Committee Summary for House Children and Family Law (05/13/2025)

Bill/Time	Type	Title	Sponsor
HB652 00:18:22.320 - 8:45:53 AM	General Working Session	abolishing the family division, creating the office of family mediation, and reassigning the jurisdiction of the family division.	Bernardy, JD(R)[A-]2024

HB652: Mark Pearson, Subcommittee Chairman Information Only00:18:22.320 - 8:45:53 AM; Chairman Mark Pearson opened the meeting of the family court subcommittee of the children and family law committee. He emphasized the informal nature of subcommittee meetings and the importance of keeping minutes to track discussions for future reference. Pearson highlighted the continuation of the work from the previous special committee on the family division of the circuit court, which operated collaboratively across party lines and with the judiciary. He noted the success of this approach in achieving consensus and implementing changes, which are now showing positive results. Pearson also mentioned that the subcommittee will not be calling for new public testimony, as they have already gathered sufficient input from previous sessions. He stressed the focus on using this input and House Bill 652 to guide their work on family court improvements.
HB652: Mark Pearson, Subcommittee Chairman Information Only00:21:47.080 - 8:49:18 AM; Pearson continued discussing the composition of the subcommittee, which consists of seven members from the children and family law committee, with a breakdown of five Republicans and two Democrats. He expressed confidence that partisanship would not hinder their work, as it did not in the previous term. He reviewed the nature of the public testimony received in the past, noting that while some was unhelpful (e.g., requests to retry cases or accusations against judges), other parts provided useful suggestions on process and evidence rules. Pearson concluded by stating that the subcommittee's focus would be on using the previous testimony and House Bill 652 to guide their work on family court improvements.
HB652: Mark Pearson, Subcommittee Chairman Information Only00:23:56.880 - 8:51:27 AM; Pearson further elaborated on the subcommittee's approach to their work. He mentioned that they would not be calling for new public testimony but would rely on the testimonies from the previous special committee, which their researcher, Attorney Grant, would help filter and provide to the subcommittee. Pearson emphasized the importance of focusing on helpful suggestions from the public and using House Bill 652 as a key input for their work. He also noted that the subcommittee's dual purpose is to comment on House Bill 652 and to identify additional changes needed in family court, independent of the bill.
HB652: Unknown Speaker Information Only00:26:12.080 - 8:53:43 AM; The speaker discusses the approach to HB652, expressing an open-minded attitude towards the bill and suggesting it as a resource. They mention the availability of information from other states and historical recommendations for the family division. They also discuss the process for requesting more information through the subcommittee chair and committee services, and suggest that subcommittees should be free to call for specific information without intermediaries.
HB652: Unknown Speaker Information Only00:28:19.799 - 8:55:50 AM; The speaker continues discussing the structure and focus of the subcommittees, dividing the work into two major areas: pre-trial and trial processes. They mention Representative Greg's email containing subcategories for pre-trial processes, such as helping litigants reach agreements without court, the qualifications and supervision of mediators, and the potential integration of counseling for issues like PTSD.
HB652: Unknown Speaker Information Only00:30:30.399 - 8:58:01 AM; The speaker focuses on the trial process, discussing whether there should be a separate family division, the role of dedicated family court judges, their training, and the handling of domestic violence issues across different courts. They suggest that the subcommittees should be divided into smaller groups to work on these areas and emphasize the importance of proper documentation and communication.
HB652: Unknown Speaker Information Only00:31:46.480 - 8:59:17 AM; The speaker explains the logistics of forming smaller groups within the subcommittee to work on specific issues without violating the 91A rules. They suggest that these groups can meet freely and seek information from various sources, including other states and judges, and discuss the possibility of informal participation by other committee members.
HB652: Representative Raymond Information Only00:33:01.600 - 9:00:32 AM; Representative Raymond inquires about meeting locations for subgroups, mentioning that the building is closing soon and asking if alternative public places like a coffee shop could be used. The response clarifies that since these are not public meetings, any location can be used, including informal settings like a pool party.
HB652: Unknown Speaker Information Only00:34:56.879 - 9:02:27 AM; The speaker suggests that state house rooms might be available for smaller meetings if cleared through leadership. This could be more convenient for judges, department heads, and experts to attend.
HB652: Unknown Speaker Information Only00:35:43.200 - 9:03:14 AM; The speaker discusses the possibility of meeting with a judge in their chambers and the potential for groups of two to collaborate on overlapping work. They emphasize the need to adhere to public meeting rules if groups expand beyond two.
HB652: Representative Greg Information Only00:37:11.480 - 9:04:42 AM; Representative Greg reads from a memo listing suggested pre-trial topics, including alternative dispute resolutions, mediation, counseling and therapy for issues like PTSD, and materials from the New Hampshire Bar Association to inform pro se litigants.
HB652: Representative Bernardi Information Only00:39:11.440 - 9:06:42 AM; Representative Bernardi confirms that the pre-trial topics listed cover the relevant issues for HB652.
HB652: Attorney Kan Information Only00:39:11.440 - 9:06:42 AM; Attorney Kan expresses willingness to assist with any pre-trial topics but does not have additional suggestions to add.
HB652: Unknown Speaker Information Only00:40:07.680 - 9:07:38 AM; The speaker suggests that as the subcommittee reviews literature, new pre-trial topics might emerge.
HB652: Representative Chair Information Only00:40:07.680 - 9:07:38 AM; The Representative Chair suggests providing pro se litigants with information on the rules of evidence and testimony to better prepare them for trials.
HB652: Unnamed Speaker Information Only00:41:05.640 - 9:08:36 AM; The speaker suggested that providing litigants with better information about the trial process could help them prepare more effectively. They mentioned the possibility of investigating literature and materials that could be provided to litigants to understand the constraints and rules they must follow during trials. They also noted the existence of a large packet given to litigants but questioned whether it should include rules of evidence.
HB652: Representative Greg Information Only00:42:28.000 - 9:09:59 AM; Representative Greg discussed the work done by a subcommittee on forms, noting that the courts were addressing the clunky website and forms. He emphasized the need to give the courts time to implement changes and suggested checking on the progress of these improvements. He also mentioned the importance of parallel efforts in improving forms and the trial process.
HB652: Unnamed Speaker Information Only00:44:22.560 - 9:11:53 AM; The speaker acknowledged the collaborative efforts on forms and the website, mentioning a request for proposal that was going out. They emphasized not undoing the good work already done but suggested working in parallel with other necessary improvements. The speaker then moved on to discuss trial-related topics, including additional training for family court judges, the dedication of judges to family court, and the intersection of civil and criminal issues in domestic violence cases.
HB652: Representative Raymond Information Only00:45:18.720 - 9:12:49 AM; Representative Raymond raised concerns about judges' behavior during trials, particularly regarding recordings and documentation in the courtroom. They inquired about any changes or ongoing efforts to address these issues, mentioning previous discussions and bills related to the topic.
HB652: Aaron Kan, General Counsel for the court system Information Only00:46:08.839 - 9:13:39 AM; Aaron Kan explained the differences in recording technology between circuit and superior courts, noting the lack of court monitors in circuit courts. He described how recordings are managed by court security officers and mentioned potential ways for litigants to check if recordings are being made. He also discussed the resource constraints affecting improvements in recording technology.
HB652: Unnamed Speaker Information Only00:48:59.240 - 9:16:30 AM; The speaker discussed the handling of rules of evidence in different states and the various objections raised during trials. They mentioned the need to consider whether to address this topic now or later, depending on interest from committee members.
HB652: Unnamed Speaker Information Only00:50:23.520 - 9:17:54 AM; The speaker raised concerns about the high cost of retrieving trial transcripts, which can be a financial burden for litigants. They suggested working with the courts to find a way to reduce these costs, emphasizing the importance of access to transcripts for litigants.
HB652: Unnamed Speaker Information Only00:51:25.599 - 9:18:56 AM; The speaker clarified that the court system does not have transcribing staff and that litigants must pay private companies for transcription services. They discussed the 'New Hampshire way' of outsourcing services to reduce government overhead and suggested potential solutions like state-funded transcription or hiring more court employees.
HB652: Unnamed Speaker Information Only00:52:18.720 - 9:19:49 AM; The speaker advocated for finding a compromise to make transcripts more affordable for litigants, acknowledging the state's outsourcing decisions but emphasizing the need for better access. They suggested studying other states' models for a potential hybrid solution.
HB652: Unnamed Speaker Information Only00:53:39.040 - 9:21:10 AM; The speaker discussed the budget constraints affecting the court system, mentioning a proposed 7% cut to the operating budget and potential closures and cancellations. They highlighted the efficiency of the courts and the limited resources available, expressing hope that wait times for court hearings would not increase.
HB652: Representative Greg Information Only00:55:49.359 - 9:23:20 AM; Representative Greg provided perspective on the number of complaints received about the family courts, noting that they represent a very small percentage of the total cases handled. They emphasized the need to consider the emotional context of family court cases and the importance of not overhauling the system based on a small number of complaints.
HB652: Unnamed Speaker Information Only00:57:41.400 - 9:25:12 AM; The speaker added the question of whether to have a family division or not to the list of topics to be discussed, referencing House Bill 652. They also mentioned the need to consider what changes would be necessary if the family division were to be dissolved and cases moved to superior court.
HB652: Unnamed Speaker Information Only00:58:26.559 - 9:25:57 AM; The speaker discussed the assignment of committee members to various subcategories related to pre-trial and trial issues. They mentioned alternative dispute resolution, mediation, counseling, therapy, materials by the New Hampshire Bar, and the training and dedication of family court judges. They also noted the need to consider the intersection of civil and criminal issues and the cost of retrieving transcripts.
HB652: Unnamed Speaker Information Only01:00:28.480 - 9:27:59 AM; The speaker continued discussing the assignment of committee members to subcategories, including alternative dispute resolution, mediation, counseling, therapy, and materials by the New Hampshire Bar. They also mentioned the need to consider the training and dedication of family court judges and the intersection of civil and criminal issues.
HB652: Unnamed Speaker Information Only01:01:29.880 - 9:29:00 AM; The speaker discussed the assignment of committee members to subcategories, including alternative dispute resolution, mediation, counseling, therapy, and materials by the New Hampshire Bar. They also mentioned the need to consider the training and dedication of family court judges and the intersection of civil and criminal issues.
HB652: Unnamed Speaker Information Only01:02:41.920 - 9:30:12 AM; The speaker discussed the assignment of committee members to subcategories, including alternative dispute resolution, mediation, counseling, therapy, and materials by the New Hampshire Bar. They also mentioned the need to consider the training and dedication of family court judges and the intersection of civil and criminal issues.
HB652: Unnamed Speaker Information Only01:03:53.359 - 9:31:24 AM; The speaker discussed the assignment of committee members to subcategories, including alternative dispute resolution, mediation, counseling, therapy, and materials by the New Hampshire Bar. They also mentioned the need to consider the training and dedication of family court judges and the intersection of civil and criminal issues.
HB652: Unnamed Speaker Information Only01:04:54.400 - 9:32:25 AM; The speaker discussed the assignment of committee members to subcategories, including alternative dispute resolution, mediation, counseling, therapy, and materials by the New Hampshire Bar. They also mentioned the need to consider the training and dedication of family court judges and the intersection of civil and criminal issues.
HB652: Unnamed Speaker Information Only01:06:09.160 - 9:33:40 AM; The speaker discussed the assignment of committee members to subcategories, including alternative dispute resolution, mediation, counseling, therapy, and materials by the New Hampshire Bar. They also mentioned the need to consider the training and dedication of family court judges and the intersection of civil and criminal issues.
HB652: Unnamed Speaker Information Only01:07:40.240 - 9:35:11 AM; The speaker discussed the assignment of committee members to subcategories, including alternative dispute resolution, mediation, counseling, therapy, and materials by the New Hampshire Bar. They also mentioned the need to consider the training and dedication of family court judges and the intersection of civil and criminal issues.
HB652: Unnamed Speaker Information Only01:08:25.359 - 9:35:56 AM; The speaker discussed the assignment of committee members to subcategories, including alternative dispute resolution, mediation, counseling, therapy, and materials by the New Hampshire Bar. They also mentioned the need to consider the training and dedication of family court judges and the intersection of civil and criminal issues.
HB652: Unnamed Speaker Information Only01:09:25.920 - 9:36:56 AM; The speaker discussed the assignment of committee members to subcategories, including alternative dispute resolution, mediation, counseling, therapy, and materials by the New Hampshire Bar. They also mentioned the need to consider the training and dedication of family court judges and the intersection of civil and criminal issues.
HB652: Unnamed Speaker Information Only01:10:25.920 - 9:37:56 AM; The speaker discussed the assignment of committee members to subcategories, including alternative dispute resolution, mediation, counseling, therapy, and materials by the New Hampshire Bar. They also mentioned the need to consider the training and dedication of family court judges and the intersection of civil and criminal issues.
HB652: Unnamed Speaker Information Only01:11:39.360 - 9:39:10 AM; The speaker discussed the assignment of committee members to subcategories, including alternative dispute resolution, mediation, counseling, therapy, and materials by the New Hampshire Bar. They also mentioned the need to consider the training and dedication of family court judges and the intersection of civil and criminal issues.
HB652: Unnamed Speaker Information Only01:12:50.080 - 9:40:21 AM; The speaker discussed the assignment of committee members to subcategories, including alternative dispute resolution, mediation, counseling, therapy, and materials by the New Hampshire Bar. They also mentioned the need to consider the training and dedication of family court judges and the intersection of civil and criminal issues.
HB652: Unnamed Speaker Information Only01:14:11.520 - 9:41:42 AM; The speaker discussed the intersection between domestic violence and marital issues, often handled by different courts. They mentioned cases like Greg and Rice, Markel and Pearson, and the costs associated with retrieving trial transcripts. The discussion also touched on the question of having a family court and the training of family court judges, which was deferred for later discussion.
HB652: Unnamed Speaker Information Only01:14:57.320 - 9:42:28 AM; The speaker compared the handling of recordings in superior court versus civil court, noting that superior court has a designated person for this task while civil court does not. They suggested merging the discussion of trial transcripts with Representative Nelson. They also discussed the complexity of the bill's title and the need to look into the costs and responsibilities of retrieving trial transcripts.
HB652: Unnamed Speaker Information Only01:16:12.480 - 9:43:43 AM; The speaker mentioned the availability of attorneys Grant and Kan for consultation on what other states do regarding family court issues. They also planned to contact judges and legislators with legal backgrounds for their input on the ongoing discussions. The importance of disseminating relevant information from public hearings to subcommittees was emphasized.
HB652: Unnamed Speaker Information Only01:17:28.640 - 9:44:59 AM; Representatives from Hillsborough County discussed the potential differences in court proceedings between counties and even within different parts of Hillsborough County. They emphasized the importance of observing court proceedings firsthand to understand both sides of the cases and the need for guardian ad litem (GAL) services for those who cannot afford them.
HB652: Unnamed Speaker Information Only01:18:35.120 - 9:46:06 AM; The speaker distributed information about family mediators and their training, particularly relevant to Representatives Raymond and Greg. They also mentioned the need to consult with the House Legal Council regarding the legality of subcommittee meetings under RSA 91A.
HB652: Unnamed Speaker Information Only01:20:56.480 - 9:48:27 AM; The speaker discussed the need to consult with the House Legal Council about the legality of subcommittee meetings. They clarified that a subcommittee of seven members requires a quorum of four to be considered a legal meeting under RSA 91A. They also mentioned the possibility of consulting with Attorney Grant or Kan for further clarification.
HB652: Unnamed Speaker Information Only01:22:58.639 - 9:50:29 AM; The speaker suggested keeping Attorney Kan informed about subcommittee meetings and mentioned the potential benefit of consulting with Representative Bernardi on issues related to creating an office of family mediation. They also humorously referenced ecclesiastical Latin in discussing the outcome of their legal inquiries.
HB652: Unnamed Speaker Information Only01:24:33.520 - 9:52:04 AM; The speaker proposed a timeline for subcommittees to report back by the third week of September. They also clarified that no mileage would be paid in July, advising members to check with their leadership office for mileage eligibility in August.
HB652: Unnamed Speaker Information Only01:26:02.719 - 9:53:33 AM; The speaker discussed the confusion around mileage reimbursement, noting that no mileage would be paid in June or July. They also mentioned not claiming mileage for the DC advisory board and humorously referenced ecclesiastical Latin again in discussing the outcome of their legal inquiries. The meeting was adjourned with plans to reconvene in September.

DeSimone, Debra(Chairman)(R)[A-]2024	Nelson, Jodi(Clerk)(R)[B+]2024	Seidel, Sheila(V Chairman)(R)[A-]2024
McMahon, Charles(R)[A-]2024	Rice, Kimberly(R)[B-]2022	Love, David(R)[A]2024
Pearson, Mark(R)[B-]2024	Korzen, Lori(R)	Georges, Mary(D)
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)