Committee Summary for House Environment and Agriculture (02/24/2026)

Bill/Time	Type	Title	Sponsor
HB1092 00:08:28.831 - 9:03:19 AM	General Working Session	relative to guard dogs.	Comtois, Barbara(R)[B+]2025
HB1275 07458h 00:38:28.831 - 9:33:19 AM	General Working Session	relative to the effects of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances on agriculture.	Thomas, Wendy(D)[CT]2025
HB1275 07458h 00:53:28.831 - 9:48:19 AM	General Working Session	relative to the effects of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances on agriculture.	Thomas, Wendy(D)[CT]2025
Unclear 01:13:00.000 - 10:07:51 AM	General Working Session	relative to home heating oil underground storage tanks
Unclear 01:27:00.000 - 10:21:51 AM	General Working Session	relative to rabies titer testing for vaccination exemptions
HB1766 -	General Working Session	relative to cruelty to livestock.	Comtois, Barbara(R)[B+]2025
HB1305 01:55:00.000 - 10:49:51 AM	General Working Session	enabling the use of telehealth to deliver veterinary care.	Litchfield, Melissa(R)[B+]2025
HB1478 03:10:37.966 - 12:05:28 PM	Public Hearing	requiring the department of environmental services to revise the rules for proposed new landfills.	Potenza, Kelley(R)[A]2025
HB1189 04:26:04.265 - 1:20:55 PM	Public Hearing	establishing a solid waste site evaluation committee.	Bixby, Peter(D)[F]2025
HB1305 05:26:04.265 - 2:20:55 PM	Public Hearing	enabling the use of telehealth to deliver veterinary care.	Litchfield, Melissa(R)[B+]2025

HB1092: Madam Chair Information Only00:08:28.831 - 9:03:19 AM; Introduces discussion on HB 1092 regarding exemptions for guard dogs that bite or attack when not on owner's property. Notes connection to HB 1133 and HB 1253. Mentions absence of some members and plans to exec bills next week.
HB1092: Representative Germana Information Only00:08:28.831 - 9:03:19 AM; Supports clarifying the statute for guard dogs to protect property. Agrees it makes sense for the purpose of guarding.
HB1092: Madam Chair Information Only00:08:28.831 - 9:03:19 AM; Discusses issue with HB 1133 where dogs are claimed as livestock guardians but are nuisances. References information from Rep. Barber on clarifying livestock guardian dogs.
HB1092: Representative Germana Information Only00:08:28.831 - 9:03:19 AM; Raises question about including leased properties in the definition of property for guard dogs.
HB1092: Madam Chair Information Only00:08:28.831 - 9:03:19 AM; Agrees to clarify that property includes owned or leased by the dog owner.
HB1092: Representative Bixby Information Only00:08:28.831 - 9:03:19 AM; Agrees the original bill is not the solution but a clearer definition and qualification for livestock guardian dogs is needed to avoid loopholes.
HB1092: Representative Barber Information Only00:08:28.831 - 9:03:19 AM; Presents proposed language for detailed definition of livestock guardian dog, including breeds, training from puppyhood, active use, registration under RSA 466. Suggests penalties for false registration, grace period for unregistering, and adjusting barking limits to half an hour with exceptions for registered dogs.
HB1092: Representative Bixby Information Only00:23:28.831 - 9:18:19 AM; Comments on the need to unregister dogs and opposes restricting by acreage.
HB1092: Madam Chair Information Only00:23:28.831 - 9:18:19 AM; Invites Commissioner Jasper to weigh in.
HB1092: Commissioner Jasper Information Only00:23:28.831 - 9:18:19 AM; Shares experience with complaints: excessive barking (suggests standard half-hour limit for all dogs), restrained dogs not serving purpose, dogs running at large off property. Recommends tightening these areas.
HB1092: Representative Bixby Information Only00:23:28.831 - 9:18:19 AM; Clarifies running at large means off owner's or leased property. Notes dogs need range on guarded property.
HB1092: Commissioner Jasper Information Only00:23:28.831 - 9:18:19 AM; Confirms definition of at large is off property under owner's control.
HB1092: Representative Scully Information Only00:23:28.831 - 9:18:19 AM; Expresses concern about enforceability of 30-minute barking rule, especially if owner is absent.
HB1092: Commissioner Jasper Information Only00:23:28.831 - 9:18:19 AM; Emphasizes responsibility after 30 minutes; suggests exception if law enforcement finds dog dealing with predator. Stresses impact on neighbors.
HB1092: Representative Scully Information Only00:23:28.831 - 9:18:19 AM; Suggests limiting restrictions to nighttime hours for sleep.
HB1092: Commissioner Jasper Information Only00:23:28.831 - 9:18:19 AM; Notes barking is disruptive anytime; owner must be responsible. Supports exception for active predator situations.
HB1092: Representative Barber Information Only00:23:28.831 - 9:18:19 AM; Notes guard dogs are most active at night; detailed definition and registration could help distinguish true working dogs. Opposes weight limits but supports registration to prevent abuse.
HB1092: Commissioner Jasper Information Only00:23:28.831 - 9:18:19 AM; Agrees registration helps; good farmers won't want to be nuisances.
HB1092: Representative Bixby Information Only00:23:28.831 - 9:18:19 AM; Believes selection of appropriate breeds self-regulates; confirms half-hour nuisance standard exists for all dogs, no exemption needed. Suggests simple local registration without extra cost.
HB1092: Madam Chair Information Only00:38:28.831 - 9:33:19 AM; Agrees on local registration at town hall; suggests including proof of livestock or crops guarded, training evidence.
HB1092: Representative Bixby Information Only00:38:28.831 - 9:33:19 AM; Supports simple process; suggests requiring at least one livestock animal for definition.
HB1092: Madam Chair Information Only00:38:28.831 - 9:33:19 AM; Plans amendment by Rep. Bixby, Barber, and herself for next week, including crop guarding in HB 1253.
HB1275 07458h: Madam Chair Information Only00:38:28.831 - 9:33:19 AM; Moves to HB 1275; notes discussion with Rep. Germana on anaerobic digester project producing PFAS-free biosolids, opposes ban or moratorium.
HB1275 07458h: Representative Germana Information Only00:38:28.831 - 9:33:19 AM; Describes conversation with Purpose Energy on anaerobic digester in Londonderry for food waste processing, producing natural gas and fertilizer. Supports infrastructure for food waste diversion.
HB1275 07458h: Madam Chair Information Only00:38:28.831 - 9:33:19 AM; Invites Rep. Haskins to discuss amendment.
HB1275 07458h: Representative Haskins Information Only00:38:28.831 - 9:33:19 AM; Presents amendment 07458h: Sets health-based PFAS limits (1 ppb for PFOA/PFOS) for land-applied sludge/biosolids; civil immunity for five years if limits passed, with exceptions for certain entities.
HB1275 07458h: Jeff Martz (DES) Information Only00:38:28.831 - 9:33:19 AM; Introduces himself from DES Hazardous Waste Remediation Bureau.
HB1275 07458h: Wren Bodwin (DES) Information Only00:38:28.831 - 9:33:19 AM; Introduces herself as Residuals Management Section Supervisor at DES.
HB1275 07458h: Representative Haskins Information Only00:38:28.831 - 9:33:19 AM; Reads amendment details to DES reps.
HB1275 07458h: Wren Bodwin (DES) Information Only00:38:28.831 - 9:33:19 AM; Explains concentration-based standards modeling for PFAS in biosolids/soil to protect groundwater. Notes ongoing research, low drinking water thresholds due to lifetime exposure and bioaccumulation (half-life 3-15 years). Modeling expected by end of year.
HB1275 07458h: Representative Bixby Information Only00:38:28.831 - 9:33:19 AM; Supports groundwater protection approach but notes other factors for agricultural land use. Transcript cuts off here.
HB1275 07458h: NHDES Expert (Wren) Information Only00:53:28.831 - 9:48:19 AM; Discusses limitations on crop growth in contaminated areas, noting that certain grasses and hay are not used for human consumption but for animal feed, bedding, or stormwater management. Explains that corn grain has low uptake of PFAS compounds, but stalks and leaves have higher uptake. Emphasizes a crop-specific approach to recommendations based on soil history and current contamination levels, advocating for site-specific assessments prior to biosolids application.
HB1275 07458h: Representative Germana Information Only00:55:00.000 - 9:49:51 AM; Thanks the witness and asks for confirmation that the proposed one part per billion limit aligns with the EPA's draft risk assessment for agricultural soil, seeking explanation on the assessment process.
HB1275 07458h: NHDES Expert (Jeff) Information Only00:56:00.000 - 9:50:51 AM; Confirms the EPA draft risk assessment's one ppb value as a worst-case scenario based on a farm family exclusively consuming from contaminated sources. Notes the public comment period extended to August due to industry questions, with EPA currently reviewing comments. Stresses balancing safety for vulnerable populations like children, acknowledging no perfectly safe level exists.
HB1275 07458h: Representative Bixby Information Only01:02:00.000 - 9:56:51 AM; References the USGS study showing background PFAS levels in undisturbed soils around one ppb median and questions the impact of adding one ppb from new biosolids to already exposed agricultural soils, noting complexity beyond simple addition.
HB1275 07458h: NHDES Expert (Jeff) Information Only01:03:00.000 - 9:57:51 AM; Describes the USGS study sampling 100 undisturbed sites with median PFOA and PFOS at about one ppb. Defers to Wren on biosolids addition.
HB1275 07458h: NHDES Expert (Wren) Information Only01:04:00.000 - 9:58:51 AM; Provides context that biosolids application covers only 0.1% of NH acreage, with 300 acres used annually. Explains additive effects are complex, involving mobility, organic retention, and plant uptake leading to net gains or losses. Compares to current calculations for metals and nitrogen based on crop, site, and soil needs.
HB1275 07458h: Representative Bixby Information Only01:06:00.000 - 10:00:51 AM; Announces an upcoming amendment requiring testing and rules to prevent application if biosolids or soil PFAS exceed standards, incorporating additive effects with baseline levels. Seeks confirmation on using 'concentration-based limits' for soil application versus health-based drinking water standards.
HB1275 07458h: NHDES Expert Information Only01:07:00.000 - 10:01:51 AM; Clarifies concentration-based limits refer to PFAS in the material, not directly translating to drinking water health standards in parts per trillion. Describes ongoing project modeling leaching to groundwater, working backwards to set protective soil levels in parts per billion. Suggests terms like 'concentration-based limits' or 'leaching-based limit protective of groundwater'.
HB1275 07458h: Committee Chair Information Only01:08:00.000 - 10:02:51 AM; Recalls testimony from biosolids producers about limits and asks for the current limit.
HB1275 07458h: NHDES Expert Information Only01:09:00.000 - 10:03:51 AM; States no PFAS limit exists yet, though testing has occurred for eight years with average data available. Notes rules require testing for 40 PFAS compounds per Method 1633, but standards are pending from modeling. Confirms producers like RMI self-impose Vermont's standard based on USGS background levels for Class A biosolids.
HB1275 07458h: NHDES Expert (Wren) Information Only01:08:28.831 - 10:03:19 AM; Discusses pretreatment controls reducing PFAS levels in wastewater over eight years of data. Advocates investment in technologies for safer biosolids products, aiming for zero but recognizing progress.
HB1275 07458h: Representative Bixby Information Only01:10:00.000 - 10:04:51 AM; Inquires about state resources to assist local governments with limited funds in addressing PFAS, noting they did not create the issue.
HB1275 07458h: NHDES Expert Information Only01:11:00.000 - 10:05:51 AM; Mentions Clean Water State Revolving Fund (SRF) for pilot projects, with some recipients funded. Notes costs from millions for pilots to $30 million or more for full scale, a significant burden requiring scaling solutions.
HB1275 07458h: Representative Bixby Information Only01:12:00.000 - 10:06:51 AM; Emphasizes need for amendment to include testing of targeted lands to assess current agricultural PFAS levels, avoiding overreach.
Unclear: Representative Bixby Information Only01:13:00.000 - 10:07:51 AM; Argues that underground tank issues are low probability as heating oil companies refuse delivery to them and discourage installation. States previous amendment addressed a non-problem. Notes remaining bill elements include defining home heating oil underground tanks and requiring removal of inactive ones under fire code for environmental hazards like groundwater pollution, necessitating statutory authority beyond rules.
Unclear: Robert Bishop, NHDES Information Only01:15:00.000 - 10:09:51 AM; Introduces himself as administrator of Oil Remediation and Compliance Bureau. Differentiates fire code focus on fire/explosion prevention from RSA 146A's emphasis on oil pollution and groundwater protection. Explains proposal defines abandonment and requires tank removal, addressing fire code's undefined terms on timing and permanent out-of-service. Details removal procedures including piping, contents, and safe abandonment if structures impede, citing fire code provisions.
Unclear: Representative Scully Information Only01:18:00.000 - 10:12:51 AM; Thanks Representatives Bixby and Germana for improvements. Raises enforceability concerns with example of supplemental use where tank unused for years due to mild winters or alternative heating, questioning proof of 12-month non-use and practicality of removal.
Unclear: Robert Bishop, NHDES Information Only01:20:00.000 - 10:14:51 AM; Describes typical releases from disconnected tanks post-upgrade, wrong deliveries, or crimped lines. Explains lack of oil turnover leads to water condensation, microbial acidification, and internal corrosion causing leaks.
Unclear: Representative Howard Information Only01:21:00.000 - 10:15:51 AM; Asks if acidification occurs in actively used tanks or only idle ones.
Unclear: Robert Bishop, NHDES Information Only01:22:00.000 - 10:16:51 AM; Confirms it occurs in use but less frequently due to turnover; idle tanks have greater opportunity.
Unclear: Representative Howard Information Only01:22:30.000 - 10:17:21 AM; Inquires if the process affects above-ground tanks.
Unclear: Robert Bishop, NHDES Information Only01:23:28.831 - 10:18:19 AM; Affirms yes, causing internal rust visible externally as dampness. Underground tanks corrode from both inside (brown water) and outside (groundwater/soil). Older steel tanks degrade faster; newer ones have coatings and cathodic protection against soil currents.
Unclear: Representative Scully Information Only01:25:00.000 - 10:19:51 AM; Suggests amendment provision for tank removal upon heating system change, as it's clear non-use.
Unclear: Committee Chair Information Only01:26:00.000 - 10:20:51 AM; Agrees to consider amendment suggestions for clarifying non-use.
Unclear: Committee Chair Information Only01:27:00.000 - 10:21:51 AM; Notes concerns about over-vaccination and potential exemptions via titer testing. Reviews existing exemptions for sick or immune-compromised animals requiring restrictions due to rabies risk. Emphasizes rabies' 100% fatality and titer costs ($300-500), but proponents willing to pay. References Rabies Challenge Fund's opposition to using titers for exemptions. Invites thoughts on establishing titer testing for exemptions.
Unclear: Dr. Mark Prescott, State Veterinarian Information Only01:28:00.000 - 10:22:51 AM; States labs (KSU, KSU Amrit? Wait, USAMRIID and University of Kansas) not validated for rabies exemptions; plans to consult them. Explains titer purpose: confirm immune response post-vaccination for import to rabies-free areas like Hawaii, proving vaccination over owner claims. Notes post-arrival revaccination required on schedule.
Unclear: Representative Bixby Information Only01:30:00.000 - 10:24:51 AM; Confirms titer testing does not exempt from ongoing vaccination schedule. Questions consistency of results from both labs.
Unclear: Dr. Mark Prescott, State Veterinarian Information Only01:31:00.000 - 10:25:51 AM; Believes results similar using same platform but would verify cross-validation. Notes focus on response presence, not exact value; timing 30 days post-vaccination for peak response, typically >0.5 IU; value lacks clinical importance for exemptions.
Unclear: Representative Barber Information Only01:33:00.000 - 10:27:51 AM; Asks about immunologic memory.
Unclear: Dr. Nate Harvey, Assistant State Veterinarian Information Only01:38:28.831 - 10:33:19 AM; Explains primary immune response to first vaccine: macrophages detect antigen, alert lymph nodes for antibody production (first bump). Secondary response to booster: faster, larger, longer-lasting (second bump), creating memory cells for lifelong protection. Uses graph analogy for peaks and duration. Stresses booster's role in galvanizing response, like a stockpile.
Unclear: Dr. Nate Harvey, Assistant State Veterinarian Information Only01:35:00.000 - 10:29:51 AM; Raises concerns: replacing validated vaccine with unvalidated titer test; bill's 7-14 day timing too early for baseline, as later titers decline, risking false failures. Recommends changing timing and wording if proceeding.
Unclear: Representative Bixby Information Only01:36:00.000 - 10:30:51 AM; References 2019 Rabies Challenge Study showing titer variability not correlating perfectly with survival post-exposure. Notes need for large sample size across breeds, involving painful challenges with rabies.
Unclear: Dr. Nate Harvey, Assistant State Veterinarian Information Only01:37:00.000 - 10:31:51 AM; Agrees on need for large N to account for variabilities; confirms challenges would require exposing many animals to fatal rabies.
Unclear: Representative Scully Information Only01:40:00.000 - 10:34:51 AM; Inquires about mRNA rabies vaccines, approval, availability of choices, and informing owners of options, viewing mRNA as experimental.
Unclear: Dr. Mark Prescott, State Veterinarian Information Only01:41:00.000 - 10:35:51 AM; Confirms mRNA rabies vaccines approved; availability depends on clinics, which generally offer choices and inform preferences.
Unclear: Representative Scully Information Only01:42:00.000 - 10:36:51 AM; Suggests amendment requiring disclosure of vaccine types and choices.
Unclear: Committee Chair Information Only01:42:30.000 - 10:37:21 AM; Agrees to include choice disclosure in potential amendment.
Unclear: Representative Barber Information Only01:43:00.000 - 10:37:51 AM; Suggests amendment for initial booster then titer for lifelong immunity monitoring; asks if safe with proof.
Unclear: Dr. Nate Harvey, Assistant State Veterinarian Information Only01:53:28.831 - 10:48:19 AM; Notes rabies binary outcome (death); advises against altering until validated via challenges, which are ethically challenging.
Unclear: Committee Chair Information Only01:50:00.000 - 10:44:51 AM; Emphasizes vaccinating pets over humans due to no pet-transmitted cases, trusting vaccinated pets versus wildlife risks. Shares rabid fawn story leading to 122 exposures. Ends discussion, open to amendments next week.
Unclear: Dr. Nate Harvey, Assistant State Veterinarian Information Only01:52:00.000 - 10:46:51 AM; Recounts personal experience with rabid fawn at Tufts clinic causing mass post-exposure prophylaxis.
HB1305: Committee Chair Information Only01:55:00.000 - 10:49:51 AM; Opens hearing noting sponsor absent; recesses to 3:00 PM for introduction and discussion later.
HB1478: Representative Kelly Potenza, Stratford District 19 Support03:10:37.966 - 12:05:28 PM; Representative Potenza introduced HB 1478, a reintroduction of HB 707 from the previous year, aimed at requiring DES to revise landfill siting rules to protect public health, drinking water, and the environment. She explained the bill's history, including JLCAR's determination that prior DES rules were contrary to statute and public interest, and how the rules were approved without adequate public input. The bill establishes site-specific setbacks based on pollution travel time through soils and bedrock, modernizing criteria used by most other states. It directs DES to write rules necessary to protect public health and the environment, complementing Governor Ayotte's HB2. Potenza addressed Waste Management's outdated testimony opposing an earlier version, noting they support the current bill after updates. She discussed past legislative efforts, veto overrides, and the need for scientific, non-arbitrary setbacks over fixed distances. During questioning, she clarified the bill's relation to prior versions, DES collaboration, independence of hydrogeologists to avoid conflicts of interest, and the evolution of rule drafts that weakened protections post-public comment.
HB1478: Mike Wimsatt, Director, NH DES Waste Management Division (with Leah McKenna, Solid Waste Management Bureau Administrator) Information Only03:50:00.000 - 12:44:51 PM; Director Wimsatt provided observations on HB 1478 without taking a position. He highlighted a procedural issue in section 3, where prohibiting permits until a five-year migration setback determination could conflict with separate permit timelines like wetlands, potentially leading to default approvals under RSA 541-A. He suggested clarifying to apply only to solid waste permits. On the five-year travel time, he noted it focuses on subsurface under the landfill but should consider the path to surface water, which may require off-site data, raising access issues. DES believes current rules are more protective, requiring detection, investigation, and remediation before contaminants reach the property line, avoiding off-site evaluations. He addressed hydrogeologist independence, emphasizing professional licensure ethics over restrictions, as willful misrepresentations are rare. On stormwater design, he questioned the '100-year storm plus 50%' language for clarity and noted recent DES updates from 25-year to 50-year storms for practicality amid climate change, stressing complex hydrology.
HB1478: Mike Wimsatt, Director, NH DES Waste Management Division (with Leah McKenna, Solid Waste Management Bureau Administrator) Information Only04:11:04.265 - 1:05:55 PM; Wimsatt continues discussing the implications of designing for a 100-year storm versus a 50-year storm for landfills, highlighting potential risks such as over-design leading to maintenance issues and increased chances of construction errors or damage that could result in leachate releases. He notes that federal rules for hazardous waste landfills use a 25-year storm standard, suggesting that the current 50-year approach already exceeds federal requirements. On the Ford Act provision, he states it was vetted in rulemaking and is unnecessary as rules already require FAA notification. Regarding the 'ample margin of safety' language, he supports the concept but suggests it needs definition to avoid ambiguity in implementation.
HB1189: Representative Bixby Support04:26:04.265 - 1:20:55 PM; Representative Bixby introduces HB 1189, explaining it as a joint committee effort building on the governor's prior proposal for a solid waste site evaluation committee to address gaps in the current DES permitting process, which does not fully evaluate local, regional, and state impacts of solid waste facilities. The bill prioritizes expansions of existing facilities, brownfields, and greenfields last; requires a certificate of need before construction for new major facilities post-2026; outlines application requirements including site descriptions, public benefit analysis, and impact assessments; mandates public information sessions and hearings; appoints counsel for the public; and incorporates net benefit assessments. He notes minor changes from the House budget version and invites questions.
HB1189: Tom Tower, North Country Alliance for Balanced Change (with Wayne Morrison) Support04:41:04.265 - 1:35:55 PM; Tom Tower urges support for HB 1189, praising the committee's collaborative work on solid waste reform. He emphasizes that the bill complements DES permitting by addressing community impacts like noise, odor, traffic, visual effects, tourism, property values, and economic health not covered in current processes. The site evaluation committee provides transparency, predictability, and public engagement, building trust for multi-generational decisions on hazardous facilities. It prefers expansions and brownfields over greenfields without forcing communities or exempting expansions. Wayne Morrison adds that the bill recognizes gaps in evaluating regional impacts, advocates for an effective committee to balance industry and community interests, and stresses the need for local control in siting decisions that affect quality of life, opposing industry dominance.
HB1189: Heidi Trimarco Support04:56:04.265 - 1:50:55 PM; Heidi Trimarco proposes an amendment to address committee composition concerns, limiting solid waste industry representation to no more than two seats and prohibiting employees or contractors of major facilities from serving, to prevent industry capture and ensure balance. She highlights issues in the current Waste Management Council where vacancies and double-dipping allow industry overrepresentation, referencing a Casella earnings call indicating intent to influence policy for less local control. The amendment adds provisions on page 2 for consistency and to avoid conflicts of interest.
HB1189: Matt Leahy, Society for the Protection of New Hampshire Forests Support05:11:04.265 - 2:05:55 PM; Matt Leahy supports HB 1189 as it ensures comprehensive evaluation of landfill impacts on land, water resources, wildlife habitat, and abutting properties before major landscape changes. As a conservation organization protecting 70,000 acres, the Forest Society sees the site evaluation committee as essential public policy to confirm appropriateness and mitigate negative effects not fully captured in existing systems.
HB1189: Mike Wimsatt, Director, NH DES Waste Management Division (with Leah McKenna, Solid Waste Management Bureau Administrator) Support05:11:04.265 - 2:05:55 PM; Wimsatt and McKenna affirm DES support for HB 1189, noting its similarity to the governor's HB2 proposal and Senate SB536. The bill establishes a committee to consider community impacts beyond DES expertise and authority, such as land use, visual impacts, property values, health, tourism, recreation, wildlife, traffic, noise, odor, and economics, enabling fuller public participation. They suggest removing 'disposal' from the facility definition to include all solid waste types like transfer stations, given the disposal surcharge context. They confirm certificate and permitting processes can run concurrently, and the certificate process ends if net public benefit is not met.
HB1305: Representative Liz Barber, Hollis District 35 Support05:26:04.265 - 2:20:55 PM; Representative Barber introduced HB 1305, sponsored by Representative Melissa Litchfield. The bill adds a section to the Veterinary Practice Act to authorize and regulate veterinary telehealth, defining it as using communications technologies for remote veterinary medical care. Key provisions include allowing licensed veterinarians to practice telehealth, establishing remote VCPR without initial in-person exams, permitting remote consultations, assessments, diagnoses, treatments, and prescriptions where appropriate, prohibiting prescribing controlled substances without in-person exams, and requiring informed consent, records, and standards of care adherence. She supports it for expanding consumer choice, reducing costs, enabling last-minute triage, and supporting holistic care not locally available.
HB1305: Kurt Ehrenberg Support05:30:00.000 - 2:24:51 PM; Kurt Ehrenberg spoke in support of HB 1305, stating it is common sense to allow modern technology for veterinary care. He emphasized that it would improve availability of care for more pets and animals in the state. In response to questions about the AVMA's opposition to establishing VCPR via telemedicine without an initial in-person meeting, he affirmed support for the bill as written, prioritizing access to care.
HB1305: Dr. Mark Prescott, State Veterinarian for New Hampshire Oppose05:35:00.000 - 2:29:51 PM; Dr. Prescott opposed HB 1305 as written, aligning with the New Hampshire VMA's concerns. He highlighted difficulties in conducting physical exams via video, as animals cannot communicate their symptoms, making remote diagnosis challenging without hands-on evaluation. He noted that tele-triage is already allowed but stressed the importance of in-person exams for valid VCPR, especially for prescribing medications to avoid issues like antibiotic resistance from out-of-state veterinarians unfamiliar with local conditions. He supported carve-outs for controlled substances but worried about other drugs. Regarding HB 1766, he distinguished it as advisory support rather than primary evaluation. He compared veterinary telehealth to human telehealth, noting animals cannot self-advocate and physical exams are essential. He expressed concerns about undefined terms like telehealth and the risks of remote prescribing without evaluation, including extra-label drug use. He advocated for established VCPR prior to telehealth and noted limitations even for large animals due to the need for on-site sensory evaluation. He acknowledged that adding video improves communication over phone but still limits assessment.

Aron, Judy(Chairman)(R)[A-]2025	King, Seth(Clerk)(R)[B+]2025	Barbour, Liz(V Chairman)(R)[B+]2025
Gruber, James(D)[F]2025	Bixby, Peter(D)[F]2025	Sofikitis, Catherine(D)[D-]2025
Freeman, Lisa(R)[B+]2025	Comtois, Barbara(R)[B+]2025	Scully, Kevin(R)[A-]2025
Howard, Molly(D)[D]2025	Wheeler, Jonah(D)[D-]2025	Haskins, Linda(D)[F]2025
Potenza, Kelley(R)[A]2025	Kenny, Catherine(R)[B]2025	Germana, Nicholas(D)[F]2025
Miner, Laurence(R)[B]2025