Committee Summary for Senate Judiciary (02/11/2025)

Bill/Time	Type	Title	Sponsor
SB146 00:10:46.399 - 12:09:57 PM	Public Hearing	relative to medical examiner's certificates and medical certification of the death record.	Prentiss, Suzanne(D)[F]2025
SB53 00:38:46.640 - 12:37:57 PM	Public Hearing	relative to natural organic reduction of human remains.	Innis, Daniel(R)[B]2025
SB53 01:06:58.400 - 1:06:09 PM	Public Hearing	relative to natural organic reduction of human remains.	Innis, Daniel(R)[B]2025
SB140 01:16:12.600 - 1:15:23 PM	Public Hearing	establishing a domestic violence fatality review committee.	Birdsell, Regina(R)[B-]2025
SB145 2025-0265s 01:36:35.840 - 1:35:46 PM	Public Hearing	(Second New Title) establishing an evidence shipping pilot program.	Altschiller, Debra(D)[CT]2025
SB140 01:58:58.199 - 1:58:09 PM	Executive Session	establishing a domestic violence fatality review committee.	Birdsell, Regina(R)[B-]2025
SB145 2025-0265s 01:59:44.719 - 1:58:55 PM	Executive Session	(Second New Title) establishing an evidence shipping pilot program.	Altschiller, Debra(D)[CT]2025

SB146: Su Prentice, State Senator from District 5 covering parts of Grafton, Sullivan, and Merrimack Counties including New London Support00:10:46.399 - 12:09:57 PM; Senator Prentice introduced Senate Bill 146, which aims to eliminate the requirement for a pre-cremation view of the body. She explained that the current system, which includes the pre-cremation view, causes delays for families wishing to proceed with cremation, and that this step is not necessary for the certification of death, which is already rigorously handled by healthcare providers and medical examiners. She highlighted that only four states require this step and that its removal would not undermine the integrity of death certification. She also addressed that the bill does not prevent families from viewing the body before cremation if they choose to.
SB146: Jenny Duval, Chief Medical Examiner from Concord Information Only00:11:00.240 - 12:10:11 PM; Dr. Duval clarified that the analysis of the bill is incorrect as it only pertains to eliminating the pre-cremation view. She discussed the current system's operations and the transition to a full-time associate Deputy medical examiner system. She emphasized the increasing demand for cremation and how the current requirement delays this process. Dr. Duval detailed the steps involved in death certification, stating that the death certificate is completed before cremation and the view is redundant. She mentioned that removing this step would not affect the family's ability to view the body.
SB146: Unidentified Senator Information Only00:22:48.080 - 12:21:59 PM; The senator expressed concern about the risk of not viewing bodies going for cremation, especially in cases where the cause of death might be unclear. Dr. Duval responded that any death with indications of trauma or non-natural causes must be reported to the medical examiner's office for investigation. She clarified the difference between medical and criminal investigations and the process of determining natural deaths, emphasizing the need for judicious use of resources.
SB146: Unidentified Committee Member Information Only00:28:11.440 - 12:27:22 PM; The committee member sought clarification on whether the medical examiner would see the body at all before cremation if jurisdiction is declined. Dr. Duval confirmed that this would be the case, but noted that it's similar to the process for burials, where the medical examiner does not view the body.
SB146: Peter Moen, Executive Director of the New Hampshire Funeral Directors and Embalmers Association Support00:29:38.399 - 12:28:49 PM; Peter Moen, representing the New Hampshire Funeral Directors and Embalmers Association, testified in support of SB 146. He highlighted the association's long-standing and professional relationship with the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner, underscoring the importance of this partnership over his 17 years of service. Moen expressed understanding of the staffing and cost issues mentioned by Dr. Duval and Senator Apprentice, which led to the request for the bill's change. However, he raised concerns about the increased responsibility and potential liability for funeral professionals due to the final nature of cremation. He suggested exploring hold harmless language in the bill or related statutes to protect funeral homes from potential legal issues. Moen concluded by emphasizing the seriousness with which funeral directors take their responsibilities, including identifying and handling deceased individuals with care.
SB53: Dan Enis, District 7, Bradford, New Hampshire Support00:38:46.640 - 12:37:57 PM; Dan Enis, representing District 7 and residing in Bradford, New Hampshire, introduced Senate Bill 53, which aims to legalize natural organic reduction, also known as human composting. He shared a personal story about his husband's wish for a natural decomposition process instead of traditional burial or cremation. Enis explained that natural organic reduction uses technology and engineering to accelerate the body's natural decomposition into soil, aligning with environmental values. He noted that this option is already legal in 12 other states and emphasized that the bill respects individual choices without forcing anyone to choose this method. Enis highlighted the sustainable aspect of the process, allowing remains to be returned to the earth in an environmentally friendly manner.
SB53: Peter Moren, Executive Director of the New Hampshire Funeral Directors Association Information Only00:42:35.000 - 12:41:46 PM; Peter Moren, representing the New Hampshire Funeral Directors Association, testified as neutral on Senate Bill 53. He acknowledged the importance of offering diverse end-of-life options to New Hampshire citizens but expressed concerns about the specifics of natural organic reduction, or human composting. Moren highlighted the process's duration, the need for strict conditions, and the resulting material's classification as human remains rather than soil. He raised issues about disease control, water and air contamination, and the lack of current facilities for this process in states that have legalized it. Moren also mentioned the high cremation rate in New Hampshire and questioned the demand for this new method. He suggested that if the bill is passed, it should also lift the ban on alkaline hydrolysis, a similar process, to provide more options. He emphasized the need for careful regulation and clarity in the bill's language to ensure proper implementation.
SB53: David Bryant, Coos County Oppose00:52:49.119 - 12:52:00 PM; David Bryant, a licensed funeral director from Coos County, expressed his understanding and respect for consumers wanting various disposition options. However, he raised concerns about the specifics of the legislation for natural organic reduction (NOR). He emphasized the importance of handling the deceased with dignity and effectiveness, suggesting that NOR is still in its early stages and that there are many unresolved questions about its implementation. He mentioned the lack of overwhelming demand for NOR in New Hampshire and noted that families could seek this service in other states where it's approved but not yet operational. Bryant referenced the history of cremation rates, indicating that changes in death care practices should be driven by consumer demand and necessity, not conjecture. He concluded by expressing skepticism about the widespread demand for NOR at this time.
SB53: Nora Shannon Plank, Earth Funeral Support00:56:22.720 - 12:55:33 PM; Nora Shannon Plank, representing Earth Funeral, testified in support of Senate Bill 53. She expressed her enthusiasm for natural organic reduction, having learned about it in 2013 and celebrating its legalization in Washington state in 2019. She highlighted that 11 more states have since passed similar legislation, though none have operational facilities yet. Plank argued for more after-death care options in New Hampshire, citing environmental concerns with traditional cremation and the personal significance of having one's remains nourish new life. She acknowledged diverse religious practices regarding death care but stressed the importance of offering NOR as a legal option in New Hampshire, aligning with existing laws regulating other methods of disposition.
SB53: Mike Blassic, Earth Funeral Support01:00:02.400 - 12:59:13 PM; Mike Blassic, representing Earth Funeral, spoke in favor of Senate Bill 53. He mentioned the company's efforts to engage with New Hampshire stakeholders and their support for Senator Inis's leadership. Blassic, a former state economic development director, expressed excitement about Earth Funeral's potential entry into New Hampshire. He shared personal anecdotes about his parents' choice of cremation, reflecting changes in societal views on death care. He described natural organic reduction as a safe, responsible, and dignified process, emphasizing that it aligns with existing environmental regulations and offers a consumer choice in death care that respects individual values. Blassic noted Earth Funeral's service to over 1500 families and their commitment to working collaboratively with existing funeral infrastructure.
SB53: Representative Jessica, Strafford District 17, Dover Support01:06:58.400 - 1:06:09 PM; Representative Jessica expressed support for SB53, highlighting its similarities to a house bill she sponsored the previous year. She emphasized the inclusion of natural burial and the clarification of rules regarding the scattering of remains, which are not defined in existing statutes for cremated ashes. She discussed how the bill follows the New Hampshire model for handling remains, similar to cremation processes, ensuring careful chain of custody and documentation. She addressed concerns about the involvement of the USDA, stating it is unnecessary for natural organic reduction as the soil would not be used for food production. She also mentioned that there are no issues with disease or pathogens with this method and anticipates demand for it, comparing it to the trend of cremation. She shared a personal story about a family friend's green burial, underscoring the importance of natural burial options, especially in winter conditions. She concluded by opposing an amendment to include alkaline hydrolysis in the bill, viewing it as unrelated and potentially harmful to the bill's intent.
SB53: Diana Jarvis, Executive Director, OPLC Information Only01:14:16.639 - 1:13:27 PM; Diana Jarvis from OPLC provided information regarding the operational aspects of SB53. She did not take a position on the policy of the bill but highlighted potential conflicts with existing statutes, specifically mentioning the five-year license term proposed in the bill versus the two-year term required by the governing statute. She suggested working with the sponsor to adjust the bill to align with existing structures, such as inspection processes and fee setting. Jarvis offered to follow up with amendment language to resolve these conflicts.
SB140: Regina Burzelli, State Senator for District 19, Derry, Hampstead, and Windham Support01:16:12.600 - 1:15:23 PM; Senator Regina Burzelli introduced SB140 FN, a bill requested by the Department of Justice to establish a domestic violence fatality Review Committee. She explained that the committee would conduct comprehensive, multidisciplinary reviews of deaths related to domestic violence and mentioned a criminal penalty for disclosing information from committee proceedings.
SB140: Matthew Broadhead, Associate Attorney General, New Hampshire Department of Justice Support01:17:29.920 - 1:16:40 PM; Matthew Broadhead supported SB140 FN on behalf of the Attorney General's office. He provided background on the prevalence of domestic violence, noting that over 55% of homicides in New Hampshire between 2009 and 2023 were related to domestic violence. He highlighted the broader impact of domestic violence, including its correlation with mass shootings and dangers to law enforcement. Broadhead explained that the Domestic Violence Fatality Review Committee, established by executive order since 2001, aims to identify service and intervention gaps to improve responses to domestic violence. He mentioned that the bill was crafted with input from various stakeholders and aligns with best practices from over 30 states.
SB140: Unnamed Senator Information Only01:21:49.440 - 1:21:00 PM; An unnamed senator asked for clarification on the composition of the Domestic Violence Fatality Review Committee, specifically about the inclusion of a member from a provider of batterers intervention programming. The senator expressed concern about the unregulated nature of such programs and the potential for unqualified individuals to participate. Matthew Broadhead responded that the Attorney General's office would thoroughly vet members to ensure they are qualified experts in the field, not just anyone claiming to offer such services. The senator further questioned the selection process, emphasizing the need for experienced and knowledgeable members, to which Broadhead assured that the committee would consist of subject matter experts committed to reducing domestic violence.
SB140: Susan Carbon, Manchester Support01:28:48.199 - 1:27:59 PM; Susan Carbon, a retired circuit court judge from Manchester, testified in support of SB140 FN. She provided a detailed history of her involvement with fatality review committees since the late 1990s, highlighting their importance in addressing domestic violence. She explained the multidisciplinary nature of these committees, which include law enforcement, victim advocates, and other experts. Carbon emphasized the committees' goal of reducing domestic homicides and enhancing community safety without a blame or shame approach. She mentioned her extensive career dedicated to ending domestic and sexual violence, including her roles in national and international initiatives. She strongly advocated for the use of fatality review committees as a vital tool in addressing the persistent issue of domestic violence.
SB145 2025-0265s: Senator Deborah Aler, District 24 (Exeter, Stratham, Rye, Greenland, Hampton, North Hampton, Hampton Falls) Support01:36:35.840 - 1:35:46 PM; Senator Deborah Aler testified in support of SB145 FN with Amendment 2025-0265s. She discussed the need for a mobile evidence collection unit pilot program, motivated by a survivor's experience with delayed evidence processing. Aler explained the challenges smaller, rural police departments face in transporting sexual assault evidence kits to the state crime lab in Concord. She described the amendment's proposal to allow these departments to use common carriers for transport if necessary, while maintaining the chain of custody. Aler emphasized the urgency of getting evidence tested quickly to aid survivors and ensure justice, advocating for the bill's passage with the amendment.
SB145 2025-0265s: Melissa Staples, Director of the New Hampshire State Police Forensic Laboratory Information Only01:52:49.400 - 1:52:00 PM; Melissa Staples, Director of the New Hampshire State Police Forensic Laboratory, provided technical information regarding SB145 FN. She confirmed that the lab analyzes all sexual assault kits collected in New Hampshire and stressed the importance of analyzing evidence collected from survivors' bodies. Staples suggested a minor amendment to clarify the language in the bill to specify that evidence from sexual assault cases occurring in New Hampshire should be transferred to the state forensic laboratory. She offered her expertise on chain of custody concerns and supported the bill's intent to streamline evidence processing.
SB145 2025-0265s: Pamela Kyger, Public Policy Specialist at the New Hampshire Coalition against Domestic and Sexual Violence Support01:56:40.360 - 1:55:51 PM; Pamela Kyger, representing the New Hampshire Coalition against Domestic and Sexual Violence, testified in support of SB145 FN and its amendment. She highlighted the coalition's work with community-based crisis centers and the importance of timely testing of sexual assault kits for survivors. Kyger appreciated the efforts to strengthen New Hampshire's response to sexual assault and supported the bill's aim to expedite evidence processing while maintaining compliance with protocols and statutes.
SB140: Committee Members Support01:58:58.199 - 1:58:09 PM; The committee moved to pass SB140 FN with no amendments, reflecting their support for the bill's goals related to domestic violence.
SB145 2025-0265s: Committee Members Support01:59:44.719 - 1:58:55 PM; The committee moved to pass SB145 FN with Amendment 2025-0265s, incorporating the suggested language changes to specify that evidence from sexual assault cases occurring in New Hampshire should be transferred to the state forensic laboratory. The amendment was supported to ensure clarity and compliance.
SB145 2025-0265s: Committee Members Information Only02:44:43.840 - 2:43:54 PM; The committee members continued their discussion on the amendment 2025-0265s to SB145 FN. They referenced specific sections of the amendment, particularly discussing changes to Roman numeral sections and the jurisdiction for prosecution related to offenses. There was clarification sought and provided on the amendment's text, specifically around the addition of a new section and the removal or replacement of existing sections. The discussion also touched on the necessity of certain clarifications within the amendment. The session concluded with a vote to pass the bill as amended, with the motion being moved, seconded, and passed without further discussion.

Gannon, Bill(Chairman)(R)[B-]2025	Abbas, Daryl(V Chairman)(R)[B-]2025	Carson, Sharon(R)[B]2025
Altschiller, Debra(D)[CT]2025	Reardon, Tara(D)[F]2025