Committee Summary for Senate Finance (01/20/2026)

Bill/Time	Type	Title	Sponsor
SB600 00:04:18.798 - 12:03:15 PM	Public Hearing	requiring the governor to submit and present a quarterly fiscal year budget report about the general and education trust funds to the general court fiscal committee.	Gray, James(R)[B-]2025
SB481 2026-0102s 00:07:42.720 - 12:06:39 PM	Executive Session	(New Title) relative to the sale of the Sununu youth services center property.	Rosenwald, Cindy(D)[F]2025
SB541 00:17:55.520 - 12:16:52 PM	Public Hearing	making an appropriation for regional drinking water infrastructure.	Abbas, Daryl(R)[B-]2025
SB603 00:37:31.520 - 12:36:28 PM	Public Hearing	relative to the funding of the SNAP program by the department of health and human services.	Abbas, Daryl(R)[B-]2025
SB419 00:51:32.640 - 12:50:29 PM	Public Hearing	relative to the housing champion designation and program and the affordable housing fund, and making appropriations therefor.	Perkins Kwoka, Rebecca(D)[F]2025
HB707 00:58:11.599 - 12:57:08 PM	Executive Session	(Second New Title) establishing a solid waste site evaluation committee.	Potenza, Kelley(R)[A]2025
HB649 2024-XXXXs (latest draft) 01:03:05.280 - 1:02:02 PM	Executive Session	(New Title) relative to motor vehicle registration and registration fees pertaining to the rental fleet passenger vehicle registration program and motor vehicle inspections.	Granger, Michael(R)[A+]2025
SB101 2024-260071s 01:13:10.960 - 1:12:07 PM	General Working Session	(New Title) authorizing parents to enroll their children in any public school in the state and creating a limited exemption from parental consent required for certain recordings under the parental bill of rights.	Lang, Timothy(R)[B-]2025
SB101 2024-0071s 01:18:12.080 - 1:17:09 PM	Public Hearing	(New Title) authorizing parents to enroll their children in any public school in the state and creating a limited exemption from parental consent required for certain recordings under the parental bill of rights.	Lang, Timothy(R)[B-]2025
SB101 2024-2605s 01:47:36.159 - 1:46:33 PM	Executive Session	(New Title) authorizing parents to enroll their children in any public school in the state and creating a limited exemption from parental consent required for certain recordings under the parental bill of rights.	Lang, Timothy(R)[B-]2025
SB101 2024-0058s 01:49:54.880 - 1:48:51 PM	Executive Session	(New Title) authorizing parents to enroll their children in any public school in the state and creating a limited exemption from parental consent required for certain recordings under the parental bill of rights.	Lang, Timothy(R)[B-]2025

SB600: Senator James Gray, District 6 Support00:04:18.798 - 12:03:15 PM; Senator Gray introduced SB 600, explaining that it requires the governor to provide a report on the rainy day fund. He noted discrepancies in budget estimates from the governor's office ($80 million draw), the House version ($147 million), and the final authorization around $87 million, ending at $44 million. He highlighted the challenge in estimating lapses, particularly on line 16 of page 1, and suggested holding discussions with financial experts from departments like Health and Human Services to refine the bill. He mentioned the governor's office has no objections and would comply.
SB481 2026-0102s: LBA Information Only00:07:42.720 - 12:06:39 PM; LBA provided a brief, explaining that sections two and three of SB 481 are technical corrections to resolve conflicts in House Bill 2 regarding the destination of property sale funds—one to the general fund and one to the settlement fund. The amendment clarifies this.
SB481 2026-0102s: Senator Rosemaul Oppose00:07:42.720 - 12:06:39 PM; Senator Rosemaul, the original sponsor, apologized for forgetting to mention the statutory conflict identified by LBA months ago. He supported fixing the conflicts but insisted on directing the money to the settlement fund, stating he would not support the Gray amendment if it strips the appropriation.
SB541: Senator Daryl Abbas, District 22 (Pelham, Salem, Atkinson, Plaistow) Support00:17:55.520 - 12:16:52 PM; Senator Abbas introduced SB 541, which appropriates $16.5 million for the Southern New Hampshire Regional Water Pipeline project. He explained that previous investments via HB2 covered one pumping station in Derry, but a second is needed to complete the phase, delivering 2 million gallons of water per day to communities including Salem, Windham, Derry, Plaistow, Atkinson, and Hampstead. The project supports development restricted by utility limitations and aligns with recent legislation allowing commercial-to-residential conversions. He acknowledged fiscal challenges but emphasized the importance of clean water and potential amendments.
SB541: Adam Crapo, Assistant Commissioner, NH DES (with Mike Unger) Information Only00:22:00.400 - 12:20:57 PM; Adam Crapo from the Department of Environmental Services provided testimony supporting the project's completion of Phase 2B, which would increase water flow from 1 million to 3.13 million gallons daily to communities like Manchester Waterworks, Salem, Windham, Hampstead, Atkinson, Plaistow, and others. He noted prior funding from ARPA, capital appropriations, and the drinking water groundwater trust fund, with the bill providing an additional $16 million from the treasury. DES is neutral on funding sources but suggested an amendment to allow federal funds to supplant state appropriations. Mike Unger confirmed technical details and noted partner communities' presence for questions. Costs have escalated to $19.83 million remaining. They answered questions on bonding, trust fund availability, federal supplanting, and community contributions via source development charges totaling $11 million.
SB603: Senator Daryl Abbas, District 22 Support00:37:31.520 - 12:36:28 PM; Senator Abbas introduced SB 603-FN, addressing a federal reduction in SNAP administrative reimbursement from 50/50 to 25/75, potentially causing a shortfall in 8-12 months. The bill allows the Department of Health and Human Services to transfer over $100,000 with fiscal committee approval to cover the gap, benefiting over 1,000 retailers and providing economic boosts. He urged support for this critical benefit for low-income families, offering flexibility for unused funds, and was open to amendments removing Governor and Council approval.
SB603: Laura Milikin, Executive Director, New Hampshire Hunger Solutions Support00:43:32.240 - 12:42:29 PM; Laura Milikin supported SB 603, emphasizing SNAP as New Hampshire's key anti-hunger tool, strained during the November shutdown. The bill ensures administrative funding amid the federal shift, estimating an additional $5.75 million needed. She noted increased scrutiny and penalties for errors starting FY 2028, requiring well-staffed DHS operations. She was agnostic on funding sources but concerned Representative Pearson's House bill might underfund at $4.4 million, advocating full coverage to maintain the program serving 73,000 individuals.
SB603: Karen Heert, Division Director for Economic Stability, DHS Information Only00:48:18.800 - 12:47:15 PM; Karen Heert provided information on SNAP administrative costs of $24.6 million annually, shifting to 75/25 state-federal effective October 2026, requiring an additional $4.66 million via Representative Pearson's bill. She noted potential future state matches for benefits starting FY 2028 (0-$23.7 million based on error rates) and confirmed RSA 9:16-a requires fiscal and Governor & Council approval for transfers. Errors include over- or under-payments.
SB419: Senator Rebecca Perkins Kwoka, District 21 Support00:51:32.640 - 12:50:29 PM; Senator Perkins Kwoka introduced SB 419, expanding Housing Champion designations to include child care-promoting regulations near jobs and appropriating $5 million to the Housing Champion Fund and $10 million to the Housing Finance Authority's affordable housing fund (non-lapsing). She highlighted housing and child care as key to retaining young families, noting $56 million annual business losses from child care shortages and $9-14 million in lost tax revenue. The bill builds on successful Housing Champion grants for infrastructure and housing starts to boost competitiveness.
SB419: Joanie McIntyre, Vice Chair of Public Policy, NH Association of Realtors Support00:54:30.240 - 12:53:27 PM; Joanie McIntyre supported SB 419, acknowledging budget constraints but urging investment in affordable housing funds and champions, which have increased supply for workers, seniors, and families. She cited a 120% rise in housing costs over the decade outpacing wages, emphasizing the need for more housing types to stabilize prices, support job growth, and strengthen communities. Without resources for below-market rentals, needed housing won't be built; increased supply is key to affordability.
HB707: Committee Chair Information Only00:58:11.599 - 12:57:08 PM; The Chair proposed no action on HB 707 until a northern town's warrant vote on related issues, as there is no deadline for Finance Committee action. This allows awaiting citizen input on landfill rules.
HB707: Senator Waters Support01:00:47.040 - 12:59:44 PM; Senator Waters agreed with pausing action on HB 707 to see developments, noting further considerations from Senate Energy discussions.
HB707: Senator Rosenwald Support01:01:55.040 - 1:00:52 PM; Senator Rosenwald supported pausing HB 707 for ongoing discussions on solid waste policy, emphasizing prudence regardless of the warrant outcome.
HB649 2024-XXXXs (latest draft): Senator McGuire Information Only01:03:05.280 - 1:02:02 PM; Senator McGuire explained the amendment to HB 649 adds an objective definition of unsafe vehicles (e.g., large leaks) for law enforcement, requested by DOS and DMV. It preserves fleet registration, effective January 31, and was drafted collaboratively. It replaces subjective language to remove unsafe vehicles from roads without full inspections.
HB649 2024-XXXXs (latest draft): Eddie Evers, Assistant Commissioner, NH Department of Safety Support01:08:24.000 - 1:07:21 PM; Eddie Evers confirmed the amendment provides needed objective guidance for roadside enforcement of unsafe vehicles.
HB649 2024-XXXXs (latest draft): Senator Murphy Information Only01:09:25.439 - 1:08:22 PM; Senator Murphy raised concerns for fleet owners on self-inspections post-HB 2 repeal. Evers explained commercial vehicles now fall under federal oversight; state-certified fleets must seek federal certification, with DOS working on guidance via motor carrier associations.
SB101 2024-260071s: Senator Lang Information Only01:13:10.960 - 1:12:07 PM; Senator Lang introduced amendment 2024-260071s to SB 101, addressing issues from a DOE advisory post-HB 10. It exempts public school events (e.g., games, concerts) from explicit recording permissions if open to the public. It also allows recordings for ESL assessments to meet federal requirements and adjusts the effective date for school adoption while making recording provisions immediate. The amendment fixes immediate problems without broader changes.
SB101 2024-260071s: Senator Osipowicz Information Only01:17:22.159 - 1:16:19 PM; Senator Osipowicz questioned if PTO meetings qualify as school-sponsored; Lang clarified public meetings at schools are exempt regardless.
SB101 2024-0071s: Moren Mooney, Hillsboro County, District 12, town of Marramac Support01:18:12.080 - 1:17:09 PM; Moren Mooney supports amendment 0071S to SB 101, thanking the sponsor and DOE for clarifying language on recording and broadcasting public school events. He notes the DOE's technical advisory caused uncertainty and inconsistencies among districts. The amendment defines events open to the public, including critical local sports, graduations, and concerts essential to community culture.
SB101 2024-0071s: Lisa Davenport Information Only01:19:30.560 - 1:18:27 PM; Lisa Davenport clarifies she was misinformed about the hearing's purpose, believing it included open enrollment discussion. She withdraws her request to speak upon learning it's restricted to amendments.
SB101 2024-0071s: Nicholas Lavali, town of Marramac's media services coordinator, president of New Hampshire Coalition for Community Media Support01:20:32.719 - 1:19:29 PM; Nicholas Lavali supports the amendment to SB 101, representing 48 community media organizations. He manages Marramac TV and highlights how their coverage of public school events like sports, concerts, and graduations preserves memories and allows remote viewing by families. The parental bill of rights has caused uncertainty, leading to varied responses. Clarification would enable continued service to communities, aiding students in applications and providing encouragement.
SB101 2024-0071s: Tim, interim superintendent at Conquered Information Only01:23:25.360 - 1:22:22 PM; Tim appreciates the committee's clarification on the technical advisory, which initially suggested withdrawing recordings. He discusses educational benefits of student recordings for persuasive essays, reading fluency, news broadcasts, and digital portfolios, which may be limited by the parental bill of rights. As a parent and leader, he values transparency but urges consideration of impacts on learning, creativity, and innovation, especially non-public-facing recordings, while expressing concerns about outward-facing social media in the AI era.
SB101 2024-0071s: Elizabeth Brown and Nate Green, Department of Education Information Only01:27:14.480 - 1:26:11 PM; Elizabeth Brown, general counsel, and Nate Green, division director, at the DOE provide no statements but thank the committee for the good language.
SB101 2024-0071s: Travis Dumbar, student at Conquered High School Support01:44:20.239 - 1:43:17 PM; Travis Dumbar, a two-sport athlete and CRTC construction trades member, emphasizes protecting students and parental rights but notes the bill neglects uses of videos and photos for sharing progress in trades and analyzing athletic techniques to prevent injury and promote success.
SB101 2024-2605s: Senator Lang Vote01:47:36.159 - 1:46:33 PM; Moves to pass on Senate Bill 101.
SB101 2024-2605s: Unidentified Senator Vote01:47:36.159 - 1:46:33 PM; Offers amendment 26-058 from the floor, which was previously drafted on the Senate floor as a replacement but fixes one section. It sets the default to 100% average student cost for school districts, allowing justification to reduce to no lower than 80%.
SB101 2024-2605s: Senator Rose Support01:47:36.159 - 1:46:33 PM; Thanks for the amendment and references a Reason Foundation policy brief confirming that school district costs do not fluctuate with enrollment due to fixed costs. Notes the DOE never explained cost changes with EFAs, affirming common sense.
SB101 2024-0058s: Senator Lang Information Only01:49:54.880 - 1:48:51 PM; Senator Lang discusses the amendment 0058s on the effective date, noting it differs from 0071s. He argues that filling existing school seats without additional spending helps reduce taxpayer costs by creating revenue streams without hiring more teachers or building facilities.
SB101 2024-0058s: Committee Chair Vote01:50:58.800 - 1:49:55 PM; The chair calls for a vote on amendment 0058s, motion not to pass. The vote passes 7-0 in favor of not passing.
SB101 2024-0058s: Senator (Unnamed) Information Only01:51:50.000 - 1:50:47 PM; Offers a non-germane amendment related to 26-0071, clarifying that the original intent was to allow school districts to broadcast public meetings and events via contracts with local TV stations or companies, without blocking under the parental rights bill.
SB101 2024-0058s: Committee Chair Vote01:51:50.000 - 1:50:47 PM; The chair calls for a vote on amendment 0071. The vote passes (ayes have it).
SB101 2024-0058s: Senator Lang Information Only01:52:51.840 - 1:51:48 PM; Proposes an amendment to adjust the effective date of the bill (excluding section 9 on parental bill of rights) from mid-school year to July 1, 2026, allowing school boards time to develop policies over the summer. Retains 'upon passage' for section 9 on videotaping, with sections 9 and 10 upon passage but the rest effective July 1, 2026.
SB101 2024-0058s: Committee Chair Vote01:52:51.840 - 1:51:48 PM; The chair confirms understanding and calls for a vote on the floor amendment, which passes (ayes have it). Then calls for a vote on the total bill as amended, which passes.
SB101 2024-0058s: Senator Pearl Support01:54:04.639 - 1:53:01 PM; Moves to pass House Bill 723, citing concerns about costs to ratepayers on the energy data platform and collaboration with Senator Abard to recommend ought to pass.
SB101 2024-0058s: Committee Chair Vote01:54:56.719 - 1:53:53 PM; The chair seconds the motion and calls for a vote on HB 723, which passes (ayes have it). Discusses not placing it on consent due to potential opposition.
SB101 2024-0058s: Senator Rosenwald Oppose01:54:56.719 - 1:53:53 PM; Votes nay on HB 723 and indicates opposition to placing it on consent.
SB101 2024-0058s: Committee Chair Vote01:56:14.080 - 1:55:11 PM; Calls for a motion to come out of executive session, which passes (ayes have it). Notes looking into rules for reopening if a speaker was present but did not speak.

Gray, James(Chairman)(R)[B-]2025	Innis, Daniel(V Chairman)(R)[B]2025	Carson, Sharon(R)[B]2025
Watters, David(D)[D-]2025	Birdsell, Regina(R)[B-]2025	Lang, Timothy(R)[B-]2025
Rosenwald, Cindy(D)[F]2025	Pearl, Howard (R)[B]2025