00:03:08.149 - 8:02:01 AM	Public Hearing	(NEW TITLE) exempting honorably discharged New Hampshire veterans from metered parking fees at state parks upon presenting acceptable proof of status and raising the value of individual gifts and donations that may be received by the division of parks and recreation without the approval of the governor or the executive council.	Bridle, Nicholas(R)[C]2025
HB1415 00:12:28.679 - 8:11:21 AM	Public Hearing	(New Title) establishing a special veterans license plate and creating a fund and administrative programs from the proceeds of the sale of such plates and establishing the New Hampshire first for veterans program and authority.	Roy, Terry(R)[B]2025
HB1287 00:27:28.679 - 8:26:21 AM	Public Hearing	(New Title) relative to special number plates for veterans and eligibility therefore.	Corcoran, Travis(R)[A-]2025
HB1328 00:39:44.608 - 8:38:37 AM	Public Hearing	(New Title) relative to alcohol and other drug use professionals and relative to the qualifications to obtain certain occupational licenses.	Grote, Jaci(D)[CT]2025
HB1472 00:39:44.608 - 8:38:37 AM	Public Hearing	relative to the suspension period in cases involving the administrative appeals unit relative to licensure or certification concerning lead paint poisoning prevention.	Kelley, Diane(R)[A-]2025
HB1328 01:15:00.000 - 9:13:53 AM	Executive Session	(New Title) relative to alcohol and other drug use professionals and relative to the qualifications to obtain certain occupational licenses.	Grote, Jaci(D)[CT]2025
HB1287 01:20:00.000 - 9:18:53 AM	Executive Session	(New Title) relative to special number plates for veterans and eligibility therefore.	Corcoran, Travis(R)[A-]2025
HB1768 01:22:00.000 - 9:20:53 AM	Executive Session	(NEW TITLE) exempting honorably discharged New Hampshire veterans from metered parking fees at state parks upon presenting acceptable proof of status and raising the value of individual gifts and donations that may be received by the division of parks and recreation without the approval of the governor or the executive council.	Bridle, Nicholas(R)[C]2025
HB1415 01:23:00.000 - 9:21:53 AM	Executive Session	(New Title) establishing a special veterans license plate and creating a fund and administrative programs from the proceeds of the sale of such plates and establishing the New Hampshire first for veterans program and authority.	Roy, Terry(R)[B]2025

HB1768: Senator Tara Reardon, Senate District 15, Concord, Bow, and Hopkinton Information Only00:03:08.149 - 8:02:01 AM; Senator Reardon introduced House Bill 1768, explaining it exempts honorably discharged veterans from metered parking fees at state parks with proof of status and raises the gift limit for the Division of Parks and Recreation without needing Governor or Executive Council approval.
HB1768: Kevin Grady, 25-year Air Force veteran, Hooksett, representing State Veterans Advisory Committee Support00:03:08.149 - 8:02:01 AM; Kevin Grady provided background on the bill, noting the original focus on parking fee exemptions for veterans and the addition of a fiscal offset by raising gift thresholds to generate revenue. He emphasized it's a 'nice to do' if fiscally responsible, aligning with veteran support initiatives, and supported the amended version.
HB1768: Darian Messer, Deputy Supervisor of Park Operations, New Hampshire State Parks Information Only00:03:08.149 - 8:02:01 AM; Darian Messer expressed respect for veterans but raised operational concerns for the self-funded park system. He sought clarification on 'metered parking' in the bill, noting that locations like Hampton Beach South and Wallace Sands charge per vehicle fees, not meters, and discussed potential impacts, enforcement, and comparisons to disability and senior discounts.
HB1415: Senator Tara Reardon, Senate District 15, Concord, Bow, and Hopkinton Information Only00:12:28.679 - 8:11:21 AM; Senator Reardon introduced House Bill 1415, describing it as establishing a special veteran's license plate, creating a fund from proceeds, and setting up the New Hampshire First for Veterans program.
HB1415: Nicole Bixler, Deputy Adjutant General, Department of Military Affairs and Veterans Services Support00:12:28.679 - 8:11:21 AM; Nicole Bixler thanked the sponsors and requested time to clean up language, particularly reducing the board size from 22 members and simplifying provisions. She highlighted the bill's importance for attracting and retaining veterans, supported by the governor, with proceeds funding veteran programs to make New Hampshire number one for veterans.
HB1415: Eddie Edwards, Assistant Commissioner, New Hampshire Department of Safety Support00:12:28.679 - 8:11:21 AM; Eddie Edwards expressed full support for the bill to add resources for recruiting and supporting veterans under the New Hampshire First initiative. He confirmed the DMV can produce the plates and echoed the need to clean up language, offering to work with the committee.
HB1415: John Morasco, Director of DMV, New Hampshire Department of Safety Information Only00:27:28.679 - 8:26:21 AM; John Morasco clarified that the new plate is a support plate for non-veterans, distinct from existing veteran plates (about 5-7 varieties). He explained it would be a full registration plate like the moose plate, distinguishable in design to avoid confusion with veteran plates for benefits like parking. He discussed why a full plate is preferred over decals for better funding and production.
HB1415: Kevin Grady, 25-year Air Force veteran, Hooksett, representing State Veterans Advisory Committee Support00:27:28.679 - 8:26:21 AM; Kevin Grady provided history on shifting to decal plates due to high costs (from $200,000 to $20,000 now), supporting the full plate for better veteran support and funding. He noted the committee's support for this and similar initiatives like Gold Star plates now that costs are lower.
HB1287: Senator Tara Reardon, Senate District 15, Concord, Bow, and Hopkinton Information Only00:27:28.679 - 8:26:21 AM; Senator Reardon introduced House Bill 1287, relative to special number plates for veterans and eligibility.
HB1287: Kevin Grady, 25-year Air Force veteran, Hooksett, representing State Veterans Advisory Committee Support00:27:28.679 - 8:26:21 AM; Kevin Grady explained the bill aligns veteran definitions with RSA 215-A, supporting inclusion of general discharges (under honorable conditions) for benefits like plates. He noted the amendment fixes issues in the original bill, preventing removal of proof methods, and the committee supports it despite a delayed vote due to weather.
HB1287: Jim Michaud, Chief Assessor, Town of Hudson Support00:27:28.679 - 8:26:21 AM; Jim Michaud took no official position but supported the bill's clear language defining eligibility including general discharges under honorable conditions, better than SB 448. He emphasized clarity for municipalities administering tax credits, estimating potential benefits for many veterans without overriding local adoptions, and noted administrative burdens.
HB1328: Representative Representative Erica Layon Rockingham - District 13, Chairman of House Executive Departments and Administration Committee Support00:39:44.608 - 8:38:37 AM; Representative Leon introduced the bill as a cleanup to standardize language on late acts, resolve reciprocity issues for speech-language pathologists and hearing providers, and allow equivalent programs for recreational therapists as recommended by OPLC.
HB1328: Diane Castrucci, Executive Director, New Hampshire Alcohol and Drug Abuse Counselors Association, Laconia Support00:39:44.608 - 8:38:37 AM; Diane Castrucci supported modifications to the Board of Licensing for Alcohol and Other Drug Use Professionals, adding two recovery support workers to reflect the field's growth and eliminating the unnecessary licensed clinical supervisor credential. She raised concerns about sunsetting for current holders, suggesting a four-year period for recertification and noting support from Medicaid and OTP programs.
HB1472: Representative Kelly Support00:39:44.608 - 8:38:37 AM; Representative Kelly introduced House Bill 1472, addressing overly long two-year suspension periods for reapplication after revocations, often due to minor technical violations or agency discrepancies, which can unfairly delay license reinstatement.
HB1472: Unnamed Witness Support00:54:44.608 - 8:53:37 AM; The witness explained the current process under HEP rules where a revoked license requires waiting two years after a court decision to reapply, leading to delays of up to four and a half years or more if appeals are prolonged. They argued this assumes guilt until proven innocent, violating constitutional principles, and destroys livelihoods in shortage fields. They advocated codifying in statute the ability to reapply two years from the initial revocation notice to prevent indefinite delays and allow resumption of careers, emphasizing the process should be educational, not punitive.
HB1472: Debbie Valente, Lead Inspector Risk Assessor Support00:57:00.000 - 8:55:53 AM; Debbie Valente, owner of a 16-year-old company with a clean record, described her license revocation on July 13, 2023, for late paperwork despite an extension, and prior strikes from Manchester DHHS agreements not recognized. She has been in AAU appeals for two years and eight months without a decision. She highlighted the punitive nature, mandatory revocation for minor offenses assuming guilt immediately, crippling small businesses and the industry short on professionals. Examples included another licensee waiting over two years for a non-lead related revocation. She urged fairness where punishment fits the crime, counting time served, and allowing reapplication after two years from initial notice to prevent career destruction.
HB1472: Department Representative, DHHS Information Only01:09:44.608 - 9:08:37 AM; The department representative clarified that once an appeal is filed with the AAU, it is out of their hands, though settlements can occur pre-hearing. AAU handles all DHHS matters. They noted the bill would allow reapplication two years from initial revocation notice, potentially while appeals are pending, and distinguished revocation from denial of new applications. In 18 years, only one revocation occurred. Rules allow denial if non-compliant with prior decisions. They confirmed the bill removes the post-decision wait, possibly requiring denial of reapplications if appeals are unresolved.
HB1328: Committee Discussion Vote01:15:00.000 - 9:13:53 AM; The committee discussed HB 1328 as a cleanup bill from EDNA regarding licensed clinical supervisors (LCS). They considered sensitivity to retirees wanting to retain designations, noting only 29 affected. Options included four-year grace period, retired designation similar to CPAs, and changing effective date of section 3 to July 1, 2023. They debated amendments to page 2 line 8 and repeal references in 330C-14 and 18, ensuring renewals but no new LCS after MLADAC ceases. Concerned about complications, they withdrew motion to amend, held for further review to avoid mess, aiming to allow dignified retirement.
HB1287: Committee Discussion Vote01:20:00.000 - 9:18:53 AM; The committee moved approval on HB 1287, clarifying 'under honorable conditions' includes general discharge, as addressed last session. VNAMs was satisfied with the language per testimony. Motion to otiose and pass carried by consent.
HB1768: Committee Discussion Vote01:22:00.000 - 9:20:53 AM; The committee moved to pass HB 1768 as is, regarding fees for meters as reservation fees. Clarification from parks department on enforcement via website changes. Noted potential confusion with veteran plates but deemed their responsibility for education. Motion to otiose and pass carried by consent.
HB1415: Committee Discussion Information Only01:23:00.000 - 9:21:53 AM; The committee agreed to hold HB 1415 as requested to allow further work on it.