Committee Summary for House Environment and Agriculture (03/18/2025)

Bill/Time	Type	Title	Sponsor
HR18 00:06:16.720 - 9:34:57 AM	Public Hearing	(New Title) urging the New Hampshire congressional delegation to sponsor legislation relative to, and urging the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) to adopt regulations, allowing for small scale and very small slaughter plants to use the Federal Meat Inspection Act’s Custom Exempt meat processing inspection criteria with a third-party inspector present at slaughter, so that processed beef, pork, lamb, and chevron (goat meat) can be sold as individual cuts directly from the farm producer to the end consumer.	Aron, Judy(R)[A]2024
Unclear 00:14:18.639 - 9:42:59 AM	General Working Session	Unclear
HB616 0999H 00:20:01.919 - 9:48:42 AM	General Working Session	(New Title) relative to the confiscation of animals from persons suspected of or charged with abuse of animals and establishing a committee to study the animal cruelty statutes.	Aron, Judy(R)[A]2024
HB707 00:24:05.679 - 9:52:46 AM	General Working Session	(New Title) requiring the department of environmental services to revise the rules for proposed new landfills.	Potenza, Kelley(R)[A]2024
HB707 2025-0141 00:26:37.039 - 9:55:18 AM	General Working Session	(New Title) requiring the department of environmental services to revise the rules for proposed new landfills.	Potenza, Kelley(R)[A]2024
HB707 2025-0141 00:36:35.920 - 10:05:16 AM	General Working Session	(New Title) requiring the department of environmental services to revise the rules for proposed new landfills.	Potenza, Kelley(R)[A]2024
HB505 0883 00:38:51.079 - 10:07:32 AM	General Working Session	allowing the sale of freeze dried foods produced in homestead food operations.	Schamberg, Thomas(D)[CT]2024
HB250 0896 00:44:11.319 - 10:12:52 AM	General Working Session	enabling local governing bodies to regulate the muzzling of dogs.	Newell, Jodi(D)[D-]2024
HB616 2025-0999h 01:33:16.880 - 11:01:57 AM	Executive Session	(New Title) relative to the confiscation of animals from persons suspected of or charged with abuse of animals and establishing a committee to study the animal cruelty statutes.	Aron, Judy(R)[A]2024
HB77 2025-1041h 01:39:34.560 - 11:08:15 AM	Executive Session	(New Title) prohibiting certain licensees from electronically recording or storing personal information obtained from an identification card.	Verville, Kevin(R)[B+]2024
HB505 01:42:51.320 - 11:11:32 AM	Executive Session	allowing the sale of freeze dried foods produced in homestead food operations.	Schamberg, Thomas(D)[CT]2024
HB505 2025-0883h 01:44:17.080 - 11:12:58 AM	Executive Session	allowing the sale of freeze dried foods produced in homestead food operations.	Schamberg, Thomas(D)[CT]2024
HB250 2025-0896h 01:49:25.880 - 11:18:06 AM	Executive Session	enabling local governing bodies to regulate the muzzling of dogs.	Newell, Jodi(D)[D-]2024
HR18 2025-1073h 01:54:22.400 - 11:23:03 AM	Executive Session	(New Title) urging the New Hampshire congressional delegation to sponsor legislation relative to, and urging the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) to adopt regulations, allowing for small scale and very small slaughter plants to use the Federal Meat Inspection Act’s Custom Exempt meat processing inspection criteria with a third-party inspector present at slaughter, so that processed beef, pork, lamb, and chevron (goat meat) can be sold as individual cuts directly from the farm producer to the end consumer.	Aron, Judy(R)[A]2024

HR18: Representative Judy Aaron, Sullivan District 4 (representing the towns of Acworth, Goshen, Lempster, Langdon, and Washington) Support00:06:16.720 - 9:34:57 AM; Representative Judy Aaron introduced HR18, a resolution aimed at addressing the limitations faced by small and very small slaughter plants in New Hampshire. She explained that the state has only four USDA-approved slaughter plants, and the resolution urges the New Hampshire Congressional Delegation to sponsor federal legislation to allow these small-scale operations to use the federal meat inspection acts custom exempt meat processing inspection criteria with a third-party inspector present. This would enable them to sell individual cuts of meat directly to consumers, rather than requiring consumers to purchase a whole, half, or quarter of an animal. Representative Aaron also mentioned that an amendment is in the works to include very small slaughter plants, defined as having 1 to 10 employees, in the resolution's scope.
HR18: Joyce Brady, New Hampshire Farm Bureau Support00:11:58.480 - 9:40:39 AM; Joyce Brady from the New Hampshire Farm Bureau expressed support for HR18 and commended the committee's efforts to address the bottleneck in getting individual cuts of meat to local consumers. She agreed with Representative Aaron's addition of 'very small' slaughter plants to the resolution, as these operations, with less than 10 employees, are the ones most in need of help. Brady explained that the resolution seeks to allow a third-party inspector on the kill floor, which would bring these plants up to the same inspection level as USDA-approved facilities. She also clarified that the cutting portion of the process falls under the jurisdiction of the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) and is subject to interstate regulations, but the current focus is on equalizing the inspection process with a third-party inspector.
Unclear: Committee Members Information Only00:14:18.639 - 9:42:59 AM; The committee discussed the results of the public hearing on HR18, with four members in support, two opposed, and no neutral positions. They also prepared for a work session on several bills, including HB 616, HB 77, HB 505, and HB 250, ensuring that all members had the necessary copies of amendments and bills for discussion.
HB616 0999H: Representative Guber Support00:20:01.919 - 9:48:42 AM; Representative Guber expressed support for amendment 0999H to HB 616, noting that it effectively addresses the issues raised in online comments. He appreciated the effort to balance various positions on the bill.
HB616 0999H: Representative Penza Support00:20:01.919 - 9:48:42 AM; Representative Penza thanked the committee for the work done on HB 616 and appreciated the feedback from Commissioner Jasper. He felt that the bill was in a good position to move forward.
HB616 0999H: Representative Ger Support00:21:39.000 - 9:50:20 AM; Representative Ger thanked the committee for the work on HB 616 and specifically appreciated the amendment suggested by Representative Freeman. The amendment addressed his concern about the potential suffering of animals during legal proceedings by allowing euthanization if determined necessary by a veterinarian.
HB707: Representative Penza Support00:24:05.679 - 9:52:46 AM; Representative Penza presented changes to HB 707, noting that the term 'aquafer' was changed to 'all of the drinking water wells' in four places. The penalty section on page three was removed, changing 'may' to 'shall' to give the department more authority to deny permits. The most significant change was on page three, adjusting the soil standard from 1 * 10^-5 to 1 * 10^-4, which he believed balanced environmental protection with industry needs.
HB707: Representative Jera Support00:25:29.840 - 9:54:10 AM; Representative Jera thanked Representative Penza for the work on HB 707 and supported the change in the soil standard from 10^-5 to 10^-4. He noted that this adjustment was made after consulting with experts and was seen as a strong standard that balanced public health and safety with industry considerations.
HB707 2025-0141: Representative Freeman Information Only00:26:37.039 - 9:55:18 AM; Representative Freeman raised a question about the amendment, specifically referencing lines and pages in the document. They were seeking clarification on the amendment number, which was confirmed to be 2025-0141.
HB707 2025-0141: Representative Scully Information Only00:28:09.399 - 9:56:50 AM; Representative Scully expressed appreciation for the amendment's improvements but voiced a concern about the performance-based criteria on page two, lines 18 to 20. They discussed the increase of the setback to 1500 feet and suggested engineering controls like constructing a berm to prevent overland flow as an alternative to the prescriptive distance.
HB707 2025-0141: Representative Penza Information Only00:29:11.399 - 9:57:52 AM; Representative Penza noted the absence of engineering controls in current rules and emphasized the importance of the 1500-foot setback for surface spill protection. They mentioned an active landfill issue and the need for careful planning for future landfills.
HB707 2025-0141: Representative Scully Information Only00:30:32.120 - 9:59:13 AM; Representative Scully further discussed the 1500-foot setback, suggesting that higher elevation could negate the need for such a distance. They expressed concern about being too prescriptive and potentially creating legal issues, advocating for performance standards over fixed distances.
HB707 2025-0141: Representative Kto Information Only00:31:35.960 - 10:00:16 AM; Representative Kto agreed with Representative Scully's concerns about being too prescriptive and suggested that such details should be left to the Department of Environmental Services (DES) to include in their rules.
HB707 2025-0141: Representative Haskins Information Only00:32:41.519 - 10:01:22 AM; Representative Haskins echoed the sentiment of not rewriting the bill at the last minute, expressing satisfaction with the current state of the amendment.
HB707 2025-0141: Representative Penza Information Only00:33:53.399 - 10:02:34 AM; Representative Penza reassured that even with the reduced setback from 3000 to 1500 feet, there are still ample locations available for landfills, countering the concern of being backed into a corner.
HB707 2025-0141: Representative Miner Information Only00:35:07.599 - 10:03:48 AM; Representative Miner agreed with Representative Haskins, emphasizing the need to finalize the bill without constant revisions, acknowledging the time constraints.
HB707 2025-0141: Representative Howard Information Only00:35:07.599 - 10:03:48 AM; Representative Howard referenced advice from Commissioner G. Jasper about not letting the perfect be the enemy of the good. They questioned whether recommending engineering solutions was less prescriptive than a fixed setback distance.
HB707 2025-0141: Representative Kto Information Only00:35:07.599 - 10:03:48 AM; Representative Kto challenged the notion that reducing the setback from 3000 to 1500 feet significantly increased available land for landfills, pointing out the need to consider the 5-year distance of travel criteria.
HB707 2025-0141: Representative Bixby Support00:36:35.920 - 10:05:16 AM; Representative Bixby expressed support for the version of the bill, stating they had nothing further to add as Judy had already summarized their views effectively.
HB707 2025-0141: Representative Guber Support00:36:35.920 - 10:05:16 AM; Representative Guber supported the bill, emphasizing that it strikes a balance that protects the public. They highlighted a modification on page three, lines 18 through 24, which clarifies the conditions under which the department may deny a permit application, aligning it with existing legislation.
HB707 2025-0141: Representative Howard Support00:37:50.720 - 10:06:31 AM; Representative Howard commended Representative Penza for her hard work and flexibility in compromising on the bill, indicating a strong effort towards reaching a consensus.
HB707 2025-0141: Representative German Support00:37:50.720 - 10:06:31 AM; Representative German supported the bill, noting that concerns raised would be addressed in the rule adoption process mentioned at the end of the bill.
HB505 0883: Chairwoman Aaron Information Only00:38:51.079 - 10:07:32 AM; Chairwoman Aaron introduced the amendment to HB505, explaining that it changes the bill to require homestead food operations processing and selling freeze-dried foods to be licensed under RSA 143a:4. The amendment specifies that freeze-dried food includes fruits, vegetables, and commercially prepared dairy products, and it allows sales at farm stands, farmers markets, and retail food stores. The effective date is set to 120 days after passage to allow time for rule development.
HB505 0883: Representative Miner Support00:40:58.319 - 10:09:39 AM; Representative Miner expressed strong support for the amendment, stating it covers all necessary points effectively.
HB505 0883: Representative Bixby Support00:40:58.319 - 10:09:39 AM; Representative Bixby thanked the amendment's proposer for addressing the issue of potentially hazardous foods with a homestead food license rather than a complete exemption. They expressed confidence in the food protective services' ability to develop rules that would make the process easy to follow.
HB505 0883: Representative Ktoa Information Only00:42:08.680 - 10:10:49 AM; Representative Ktoa sought clarification on the amendment, specifically regarding section five, which is renumbered and deals with products exempt from licensing and inspection. They confirmed that freeze-dried foods would not be exempt from licensing under this amendment.
HB250 0896: Representative Bixby Support00:44:11.319 - 10:12:52 AM; Representative Bixby supported the amendment, noting it as a good solution despite initial printing errors, and appreciated the clarity and correctness of the final amendment.
HB250 0896: Representative Germana Support00:44:11.319 - 10:12:52 AM; Representative Germana, on behalf of the Keene representatives who sponsored the bill, thanked those involved for their work in making the bill effective.
HB250 0896: Representative Howard Support00:44:11.319 - 10:12:52 AM; Representative Howard expressed appreciation for the simplicity and clarity of the solution provided by the amendment, wishing for similar clarity in all legislative processes.
HB250 0896: Representative Penza Support00:44:58.680 - 10:13:39 AM; Representative Penza expressed support for the amendment, echoing Representative Howard's sentiments. They appreciated the inclusion of a defined RSA about vicious dogs, believing it would help local municipalities and towns manage such issues effectively.
HB250 0896: Representative Ktoa Information Only00:46:06.760 - 10:14:47 AM; Representative Ktoa, who was not present for the initial hearing, sought clarification on the definition of a 'vicious dog' under RSA 466:31. They questioned whether the conditions listed, such as excessive barking, truly necessitated muzzling and expressed a need for further clarification on this section of the law.
HB250 0896: Unnamed Speaker Information Only00:46:54.040 - 10:15:35 AM; The speaker provided further details on the conditions under which a dog or cat could be considered a menace, nuisance, or vicious, including growling, snapping, chasing, or biting. They suggested that while the current law might need future clarification, the amendment to RSA 466:39 would empower towns to enforce muzzling for dogs that have bitten someone, while also ensuring that dogs used for hunting, competition, or guarding livestock are exempted.
HB250 0896: Representative Ktoa Information Only00:48:21.359 - 10:17:02 AM; Representative Ktoa raised concerns about the current law's impact on their guard dogs, which protect crops rather than livestock. They noted that under the current definition, their dogs might not be exempt from muzzling despite their role in guarding against wildlife.
HB250 0896: Representative Penza Support00:49:36.760 - 10:18:17 AM; Representative Penza supported the legislation, citing a personal anecdote about their girlfriend in Milton being attacked by a dog. They emphasized the importance of the bill in enabling municipalities to manage known aggressive dogs, while also acknowledging the need for a clearer definition of 'vicious' in the future.
HB250 0896: Representative Freeman Information Only00:51:27.839 - 10:20:08 AM; Representative Freeman provided a dictionary definition of 'vicious' to clarify its meaning, emphasizing that it pertains to aggressive behavior in animals. They argued against further additions to the RSA, stating that the term 'vicious' is clear and should not be confused with a barking dog.
HB250 0896: Representative Ktoa Information Only00:52:36.640 - 10:21:17 AM; Representative Ktoa thanked the committee for their perspectives and reiterated the importance of clear definitions in the law. They expressed concern over the potential for municipalities to misinterpret the law regarding barking dogs and suggested future amendments to define 'vicious' more clearly.
HB250 0896: Representative Bixby Support00:53:48.480 - 10:22:29 AM; Representative Bixby supported the bill, acknowledging the existing statute's weaknesses but emphasizing the need to address the immediate problem at hand. They highlighted the amendment's exclusion of working and hunting dogs from muzzling laws and expressed confidence in municipalities' reasonable application of the law.
HB250 0896: Unidentified Speaker Information Only00:54:38.839 - 10:23:19 AM; The speaker introduced amendment 1073H to HB250, which modifies the bill to urge the New Hampshire Congressional Delegation to sponsor legislation and the USDA to adopt regulations allowing small and very small slaughter plants to use federal Meat Inspection Act's custom exempted meat processing inspection criteria with a third-party inspector. This amendment would enable the sale of beef, pork, lamb, and chevron as individual cuts directly from the farm producer to the end consumer. The amendment was suggested by Joyce Brady from the Farm Bureau to include small and very small slaughter plants, noting a federal definition for 'very small' exists.
HB250 0896: Unidentified Speaker Information Only00:56:02.680 - 10:24:43 AM; The speaker noted a potential change in terminology from 'very small' to 'small scale' in the resolution, which was corrected with the new amendment. They expressed hope for support of the amendment during the upcoming executive session and mentioned the need to have the amendment printed before the session.
HB250 0896: Representative Miner Information Only00:57:13.200 - 10:25:54 AM; Representative Miner requested that the amendment be printed before the executive session, indicating that it could be sent to the House Committee Services for printing.
HB250 0896: Representative Penza Information Only00:57:13.200 - 10:25:54 AM; Representative Penza inquired about the possibility of the Senate supporting a similar version of the resolution. It was mentioned that the Senate does not typically engage with such resolutions, and an attempt by Senator Inis to discuss it with Senate President Carson was unsuccessful, leading to the decision to proceed with a House resolution only.
HB250 0896: Unidentified Speaker Information Only00:58:02.039 - 10:26:43 AM; The speaker concluded the work session, announcing a break until noon and plans to make copies of the amendment for HR18. They also mentioned a brief caucus for Democrats in room 403.
HB250 0896: Unidentified Speaker Information Only00:58:02.039 - 10:26:43 AM; The speaker was finishing their testimony on HB250 and amendment 0896, but the content of their testimony is not provided in the snippet.
HB616 2025-0999h: Chair Information Only01:33:16.880 - 11:01:57 AM; The Chair welcomed past chairmen Tera Sad and Bob Hafner to the Environment and Agriculture Committee, noting their upcoming presentation on the Council of State Governments. The Chair then announced the start of an executive session on HB616, moving to recommend OTP (Ought to Pass) with amendment 2025-0999h, which was seconded by Representative Bixby.
HB616 2025-0999h: Representative Information Only01:34:40.960 - 11:03:21 AM; The Representative discussed the amendment to HB616, explaining that the bill aims to modify animal cruelty laws. Key points include ensuring animals are not confiscated unless a person is charged with a crime, except in cases of imminent danger to the animal's life. The amendment also focuses on due process, ensuring owners are aware of documents they sign, and protecting unaltered animals taken into custody.
HB616 2025-0999h: Representative Bixby Support01:36:14.639 - 11:04:55 AM; Representative Bixby expressed support for HB616 and the amendment 2025-0999h. He highlighted the efforts made in 2018 to improve due process protections in the existing law and noted that the bill addresses issues identified in a case in Lebanon. He emphasized that the bill clarifies the process for animal confiscation and ensures that the care of confiscated animals, especially lactating ones, follows due process to prevent health issues like mastitis. Additionally, he mentioned the removal of outdated language related to dog and horse racing from the statute.
HB616 2025-0999h: Chairwoman Aaron Vote01:37:23.719 - 11:06:04 AM; Chairwoman Aaron called for a vote on the amendment 2025-0999h to HB616. The vote resulted in a unanimous 15-0 in favor of the amendment.
HB616 2025-0999h: Unnamed Representative Vote01:38:45.360 - 11:07:26 AM; An unnamed representative moved to pass HB616 with the amendment (OTPA). The motion was seconded and passed unanimously with a vote of 15-0. The bill was then placed on the consent calendar without objection.
HB77 2025-1041h: Representative Penza Support01:39:34.560 - 11:08:15 AM; Representative Penza moved to pass the amendment 2025-1041h to HB77. He acknowledged the extensive bipartisan work and collaboration with the Department of Environmental Services that led to the current version of the bill. He expressed gratitude for reaching a point where the bill could be supported by all.
HB77 2025-1041h: Representative Germana Support01:40:30.159 - 11:09:11 AM; Representative Germana seconded the motion to pass the amendment to HB77 and expressed pride in supporting the motion.
HB77 2025-1041h: Chairwoman Aaron Vote01:41:21.360 - 11:10:02 AM; Chairwoman Aaron called for a vote on the amendment 2025-1041h to HB77. The vote resulted in a 15-0 in favor of the amendment. Subsequently, a motion to pass HB77 with the amendment (OTPA) was moved by Representative Penza and seconded by Representative Germana. The OTPA motion passed with a vote of 14-1, and the bill was placed on the consent calendar without objection.
HB77 2025-1041h: Representative Scully Oppose01:42:51.320 - 11:11:32 AM; Representative Scully voted against the OTPA motion for HB77 but did not provide further comments during the session.
HB505: Chairwoman Aaron Information Only01:42:51.320 - 11:11:32 AM; Chairwoman Aaron opened the executive session for HB505, which allows the sale of freeze-dried foods produced in homesteads.
HB505 2025-0883h: Representative Barber Support01:44:17.080 - 11:12:58 AM; Representative Barber moved for Ought to Pass (OTP) on Amendment 2025-0883h to HB505, which concerns the production and sale of freeze-dried fruits, vegetables, and dairy products by homestead food operations. He emphasized that the bill provides a realistic licensing path for homesteaders, supports local entrepreneurship, and strengthens New Hampshire's agricultural economy while maintaining food safety standards.
HB505 2025-0883h: Representative Howard Support01:45:02.760 - 11:13:43 AM; Representative Howard seconded the motion for OTP on Amendment 2025-0883h to HB505, showing support for the amendment.
HB505 2025-0883h: Representative Howard Support01:46:30.280 - 11:15:11 AM; Representative Howard made a motion for Ought to Pass as Amended (OTPA) on HB505, expressing personal interest due to a constituent's struggle with starting a freeze-dried business. He appreciated the thoughtful creation of the bill and the amendment, which addressed his constituent's needs and would benefit many homesteaders.
HB505 2025-0883h: Representative Howard Support01:47:17.840 - 11:15:58 AM; Representative Howard seconded the motion for OTPA on HB505, expressing satisfaction with the amendment's impact on constituents.
HB250 2025-0896h: Representative Bixby Support01:49:25.880 - 11:18:06 AM; Representative Bixby moved for OTP on HB250 with Amendment 2025-0896h, stating that the amendment addressed the need for regulation due to problems with vicious dogs but avoided overly broad applications such as muzzling based on breed or muzzling working and hunting dogs.
HB250 2025-0896h: Representative Ktoa Support01:49:58.440 - 11:18:39 AM; Representative Ktoa supported the amendment to HB250, agreeing it was necessary but highlighted the need to further define 'vicious dog' in RSA 466:31, expressing intent to work on this issue in the fall.
HB250 2025-0896h: Representative Kenny Information Only01:51:54.440 - 11:20:35 AM; Representative Kenny seconds the motion made by Representative Bixby regarding HB250.
HB250 2025-0896h: Chairwoman Aaron Information Only01:52:00.000 - 11:20:41 AM; Chairwoman Aaron calls for a vote on HB250 with amendment 2025-0896h, and the motion passes with 15 votes in favor. The bill is placed on consent.
HR18 2025-1073h: Unnamed Speaker Support01:54:22.400 - 11:23:03 AM; The speaker introduces HR18 and amendment 2025-1073h, explaining that the resolution urges the Congressional Delegation to sponsor legislation to allow small and very small slaughter plants to sell individual cuts of meat directly to consumers under federal Meat Inspection Act's custom exempt meet processing inspection criteria with a third-party inspector present. The amendment includes 'very small' slaughter plants to specify plants with 10 or fewer employees.
HR18 2025-1073h: Representative Ktoa Support01:56:12.440 - 11:24:53 AM; Representative Ktoa thanks the chair for the resolution, emphasizing its importance for food sustainability and local access, and hopes for federal action to move forward.
HR18 2025-1073h: Representative Bixby Support01:57:31.880 - 11:26:12 AM; Representative Bixby thanks the Farm Bureau for the original resolution and acknowledges the collaborative effort to refine it. He expresses hope for federal action despite challenges from the other legislative body.
HR18 2025-1073h: Chairwoman Aaron Information Only01:58:52.480 - 11:27:33 AM; Chairwoman Aaron calls for a vote on the amendment to HR18, which passes with 15 votes in favor. She then moves to vote on HR18 with the amendment, which also passes with 15 votes in favor and is placed on consent.
HR18 2025-1073h: Chairwoman Aaron Information Only02:00:10.639 - 11:28:51 AM; Chairwoman Aaron closes the executive session on HR18, congratulating the committee on completing work on all house bills. She mentions a conversation with Senator Pearl about upcoming Senate bills and praises the committee's collaborative approach to legislation.
HR18 2025-1073h: Representative Wheeler Information Only02:01:25.000 - 11:30:06 AM; Representative Wheeler echoes Representative Bixby's sentiments and praises Chairwoman Aaron's leadership, highlighting the committee's approach to refining and sometimes rejecting bills based on their merit and practical solutions.
HR18 2025-1073h: Representative Miner Information Only02:02:33.440 - 11:31:14 AM; Representative Miner, as a freshman, thanks the chair and appreciates the committee's work.
HR18 2025-1073h: Representative Penza Information Only02:03:00.520 - 11:31:41 AM; Representative Penza expressed appreciation for the committee's work, highlighting the bipartisan approach and the committee's ability to discern whether legislation is ready for prime time or if alternative solutions like letters are more appropriate. They praised the committee's collaborative spirit and effectiveness.
HR18 2025-1073h: Representative Guber Information Only02:04:05.199 - 11:32:46 AM; Representative Guber echoed the sentiments of others, emphasizing the committee's reputation as the best and most bipartisan, where members focus on solving problems rather than political issues. They appreciated the leadership's role in fostering this environment.
HR18 2025-1073h: Representative Haskins Information Only02:05:03.239 - 11:33:44 AM; Representative Haskins spoke about the human aspect of the committee, noting the friendships formed across the aisle. They appreciated the committee's approach to meetings, which allowed members to get to know each other better.
HR18 2025-1073h: Representative Jera Information Only02:06:06.320 - 11:34:47 AM; Representative Jera suggested that the committee should serve as a model for the entire house, highlighting the committee's ability to work together despite coming from a very blue district. They discussed the importance of conveying to constituents that the system can work for Granite Staters.
HR18 2025-1073h: Representative Howard Information Only02:07:13.480 - 11:35:54 AM; Representative Howard humorously committed to staying on the committee to eradicate 'stupid pet ideas,' mentioning potential bills about kangaroos and squirrels. They appreciated the committee's bipartisan approach and the legacy of previous chairs.
HR18 2025-1073h: The Honorable Tera Sad Information Only02:08:04.679 - 11:36:45 AM; Tera Sad, a former chair, expressed emotional appreciation for the committee's continued bipartisan work. They highlighted the committee's focus on farming and the environment, which transcends political divides, and congratulated the current members on their work.
HR18 2025-1073h: The Honorable Bob Hafner Information Only02:09:19.280 - 11:38:00 AM; Bob Hafner, another former chair, shared how he and Tera Sad worked together across party lines, calling each other to discuss bills regardless of who was chair. They emphasized the committee's success and the importance of bipartisan collaboration.
HR18 2025-1073h: The Honorable Tera Sad Information Only02:10:38.679 - 11:39:19 AM; Tera Sad discussed their involvement with the Council of State Governments (CSG) after retiring from the legislature, explaining how CSG helps broaden legislators' perspectives on legislation across states. They invited committee members to participate in CSG events.
HR18 2025-1073h: The Honorable Bob Hafner Information Only02:11:44.639 - 11:40:25 AM; Bob Hafner added to Tera Sad's comments about CSG, mentioning the friendships formed with legislators from other states and the organization's role in networking and policy development. He provided details about upcoming CSG events.
HR18 2025-1073h: The Honorable Tera Sad Information Only02:13:07.480 - 11:41:48 AM; Tera Sad provided more details about CSG's Eastern region, upcoming annual meetings in Providence, Rhode Island, and a policy summit in Portland, Maine. They encouraged committee members to get involved and mentioned the benefits of attending CSG events.
HR18 2025-1073h: The Honorable Bob Hafner Information Only02:19:03.040 - 11:47:44 AM; Bob Hafner responded to a question about CSG potentially addressing meat slaughter issues, mentioning Vermont's state meat inspection program and New Hampshire's challenges. He discussed the importance of small-scale processing and the need for different regional approaches.
HR18 2025-1073h: Barbara Information Only02:20:10.200 - 11:48:51 AM; Barbara expressed her long-standing interest in meat slaughter issues and asked if CSG's Washington liaison could influence changes. She praised CSG's educational value and the importance of its meetings and field trips.
HR18 2025-1073h: Representative B Information Only02:22:35.640 - 11:51:16 AM; Representative B discussed the challenges of state-level meat inspection programs, emphasizing the need for a critical mass and suggesting a model similar to the poultry slaughter exemption. They mentioned recent legislative successes with rabbits and homestead food acts.
HR18 2025-1073h: The Honorable Tera Sad Information Only02:25:00.600 - 11:53:41 AM; Tera Sad mentioned a planned visit to Hartford, Connecticut, to discuss meat inspection issues with a CSG representative. They highlighted the importance of regional differences in agricultural regulations.
HR18 2025-1073h: Representative Skul Information Only02:26:21.040 - 11:55:02 AM; Representative Skul asked if CSG could be a resource for understanding how different states approach problems. Tera Sad confirmed that CSG could provide research and connections to other states.
HR18 2025-1073h: The Honorable Tera Sad Information Only02:27:23.040 - 11:56:04 AM; Tera Sad shared an example of how a resolution from their committee influenced a farm bill hearing in New York, demonstrating the impact of CSG's work.
HR18 2025-1073h: Representative King Information Only02:28:06.359 - 11:56:47 AM; Representative King asked about how CSG members handle politically sensitive issues, questioning if personal biases affect their work. Tera Sad and Bob Hafner explained their nonpartisan approach and the educational value of their work.
HR18 2025-1073h: Representative Barar Information Only02:30:22.640 - 11:59:03 AM; Representative Barar discussed potential committee activities for April, including field trips and the possibility of observing April vacation. They mentioned upcoming deadlines and the need to plan future committee meetings.
HR18 2025-1073h: Representative Barar Information Only02:30:22.640 - 11:59:03 AM; Representative Barar was finishing his remarks on the amendment to HR18.
HR18 2025-1073h: Unknown Information Only02:34:18.720 - 12:02:59 PM; The snippet provided does not contain enough information to summarize the testimony or identify the speaker beyond the indication of a new speaker starting at the given timestamp.

Aron, Judy(Chairman)(R)[A]2024	King, Seth(Clerk)(R)[A]2024	Comtois, Barbara(V Chairman)(R)[A]2024
Gruber, James(D)	Bixby, Peter(D)[CT]2024	Sofikitis, Catherine(D)[D-]2024
Freeman, Lisa(R)[B+]2018	Scully, Kevin(R)[A-]2018	Barbour, Liz(R)
Howard, Molly(D)[F]2024	Wheeler, Jonah(D)[D+]2024	Haskins, Linda(D)[CT]2024
Potenza, Kelley(R)[A]2024	Kenny, Catherine(R)[B+]2024	Germana, Nicholas(D)[CT]2024
Miner, Laurence(R)