Committee Summary for Senate Finance (03/17/2026)

Bill/Time	Type	Title	Sponsor
SB661 1182-S1 00:05:23.864 - 12:34:04 PM	Executive Session	relative to pooled risk management programs.	Carson, Sharon(R)[B]2025
SB448 0679S 00:16:20.194 - 12:45:01 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
SB498 1063S 00:18:23.988 - 12:47:04 PM	Executive Session	relative to children's mental health services for persons 18 years of age and younger.	Birdsell, Regina(R)[B-]2025
SB557 12-S 00:23:00.000 - 12:51:41 PM	Executive Session	(New Title) making synthetic and semisynthetic kratom illegal.	Altschiller, Debra(D)[CT]2025
SB557 1203S 00:23:41.933 - 12:52:22 PM	Executive Session	(New Title) making synthetic and semisynthetic kratom illegal.	Altschiller, Debra(D)[CT]2025
SB586 00:27:00.000 - 12:55:41 PM	Executive Session	requiring school districts to publish a school administrative unit audit report after the end of the fiscal year.	Murphy, Keith(R)[A]2025
SB615 00:32:00.000 - 1:00:41 PM	Executive Session	(New Title) establishing a commission to study the use and regulation of SNAP in New Hampshire.	Sullivan, Victoria(R)[A-]2025
SB625 1197S 00:33:00.000 - 1:01:41 PM	Executive Session	permitting family members of homicide victims to seek an evidentiary hearing in cases where the department of justice does not file charges in the case.	Birdsell, Regina(R)[B-]2025
SB645 00:36:00.000 - 1:04:41 PM	Executive Session	relative to income eligibility for the New Hampshire child care scholarship program and reallocating certain revenue to fund the program.	Reardon, Tara(D)[F]2025
SB541 0501S, 1200S, 0008S 00:53:56.360 - 1:22:37 PM	Executive Session	making an appropriation for regional drinking water infrastructure.	Abbas, Daryl(R)[B-]2025

SB661 1182-S1: Committee Chair Information Only00:05:23.864 - 12:34:04 PM; Called the Senate Finance Committee meeting to order, motioned and seconded to enter executive session, introduced SB 661, referenced consolidated amendment 1182-S1 drafted by Deb, discussed draft amendment to HB 1491 based on Representative Hunt's bill sent to insurance department for proofreading to ensure insolvency protections and accessibility, noted SB 661 stands alone and no open opposition to Hunt's bill.
SB661 1182-S1: Senator Waters Information Only00:07:00.000 - 12:35:41 PM; Thanked for the work, suggested having a Senate position, questioned page 3 language on member equity stabilization fund requiring deposit in a bank potentially excluding credit unions and state funds, asked if intent is only banks.
SB661 1182-S1: Senator Pearl Information Only00:08:00.000 - 12:36:41 PM; Confirmed adding the language, reached out to Bankers Association for investment parameters to keep funds in New Hampshire, no objection to changing to New Hampshire financial institutions including credit unions, noted must address today as bill needs to come off calendar, not the last work on it.
SB661 1182-S1: Ryan Hale, Vice President of Government Relations, New Hampshire Bankers Association Information Only00:10:00.000 - 12:38:41 PM; Glad to provide guidance, explained language mirrors treasurer's handling of public funds where statute excludes credit unions from accepting public funds, referenced multiple public funds statutes, deferred to Gina Powers for credit unions.
SB661 1182-S1: Gina Powers, Rath Young and Pignatelli on behalf of Cooperative Credit Union Association Support00:11:00.000 - 12:39:41 PM; Understood no explicit state law prohibition on credit unions accepting public funds, no problem with legislation moving forward with the amendment.
SB661 1182-S1: Unidentified Senator Information Only00:12:00.000 - 12:40:41 PM; Clarified member equity account involves public entities only as members of the risk pool, thus public money, emphasized guardrails for reputable safe accounts since it's taxpayer dollars in a specific use.
SB661 1182-S1: Unidentified Senator Information Only00:13:00.000 - 12:41:41 PM; Thanked for work aligning with efforts to direct public deposit investment pool money to New Hampshire banks for lending to businesses and individuals, confirmed RSA 6:8 requires New Hampshire presence or reciprocity for banks, important for local communities.
SB661 1182-S1: Ryan Hale Information Only00:14:00.000 - 12:42:41 PM; Noted writing specifies bank deposits for full insurance, collateralization, and liquidity; contrasted with PDIP which is safe but this builds in liquidity and safety directly.
SB661 1182-S1: Committee Chair Information Only00:15:00.000 - 12:43:41 PM; Asked if anyone in audience wishes to speak, noted none.
SB448 0679S: Committee Chair Vote00:16:20.194 - 12:45:01 PM; Confirmed SB 448, moved on to pass.
SB448 0679S: Unidentified Senator Information Only00:16:40.000 - 12:45:21 PM; Recapped prior actions on SB 448: voted 7-0 on amendment 0679S then held, amendment 0955F proposed but withdrawn, current status is auto pass as amended unless other motion.
SB448 0679S: Senator Support00:17:30.000 - 12:46:11 PM; Noted adopting last amendment removed financial aspects, leaving only definition change for what constitutes a veteran in appropriate chapters.
SB498 1063S: Senator Brexell Support00:18:23.988 - 12:47:04 PM; Moved ought to pass on SB 498, seconded by Senator Rosenthal, explained bill is revenue neutral with ongoing discussions between governor's office, DHHS, DOI, and stakeholders making progress via consultant working with Anthem, recommended sending to House for end-of-session scheduling to continue work.
SB498 1063S: Unidentified Senator Support00:21:00.888 - 12:49:41 PM; Introduced amendment 1063S removing bill provision to eliminate resource limit for Medicare savings program thus keeping it in place, leaving clarity for continued automatic enrollment of low-income seniors in Medicare Part D low-income subsidy program funded 100% federally, LBA concurs.
SB498 1063S: Committee Vote00:22:00.000 - 12:50:41 PM; Voted on amendment 1063S: all in favor aye, ayes have it; voted on bill as amended: all in favor aye, no objection to consent, ayes have it; credited to Senator Rosenwald.
SB557 12-S: Unidentified Senator Vote00:23:00.000 - 12:51:41 PM; Moved on to pass SB 557.
SB557 12-S: Senator Lang Support00:23:10.000 - 12:51:51 PM; Offered auto pass motion on SB 557.
SB557 12-S: Senator Pearl Support00:23:20.000 - 12:52:01 PM; Seconded auto pass motion.
SB557 12-S: Unidentified Senator Information Only00:23:30.000 - 12:52:11 PM; Offered amendment 12-S to SB 557.
SB557 12-S: Senator Pearl Support00:23:40.000 - 12:52:21 PM; Seconded amendment 12-S.
SB557 12-S: Committee Chair Information Only00:23:50.000 - 12:52:31 PM; Called recess for a couple of minutes.
SB557 1203S: Committee Chair Information Only00:23:41.933 - 12:52:22 PM; Announces return from recess and calls for vote on amendment 1203S, which creates an exemption for medical research due to concerns raised. Then proceeds to vote on the bill as amended.
SB557 1203S: Senator (unnamed) Information Only00:24:00.000 - 12:52:41 PM; Explains the amendment addresses concerns about medical research and use of the product.
SB557 1203S: Senator Information Only00:24:30.000 - 12:53:11 PM; Questions why the product is scheduled as 2 instead of 1, notes no approved human use, mentions low-dose usages for withdrawal but concerns about similar withdrawal symptoms. References researchers at Dartmouth wanting to study it, and current language makes it difficult.
SB557 1203S: Committee Chair Information Only00:25:30.000 - 12:54:11 PM; Asks for further comments and proceeds to vote on amendment 1203S, which passes. Then votes on bill as amended, which passes, and on consent, which passes.
SB557 1203S: Senator Lang Information Only00:26:00.000 - 12:54:41 PM; Makes motion for on-pass, later takes the bill.
SB586: Committee Chair Information Only00:27:00.000 - 12:55:41 PM; Moves on pass, explains the bill responds to Claremont issue by adding penalties for not filing audits, requires commissioner acknowledgment, one-year correction window, risks funding if not corrected. Notes fiscal note but no new positions authorized, expenses from existing budget. Opens for discussion due to importance.
SB586: Senator Carson Support00:28:00.000 - 12:56:41 PM; Supports passing the bill, notes other districts have similar fiscal problems, emphasizes accountability for funds, links to education finance discussions, believes audits prevent problems from growing.
SB586: Senator Waters Support00:29:00.000 - 12:57:41 PM; Agrees with Senator Carson, questions effective date and fiscal year for audits, clarified by sponsor that audits due within six months of fiscal year end.
SB586: Senator Perkins-Cook Information Only00:30:00.000 - 12:58:41 PM; Confirms agreed-upon amendment, explains submission timeline within six months of fiscal year end.
SB586: Committee Chair Information Only00:31:00.000 - 12:59:41 PM; Proceeds to vote on ought to pass, which passes, and consent, which passes. Assigns to Senator Rosemallow.
SB615: Senator Waters Information Only00:32:00.000 - 1:00:41 PM; Moves ought to pass.
SB615: Senator Lang Information Only00:32:10.000 - 1:00:51 PM; Seconds the motion.
SB615: Committee Chair Information Only00:32:20.000 - 1:01:01 PM; Notes new fiscal note, calls for vote on ought to pass, which passes, and consent, which passes. Assigns to Senator Waters.
SB625 1197S: Senator Birdsell Information Only00:33:00.000 - 1:01:41 PM; Moves ought to pass, introduces amendment 1197S for a study committee of two senators and three reps to review other states' laws on victim rights, NH constitutionality, current processes, systemic issues in investigations, and statute of limitations extension.
SB625 1197S: Senator Waters Support00:34:00.000 - 1:02:41 PM; Thanks Senator Birdsell, questions line 8 of amendment for clarity on 'options for family', suggests adding 'information' for specificity.
SB625 1197S: Committee Chair Information Only00:35:00.000 - 1:03:41 PM; Agrees to modify amendment to add 'information' on lines 8 and 18, confirms with OBA. Votes on amendment as modified, passes; then bill as amended, passes; consent, passes. Assigns to Senator Birdsell.
SB645: Senator Lang Information Only00:36:00.000 - 1:04:41 PM; Moves ought to pass and table, notes it places about $10 million potential surplus, concerns about money, suggests pass and table later.
SB645: Senator Rosenwald Information Only00:37:00.000 - 1:05:41 PM; Agrees, notes inconsistencies in bill regarding time periods measured, DRA reporting, timing issues like April 1st before surpluses paid out, undefined issues, but concepts reasonable; supports pass and table.
SB645: Committee Chair Information Only00:38:00.000 - 1:06:41 PM; Confirms consensus to pass and table, won't go on consent for floor amendment. Votes on OTPAS, passes. Assigns to Senator Birdsell.
SB541 0501S, 1200S, 0008S: Committee Chair Information Only00:53:56.360 - 1:22:37 PM; Calls out of recess, notes bill SB 541, moves to Senator Lang's motion.
SB541 0501S, 1200S, 0008S: Senator Lang Information Only00:54:00.000 - 1:22:41 PM; Moves amendment 0501S, explains funding: $5M from capital bonding, $5M from drinking water/groundwater trust fund (to be amended), $10M from Manchester water system bonding.
SB541 0501S, 1200S, 0008S: Senator Waters Support00:55:00.000 - 1:23:41 PM; Supports project, suggests striking section 2 of Lang's amendment to replace with his own for PFAS fund allocation.
SB541 0501S, 1200S, 0008S: Committee Chair Information Only00:56:00.000 - 1:24:41 PM; Confirms intent to pass Waters' amendment then Lang's to overwrite, explains LBA will handle.
SB541 0501S, 1200S, 0008S: Senator (unnamed) Information Only00:57:00.000 - 1:25:41 PM; Questions total amounts in amendments ($40M vs $50M), clarified as adding $10M to phase 2B.
SB541 0501S, 1200S, 0008S: LBA Representative Information Only00:58:00.000 - 1:26:41 PM; Explains Waters' amendment directs $4M (to be $5M) from 2020 $50M PFAS appropriation, $6.2M still available.
SB541 0501S, 1200S, 0008S: Senator Lang Information Only00:59:00.000 - 1:27:41 PM; Expresses concern about changing environmental policy definition (lines 9-12) without policy committee review, suggests removing that part for House consideration.
SB541 0501S, 1200S, 0008S: Senator Waters Information Only01:00:00.000 - 1:28:41 PM; Agrees to remove lines 9-12 as it's just for PFAS fund access.
SB541 0501S, 1200S, 0008S: Committee Chair Information Only01:01:00.000 - 1:29:41 PM; Directs mini-amendment to strike lines 9-12 and change to $5M, votes on 1200S as amended, passes.
SB541 0501S, 1200S, 0008S: Senator Lang Information Only01:02:00.000 - 1:30:41 PM; Moves Senator Innes' amendment 0008S for Pillsbury Lake Village cleanup language correction in HB2.
SB541 0501S, 1200S, 0008S: Senator (unnamed) Oppose01:03:00.000 - 1:31:41 PM; Opposes amendment, argues money better spent elsewhere for 20 people avoiding public water costs.
SB541 0501S, 1200S, 0008S: Richard Hedigan (DES) Information Only01:04:00.000 - 1:32:41 PM; Explains HB2 language required loan repayment that was withdrawn; amendment allows disbursement for project without loan.
SB541 0501S, 1200S, 0008S: LBA Representative Information Only01:05:00.000 - 1:33:41 PM; Confirms amendment clarifies no loan needed for reimbursement.
SB541 0501S, 1200S, 0008S: Committee Chair Information Only01:06:00.000 - 1:34:41 PM; Votes on 0008S, passes 5-1. Directs technical changes for 0501S, votes passes. Then votes on bill as amended, passes; consent, passes. Assigns to Senator Waters.

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