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

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

Bill/Time	Type	Title	Sponsor
SB704 00:09:51.466 - 12:38:33 PM	Executive Session	Unclear	Likely Text to Speech Error on Bill #
SB704 00:09:51.466 - 12:38:33 PM	Executive Session	Unclear	Likely Text to Speech Error on Bill #
SB704 00:09:51.466 - 12:38:33 PM	Executive Session	Unclear	Likely Text to Speech Error on Bill #
SB704 00:09:51.466 - 12:38:33 PM	Executive Session	relative to quarterly reports on off-budget appropriations and lapses	Likely Text to Speech Error on Bill #
SB704 00:09:51.466 - 12:38:33 PM	Executive Session	Unclear	Likely Text to Speech Error on Bill #
SB661 0649S 00:24:51.466 - 12:53:33 PM	Executive Session	relative to pooled risk management programs.	Carson, Sharon(R)[B]2025
SB707 00:39:51.466 - 1:08:33 PM	Executive Session	Unclear	Likely Text to Speech Error on Bill #
SB707 00:39:51.466 - 1:08:33 PM	Executive Session	Unclear	Likely Text to Speech Error on Bill #
SB707 0978S 00:39:51.466 - 1:08:33 PM	Executive Session	Unclear	Likely Text to Speech Error on Bill #
SB707 00:39:51.466 - 1:08:33 PM	Executive Session	Unclear	Likely Text to Speech Error on Bill #
SB448 0679S, 0955S 00:54:51.466 - 1:23:33 PM	Executive Session	modifying the definition of veteran and relative to lifetime hunting and fishing license fees for disabled veterans.	Innis, Daniel(R)[B]2025
SB491 00:54:51.466 - 1:23:33 PM	Executive Session	enabling students to utilize education freedom account funds to pay for certain career and technical education funding.	Watters, David(D)[D-]2025
SB540 00:54:51.466 - 1:23:33 PM	Executive Session	relative to portable solar generation devices.	Watters, David(D)[D-]2025
SB494 01:27:30 - 1:56:12 PM	Executive Session	relative to the state fire code, fire incident reporting and investigations, and the duties of the state fire marshal.	Pearl, Howard (R)[B]2025
SB511 Committee Amendment (title change) 01:30:00 - 1:58:42 PM	Executive Session	relative to state park fees for state residents.	Murphy, Keith(R)[A]2025
SB545 01:42:29 - 2:11:11 PM	Executive Session	relative to financial eligibility for the Medicare savings program.	Rosenwald, Cindy(D)[F]2025
SB566 01:46:00 - 2:14:42 PM	Executive Session	relative to recruiting incentive programs for the national guard.	Pearl, Howard (R)[B]2025
SB583 01:49:00 - 2:17:42 PM	Executive Session	directing the department of education to create an education funding transparency data and reporting system.	Lang, Timothy(R)[B-]2025
SB606 01:51:00 - 2:19:42 PM	Executive Session	relative to insurance coverage for biomarker testing.	Birdsell, Regina(R)[B-]2025
SB631 01:53:00 - 2:21:42 PM	Executive Session	(New Title) authorizing the sale of toll credits to fund a newly established noise barrier construction fund for the design and construction of noise barrier projects.	Carson, Sharon(R)[B]2025
Unclear 01:55:00 - 2:23:42 PM	General Working Session	Unclear

SB704: Senator Birdsell Vote00:09:51.466 - 12:38:33 PM; Moves Ought to Pass (OTP). Discusses the bill spending $1.7 million that may not be available.
SB704: Senator Lang Vote00:09:51.466 - 12:38:33 PM; Seconds the OTP motion.
SB704: Chair Information Only00:09:51.466 - 12:38:33 PM; Notes concern over expenditures over $100,000 and priority.
SB704: Senator Birdsell Vote00:09:51.466 - 12:38:33 PM; Moves Ought to Pass (OTP). Notes the bill spends almost $1.7 million.
SB704: Senator Lang Vote00:09:51.466 - 12:38:33 PM; Seconds the OTP motion.
SB704: Senator Birdsell Information Only00:09:51.466 - 12:38:33 PM; Puts the bill on hold. Mentions ongoing conversations and potential amendment to transfer available money.
SB704: Chair Information Only00:09:51.466 - 12:38:33 PM; Acknowledges discussions and potential funds available.
SB704: Senator Lang Vote00:09:51.466 - 12:38:33 PM; Moves Ought to Pass (OTP). Explains the need for quarterly reports to inform fiscal decisions and clarifies differences between budget cuts and lapses.
SB704: Senator Pearl Vote00:09:51.466 - 12:38:33 PM; Seconds the OTP motion.
SB704: Senator (unidentified) Information Only00:09:51.466 - 12:38:33 PM; Adds that departments provide lapse estimates late, emphasizing need for timely information.
SB704: Senator Birdsell Vote00:09:51.466 - 12:38:33 PM; Moves for consent calendar.
SB704: Senator Lang Vote00:09:51.466 - 12:38:33 PM; Moves Inexpedient to Legislate (ITL). Intends to table before vote, notes it may not be needed due to SB 661.
SB704: Senator Pearl Vote00:09:51.466 - 12:38:33 PM; Seconds the ITL motion.
SB704: Senator (unidentified) Information Only00:09:51.466 - 12:38:33 PM; Recommends ITL due to policy issues like 36-month lag, but leaves open for amendment if needed.
SB661 0649S: Chair Information Only00:24:51.466 - 12:53:33 PM; Explains the bill addressing past issues, establishes contingency reserve and member equity stabilization fund. Discusses actuaries' recommendations, court decisions, and fund mechanics. Notes recent OLS draft and need for more time.
SB661 0649S: Senator (female) Information Only00:24:51.466 - 12:53:33 PM; Thanks for work on the bill, questions gaming of the system and reporting requirements when below contingency reserve.
SB661 0649S: Chair Information Only00:24:51.466 - 12:53:33 PM; Clarifies contingency fund purpose, investment returns, and distributions. Explains history of drops in reserves during COVID.
SB661 0649S: Senator Waters Information Only00:24:51.466 - 12:53:33 PM; Thanks for work, supports equity stabilization and three-year smoothing. Questions member withdrawal options and initial funding (68% rule).
SB661 0649S: Chair Information Only00:24:51.466 - 12:53:33 PM; Clarifies board options for funds, explains initial funding for new members, Secretary of State involvement, and reasons for minimum reserves. Discusses assessment issues, coverage risks, legal implications, and potential move to insurance.
SB661 0649S: Senator Waters Information Only00:24:51.466 - 12:53:33 PM; Appreciates addressing contracts and concerns, questions advisory committee role with Secretary of State, Insurance, and Consumer Advocate.
SB661 0649S: Chair Information Only00:39:51.466 - 1:08:33 PM; Explains advisory group oversight at low reserve levels, expanded allowable expenses, and resolution of ongoing action against a risk pool.
SB661 0649S: Senator Birdsell Vote00:39:51.466 - 1:08:33 PM; Moves amendment 0649S, then Ought to Pass as amended.
SB661 0649S: Senator (unidentified) Vote00:39:51.466 - 1:08:33 PM; Seconds motions.
SB661 0649S: Senator Rosenwald Vote00:39:51.466 - 1:08:33 PM; Objects to consent but supports it after clarification.
SB661 0649S: Senator Birdsell Vote00:39:51.466 - 1:08:33 PM; Moves for consent calendar.
SB707: Senator Rosenwald Information Only00:39:51.466 - 1:08:33 PM; Requests to hold 707 for continuing conversations on solid waste policy.
SB707: Chair Information Only00:39:51.466 - 1:08:33 PM; Puts on hold unless others want to speak.
SB707: Senator Lang Vote00:39:51.466 - 1:08:33 PM; Moves Ought to Pass (OTP). Notes tax credits as spending, tables due to funding concerns.
SB707: Senator Enos Vote00:39:51.466 - 1:08:33 PM; Seconds OTP.
SB707: Senator Rosenwald Information Only00:39:51.466 - 1:08:33 PM; Notes effective date in next biennium, questions need to table as next legislature could suspend.
SB707: Chair Information Only00:39:51.466 - 1:08:33 PM; Explains fiscal constraints and priority.
SB707: Senator Lang Information Only00:39:51.466 - 1:08:33 PM; Supports pass and table for fiscal responsibility, can revisit with revenue projections.
SB707 0978S: Senator Lang Vote00:39:51.466 - 1:08:33 PM; Moves Ought to Pass (OTP). Introduces amendment 0978S delaying effective date to 2028 and including state employee plan.
SB707 0978S: Senator Rosenthal Vote00:39:51.466 - 1:08:33 PM; Seconds OTP.
SB707 0978S: Senator Rosenthal Information Only00:39:51.466 - 1:08:33 PM; Questions cost to state, notes fiscal note minimal.
SB707 0978S: Senator Birdsell Information Only00:39:51.466 - 1:08:33 PM; Confirms minimal cost, applies to regulated plans, not self-funded or Medicaid.
SB707 0978S: Senator Rosenthal Information Only00:39:51.466 - 1:08:33 PM; Seeks clarification on applicability to various plans.
SB707 0978S: Senator Birdsell Vote00:39:51.466 - 1:08:33 PM; Moves for consent.
SB707: Senator Birdsell Vote00:39:51.466 - 1:08:33 PM; Moves Ought to Pass (OTP). Notes cost over half a million.
SB707: Senator Lang Vote00:39:51.466 - 1:08:33 PM; Seconds OTP.
SB448 0679S, 0955S: Senator Lang Vote00:54:51.466 - 1:23:33 PM; Moves Ought to Pass (OTP).
SB448 0679S, 0955S: Senator Innes Vote00:54:51.466 - 1:23:33 PM; Seconds OTP. Introduces amendment 0679S changing effective date.
SB448 0679S, 0955S: Senator Lang Vote00:54:51.466 - 1:23:33 PM; Introduces amendment 0955S adding words for veteran eligibility on decal plates.
SB448 0679S, 0955S: Senator Rosenwald Information Only00:54:51.466 - 1:23:33 PM; Questions if amendment 0955S is germane.
SB448 0679S, 0955S: Chair Information Only00:54:51.466 - 1:23:33 PM; Rules amendment non-germane, schedules public hearing.
SB491: Senator Waters Vote00:54:51.466 - 1:23:33 PM; Moves Ought to Pass (OTP). Explains amendment shifting authority to DOE and informing about CTE.
SB491: Senator Birdsell Vote00:54:51.466 - 1:23:33 PM; Seconds OTP.
SB491: Senator Waters Vote00:54:51.466 - 1:23:33 PM; Moves for consent.
SB540: Senator Waters Vote00:54:51.466 - 1:23:33 PM; Moves Ought to Pass as amended. Explains provisions for safety and implementation, no fiscal note needed.
SB540: Senator Pearl Vote00:54:51.466 - 1:23:33 PM; Seconds OTP.
SB540: Senator Waters Vote00:54:51.466 - 1:23:33 PM; Moves for consent.
SB494: Senator Pearl Support01:27:30 - 1:56:12 PM; Senator Pearl moves to pass SB 494, explaining that the bill fixes issues raised by the fire marshal regarding cleanup of duties moved from OPC to the fire marshal's office on investigations, resolves technical issues for information transfer, addresses incident response, and allows the fire marshal to conduct inspections if local communities are unavailable, aiding building issues.
SB494: Senator Waters Information Only01:28:30 - 1:57:12 PM; Senator Waters inquires about the House's reception to the bill's extension to 2024, and Senator Pearl confirms understanding that the House is supportive.
SB494: Chairman Information Only01:29:00 - 1:57:42 PM; The Chairman notes that the fiscal note's $135 first year and $170 second year funding is for a position not authorized in the bill, so it is not available for spending.
SB511 Committee Amendment (title change): Senator Pearl Support01:30:00 - 1:58:42 PM; Senator Pearl requests a committee amendment to clarify the title as 'relative to the state park fee discount for state residents' by striking 's' from fees and adding 'discount', noting the bill is otherwise ready.
SB511 Committee Amendment (title change): Senator Waters Support01:31:00 - 1:59:42 PM; Senator Waters expresses concern over the projected $1.5 to $2 million annual revenue decrease for parks, which are underfunded, referencing similar past discounts; however, after hearing explanations, supports the bill while noting uncertainties and potential need to revisit if revenues fall short.
SB511 Committee Amendment (title change): Senator Rosenwald Support01:32:30 - 2:01:12 PM; Senator Rosenwald notes that parks could raise out-of-state fees to offset costs, potentially achieving net zero or positive change, and that fiscal estimates show recovery in the second year.
SB511 Committee Amendment (title change): Senator Lang Support01:33:30 - 2:02:12 PM; Senator Lang explains the bill's intent to ensure the commissioner sets out-of-state fees at twice the in-state rate, which could maintain in-state fees and increase overall revenue.
SB511 Committee Amendment (title change): Senator Bursell Support01:35:00 - 2:03:42 PM; Senator Bursell reminds members that neighboring states charge New Hampshire residents higher fees for their parks, supporting the equity of the measure.
SB511 Committee Amendment (title change): Chairman Information Only01:36:00 - 2:04:42 PM; The Chairman confirms the amendment and proceeds to votes on the amendment and the bill as amended, both passing on consent.
SB545: Senator Rosenwald Support01:42:29 - 2:11:11 PM; Senator Rosenwald proposes an amendment to move the effective date out a year and seeks to retain the federally funded portion removing income disregard for low-income subsidies effective 60 days after enactment, but agrees to draft an amendment to carve out cost-free sections due to high fiscal note.
SB545: Chairman Information Only01:43:00 - 2:11:42 PM; The Chairman notes the high fiscal impact of 2.3 to 3.6 million annually, declines outright pass even with delayed date, and suggests holding for an amendment next week to remove costly parts while retaining the 100% federally funded section.
SB545: Senator Lang Information Only01:45:00 - 2:13:42 PM; Senator Lang notes that passing and tabling would make all portions relevant for future amendments, allowing extraction of desired sections later.
SB566: Senator Pearl Support01:46:00 - 2:14:42 PM; Senator Pearl moves to pass SB 566, explaining it fulfills a National Guard request for recruiting incentives, timely given global turmoil and potential activations.
SB566: Chairman Information Only01:47:00 - 2:15:42 PM; The Chairman notes the bill lacks appropriation for the anticipated additional $125,000 needed beyond current funds, but proceeds to vote.
SB566: Senator Waters Support01:48:00 - 2:16:42 PM; Senator Waters suggests withdrawing consent for floor passage to allow recognition of activated National Guard members, such as tankers responding to duty.
SB566: Senator Pearl Support01:48:30 - 2:17:12 PM; Senator Pearl has no objection to withdrawing consent for floor recognition.
SB583: Senator Innes Support01:49:00 - 2:17:42 PM; Senator Innes, as prime sponsor, supports passing and tabling SB 583 despite the $1.4 million cost, emphasizing the value of the transparency portal for education funding if end-of-year revenues allow.
SB583: Chairman Information Only01:50:00 - 2:18:42 PM; The Chairman confirms pass and table due to cost, and the bill passes off consent.
SB606: Senator Birdsell Support01:51:00 - 2:19:42 PM; Senator Birdsell, as sponsor, explains SB 606 was narrowed to Medicaid recipients to collect data on potential cost increases, agreed with HHS, to build evidence against insurance industry opposition for broader application later.
SB606: Chairman Information Only01:52:00 - 2:20:42 PM; The Chairman confirms ought to pass, and it passes off consent.
SB631: Senator Lane Support01:53:00 - 2:21:42 PM; Senator Lane moves to pass and table SB 631, acknowledging the $8 million potential impact in the second year, which would divert funds from other highway projects, requiring priority review.
SB631: Chairman Information Only01:54:00 - 2:22:42 PM; The Chairman confirms pass and table off consent.
Unclear: Unspecified Senator Information Only01:55:00 - 2:23:42 PM; The senator mentions reading in the Concord Monitor and New Leader about approved rural health contracts supporting workforce development, including substantial funding to UNH and community colleges for CTE systems and other entities, potentially quickly addressing workforce needs with hundreds of millions.