Warning: Bill numbers and names are based on text-to-speech transcript which may have errors due to transcription issues or ad hoc/incomplete language use by committee.
(Second New Title) making synthetic and semisynthetic kratom illegal to prepare, distribute, manufacture, sell, possess, or advertise, with exceptions made for scientific research.
(New Title) establishing a committee to study options for family members of intentional homicide victims where the department of justice does not file charges in a case.
Representative Rhodes introduces CACR 11, noting she is not the prime sponsor but is presenting it due to logistical reasons. She explains that unlike last year's bill which proposed raising the age limit to 73-75, this version removes the age limit entirely for sheriffs, as no other elected position in New Hampshire has an age requirement. She credits the sponsors for listening to feedback and adapting the bill. Rhodes argues that the constitutional provision dates back to the 1700s when life expectancies were lower, and today people can remain mentally sharp despite physical age or disabilities. She urges the committee to give it serious consideration.
CACR11
Support00:05:16.794 - 10:03:58 AM
Sheriff Masayas, sworn in 2019 with 40 years in law enforcement and business experience, supports CACR 11 to eliminate the mandatory retirement age for high sheriffs. He notes the provision has been in the constitution since 1792 when life expectancy was low, but the constitution is a living document amended 149 times. Today, high sheriffs are more administrative, elected by voters who can choose not to re-elect if unfit. He cites federal Age Discrimination in Employment Act protections for workers over 40, emphasizing institutional knowledge, experience, and leadership from age. No other NH law enforcement has age limits. He asks for support to meet contemporary needs and maintain the safest state.
CACR11
Support00:28:30.462 - 10:27:12 AM
Rhodes supports the motion to pass CACR 11, explaining changes from last year by removing the age limit entirely since it's the only elected position with such a requirement, dating to the 1700s. Voters can choose not to elect older candidates, and sheriffs primarily do administrative work.
CACR11
Support00:29:32.162 - 10:28:14 AM
The member agrees with Rhodes, noting in 1792 people rarely lived past 50-60, but now to 80-100. Some function later in life; it's elected, so voters decide. Keeps experience in sheriff departments instead of losing it prematurely.
CACR11
Oppose00:30:38.362 - 10:29:20 AM
Meese opposes as last year, arguing no age limit opens door to very elderly sheriffs (75-90). Though administrative, sheriffs may go into the field armed. At 69 turning 70, admits not as sharp or fit as younger. Public safety roles need standards; easy for older legislators to pass but cements older people in power, concerning younger views.
CACR11
Support00:31:52.562 - 10:30:34 AM
Supports because committee shouldn't gatekeep age for all; requires two-thirds electorate vote to amend constitution, then majority election. Voters decide; sheriff involvement in enforcement optional. Wrong to distrust voters' judgment.
CACR11
Vote00:32:53.362 - 10:31:35 AM
Motion to ought to pass CACR 11: Yes votes from Vice Chair Rhodes, Prue, LaSalle, Devoid, Paquette, Bornstein, Harry (7 Yes); No from Goth, Views, Newman, Murphy, Clerk (4 No); Chairman Tribbles Yes. Passes 7-5.
SB512
Support00:33:53.522 - 10:32:35 AM
Senator Murphy introduces SB 512 personally, sharing experience of being wrongly charged: mugshot online forever, financial drain on attorney fees, surrendered firearms, media coverage biased against innocence. After acquittal, annulment costs $110 despite RSA 651:5 IX intending no fee for not guilty. Argues courts wrongly charge innocents; bill corrects record without cost for those proven innocent.
SB512
Support00:37:13.779 - 10:35:55 AM
The speaker argues that innocent people wrongly charged by the state should not pay filing fees to annul records, emphasizing they are less responsible than others. The Senate-amended bill eliminates the $110 filing fee for petitions to annul under subparagraph 2a, which applies to cases dismissed within 30 days without appeal or found not guilty, while those found guilty still pay. The speaker urges the committee to pass the bill to correct a long-standing wrong, noting the fiscal impact is minimal, less than $10,000 per year per the revised fiscal note. During questioning, the speaker confirms no opposition testimony in the Senate, mentions Senate Judiciary communication led to the amendment for simplicity, describes their own quick annulment process after paying the fee, notes their mugshot remains online affecting reputation, explains the 2019 date aligns with existing law distinguishing pre- and post-2019 offenses, and stresses the principled nature of removing the fee as the state should not profit from the innocent, sharing personal business impacts from the lingering record.
SB512
Support00:41:42.212 - 10:40:24 AM
Chairman Roy opens the executive session and moves to pass SB 512.
SB512
Support00:42:32.298 - 10:41:14 AM
Representative Peru seconds the motion and speaks in favor, stating it is common sense that the state, having failed to prove its case, should not charge $110 to clear an innocent person's name, viewing it as adding insult to injury and a step toward justice, though further purging from records would be ideal.
SB512
Support00:42:32.298 - 10:41:14 AM
Elaborates on the second, agreeing the state should not charge to clear a name after failing to prove guilt, ideally automating the process but at least making the request free.
SB512
Support00:43:32.718 - 10:42:14 AM
Supports the bill, arguing a state unable to prove its burden in court should not collect money from the accused.
SB512
Support00:43:32.718 - 10:42:14 AM
Describes the fee as adding insult to injury after a traumatic experience.
SB512
Support00:43:32.718 - 10:42:14 AM
The committee votes unanimously 12-0 in favor of Ought to Pass on consent, with all named representatives (Vice Chair Rhodes, Proulx, LaSalle, DeVoid, Paquette, Siborne de Chouinard, Harriet Gathright, Mews, Newman, Murphy, Clerk, Chairman Roy) voting yes. The executive session is closed.
SB557 Senate floor amendment
Support01:02:01.372 - 11:00:43 AM
Senator Altshuler introduces SB 557, urging restoration to its original form to regulate Kratom sales, prohibit sales to under 21, and provide consumer protections, as the amended version guts these. She explains Kratom's origins from Southeast Asian leaves used traditionally as a mild stimulant, but U.S. products are concentrated, isolated, or synthetic forms with opioid-like effects via mitragynine and 7-OH binding to mu-opioid receptors, confirmed by FDA models, with 7-OH up to 13 times more potent than morphine. These high-potency tablets, gummies, shots, and beverages sold at convenience stores pose risks, unlike natural leaf teas/tinctures allowed in the original bill. Evidence of harm includes rising poison control calls (1,600+ in early 2025 surpassing 2024), 35% severe outcomes with 7-OH (seizures, respiratory depression), 4,200+ overdose encounters 2023-2025, increasing dependence in NH with opioid-like withdrawal, no standardized dosing or quality control as dietary supplements. Adolescent brains are vulnerable, with studies showing long-term cognitive deficits; products appeal to youth without warnings. Compares to tobacco/alcohol age-21 restrictions due to addiction risks. Original bill bans sales under 21 with ID, synthetic/high-potency products, requires child-resistant packaging, labeling, limits, and DHHS licensing/enforcement, without banning natural uses. Warns of delaying action like past drug threats (synthetic cannabinoids, fentanyl). Notes states with bans or restrictions, passes Dr. Stansanu's (Dartmouth addiction psychiatrist) written support for restricting concentrates/synthetics. Explains Senate Judiciary 5-0 Ought to Pass with amendment, but floor amendment stripped protections. During questioning, confirms opioid-like effects including respiratory risks, no warnings for opioid interactions, Narcan ineffective; describes common NH products like concentrated liquid 'soccer mom sauce' for pick-me-up but addictive; clarifies concentrated products (e.g., >150mg mitragynine) not addressed in amendment unlike original which allowed natural/homeopathic; notes manufacturing often in China, profiting from unregulated sales.
SB557 Senate floor amendment
Information Only01:21:55.078 - 11:20:37 AM
Senator Altshuler explains that while most kratom comes from overseas and is classified as a dietary supplement by the FDA, the concentrated versions available at convenience stores like 7-Eleven are dangerous, unlike the natural leaf used for teas and tinctures which can be helpful for pain relief. She emphasizes protecting small businesses using natural leaf while regulating concentrated, synthetic, and semi-synthetic forms for consumer protection. Responding to questions, she notes the Senate floor amendment simplified the original bill to criminalize synthetics, making them Schedule II drugs like fentanyl, but criticizes it for not regulating concentrates, which could replace synthetics on shelves. The original bill had a 2027 effective date for implementation, licensing, and fees. She argues banning outright chills the natural industry and fails to address concentrates. On possession, she clarifies sales would be illegal, but concentrates remain available. Adding concentration ratios from the original bill could help but misses regulatory warnings like pregnancy risks, medical interactions, habit-forming nature, and child-resistant packaging.
SB557 Senate floor amendment
Support01:34:25.771 - 11:33:07 AM
Senator Abbas supports the Senate-passed floor amendment to SB 557, which bans synthetic and semi-synthetic kratom via a replace-all amendment. He explains challenges in setting extract thresholds due to lack of concrete testimony, noting synthetics cover most extracts and create prosecutable cases per DOJ discussions. While open to banning extracts, he cautions against impacting low-dose micro-doses for health reasons without dosage consensus. He compares synthetic kratom to heroin—addictive, overdose-prone, sold at gas stations and convenience stores, mostly imported. Natural leaf is less harmful and addicting, with a research exception preserved for ongoing studies like those by a Dartmouth doctor. The amendment addresses the most immediate harms: respiratory suppression, overdoses mimicking opioids (hard to distinguish without autopsy), and similar withdrawals. He views the floor amendment as the best version, improving on prior drafts, and urges passage while open to future refinements like micro-dosing discussions or enhanced penalties. Responding to questions, he notes no consensus on safe dosages, potential for abuse regardless, confusion in overdoses (Narcan may not work), and availability in pills, drinks, possibly vapes. He stresses getting it off shelves now, as it's unregulated federally and sold openly.
SB557 Senate floor amendment
Support01:53:01.255 - 11:51:43 AM
Representative Stringham testifies on the severe impact of kratom in the North Country, where it's a bigger problem than opioids or nicotine for his constituents. He describes lost careers, compromised health, endangered lives, and families facing homelessness due to intense use leading to absenteeism and poverty. Users view it as a safe natural herb, spending up to $100 daily despite financial means. It's widely available and promoted at vape shops, gas stations, and convenience stores. He urges support for banning sales to under 21, prohibiting synthetic and concentrated forms, and restricting availability from convenience outlets. Proper herbal use could continue via other sources. He shares personal observations of initial uplifting effects turning to extreme sedation with heavy use, causing major consequences.
SB557 Senate floor amendment
Support01:55:28.281 - 11:54:10 AM
Daniel Pitta, co-owner of a natural leaf kratom company since 2015, thanked the sponsors for distinguishing between natural leaf and synthetic kratom products, noting that many other states fail to make this distinction. He argued that the problems addressed by the bill stem from deceptive marketing of ultra-concentrated synthetic products labeled as kratom, which is already illegal under federal laws like the FTC Act and FD&C Act. He expressed two concerns: first, the possession provision could criminalize misled consumers as felons without a grace period, suggesting penalties be limited to manufacturing, distribution, and sale, with consumer possession handled civilly during transition; second, the definition of biosynthetic includes fermentation, which is used in traditional natural kratom preparations like Bentuangie strain, requesting a clarifying amendment to exempt such natural processes.
SB557 Senate floor amendment
Support01:59:36.987 - 11:58:18 AM
Sarah Pitta, co-owner of a natural leaf kratom company since 2015, supported SB 557 for protecting access to natural kratom for customers including parents, veterans, nurses, and retirees who report improved quality of life. She advocated for the distinction between natural leaf and synthetic products, which her company has pushed for. She shared observations of customers misled into buying concentrated synthetics marketed as kratom, emphasizing that these consumers are not seeking to get high but were deceived by labels. She expressed concern that the bill's possession provision could criminalize these misled individuals and requested differentiating treatment for consumers versus manufacturers and distributors under the law.
SB557 Senate floor amendment
Information Only02:02:14.431 - 12:00:56 PM
Renee King, a board-certified family nurse practitioner and director of nursing at an inpatient detox in New Hampshire, described a growing number of patients physically addicted to kratom, including semi-synthetics like 7-OH, often without knowing the contents or concentrations. She clarified that Narcan can work on kratom overdoses but may require multiple doses due to lasting effects, and patients often polydrug use, complicating treatment. She noted that while toxicology tests for over 200 substances including kratom take five days, treatment is symptom-based, such as Narcan for respiratory depression. King emphasized New Hampshire's substance use crisis beyond opioids, with unregulated kratom products becoming stronger and more addictive, often testing positive for 7-OH. She compared manipulated natural substances like poppy to morphine or coca to cocaine, noting the FDA provides no safe dosing recommendations for kratom. She shared cases of patients detoxing from kratom, including one preferring it over prescribed oxycodone for its strength, and a 19-year-old who started with legal kratom at 14, leading to fentanyl addiction and inability to maintain sobriety.
SB557 Senate floor amendment
Oppose02:08:22.964 - 12:07:04 PM
Sean Cannizzaro, owner of Hope to Freedom Recovery Homes in Claremont, shared his personal battle with substance use disorder and experiences managing recovery houses. He described residents sneaking to nearby shops advertising kratom for sale, using it to get high and passing standard urinalysis tests, requiring him to buy specific kratom test strips at extra cost. He recounted the story of his friend Paul, who after 18 months of recovery relapsed on fentanyl, returned for another 18 months, then died three weeks after moving out from a fentanyl overdose, having been abusing kratom purchased nearby, with hundreds of packages found. Cannizzaro noted kratom's prominence in Claremont stores, including 10-pound bags, and deceptive sales practices, arguing kratom led Paul to fentanyl when it stopped being effective enough. He highlighted the financial and emotional toll, including family inquiries, and the need for better regulation to prevent such deaths.
SB557 Senate floor amendment
Support02:11:49.619 - 12:10:31 PM
Daniel Nevelson-Nelson, a New Hampshire resident representing himself and the kratom community, shared his health journey, diagnosed with neuroborreliosis from Lyme disease in 2018, suffering severe pain, fatigue, anxiety, depression, insomnia, and digestive issues, leading to hospitalization and disability. He credited whole leaf kratom powder, discovered after 2016 recovery from alcohol and prescription drugs like Adderall, Ritalin, Xanax, and Klonopin, with enabling him to return to part-time work for his wife's small natural kratom business despite disability. With addiction background, he distinguishes kratom's medicinal role from destructive use, viewing natural leaf as beneficial with minimal negatives compared to pharmaceuticals. He observed healing from natural kratom for issues like cancer and chronic pain, versus risks from concentrated extracts and synthetics like 7-OH, which harm undereducated users in smoke shops. He supported SB 557's differentiation to protect public safety while preserving access to natural leaf for consenting adults, warning loss of access would revert him to suffering. He disputed claims of no labeling, noting industry self-regulation with lab testing and warnings on products, and expressed disappointment over the original Senate bill being discarded, suggesting amendments for chronic pain access while limiting damaging products.
SB557 Senate floor amendment
Support02:16:58.699 - 12:15:40 PM
Kate Fry testified in support of SB 557, highlighting New Futures' work to prevent alcohol and drug problems in New Hampshire. She discussed how industries exploit loopholes to market addictive products to youth and vulnerable populations through rebranding and deceptive practices. She referenced related bills on nitrous oxide and intoxicating hemp, provided pictures of products sold in gas stations, and noted 11 Kratom-related deaths in New Hampshire in 2021 and 2023. She agreed with no possession penalties but expressed concern over sales targeting consumers, and submitted written testimony and documents.
SB557 Senate floor amendment
Oppose02:18:53.294 - 12:17:35 PM
John Cleveland opposed SB 557 on behalf of the national nonprofit Holistic Alternative Recovery Trust, advocating for sensible regulation to protect children and consumers while preserving access for New Hampshire residents using Kratom for pain management, addiction recovery, and health. He explained four classifications of Kratom products: whole-leaf, alkaloid, blended, and noted no category is risk-free but none associated with isolated deaths; deaths result from poly-drug use or conditions. He cited low adverse events for 7-OH (89 out of 2 billion servings), its partial mu-opioid agonist properties preventing overdose, and a survey showing 70% use for pain relief, 20% for harm reduction. He warned banning would drive users to streets, citing Florida's overdose increase post-ban, and critiqued the bill's synthetic definition potentially affecting natural products, suggesting age-21 regulation instead.
SB557 Senate floor amendment
Support02:25:31.248 - 12:24:13 PM
Walker Gollman supported SB 557, aiming to prohibit synthetic and semi-synthetic Kratom derivatives while maintaining access to natural leaf products. He aligned the bill with FDA and HHS recommendations to schedule concentrated synthetic 7-OH as Schedule I, preserving natural Kratom. He cited 18 clinical studies showing natural Kratom is well-tolerated, not meeting scheduling criteria per FDA, DEA, and WHO. He distinguished natural Kratom (partial agonist with 50 alkaloids) from potent synthetic 7-OH (13 times morphine), noting synthetics contain unidentified chemicals. He acknowledged natural Kratom's caffeine-like risks but emphasized 50 years of safe use until synthetics emerged.
SB557 Senate floor amendment
Support02:29:19.908 - 12:28:01 PM
Colin Zuberik supported SB 557, noting natural Kratom leaf products are safely used in New Hampshire and nationwide, unlike synthetic/semi-synthetic mislabeled products causing euphoria and overdoses. He cited CDC data showing Kratom reports rising from 258 in 2015 to 3,434 in 2025, coinciding with synthetics entering the market in late 2023. He referenced FDA's July 29, 2025 announcement and H.R. 8000 targeting synthetics without affecting natural Kratom, praising New Hampshire's regulatory efforts.
SB557 Senate floor amendment
Information Only02:33:46.510 - 12:32:28 PM
Sue Jamola provided information on Kratom as a public health issue affecting adults and children, citing 551 confirmed Kratom-related deaths per the Journal of Addiction Medicine (June 2025), mostly males aged 35-44, often linked to tachycardia. She explained the original bill as model legislation from the American Kratom Association effectively legalizing Kratom for 21+, but advocated for the Senate floor amendment with tweaks: explicitly including 7-OH on Schedule I (not II) for a clean solution, aligning with FDA efforts and states like those scheduling 7-OH. She noted Senator Shaheen's letter for full Kratom scheduling and immediate effectiveness to revoke licenses for sellers.
SB557 Senate floor amendment
Support02:39:20.149 - 12:38:02 PM
Todd Murrell supported SB 557 for its addictive and harmful potential, agreeing the amendment fails to include concentrates, creating a loophole. He noted Kratom/7-OH isn't in standard drug screens, underreporting deaths, and lacks FDA testing like drugs, relying on anecdotal evidence for safety levels. He clarified concentrates can be natural (e.g., extracts) or synthetic, with natural barriers limiting abuse in leaves versus concentrated forms, comparing to coca leaves.
SB557 Senate floor amendment
Information Only02:47:52.603 - 12:46:34 PM
Lori Warnock provided neutral information on medical consequences and data, emphasizing the need for nimble legislation against synthetic distinctions, similar to vape regulations evolving from tobacco to all nicotine types. She noted manufacturers tweak compositions to evade laws, supported regulating modified products marketed deceptively in convenience stores. University of Virginia tests found Kratom products containing mitragynine, 7-hydroxymitragynine, DEET, and yohimbine, highlighting purity issues without regulation. She explained Kratom isn't in standard screens, underreporting exposures and deaths, with national Poison Data System showing increases likely underestimating the problem.
SB625
Support02:53:06.291 - 12:51:48 PM
Senator Birdsell introduced SB 625 as its prime sponsor, explaining that the bill originated to allow family members of intentional homicide victims to seek evidentiary hearings when the Department of Justice does not file charges or conducts a flawed investigation. Inspired by the case of Michael Kearney, murdered by his wife Nicole Carney, where investigations by the AG's office and Department of Safety were admitted to be flawed, including restricted lines of questioning and poor communication with the family. The bill was amended in the Senate to establish a study committee due to constitutional concerns. The committee will review laws from six other states on evidentiary hearings, assess constitutionality in New Hampshire, improve communication processes for updating families, investigate systemic investigatory problems, and explore extending statutes of limitations, as the Kearney family received final investigation details just before the statute expired.
SB625
Support02:58:39.503 - 12:57:21 PM
Lynn Perkins testified on behalf of his wife Karen Perkins and Michael Kearney's sons, detailing the flawed investigation into Michael Kearney's 2016 homicide by his wife Nicole Kearney in Stoddard, NH. He highlighted contradictions in the AG's 2017 report claiming justified homicide under the Castle Doctrine due to estrangement, contradicted by Nicole's own statements that they were not separated. Kearney was shot twice in the back from 14 feet away after discovering her secret second home due to unpaid bills. Perkins presented packet documents showing: restricted questioning by investigators, including Sgt. Skahan's doubts; communications between Nicole and Keene Police Chief Brian Costa before and after the shooting; lead investigator concerns ignored; AG Assistant Jeffrey Strelzin's resistance to family inquiries treated as 91A requests, stalling for 4.5 years; whistleblower complaint by Trooper William DeLegge against Lt. DeRusso for obstructing the investigation, including orders not to pursue certain leads tied to Chief Costa's suicide a month later; poor family notification practices, giving only 45 minutes to review the 26-page report before media release. A 2020 reinvestigation was undermined internally. Perkins emphasized the need for SB 625's study committee to address policy gaps in AG communication, due process for families, and independent judicial review to prevent cover-ups and ensure thorough investigations.
SB625
Support03:19:36.530 - 1:18:18 PM
The speaker details the circumstances surrounding Michael Kearney's death, alleging misleading information from Nicole Kearney and inconsistencies in the investigation. He describes how Nicole inquired about loading a gun, deleted messages after the incident, and provided varying accounts of the shooting with a bolt-action rifle. He criticizes the AG's report for deeming the force reasonable and notes the lack of prosecution despite challenges to multiple AGs. He expresses frustration over the handling of the case, including involvement of specific officers, and urges further study and action on SB 625.
SB625
Support03:24:14.384 - 1:22:56 PM
Karen supports SB 625 but prefers the original version over a mere study, arguing that a study provides no recourse or legal process for families facing silence from the AG's office despite repeated outreach. She highlights new leads, improper handling of the case admitted by the Department of Safety, and evidence from police officers and forensic analysis that has been ignored. She emphasizes the need for action rather than further delays after nine years of inaction.
SB625
Information Only03:27:40.587 - 1:26:22 PM
Valenti expresses sympathy to the Perkins family and explains the challenges in prosecuting complex cases like this, noting evidentiary issues and the need for proof beyond reasonable doubt. He confirms the case was reopened to review new evidence but ultimately not pursued, as reinterviews did not change conclusions. On SB 625, he raises constitutional concerns about legislative oversight of executive functions like investigations, potential spoilation issues, and suggests the Victim's Bill of Rights was followed. He argues against using this case to reform investigation processes and responds to questions on oversight, special prosecutors, and conviction integrity units, affirming constitutional limits.
SB667
Support03:38:50.487 - 1:37:32 PM
Senator McGue explains that SB 667 addresses a gap in HB 59, which enhanced protections for pre-hospital emergency medical providers but excludes those in hospital emergency rooms. He highlights the high incidence of assaults on ER staff—over 16,000 annually nationwide, with 99% of emergency physicians assaulted in the last year—and argues for extending the same 'knowingly' standard protections to hospital providers who care for the same patients. He notes the bill passed unanimously in the Senate, emphasizes judicial discretion for mental health cases, and shares personal experience as a paramedic to underscore the need for respect and protection for these workers, comparing it to protections for police animals.
SB667
Oppose03:54:02.292 - 1:52:44 PM
Michelle shares a personal story about her 100% disabled Marine veteran father with Parkinson's dementia who was recently placed in a nursing home's memory care unit. Due to his condition, he became agitated believing his wife was in danger, leading to incidents where he flipped a chair, grabbed a nurse's arm, and was taken to the ER by police. Staff called police multiple times out of fear, resulting in chemical restraints and sedation. She argues that the bill's felony escalation won't deter those not in their right mind, like dementia patients, and won't solve underlying issues. Instead, she advocates for better training for nursing home staff, emergency responders, police, and ER personnel to handle such situations. She emphasizes that current Class B felony penalties for serious injuries already provide sufficient deterrence, and the bill could lead to unnecessary arrests and competency hearings for vulnerable individuals.
SB667
Oppose04:02:30.447 - 2:01:12 PM
Leah opposes the bill based on her experiences navigating New Hampshire ERs with her son in psychiatric crisis over the last four years. She describes how ERs lack appropriate psychiatric care, specialized staff, and dedicated holding areas, leading to chaotic environments that exacerbate aggression. Her son, in a psychotic state, faced derogatory interactions with sitters, refusal of medication perceived as poison, physical and chemical restraints causing bruising, and prolonged boarding (22 days once). She recounts an incident where police used an Involuntary Emergency Admission (IEA), and her son kicked an officer, resulting in charges despite his lack of understanding. Leah argues that criminalizing symptoms of medical crises, worsened by inadequate facilities and training, endangers both patients and staff. She urges investments in psychiatric beds, crisis teams, de-escalation training, and safe ER spaces instead of felony penalties, which could deter families from seeking help.
SB667
Oppose04:13:24.860 - 2:12:06 PM
Rachel opposes the bill, noting that the legislature already addressed interference with healthcare via SB 58 in 2023, which allows warrantless arrests for actual or threatened violence. She questions the effectiveness of this existing law due to lack of data on its usage, incident frequency, perpetrators, and whether current tools suffice. Without evidence, escalating misdemeanor conduct to felonies risks ineffective and harmful policy. Many incidents involve individuals in medical or behavioral crises (e.g., Alzheimer's, dementia, autism, mental health conditions) who aren't deterred by penalties. She highlights consequences like mandatory pretrial detention under recent bail laws for second-degree assault charges, leading to months or years in jail for vulnerable people, straining correctional resources with high healthcare costs and untrained staff. The bill could criminalize health-related conduct without guardrails, turning medical crises into lifelong felony convictions.
SB667
Oppose04:16:59.478 - 2:15:41 PM
Holly Stevens opposes Senate Bill 667, appreciating the critical role of emergency room personnel in mental health crises but expressing concerns that the bill fails to enhance safety measures and merely increases penalties. She references the recent Senate Bill 58, effective August 2023, which allows police to arrest individuals for misdemeanors to remove threats from ERs, and urges evaluation of its impact amid rising violence incidents reported by the Workforce Health Care Safety Committee. Stevens advocates for data collection on current law implementation across hospitals and suggests studying broader changes, like extending protections facility-wide, rather than escalating penalties for those in psychiatric crises who may not act knowingly. In response to questions, she emphasizes staff training for engaging psychotic individuals, in-ER medication, and assessing SB 58's effectiveness.
SB667
Support04:23:27.127 - 2:22:09 PM
Margaret Brew supports Senate Bill 667, highlighting the profound fiscal and operational impacts of violence in New Hampshire's emergency departments, where healthcare workers face disproportionate risks—five times higher than other professions, accounting for 73% of non-fatal workplace incidents. Citing a 2024 American Hospital Association report estimating $18 billion in national costs for 2023, primarily from treating injuries, she notes higher prevalence in rural areas and effects like absenteeism, burnout, and medical errors. With no federal legislation protecting healthcare workers, Brew argues the bill supports staff in 26 state hospitals by enhancing penalties for knowing assaults, distinguishing these from acts during medical or psychotic crises. She shares a personal experience of a deliberate punch attempt and stresses that workers should not fear harm while providing care. In questioning, she confirms that assaults outside hospitals, like at a restaurant, would be charged similarly regardless of prior treatment.
SB667
Support04:29:05.603 - 2:27:47 PM
Nicole Cremo, with 15 years in corrections and nearly three in healthcare security, supports Senate Bill 667, stating she has witnessed more violence in hospitals than in jail, where protections exist for law enforcement but not for healthcare workers. She empathizes with those in mental health crises but clarifies the bill targets knowing assaults, not those with dementia or clinical reasons, emphasizing the terror felt by nurses, security, cafeteria, and ancillary staff amid verbal and physical violence during Workplace Violence Prevention Awareness Month. Cremo notes that the 2023 warrantless arrest law (SB 58) is ineffective due to police unawareness or hesitation, despite education efforts, and calls for state-level backing to affirm care for workers. In responses, she agrees multiple solutions like increased security, better psychiatric boarding, and de-escalation training are needed but argues the bill signals support; she highlights low reporting due to discomfort and lack of follow-through, underscoring that crimes against healthcare workers are not taken seriously enough.
SB667
Oppose04:41:17.887 - 2:39:59 PM
Karen Rosenberg opposes Senate Bill 667, acknowledging rising violence against healthcare workers as untenable but arguing the bill further criminalizes uncontrollable behaviors in crises, such as mental health episodes, dementia, or communication difficulties, without improving safety. She distributed written testimony and SB 58 details, noting the 2023 law's unimplemented or unevaluated status per hospital association inquiries, and urges studying its effectiveness in removing threats via misdemeanor arrests. Referencing a Maine study showing no meaningful violence reduction from felony charges in ERs, Rosenberg advocates alternatives like mandatory de-escalation and crisis intervention training, self-defense instruction, response teams, staffing assessments, backup support, and risk evaluations for patients. She warns felony convictions could destabilize vulnerable populations through barriers to housing and employment. In response to a question, she agrees to share an Annals of Emergency Medicine article from March 2025 recommending these preventive strategies.
SB667
Support04:47:42.627 - 2:46:24 PM
Ken Merrifield testified in support of SB 667, providing data from the commission on workplace violence in New Hampshire health care settings. In FY2024, there were 2,965 reported events, rising to 3,358 in FY2025, with nearly 5,000 victims annually. A health care worker is assaulted every 2.5 hours and physically assaulted every 6 hours, with 13 victims daily. Despite mitigation strategies by hospitals, the problem is increasing. The commission supports legislative measures like SB 667 to enhance safety, improve recruitment and retention of health care workers, especially nurses who are the most frequent victims. Health care careers are challenging enough without safety concerns. During Q&A, he defined workplace violence broadly, including hostile words, and referred to annual reports for detailed statistics on injuries. He noted the commission's unanimous support for the bill due to frustration over lack of support and increasing violence, despite existing criminal penalties. The commission discusses mitigation efforts like de-escalation training and best practices at every meeting and includes recommendations in public annual reports.