Committee Summary for Fiscal Committee (03/21/2025)

Bill/Time	Type	Title
Unclear 00:03:20.000 - 10:02:21 AM	General Working Session	Unclear
Unclear 00:08:22.560 - 10:07:23 AM	General Working Session	Unclear
Unclear 01:53:08.639 - 11:52:09 AM	Executive Session	Unclear

Unclear: Chair Information Only00:03:20.000 - 10:02:21 AM; The chair called the meeting to order on Friday, March 21st, 2025, and noted that Senator Rearen was filling in for Senator Waters. The chair also mentioned the intention to move a late item to the end of the agenda after informational items.
Unclear: Senator Gray Information Only00:04:45.759 - 10:03:46 AM; Senator Gray requested to move a late item to the end of the agenda after informational items, which was seconded and approved by the committee.
Unclear: Senator Carson Information Only00:04:45.759 - 10:03:46 AM; Senator Carson moved to accept the minutes of February 21st, which was seconded by Senator Rosenwald and adopted without any additions or corrections.
Unclear: Senator Rosen Information Only00:04:45.759 - 10:03:46 AM; Senator Rosen requested to remove item number 25-06 from tab five for full discussion, which was approved.
Unclear: Senator Carson Information Only00:06:13.120 - 10:05:14 AM; Senator Carson moved to adopt the remaining four items on the consent calendar, which was seconded by Senator Blazell Birdell and adopted without further discussion.
Unclear: Amy Newberry Information Only00:06:13.120 - 10:05:14 AM; Amy Newberry, Director of Administration with the Department of Safety, and Lieutenant Chris Storm from the Office of Highway Safety introduced themselves to discuss item number 2565.
Unclear: Senator Rosenald Information Only00:07:34.919 - 10:06:35 AM; Senator Rosenald questioned how adopting item 2565 would improve privacy, as the explanation provided did not reference privacy improvements.
Unclear: Unknown Information Only00:08:22.560 - 10:07:23 AM; The speaker discussed the use of a particular system for special events and critical infrastructure to locate drones that might be violating Part 107 of the CFR. They emphasized that airspace sovereignty allows for overflights, similar to commercial aircraft, but temporary flight restrictions (TFRs) could be used to manage drone operations, particularly during VIP visits. The system would help locate both the drone and its operator.
Unclear: Unknown Information Only00:09:14.640 - 10:08:15 AM; The speaker clarified that the discussed system pertains more to security than privacy. They confirmed that current state, local, or county entities cannot interdict drones and can only request operators to take them down. Only certain federal agencies have the authority to mitigate drone threats.
Unclear: Unknown Information Only00:10:24.560 - 10:09:25 AM; The speaker discussed scenarios where drones could cause damage, like the California incident involving a Super Soaker. They noted that there's no current state-level capability to mitigate drones causing harm, though federal efforts are underway to address this. The system under discussion would enhance vigilance by locating drones and their operators via Wi-Fi signals.
Unclear: Unknown Information Only00:11:35.839 - 10:10:36 AM; The speaker mentioned the registration of drone operators with the FAA, including serial numbers, which could help trace operators in case of incidents. They also discussed upcoming regulations like the unique ID system to further enhance traceability.
Unclear: Unknown Information Only00:12:57.040 - 10:11:58 AM; The speaker clarified that not all drone operators need a certificate, but those involved in commerce or working for government agencies do. They discussed the potential use of the system in the near future, mentioning its application in SEIR events and other unexpected VIP visits, and the need for such a system to support events like air shows without relying on external entities.
Unclear: Unknown Information Only00:12:57.040 - 10:11:58 AM; The speaker was finishing a discussion on security-related matters before moving on to other agenda items.
Unclear: Committee Chair Information Only00:14:20.440 - 10:13:21 AM; The chair entertained motions and votes on various agenda items, including tab six on the regular calendar, item 2572 from the Department of Transportation, and items from the Judicial Council (2566 and 2567). Motions were made and seconded by various members including Senator Rosen, Senator Birdsell, Representative Leechman, Representative Edwards, Senator Gray, and were approved without opposition.
Unclear: Danielle Chande, Director of Finance at DOT Information Only00:15:09.120 - 10:14:10 AM; Danielle Chande, along with Alan Hansco, State Maintenance Engineer at DOT, responded to Representative Leechman's question regarding the impact of higher transfer requests on road paving projects. They confirmed that the paving program is continuing as normal despite the harsh winter conditions, and they have not anticipated any impacts from the transfers.
Unclear: Committee Chair Information Only00:16:13.839 - 10:15:14 AM; The chair continued to entertain motions on various agenda items, including items from the Judicial Council, and noted that all items were adopted without opposition.
Unclear: Committee Chair Information Only00:17:37.440 - 10:16:38 AM; The chair discussed miscellaneous items and informational items, with Senator Rosenol asking about the HHS dashboard and the fishing and game report.
Unclear: Committee Member Information Only00:18:28.080 - 10:17:29 AM; A committee member asked about the coverage of the Hike Safe card funds for search and rescue costs, noting that while the funds bring in about $180,000 annually, the average expenditure is about $309,000. There was also a discussion about the use of funds for equipment, which was not the intended purpose.
Unclear: Nathan White, Chief Financial Officer, Department of Health and Human Services Information Only00:21:05.840 - 10:20:06 AM; Nathan White responded to questions about the long-term care waiver budget, clarifying that the reported number of nursing home beds is the budgeted number, not the licensed number, contrary to what had been previously communicated to the committee. Chris Santelo, Associate Commissioner, confirmed he would check and provide clarity on the matter.
Unclear: Unidentified Speaker Information Only00:22:19.919 - 10:21:20 AM; The speaker discussed ongoing efforts to understand trends in data related to community mental health centers. They mentioned that Katya Fox has been working on these numbers, and data specialists have been involved, but the issue has not been fully resolved. They offered to provide a written follow-up on the latest status, as this affects the reported numbers. The speaker also noted a steady progression in the data, particularly a drop from 2020 to 2022, and expressed a hope for continued improvement in mental health.
Unclear: Senator Gray Information Only00:23:20.080 - 10:22:21 AM; Senator Gray moved to go into a non-public session to discuss ongoing legal matters and issues that could adversely affect someone's reputation if discussed publicly. The motion was seconded and passed with a roll call vote.
Unclear: Senator Gray Information Only01:47:26.440 - 11:46:27 AM; After returning from the non-public session, Senator Gray moved to come out of the session. The minutes were to reflect a review of the process, funds, awards, and the structure of awards, including how attorney fees and loans would be affected. There was no reason to seal the minutes.
Unclear: Unidentified Speaker Information Only01:49:26.719 - 11:48:27 AM; A motion was made to request an additional appropriation of $5 million from general funds for fiscal year 2025, through June 30, 2025, pursuant to RSA 21-M:11-A, 7-A and C. The motion was seconded by Senator Rosen.
Unclear: Representative Walner Oppose01:50:34.560 - 11:49:35 AM; Representative Walner expressed opposition to the motion for the $5 million appropriation, arguing that $15 million was needed as per Mr. Broadick's request. They believed that providing funds in smaller chunks would be inefficient and time-consuming, and they would vote against the $5 million motion.
Unclear: Senator Rosen Oppose01:50:34.560 - 11:49:35 AM; Senator Rosen also opposed the motion for $5 million, stating that with an average claim payout of $500,000 and 80 pending claims, the total needed was around $41 million. With $22 million already in the fund, adding $15 million would meet this need, and thus they would vote against the $5 million motion.
Unclear: Representative Edwards Support01:51:56.800 - 11:50:57 AM; Representative Edwards expressed support for the $5 million motion but with reluctance, agreeing with Representative Walner's concerns. They felt that a different amount might inspire more confidence and maintain the integrity of the fund, which they considered vital.
Unclear: Representative Leechman Support01:51:56.800 - 11:50:57 AM; Representative Leechman supported the $5 million motion but echoed Representative Edwards' wish for $15 million. They mentioned potential legislative changes needed, such as requiring the administrator to report monthly to the fiscal committee, and would vote for the $5 million with some resistance.
Unclear: Senator Carson Support01:51:56.800 - 11:50:57 AM; Senator Carson also supported the $5 million motion, understanding that the administrator would need to report back to the committee.
Unclear: Unnamed Speaker Information Only01:53:08.639 - 11:52:09 AM; The speaker discussed the upcoming budget process, indicating that the budget needs to be finalized by June 30th. They mentioned taking smaller steps currently due to being in the budget process and reassured confidence in funding a particular fund, stating they are taking a step back during the budgeting process.
Unclear: Clerk Information Only01:54:24.520 - 11:53:25 AM; The clerk conducted a roll call vote on a motion for 5 million dollars. The vote resulted in 7 yes votes and 3 no votes, with the motion being adopted.
Unclear: Chair Wiler Information Only01:55:15.040 - 11:54:16 AM; Chair Wiler confirmed the date and time for the next meeting, set for April 18th at 11:00 AM, noting it is Good Friday. There was a brief discussion about the scheduling and no objections were raised to the proposed time.