Committee Summary for House Children and Family Law (03/18/2025)

Bill/Time	Type	Title	Sponsor
Unclear 00:04:43.759 - 9:02:29 AM	General Working Session	Unclear
HB518 00:07:16.240 - 9:05:02 AM	Public Hearing	requiring the commissioner of the department of health and human services to provide a detailed annual report of all costs incurred by the division for children, youth and families.	Layon, Erica(R)[A]2024
HB518 00:24:17.840 - 9:22:03 AM	Executive Session	requiring the commissioner of the department of health and human services to provide a detailed annual report of all costs incurred by the division for children, youth and families.	Layon, Erica(R)[A]2024
HB775 00:40:54.320 - 9:38:40 AM	Public Hearing	directing the department of health and human services to issue a request for proposals for supervised visitation centers.	Nelson, Jodi(R)[B+]2024
HB775 01:23:09.880 - 10:20:55 AM	Executive Session	directing the department of health and human services to issue a request for proposals for supervised visitation centers.	Nelson, Jodi(R)[B+]2024
HB775 01:25:27.920 - 10:23:13 AM	Public Hearing	directing the department of health and human services to issue a request for proposals for supervised visitation centers.	Nelson, Jodi(R)[B+]2024
HB775 01:31:16.239 - 10:29:02 AM	Executive Session	directing the department of health and human services to issue a request for proposals for supervised visitation centers.	Nelson, Jodi(R)[B+]2024
HB775 553 02:58:30.240 - 11:56:16 AM	Executive Session	directing the department of health and human services to issue a request for proposals for supervised visitation centers.	Nelson, Jodi(R)[B+]2024
HB553 2025-1079H 03:37:41.439 - 12:35:27 PM	Executive Session	relative to the definition of abuse and neglect and conditions triggering a rebuttable presumption of harm in abuse and neglect cases.	Gregg, Alicia(D)[CT]2024

Unclear: Allison Nab, Stratam, Rockingham 12 Information Only00:04:43.759 - 9:02:29 AM; Allison Nab introduced herself, mentioning her role in the resources, recreation, and development committee. She did not discuss any specific legislation but rather her involvement in the committee.
Unclear: Representative Greg Information Only00:05:47.199 - 9:03:33 AM; Representative Greg provided an update on Oscar, noting slow but positive progress in his recovery. He mentioned that Oscar is interactive, all his limbs are moving, and he is awaiting a bed in rehab. He also conveyed thanks for the continued prayers and support.
Unclear: Vice Chair Information Only00:06:03.039 - 9:03:49 AM; The Vice Chair led a moment of silence and prayer for Oscar, asking for strength and healing for him and his family.
HB518: Representative Erica Leon, Rockingham 13, Derry Support00:07:16.240 - 9:05:02 AM; Representative Erica Leon introduced HB518, explaining its purpose to require the commissioner of the Department of Health and Human Services to provide a detailed annual report on all costs incurred by the Division of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF). She highlighted the benefits of the bill, including increased transparency and clarity on resource allocation within DCYF. Leon mentioned the potential for future discussions about making DCYF a standalone department and the need for clear data to support such decisions. She also expressed willingness to amend the bill regarding the reporting date if necessary and requested support for the bill.
HB518: Unidentified Speaker Information Only00:11:09.200 - 9:08:55 AM; The speaker inquired if the audit proposed in the bill would be applied to all state agencies or specifically to DCYF. The response highlighted the importance of ensuring appropriate resource allocation for child safety, suggesting that while audits of other areas could be considered, focusing on DCYF is crucial due to the need to protect children and ensure resources are used effectively.
HB518: Unidentified Speaker Information Only00:12:00.959 - 9:09:46 AM; The speaker asked if the proposed audit would overlap with the governor's efforts to streamline departments. The response clarified that the bill's structure would provide ongoing, actionable information to various branches of government, ensuring DCYF remains mission-focused and well-resourced, without duplicating efforts.
HB518: Representative McMahon Information Only00:12:28.240 - 9:10:14 AM; Representative McMahon questioned the absence of a fiscal note in the bill, which is supposed to be an audit and performance review. It was clarified that the department could handle the audit within their existing scope without additional costs.
HB518: Representative Nab Information Only00:13:38.000 - 9:11:24 AM; Representative Nab humorously encouraged participation from all members, including those from Stratham, indicating a welcoming and inclusive atmosphere in the committee.
HB518: Representative Betty Gay, Salem Support00:14:57.680 - 9:12:43 AM; Representative Gay supported the bill and suggested that DCYF should consolidate reporting to various committees into one report to save time. She also recommended creating a flowchart of procedures to identify bottlenecks and resource shortages, emphasizing the emotional and financial challenges faced by DCYF in handling their responsibilities.
HB518: Representative Cidell Information Only00:17:36.640 - 9:15:22 AM; Representative Cidell asked Representative Gay if she supported or opposed the bill, to which Gay confirmed her support and added the importance of considering time as a budget in the flowchart.
HB518: Marie Nunan, Director of DCYF Information Only00:19:04.400 - 9:16:50 AM; Marie Nunan, the Director of DCYF, clarified that while there are numerous policies and procedures, there isn't a single report as proposed by the bill. She confirmed that the bill could be implemented without additional costs and discussed the importance of collaboration within DHHS to meet family needs effectively.
HB518: Representative Love Information Only00:21:28.960 - 9:19:14 AM; Representative Love inquired about the inclusion of federal funding mandates in the proposed report. Marie Nunan confirmed the existence of such mandates and agreed that including them in the report would make it more comprehensive, though more complex.
HB518: Unnamed Speaker Information Only00:22:30.960 - 9:20:16 AM; The speaker responded to a question about the department's capacity to execute the detailed accountability required by the bill. They confirmed that the department believes it has the capacity to file the required report.
HB518: Representative Kosen Information Only00:23:28.000 - 9:21:14 AM; Representative Kosen asked for clarification on the department's position regarding the bill. The department representative stated that they are not taking a position on the bill but are willing to answer questions about the requirements or their ability to carry them out.
HB518: Unnamed Speaker Information Only00:24:17.840 - 9:22:03 AM; The speaker from the department expressed a preference for changing the reporting deadline from September 1st to December 31st to align with existing processes. They mentioned having sent a request to OS for this change.
HB518: Unnamed Speaker Information Only00:24:17.840 - 9:22:03 AM; The speaker closed the public hearing on HB518 and opened an executive session on the same bill, indicating a need to finalize and move forward with the bill before the next scheduled hearing.
HB518: Representative Love Information Only00:25:32.640 - 9:23:18 AM; Representative Love expressed concerns about mandates potentially requiring an amendment to the bill, referencing a previous question about mandates.
HB518: Representative Ken Support00:25:32.640 - 9:23:18 AM; Representative Ken stated that transparency is never a bad thing, suggesting support for the bill's intent.
HB518: Unnamed Speaker Information Only00:26:15.480 - 9:24:01 AM; The speaker mentioned that the requirement for the Commissioner of the Department of Health and Human Services to provide a detailed annual report is already happening, questioning the need for additional resources and the relevance of the bill, but did not oppose the bill itself.
HB518: Unnamed Speaker Information Only00:27:08.039 - 9:24:54 AM; The speaker mentioned never having issues obtaining information from the division and suggested that requesting information directly might be sufficient without the need for legislation. They also mentioned a short-lived special committee on DCF, which was modeled after a special committee on the family division of circuit court.
HB518: Representative Georgees Information Only00:27:08.039 - 9:24:54 AM; Representative Georgees expressed agreement with the previous speaker's sentiment about the division's responsiveness and the potential redundancy of legislation to enforce reporting.
HB518: Representative Love Information Only00:27:08.039 - 9:24:54 AM; Representative Love supported the idea that the division should already be performing the required tasks and suggested legislative action if they were not. They also mentioned a past special committee on DCF that paralleled the family division of circuit court.
HB518: Unnamed Speaker Information Only00:28:38.679 - 9:26:24 AM; The speaker discussed the possibility of forming another special committee on DCYF or a subcommittee within Health and Human Services to look at multiple issues rather than just one. They also mentioned the transition of a special committee on family court to a subcommittee under children and family law.
HB518: Representative D Simone Information Only00:30:48.559 - 9:28:34 AM; Representative D Simone proposed a motion to retain HB518, suggesting further discussion and monitoring of the budget's impact on the bill. They expressed concern about losing the bill due to budget constraints and preferred to retain it to see if implementation could occur without legislation.
HB518: Representative Petrinho Information Only00:32:15.200 - 9:30:01 AM; Representative Petrinho seconded the motion to retain HB518, agreeing with the need to watch the budget and further discuss the bill's implementation without necessarily passing legislation.
HB518: Unnamed Speaker Information Only00:33:21.360 - 9:31:07 AM; The speaker concluded the executive session on HB518 with a roll call vote to retain the bill, which passed 15 to 1. They suggested working with the prime sponsor over the next few months to see how the budget affects the bill and possibly forming a subcommittee on DCYF oversight.
HB775: Representative Jod Nelson Support00:40:54.320 - 9:38:40 AM; Representative Jod Nelson introduced HB775, emphasizing its importance and the background of how he got involved. He mentioned resurrecting the bill previously submitted by Representatives Dimony and Rice and highlighted his collaboration with Dr. Scott Hampton, who would provide further testimony on the bill's significance.
HB775: Dr. Scott Hampton Support00:42:58.960 - 9:40:44 AM; Dr. Scott Hampton, with 35 years of experience in family violence, passionately supported HB775. He provided a history of supervised visitation centers in New Hampshire, their importance for child safety, and the need for funding. He highlighted the effectiveness of these centers in preventing crime, protecting children, and preserving families. He also discussed the fiscal implications, stating that preventing one bad case could cover the costs of running centers across the state for years.
HB775: Representative Rice Information Only00:54:01.599 - 9:51:47 AM; Representative Rice inquired if the facilities discussed could also assist in reunifying a parent with their child after a long period of alienation or after the parent's release from prison. The response affirmed that the centers handle various overlapping issues, including those mentioned by Representative Rice, and are not limited to just domestic violence cases.
HB775: Representative D Simone Information Only00:55:10.079 - 9:52:56 AM; Representative D Simone asked about the financial aspect of running the center, noting that it currently costs the state nothing in their county. The discussion then shifted to the center's operations, focusing on how it addresses the physical, verbal, and mental health of children. The center's layout and security measures were described, emphasizing safety and separation of parents under restraining orders.
HB775: Unknown Speaker Information Only00:56:33.839 - 9:54:19 AM; The speaker continued to describe the operational details of the visitation center, including the use of separate entrances and parking lots, the presence of a deputy sheriff, and the process of staggered arrivals and departures to ensure safety. The center's rules and the focus on maintaining a safe environment for child visitation were highlighted, along with the importance of monitoring and redirecting conversations during visits.
HB775: Representative Love Information Only01:00:24.799 - 9:58:10 AM; Representative Love asked about the number of families involved in such programs across the state. The response indicated that, aside from their county, there are virtually no such services available in other counties. The center's capacity to handle only a few families at a time due to staffing needs was also mentioned.
HB775: Representative Rice Information Only01:01:28.160 - 9:59:14 AM; Representative Rice raised concerns about parents potentially losing access to their children due to the lack of these facilities. The response highlighted the complex situation where victim parents might be blamed for staying in abusive relationships to protect their children, yet face accusations of parental alienation if they do not facilitate visits, leading to loss of custody.
HB775: Representative Malone Information Only01:03:31.599 - 10:01:17 AM; Representative Malone discussed the impact of public exchanges at places like police departments or fast food restaurants on children's ongoing trauma. The response emphasized the privacy and safety provided by the visitation center, contrasting it with the lack of safety and privacy in public settings, and referenced a tragic incident in San Francisco to underline the importance of proper safety measures.
HB775: Representative Le Information Only01:06:12.000 - 10:03:58 AM; Representative Le inquired if the bill would expand to the Dover Visitation Center, allowing more families to use the facility. The response indicated that the bill could prevent the center from closing and potentially increase its hours of operation, though the physical structure would still limit the number of families to two at a time.
HB775: Representative Georgees Support01:07:30.079 - 10:05:16 AM; Representative Georgees expressed appreciation for the work being done to support families and children, mentioning their own involvement in programs related to domestic violence and family support. They thanked the presenter for their efforts and the positive impact on families.
HB775: Representative D Simone Support01:10:42.320 - 10:08:28 AM; Representative D Simone shared a personal anecdote about a visit to a federal prison in Berlin to discuss visitation rights with inmates. They emphasized the importance of maintaining a connection between children and their incarcerated parents, even if the parents have committed serious crimes, as long as it can be done safely.
HB775: Former Representative Betty Gay from Salem Support01:13:58.800 - 10:11:44 AM; Former Representative Betty Gay from Salem expressed strong support for the bill, emphasizing the importance of children knowing they are loved by their parents, even if the parents have done terrible things. She highlighted the need for safe visitation and was impressed by the detailed safety measures described by Dr. Hampton, hoping that counties would contribute to the costs, possibly by providing space and law enforcement presence.
HB775: Unnamed Speaker from Salem Support01:16:02.360 - 10:13:48 AM; The speaker emphasized the importance of having safe spaces for supervised visitation, highlighting the need for trained law enforcement and counselors. They mentioned that in their town, Salem, the police station was used for visitation, but it was not ideal. The speaker stressed the necessity of having counselors to ensure supportive conversations for children and prevent negative interactions about the other parent. They expressed excitement and support for the program, hoping that funding would be figured out.
HB775: Emily Lawrence from Waypoint Support01:17:51.920 - 10:15:37 AM; Emily Lawrence, the advocacy director at Waypoint, a nonprofit organization celebrating its 175th anniversary, spoke in support of HB775. She agreed with the points made by Dr. Hampton and emphasized the need for supervised visitation centers. Lawrence mentioned that Waypoint staff often receive requests from families to act as supervisors, but they are not trained for such complex cases. She highlighted the inadequacy of public places like McDonald's or libraries for family visits and urged the committee to pass the bill.
HB775: Susan Bristen from DHS Information Only01:21:09.640 - 10:18:55 AM; Susan Bristen, representing the Department of Health and Human Services (DHS), acknowledged the necessity of the bill for New Hampshire citizens but raised concerns about the fiscal implications. She mentioned a $5 million fiscal note associated with the bill and was unable to provide details on how it was calculated, as she was not involved in its creation. Bristen suggested that someone from DHS could provide more information on the fiscal note if needed.
HB775: Unnamed Committee Member Vote01:23:09.880 - 10:20:55 AM; The committee member expressed support for HB775, describing it as a fantastic and needed bill. They acknowledged potential funding challenges but emphasized the long-term cost-effectiveness and necessity of the bill. The member moved to pass the bill out of committee with a favorable recommendation.
HB775: Representative D Simone Support01:24:42.320 - 10:22:28 AM; Representative D Simone supported the bill, arguing that requesting a visitation center in each county is not a large ask, especially when compared to other state-mandated facilities like nursing homes and prisons. They specifically mentioned the Rockingham County facility as a potential location, noting its suitability with multiple entrances, an auditorium, and indoor and outdoor spaces that could be used for supervised visits.
HB775: Unknown Speaker Support01:25:27.920 - 10:23:13 AM; The speaker supports the bill and suggests that nursing homes could be adapted for visitation between children and parents. They argue that the existing facilities could be utilized with minimal additional cost, suggesting the use of non-county funds to hire a facilitator or counselor. The speaker emphasizes the importance of the bill for allowing children access to their parents and urges its passage.
HB775: Unknown Speaker Information Only01:26:51.120 - 10:24:37 AM; The speaker mentions concerns raised by librarians about the safety and responsibility placed on library staff due to the visitation program proposed in the bill. They note that there have been instances where parents demand videos and tapes from library cameras, which raises legal and duty concerns for the libraries.
HB775: Representative Love Support01:27:40.080 - 10:25:26 AM; Representative Love supports the concept of the bill but expresses concern that it might not pass in other legislative stages. They suggest engaging with county commissioners to develop a program as an alternative approach to ensure the initiative moves forward.
HB775: Representative Greg Support01:28:57.360 - 10:26:43 AM; Representative Greg emphasizes the importance of showing legislative support for the bill, focusing on policy over finance. They believe it's crucial for the committee to demonstrate the significance of addressing family court issues and high conflict cases, advocating for the bill's passage despite potential challenges in other areas.
HB775: Representative Georgees Support01:30:03.679 - 10:27:49 AM; Representative Georgees supports the bill, highlighting its importance for providing a safe space for children to meet with their families. They mention the problems faced by children in Manchester and the need for a center where family interactions can be facilitated to address these issues effectively.
HB775: Representative Coren Support01:30:03.679 - 10:27:49 AM; Representative Coren agrees with Representatives Love and Greg, advocating for an 'ought to pass' vote on the bill. They suggest that following the vote, committee members should engage with other stakeholders to further support the initiative.
HB775: Unnamed Speaker Information Only01:31:16.239 - 10:29:02 AM; The speaker discusses the need for a backup plan for the bill's implementation, even if it stops in one place, and suggests discussing it with the county delegation.
HB775: Unnamed Speaker Vote01:32:14.320 - 10:30:00 AM; The chair moves to recommend 'Ought to Pass' (OTP) for HB775, which is seconded. A roll call vote is taken, and the bill passes with a unanimous vote of 16 to 0.
HB775: Representative Greg Information Only01:32:59.199 - 10:30:45 AM; Representative Greg suggests that HB775 should be placed on the consent calendar unless there are objections. They also mention speaking with the clerk of the House about the bill's unexpected financial implications and the need to raise $10 million.
HB775: Representative Cororsen Information Only01:33:34.239 - 10:31:20 AM; Representative Cororsen suggests that the county delegation should consider using county facilities and funds to offset any state costs to help get the centers up and running. They also propose an op-ed to make the case for the bill, inviting others to contribute.
HB775: Unnamed Speaker Information Only01:34:53.920 - 10:32:39 AM; The speaker announces a recess until 12:30 to review an amendment for HB553, apologizing for a formatting error that occurred during the transfer of the document from pages to Word. They also mention a lunch and learn event in the cafeteria.
HB775: Unnamed Speaker Information Only02:55:42.640 - 11:53:28 AM; The speaker updates the committee on the schedule, noting there will be no meeting next week but a subcommittee on family court will meet. They mention that the next full committee meeting will depend on the number of bills coming from the Senate. They also discuss the status of HB775 on the consent calendar and the unexpected fiscal note, indicating that the bill's financial implications are being reviewed by the speaker, the clerk, and the minority leader.
HB775 553: Unnamed Speaker Information Only02:58:30.240 - 11:56:16 AM; The speaker addressed concerns about potential harm from the bill, clarifying that the enrolled bills process would check for errors and ensure no harm is intended. They also discussed the terms 'hism', 'hisomm', and 'herm', indicating these are related to the bill's content.
HB775 553: Representative Greg Support02:59:59.439 - 11:57:45 AM; Representative Greg moved to adopt amendment 553. He mentioned that the amendment corrected errors from the original bill submission to OS and was developed by a subcommittee, despite some members not being able to attend. The amendment aimed to address concerns and misconstructions from the original bill, focusing on definitions crucial for child protection.
HB775 553: Representative Rice Dimony Information Only03:01:10.640 - 11:58:56 AM; Representative Rice Dimony, along with Representatives Nelson and others, worked on the amendment. They emphasized the importance of clear definitions in the bill, which is vital for child protection in the state, and clarified that the amendment does not deal with ramifications but strictly with definitions.
HB775 553: Representative Raymond Information Only03:02:43.600 - 12:00:29 PM; Representative Raymond inquired about the burden of proof on DCYF if the amendment were approved. He was concerned about whether DCYF would need to show an impact on the child in cases of allegations. It was clarified that DCYF still has the burden to show impact, and the amendment only deals with definitions.
HB775 553: Representative Love Oppose03:03:47.760 - 12:01:33 PM; Representative Love expressed concerns about DCYF's authority to investigate crimes against children, suggesting that such cases should be handled by criminal courts and professional investigators. He felt that the current system sometimes leads to cases being mishandled or ignored.
HB775 553: Representative D Simony Information Only03:03:47.760 - 12:01:33 PM; Representative D Simony responded to Representative Love, reiterating that the bill and its amendment are focused solely on definitions and not on changing the investigative authority of DCYF.
HB775 553: Representative Information Only03:05:00.399 - 12:02:46 PM; The speaker clarifies that the Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF) assesses situations in homes but does not decide on criminality, which is left to the police and courts. The bill aims to define child endangerment, leaving criminal judgments to law enforcement and judicial systems to avoid complicating the process with multiple agencies.
HB775 553: Representative Information Only03:05:45.520 - 12:03:31 PM; The speaker explains that the bill's definitions will assist police and courts in identifying child endangerment more clearly. They mention another area of law, possibly RSA 169, which deals with sentencing and other actions post-crime determination, but this is not covered in the current bill, focusing only on defining child endangerment.
HB775 553: Representative Information Only03:06:34.760 - 12:04:20 PM; The speaker emphasizes keeping the bill focused on defining child endangerment and not expanding into other areas like criminal sentencing or police duties. They suggest that any concerns about police action should be addressed in a separate bill, not this one, and acknowledge the complexity of covering all related issues within one bill.
HB775 553: Representative Information Only03:09:42.359 - 12:07:28 PM; The speaker addresses a specific concern about the bill's language related to female genital mutilation, clarifying that the change was made by the Office of Legislative Services (OS) and does not alter the bill's intent regarding male genital mutilation. They also mention that the motion before them is to pass the bill as is.
HB775 553: Representative Information Only03:11:54.160 - 12:09:40 PM; The speaker discusses amendments made to address concerns about post-natal substance abuse, confirming that these concerns were addressed in discussions and amendments. They emphasize that the bill encourages mothers to seek treatment without fear of immediate child removal and explains that substance exposure alone does not constitute abuse unless accompanied by other signs of neglect or harm.
HB775 553: Representative Information Only03:13:53.680 - 12:11:39 PM; The speaker clarifies that the term 'substance' in the bill refers to both legal and illegal substances, highlighting the misuse of substances like oxycodone as an example of what could be considered under the bill's definitions.
HB775 553: Representative Information Only03:14:54.239 - 12:12:40 PM; The speaker raises concerns about the legal implications of expanding the definition of abuse, particularly with the use of a rebuttable presumption, which they argue puts parents at a legal disadvantage. They express worry about potential infringement on parental rights and the possibility of procedural due process issues, suggesting these could lead to legal challenges.
HB775 553: Representative Rice Information Only03:18:56.560 - 12:16:42 PM; Representative Rice expressed concerns about the definitions of abuse in the bill, particularly focusing on the concept of a 'persistent pattern' of behavior that leads to severe injury to the child, whether psychological or otherwise. They emphasized that the definitions in the bill do not infringe on parental rights and noted that many states include emotional abuse in their definitions.
HB775 553: Representative Oppose03:20:01.760 - 12:17:47 PM; The speaker raised concerns about the rebuttable presumption of harm in the bill, arguing that it shifts the burden of proof onto the accused, which they believe does not pass constitutional muster. They discussed the potential overbreadth of the definitions and the implications for parental rights, expressing worry about the lack of due process safeguards for parents, especially in cases where they might not have legal representation.
HB775 553: Representative Information Only03:21:07.319 - 12:18:53 PM; The speaker referenced section 169 C12F of the RSA, which deals with the rebuttable presumption of harm, and explained that the bill uses this terminology to define conduct that could lead to serious impairment of a child's health. They reiterated concerns about the shifting of the burden of proof and the potential for subjective interpretations of abuse.
HB775 553: Representative Oppose03:22:22.800 - 12:20:08 PM; The speaker continued to express concerns about due process, citing the case of Matthews v. Eldridge as a reference for procedural due process. They argued that the bill's expansion of abuse definitions could lead to subjective judgments in court, potentially infringing on parental rights without adequate safeguards.
HB775 553: Representative Oppose03:24:36.160 - 12:22:22 PM; The speaker discussed the rebuttable presumption of harm statute, updated in 2024, and its implications for the evidentiary process in cases involving substance misuse and exposure to violence. They argued that the bill expands what constitutes harm to a child, potentially infringing on parental rights without sufficient due process protections.
HB775 553: Representative Oppose03:25:26.359 - 12:23:12 PM; The speaker reiterated concerns about the expansion of abuse definitions and the lack of due process safeguards for parents, particularly in cases where they might not have legal representation. They referenced the case of Gideon v. Wainwright to emphasize the importance of appointed counsel in cases involving deprivation of liberty.
HB775 553: Representative Nelson Information Only03:27:55.439 - 12:25:41 PM; Representative Nelson sought clarification on the evidence required to prove emotional and psychological abuse, suggesting that testimonies from teachers and counselors, as well as psychological evaluations, could be used. They emphasized that the bill's definitions are intended to help DCYF assess situations and intervene to help families, not to punish parents.
HB775 553: Representative Greg Information Only03:29:08.080 - 12:26:54 PM; Representative Greg clarified that parents are entitled to appointed counsel in 169C cases if they cannot afford it, addressing concerns about due process. They emphasized that the bill's definitions are foundational and not intended to cover all aspects of the legal process.
HB775 553: Representative Raymond Support03:32:05.200 - 12:29:51 PM; Representative Raymond explained that the bill's definitions are intended to help DCYF assess situations and intervene to help families, not to create criminal standards. They provided examples of situations where a rebuttable presumption of harm would apply, such as a parent operating a meth lab or driving drunk with children in the car, emphasizing that the goal is to help parents rectify harmful behaviors.
HB775 553: Representative Desimone Support03:36:05.760 - 12:33:51 PM; Representative Desimone clarified that the bill only changes the word 'health' in the RSA to 'emotional, physical, psychological, or mental well-being' to more succinctly define the types of harm that could lead to a rebuttable presumption of harm. They emphasized that the bill's definitions are intended to help DCYF assess situations and intervene to help families, not to punish parents.
HB553 2025-1079H: Representative Greg Information Only03:37:41.439 - 12:35:27 PM; Representative Greg discusses the amendment 2025-1079H to HB553, focusing on the definition of a child's health. He clarifies that the amendment aims to specify emotional, physical, psychological, or mental health without changing existing law, but rather defining what health means in the context of child protection.
HB553 2025-1079H: Representative Raymond Information Only03:38:57.520 - 12:36:43 PM; Representative Raymond is mentioned as looking for information regarding the appointment of counsel for defendants in cases related to the amendment, indicating a concern about legal representation.
HB553 2025-1079H: Mama Bear Support03:39:46.720 - 12:37:32 PM; Mama Bear, a parent, supports the amendment, emphasizing the importance of parental rights but also the necessity of child safety. She argues that the amendment allows for intervention to prevent the need for removing children from their parents, highlighting the balance between parental rights and child protection.
HB553 2025-1079H: Chair Information Only03:40:42.319 - 12:38:28 PM; The Chair calls for a vote on amendment 2025-1079H to HB553, moved by Representative Greg and seconded by Representative D simone. The vote results in 13-2 in favor of the amendment.
HB553 2025-1079H: Representative Greg Support03:42:53.279 - 12:40:39 PM; Representative Greg moves to pass HB553 as amended (OTPA), indicating support for the bill with the amendment included. The motion is seconded by Representative Rice.
HB553 2025-1079H: Representative Sidel Oppose03:43:38.720 - 12:41:24 PM; Representative Sidel expresses concern about the amendment, specifically regarding the definition of abuse and trauma. He worries that the amendment might bypass due process for parents, citing examples of serious injury or illness as reasons for trauma that could lead to immediate action without sufficient legal protection for parents.
HB553 2025-1079H: Unnamed Speaker Information Only03:44:40.560 - 12:42:26 PM; An unnamed speaker responds to Representative Sidel's concerns, explaining that the amendment is based on cases involving severe injuries to non-ambulatory children, emphasizing the need for immediate action in high-risk situations to prevent further harm or death.
HB553 2025-1079H: Chair Information Only03:44:40.560 - 12:42:26 PM; The Chair calls for a final vote on HB553 as amended, which results in a vote of 13-2 in favor of passing the bill with the amendment.
HB553 2025-1079H: Unidentified Speaker Information Only03:46:00.439 - 12:43:46 PM; The speaker announced the results of a vote on HB553, which was 11 to 4. They explained the procedure for those who voted no to declare their intent to write a minority report. The report must be submitted before leaving the session. The speaker asked if any of the four who voted no wished to write the minority report, and it was confirmed that Representative Greg and Representative Mark would each write one.
HB553 2025-1079H: Unidentified Speaker Information Only03:46:57.600 - 12:44:43 PM; The speaker reiterated the need for those who voted no to declare their intent to write a minority report and submit it before leaving. They confirmed that Representative Greg and Representative Mark would write the minority reports. The executive session on HB553 was concluded.

Pearson, Mark(Chairman)(R)[B-]2024	Nelson, Jodi(Clerk)(R)[B+]2024	DeSimone, Debra(V Chairman)(R)[A-]2024
McMahon, Charles(R)[A-]2024	Rice, Kimberly(R)[B-]2022	Love, David(R)[A]2024
Korzen, Lori(R)	Georges, Mary(D)	Seidel, Sheila(R)[A-]2024
Raymond, Heather(D)[CT]2024	Gregg, Alicia(D)[CT]2024	Petrigno, Peter(D)[CT]2024
Grossman, Gaby(D)[CT]2024	Levesque, Cassandra (D)[CT]2024	Malone, Amy(D)
Markell, Jay(R)