Committee Summary for Finance Division II (05/23/2025)

Bill/Time	Type	Title	Sponsor
SB145 2025-2301H 00:01:26.640 - 9:00:37 AM	General Working Session	(New Title) establishing an evidence shipping pilot program and providing an appropriation therefor.	Altschiller, Debra(D)[CT]2024
SB295 2271H 00:22:44.159 - 9:21:55 AM	General Working Session	(New Title) relative to education freedom accounts.	Sullivan, Victoria(R)

SB145 2025-2301H: Pamela Kyle, New Hampshire Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Violence Support00:01:26.640 - 9:00:37 AM; Pamela Kyle testified in support of SB 145, which aims to improve the timely delivery and analysis of sexual assault evidence collection kits. She explained that the bill was developed after extensive conversations with the Department of Safety and the Department of Justice following a survivor's input. The proposed legislation sets a time limit of seven business days for law enforcement agencies to deliver kits to the state lab, addressing potential backlog issues. Kyle also discussed the possibility of using a common carrier system to transport kits, especially in rural areas, and mentioned that the amendment removing the reimbursement piece was acceptable to her organization.
SB145 2025-2301H: Representative Papovich Support00:04:42.560 - 9:03:53 AM; Representative Papovich introduced an amendment to SB 145, stating that the policy is good and should remain untouched. The amendment focuses on removing the reimbursement program for police departments, citing that it would reduce administrative overhead and is unnecessary given the cost-saving measures provided by allowing alternate shipping methods. Papovich emphasized that the policy's effectiveness is not tied to the reimbursement program.
SB145 2025-2301H: Representative Murray Information Only00:05:41.680 - 9:04:52 AM; Representative Murray sought clarification on the seven-day period for kit delivery, asking about the negotiations behind it. Pamela Kyle responded that the time frame was agreed upon after discussions with the Department of Safety, the Department of Justice, and considering best practices. The seven business days were chosen to provide structure while considering weekends.
SB145 2025-2301H: Representative Phillips Information Only00:06:46.400 - 9:05:57 AM; Representative Phillips inquired about the common carrier system and its impact on court cases. Pamela Kyle deferred to the lab for detailed answers on how common carriers handle the kits but confirmed that certified mail services like UPS are considered for this purpose. She also mentioned that there would be clear protocols to maintain the chain of evidence.
SB145 2025-2301H: Representative Papovich Support00:11:30.079 - 9:10:41 AM; Representative Papovich further discussed the amendment to SB 145, emphasizing that it does not affect the core policy but removes the unnecessary reimbursement component. He argued that this would save police departments money and reduce administrative overhead in the Department of Safety. He also noted that the amendment would not impact the bill's progress through the legislative chambers.
SB145 2025-2301H: Representative Phillips Information Only00:13:30.959 - 9:12:41 AM; Representative Phillips raised concerns about the amendment's potential impact on the bill's passage through the other chamber, given the removal of the appropriation. Representative Papovich responded that the appropriation was not a critical issue and that the amendment would streamline the bill without affecting its core policy.
SB145 2025-2301H: Representative Bean Information Only00:17:35.240 - 9:16:46 AM; Representative Bean expressed concerns about the chain of custody for evidence if common carriers were used. Representative Papovich reassured that the Department of Safety would adopt rules to ensure proper chain of custody, likely focusing on courier services with clear handoff times.
SB145 2025-2301H: Representative Papovich Support00:19:41.120 - 9:18:52 AM; Representative Papovich moved to adopt amendment 2025-2301H to SB 145, which was seconded and passed. He then moved to recommend SB 145 as amended for OTPA, which was also seconded and passed.
SB295 2271H: Representative Papovich Support00:22:44.159 - 9:21:55 AM; Representative Papovich introduced amendment 2271H to SB 295, aiming to simplify and clarify the bill without changing its purpose. The amendment establishes enrollment caps for the Education Freedom Account (EFA) program, which would increase annually based on prior year enrollment. The amendment also defines priority guidelines for certain student groups and sets a mechanism for the caps to be removed after two consecutive years of not being exceeded. Papovich emphasized the amendment's intent to address concerns about budget impacts while maintaining the program's equity goals.
SB295 2271H: Representative Marty Kevin Information Only00:33:50.799 - 9:33:01 AM; Representative Marty Kevin questioned the effectiveness of the cap since it can be increased annually. Representative Papovich explained that the cap aims to control the growth of the EFA program over time, addressing concerns about sudden budget impacts.
SB295 2271H: Representative Phillips Oppose00:40:51.200 - 9:40:02 AM; Representative Phillips expressed concerns about the amendment's potential to lead to exponential growth in the EFA program, which could strain the state's budget. He also highlighted issues with fraud and abuse, lack of accountability, and the moral implications of expanding the program amidst budget cuts to other essential services. He mentioned that his town and others have voted against the expansion of the voucher program.
SB295 2271H: Representative Papovich Support00:42:54.079 - 9:42:05 AM; Representative Papovich reiterated the goal of the legislation to achieve educational equity and fulfill the state's constitutional obligation to fund education for all children. He emphasized that the amendment addresses concerns about the program's growth and budget impacts while maintaining its core purpose. He also called for accountability measures across all educational settings, public and private.
SB295 2271H: Representative Murray Oppose00:43:54.880 - 9:43:05 AM; Representative Murray opposed the vouchers due to the lack of accountability regarding student achievement in private schools. He also argued that the cap seemed like a diversion from the more significant issue of voucher program expansion, especially in light of the state's budget constraints and cuts to other programs. He noted that multiple communities have expressed opposition to expanding the program at this time.
SB295 2271H: Representative Papovich Support00:46:10.319 - 9:45:21 AM; Representative Papovich moved to adopt amendment 2271H to SB 295, which was seconded and passed. He then moved to recommend SB 295 as amended for OTPA, which was also seconded and passed, with a vote of 4-3.