Committee Summary for House Environment and Agriculture (04/07/2026)

Member	Member	Member
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

Bill/Time	Type	Title	Sponsor
SB475	General Working Session	including a determination of the best interest of the animal in the definition of foster home.	Birdsell, Regina(R)[B-]2025
SB624 1345	General Working Session	restricting access to certain hemp-derived products.	Gannon, Bill(R)[B-]2025
SB465	General Working Session	classifying xylazine as a schedule III controlled drug.	Gannon, Bill(R)[B-]2025
SB644	General Working Session	requiring background checks for solid waste and hazardous waste facility owners.	Pearl, Howard (R)[B]2025
SB418 2024-1377h and 2024-1372h	General Working Session	prohibiting municipalities from requiring licenses for the production and sale of homestead food products.	Sullivan, Victoria(R)[A-]2025
Unclear	General Working Session	Unclear

SB475: Information Only 00:07:23.600 - 1:05:24 PM; The chair introduces the work session, references a document prepared by researcher Christy Ausfresser on animal foster care definitions in other states, and opens discussion on SB 475 regarding the best interest of the animal in foster home definitions. Mentions an amendment being worked on by Kelly.
SB475: Information Only 00:08:51.677 - 1:06:52 PM; Confirms that Kelly submitted an amendment on Monday defining a pet vendor foster home in RSA 437:1, specifying it as a private residence associated with and inspected by a licensed pet vendor for temporary care of animals, including pregnant or lactating ones, based on veterinary determination.
SB475: Information Only 00:10:33.726 - 1:08:34 PM; Seeks clarification on the amendment, confirming it defines a 'pet vendor foster home' specifically, not just a general foster home.
SB475: Information Only 00:10:33.726 - 1:08:34 PM; Asks for repetition of the amendment language and questions if 'associated with' means linked to a particular pet vendor.
SB475: Information Only 00:11:41.406 - 1:09:42 PM; Recalls concerns from Patricia Morris about unannounced inspections and seeks distinction between a private residence foster home and a facility, noting varying positions on the matter.
SB475: Information Only 00:11:41.406 - 1:09:42 PM; Begins to respond regarding current rules on foster homes.
SB475: Information Only 00:13:13.798 - 1:11:14 PM; Explains the definition of a foster home under the amendment, emphasizing that adding 'pet vendor' distinguishes it from existing rules, ensures oversight by licensed pet vendors without state inspections unless necessary, and focuses on homes for lactating or pregnant animals.
SB475: Information Only 00:16:37.778 - 1:14:38 PM; Discusses whether the amendment applies to private homes not associated with pet vendors, clarifying that it targets foster homes under pet vendor auspices, and questions the scope of current rules regarding foster homes.
SB475: Support 00:19:28.459 - 1:17:29 PM; Describes the amendment as a simple 'KISS' model to define pet vendor foster homes, avoiding conflicts with private homes, ensuring no state inspections for private residences, and incorporating pregnant and lactating animals while aligning with existing rules on health, safety, and veterinary oversight.
SB475: Oppose 00:20:45.555 - 1:18:46 PM; Expresses concern over the amendment removing inspection requirements by pet vendors, notes that foster homes are already tied to licensed pet vendors, questions the distinction, and highlights that it mirrors SB 475 but potentially weakens oversight.
SB475: Information Only 00:22:07.659 - 1:20:08 PM; Clarifies that the bill specifies residential locations for fostering, distinguishing benefits from commercial facilities, and notes the amendment avoids conflicts with existing statutes like 1705.
SB475: Support 00:22:57.399 - 1:20:58 PM; Provides examples of non-residential fostering at facilities like Carlos Pet Rendezvous for behavioral rehabilitation, argues for including facilities to avoid conflicts, suggests adding language for non-private residences, and emphasizes no state inspections are proposed.
SB475: Information Only 00:24:57.792 - 1:22:58 PM; Discusses potential conflicts with RSA 1705 if fostering is limited to private residences, proposes defining non-private foster facilities, and reiterates concerns about state inspections.
SB475: Oppose 00:26:58.259 - 1:24:59 PM; Provides real examples of issues with foster record-keeping, such as disease outbreaks in untracked fosters and overcrowding due to poor management, stresses the need for registration and tracking to prevent lost animals, disease spread, and ownership disputes, and requests statutory support for rules.
SB475: Information Only 00:30:09.759 - 1:28:10 PM; Seeks clarification on capacity limits for pet vendors using fosters, noting risks of overcrowding if fosters exceed reasonable percentages like 10-50% of facility capacity.
SB475: Information Only 00:31:23.399 - 1:29:24 PM; Agrees on capacity concerns, explains rules prohibit using fosters as space extensions, suggests compromises like 10% over capacity, and notes limits are based on management ability for problematic facilities.
SB475: Information Only 00:32:40.399 - 1:30:41 PM; Proposes a 10% foster limit over facility capacity as reasonable to avoid overcrowding issues.
SB475: Oppose 00:33:48.499 - 1:31:49 PM; Argues that existing rules under Ag 1705 already cover foster facilities comprehensively, including definitions and requirements, and that bad actors exist regardless; suggests strengthening rules rather than new legislation.
SB475: Oppose 00:35:06.059 - 1:33:07 PM; Explains SB 475 responded to rule challenges on lactating/pregnant animals, stresses need for statutory authority to enforce records and controls, as broader rulemaking like health standards doesn't suffice, and warns of worsening issues without specific law.
SB475: Support 00:37:31.999 - 1:35:32 PM; Points to RSA 439:9 for broad rulemaking authority on health and sanitation, argues rules already cover requirements via licensing, and suggests penalties for non-reporting instead of new statutes.
SB475: Oppose 00:39:18.279 - 1:37:19 PM; Defends strict adherence to statutory authority, notes JLCAR scrutiny, clarifies health rules don't authorize foster lists, and reiterates discomfort with rules exceeding statutes, preferring explicit legislative help.
SB475: Information Only 00:40:23.199 - 1:38:24 PM; Confirms lack of explicit statute for current rules on medical/behavioral fostering, suggests adding specific statute for comfort, and notes pregnancy/lactation as separate categories from medical/behavioral reasons.
SB475: Information Only 00:41:10.519 - 1:39:11 PM; Discusses the need for separate sections in amendments for medical/behavioral fostering versus lactating/pregnant fostering, citing examples of animals biting children in foster homes and the importance of proper channels and quarantine.
SB475: Information Only 00:42:19.788 - 1:40:20 PM; Questions Representative Potenza and Commissioner on whether the amendment expands fostering locations without addressing record-keeping, and inquires about the effective date of rules.
SB475: Information Only 00:42:19.788 - 1:40:20 PM; Confirms the intent is to expand fostering places officially and notes rules were re-adopted.
SB475: Support 00:43:25.519 - 1:41:26 PM; Acknowledges gaps in rules for records and inspections, proposes requiring annual registration of foster homes with the Department to track facilities without registering every animal.
SB475: Information Only 00:43:25.519 - 1:41:26 PM; Suggests adding a paragraph for pet vending facilities to resolve issues and criticizes going off-topic.
SB475: Information Only 00:44:31.519 - 1:42:32 PM; Asks about responsibility for records, clarifying it should be the pet vendor's to register and show inspections annually.
SB475: Information Only 00:44:31.519 - 1:42:32 PM; Confirms pet vendor responsibility for registration and inspections, prefers not to inspect homes routinely due to discomfort, and supports privacy for foster home lists similar to licensed vendors.
SB475: Support 00:46:37.404 - 1:44:38 PM; Believes a capacity limit like 10% overflow is important for protection and suggests including it in the amendment.
SB475: Support 00:46:37.404 - 1:44:38 PM; Agrees to capacity limits, suggesting gradual implementation during annual licensing and inspections, and defers to Assistant State Vet.
SB475: Information Only 00:47:46.764 - 1:45:47 PM; Questions if capacity limit is germane to the bill without statutory authority for rules.
SB475: Support 00:48:21.811 - 1:46:22 PM; Suggests adding the Commissioner's requested sentence for alignment and list-keeping, agrees limits are not germane.
SB475: Support 00:48:21.811 - 1:46:22 PM; Agrees a simple insertion would resolve the bill.
SB475: Support 00:49:34.771 - 1:47:35 PM; Insists on separating medical/behavioral from lactating/pregnant categories in amendments, neutral on capacity but emphasizes privacy protections for foster homes and future capacity limits to avoid disasters.
SB475: Information Only 00:50:54.928 - 1:48:55 PM; Asks if anyone wants to amend further, suggests separate definitions for pet vendor foster homes (private residences) and facilities based on licensing and reporting differences.
SB475: Support 00:52:15.468 - 1:50:16 PM; Proposes striking 'including but not limited to' and separating definitions for lactating animals in homes and medical/behavioral in facilities.
SB475: Support 00:52:15.468 - 1:50:16 PM; Supports aligning with current rules and creating definitions for Pet Vendor Foster Home (private) and Pet Vendor Facility, anticipates rule changes post-bill.
SB475: Information Only 00:52:15.468 - 1:50:16 PM; Confirms intent to revise rules after bill passage.
SB475: Support 00:53:21.328 - 1:51:22 PM; Suggests definitions: pet vendor residential foster home and pet vendor facility foster home for clarity.
SB475: Information Only 00:54:30.447 - 1:52:31 PM; Agrees to work on the amendment.
SB475: Information Only 00:55:18.244 - 1:53:19 PM; Recommends Representative Potenza and Commissioner collaborate on the amendment.
SB624 1345: Support 00:55:18.244 - 1:53:19 PM; Presents amendment 1345 as a shorter version banning intoxicating synthetic hemp products (labeled as hemp but intoxicating) from retail stores like convenience stores and gas stations, focusing penalties on retailers to protect children; removes sections criminalizing cannabis possession; notes support from stakeholders and sponsor Senator Gannon; explains QR codes for product analysis exist but labeling can be added if needed.
SB624 1345: Information Only 00:58:37.204 - 1:56:38 PM; Confirms amendment number and notes passing out copies.
SB624 1345: Information Only 00:59:43.804 - 1:57:44 PM; Responds to questions on labeling and oversight, noting existing labels and QR codes allow retailers to check contents; mentions federal executive order language can be included; confirms discussion with sponsor.
SB624 1345: Information Only 01:01:54.270 - 1:59:55 PM; Asks if the ban is age-restrictive or total prohibition based on THC threshold.
SB624 1345: Information Only 01:01:54.270 - 1:59:55 PM; Clarifies total prohibition for synthetic products above 0.4 mg THC threshold to allow trace amounts in CBD.
SB624 1345: Information Only 01:02:53.790 - 2:00:54 PM; Confirms communication through commission and that products are clearly labeled but subvert legal processes; notes penalties for minors already exist but amendment adds new ones for possession.
SB624 1345: Information Only 01:02:53.790 - 2:00:54 PM; Explains new penalties would be misdemeanors and violations for children's possession, previously in Chapter 300.
SB624 1345: Support 01:03:53.330 - 2:01:54 PM; Appreciates penalties targeting retailers, not consumers.
SB624 1345: Support 01:03:53.330 - 2:01:54 PM; Suggests requiring labeling to ensure compliance and prohibiting sale of unlabeled products.
SB624 1345: Support 01:04:58.270 - 2:02:59 PM; Open to adding labeling language in a future amendment.
SB624 1345: Information Only 01:04:58.270 - 2:02:59 PM; Asks about the 0.4 mg threshold significance.
SB624 1345: Information Only 01:04:58.270 - 2:02:59 PM; Explains it matches existing law for trace THC in CBD products.
SB624 1345: Support 01:06:01.153 - 2:04:02 PM; Agrees to review updated amendment with labeling next Tuesday.
SB624 1345: Information Only 01:06:01.153 - 2:04:02 PM; Confirms readiness to send updated amendment to committee.
SB465: Information Only 01:06:01.153 - 2:04:02 PM; Introduces bill to classify xylazine as Schedule III and asks for amendments or issues.
SB465: Oppose 01:07:17.303 - 2:05:18 PM; Opposes the bill as part of the war on drugs, arguing it increases regulation and costs for vets/farmers without solving abuse; views it as whack-a-mole and prefers health/spiritual approaches over criminal justice.
SB465: Information Only 01:08:20.766 - 2:06:21 PM; Understands need but questions if Schedule III status affects farmers' ability to administer via veterinarians.
SB465: Information Only 01:09:28.521 - 2:07:29 PM; Suggests asking a veterinarian to address the farmer concern regarding the bill's exception for licensed veterinarians dispensing/prescribing/administering.
SB465: Information Only 01:10:20.964 - 2:08:21 PM; Introduces himself as a large animal veterinarian speaking as a private citizen; begins to address the question on farmers and xylazine but transcript cuts off.
SB465: Oppose 01:11:17.644 - 2:09:18 PM; Dr. Nate Harvey, a certified large animal veterinarian in New Hampshire, testified on the critical importance of xylazine in his practice for sedating farm animals during procedures like castrations, twisted stomach surgeries, C-sections, and dehorning. He emphasized that it is the most common and safe sedative for large animals, essential for humane treatment alongside local anesthesia. He noted that small animal veterinarians have alternatives and are less concerned, but for large animals, cost and availability make xylazine indispensable. He opposed classifying it as a schedule III controlled substance due to the burdensome requirements like double lock boxes, surveillance, and record-keeping, which he already manages for other controlled drugs. This would increase costs for farmers and hinder routine procedures. He advocated for an exemption for large animal veterinarians to avoid these regulations while acknowledging human safety concerns.
SB465: Information Only 01:13:55.824 - 2:11:56 PM; Representative Compton thanked Dr. Harvey and raised concerns about farmers having xylazine prescribed for non-amenable species to alleviate stress and pain in emergencies, questioning if schedule III status would prevent them from having it on hand.
SB465: Oppose 01:14:57.704 - 2:12:58 PM; In response, Dr. Harvey explained that regulations would make it much more difficult to leave xylazine on farms, which he already does rarely with strict precautions. He stressed the liability and inability to prescribe it for follow-up doses if controlled.
SB465: Oppose 01:16:15.384 - 2:14:16 PM; Representative Howard agreed with others that scheduling would not stop illicit use and the repercussions for legitimate users are too extensive, stating it should not be schedule III.
SB465: Information Only 01:17:14.824 - 2:15:15 PM; Representative Minor asked about the current class of xylazine, its ease of acquisition, and potential for abuse through veterinarians.
SB465: Information Only 01:17:14.824 - 2:15:15 PM; Dr. Harvey clarified xylazine as an alpha-2 agonist, currently uncontrolled and easily ordered by vets. He defended the ease of access given veterinary credentials and questioned if vets are the source of diversion.
SB465: Information Only 01:19:04.552 - 2:17:05 PM; Representative Minor suggested tracking supplies to veterinarians as a regulation method.
SB465: Information Only 01:19:04.552 - 2:17:05 PM; Dr. Harvey agreed tracking volumes and serial numbers is feasible and already done, open to compromise but hoped it wouldn't be removed from large animal vets.
SB465: Information Only 01:20:05.010 - 2:18:06 PM; Representative Kenny noted the paperwork burden for controlled substances and how ease of access influences drug choice in practice.
SB465: Information Only 01:20:05.010 - 2:18:06 PM; Dr. Harvey confirmed the triplicate forms and paperwork are a pain, especially for high-volume use, and ease/cost affect choices.
SB465: Information Only 01:21:07.858 - 2:19:08 PM; Representative Bixby asked if xylazine is only for veterinary use or also human, and if illicit labs produce it.
SB465: Information Only 01:21:07.858 - 2:19:08 PM; Dr. Harvey speculated it might have human origins but is diverted and used to cut drugs like fentanyl, causing lesions, not for pleasure. He questioned if scheduling reduces street supply.
SB465: Information Only 01:22:13.689 - 2:20:14 PM; Representative Bixby noted federal research shows controlling drugs reduces street use and asked if NH would go beyond federal by scheduling it.
SB465: Information Only 01:22:13.689 - 2:20:14 PM; Dr. Harvey said federal could schedule it, but states vary; some have restricted it without waiting.
SB465: Information Only 01:23:05.134 - 2:21:06 PM; Dr. Harvey questioned the bill's exemption for veterinarians, unsure if it avoids schedule III processes.
SB465: Information Only 01:24:07.084 - 2:22:08 PM; The Chair noted uncertainty and the need for clarification on exemptions.
SB465: Oppose 01:24:07.084 - 2:22:08 PM; A representative favored restricting for human use but carving out large animal vets, unsure if wording allows it.
SB465: Information Only 01:25:07.599 - 2:23:08 PM; Referenced ChatGPT output that scheduling doesn't eliminate illicit markets.
SB465: Information Only 01:26:15.639 - 2:24:16 PM; Noted alternatives exist in equine but not bovine practice; xylazine is essential for ruminants.
SB465: Support 01:26:15.639 - 2:24:16 PM; Representative Haskins thanked Dr. Harvey for influential testimony.
SB465: Information Only 01:27:13.119 - 2:25:14 PM; Representative Scully asked if state classification imposes federal restrictions.
SB465: Information Only 01:28:18.632 - 2:26:19 PM; Representative Compton affirmed state's power to regulate drugs like pesticides.
SB465: Information Only 01:29:41.806 - 2:27:42 PM; Ms. Elspresser confirmed that even with exemptions, vets must follow schedule III rules like reporting and storage.
SB465: Information Only 01:30:59.061 - 2:29:00 PM; Asked about vulnerabilities in supply chain for diversion.
SB465: Information Only 01:30:59.061 - 2:29:00 PM; Dr. Harvey discussed potential diversion points from shipping to storage, but unaware of veterinary issues; tracking mitigates risks.
SB465: Oppose 01:32:50.201 - 2:30:51 PM; Representative Druber worried scheduling creates economic incentives for black markets.
SB465: Information Only 01:33:48.041 - 2:31:49 PM; Questioned demonstrated need in NH and if scheduling prevents issues.
SB465: Information Only 01:33:48.041 - 2:31:49 PM; Chair noted prevalence moving north, doubted preventative value; exec next Tuesday.
SB465: Oppose 01:33:48.041 - 2:31:49 PM; Representative Bixby doubted amendable to work.
SB465: Oppose 01:35:13.661 - 2:33:14 PM; As ITO, Representative Compton not inclined to exec today, unconvinced of benefits, hinders vets/farmers.
SB644: Vote 01:35:13.661 - 2:33:14 PM; The committee quickly agreed to recommend OBE (Objection to Further Exemplification) for SB 644 after adding a Senate amendment, viewing it as housekeeping.
SB418 2024-1377h and 2024-1372h: Information Only 01:35:13.661 - 2:33:14 PM; The Chair introduced discussion on SB 418, noting amendments from Representatives Scully (1372) and Bixby (1377), and deferred it after SB 644.
SB418 2024-1377h and 2024-1372h: Information Only 01:39:26.358 - 2:37:27 PM; Representative Bixby explained amendments target RSA 147:1 for towns/cities, including RSA 143-A:5 (exemption) and :12 (licenses) to prevent municipal interference. Combined with Scully's to cover restrictions/exclusions at farmers' markets.
SB418 2024-1377h and 2024-1372h: Information Only 01:39:26.358 - 2:37:27 PM; Representative Scully agreed to combine, focusing on exempt products to protect small producers without licensing.
SB418 2024-1377h and 2024-1372h: Information Only 01:40:43.518 - 2:38:44 PM; Representative Compton proposed language requiring enforcement of RSA 143-A:12 without additional rules, covering exemptions, labeling, sales, etc., to prevent local overreach like barring exempt vendors from markets.
SB418 2024-1377h and 2024-1372h: Information Only 01:42:01.198 - 2:40:02 PM; Representative Scully critiqued Compton's language for redundancy and literal issues (e.g., municipalities can't make laws), preferred focusing on exempts only, not licensed tier needing inspection.
SB418 2024-1377h and 2024-1372h: Information Only 01:45:24.017 - 2:43:25 PM; Representative Minor noted farmers' markets often require vendor insurance as a safeguard.
SB418 2024-1377h and 2024-1372h: Information Only 01:47:30.545 - 2:45:31 PM; Representative Compton emphasized covering all aspects of 143-A:12 to prevent cities from excluding exempt producers from markets.
SB418 2024-1377h and 2024-1372h: Information Only 01:49:06.777 - 2:47:07 PM; Representative Scully clarified his amendment prohibits licenses, restrictions, or exclusions for exempt activities/products, using prohibitive language standard in statutes.
SB418 2024-1377h and 2024-1372h: Information Only 01:49:51.897 - 2:47:52 PM; The Chair confirmed combining amendments, using Scully's as base with Bixby's RSA 143-A:5 addition.
SB418 2024-1377h and 2024-1372h: Information Only 01:51:06.304 - 2:49:07 PM; Representative Scully confirmed attorney Eschbach approved it achieves purpose for exempt folks.
SB418 2024-1377h and 2024-1372h: Information Only 01:53:11.544 - 2:51:12 PM; Representative Gruber suggested title change to 'exempting' but accepted prohibition as standard.
SB418 2024-1377h and 2024-1372h: Information Only 01:54:24.544 - 2:52:25 PM; Representative Compton requested effective date upon passage for short growing season.
SB418 2024-1377h and 2024-1372h: Information Only 01:54:24.544 - 2:52:25 PM; Representative Scully agreed to changes: add reference, effective date upon passage; removed cross-reference for Senate approval; noted co-sponsors.
SB418 2024-1377h and 2024-1372h: Vote 01:55:35.504 - 2:53:36 PM; The committee approved the combined amendment 1372 with changes for SB 418.
Unclear: Information Only 01:56:20.664 - 2:54:21 PM; The chair discusses upcoming housekeeping bills including SB 445 on adjudicative proceedings, estimating a five-minute hearing; SB 535 on defining residential breeder and imported animals, changing commercial kennel to pet vendor, estimating 15 minutes; and SB 593 on using Solid Waste Management Fund for districts, as an add-on to another bill, estimating 10 minutes. Suggests completing them in the morning and inquires about Senate hearings on the 15th, mentioning the battery bill and Ag in the Classroom bill.
Unclear: Information Only 01:59:35.312 - 2:57:36 PM; Committee members discuss the battery bill and Ag in the Classroom bill on the 15th, noting the Senate's plan to use the agriculture bill as a vehicle to resurrect a provision for the Big E fair. They address issues with annual governor proclamations, complaints from Representative Drey about the process, and tensions with EDNA preferring not to statutorily require proclamations. The group considers concurring on the amended bill, potentially with a committee of conference, and notes it won't incur costs and has been heard in the House.
Unclear: Information Only 02:02:24.738 - 3:00:25 PM; Discussion on not overturning a veto and Representative Hunt working on future language for product stewardship programs. Reminds of the young farmers breakfast next Tuesday at the Farm Bureau in Concord. Proposes starting the next meeting at 10:30 with hearings in the morning, a work session in the afternoon, and executing the two drug bills.
Unclear: Information Only 02:03:16.598 - 3:01:17 PM; A member asks how to know about incoming Senate bills for concur or non-concur. The chair responds that Clerk Smith will provide paperwork and no action will be taken without consulting the committee first. Motion to adjourn is made, seconded, and the meeting ends.