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.
Senator Perl introduced Senate Bill 442, the Senate amended version, which performs cleanup in RSA 437:8 by changing 'health certificates' and 'certificates of transfer' to 'official certificates of transfer' for consistency as requested by the Department of Agriculture. He noted it is a simple bill and offered to answer questions.
SB442
Information Only00:07:03.317 - 10:36:04 AM
Josh Marshall explained that the 'official certificate of transfer' is the document that covers both the health and transfer aspects for animals, signed off by a veterinarian. He confirmed the change is to standardize terminology across statutes and addressed the removal of records from the database after four years, noting it aligns with existing practices and cleans up pre-database language.
SB442
Information Only00:06:06.274 - 10:35:07 AM
Representative Scully questioned the need to sunset certificates of transfer from the animal records database after four years, and the response clarified it is merely renaming for consistency with current forms and practices.
SB442
Information Only00:08:28.398 - 10:37:29 AM
Representative Compton asked if the form itself is changing beyond the title and noted that 'official certificate of transfer' better indicates the purpose of marking the transfer rather than just health certification.
SB442
Information Only00:09:32.398 - 10:38:33 AM
Representative Bixby, who originally wrote related legislation, expressed concern about missed sections and confirmed the change from 'health certificate' to 'official certificate of transfer' better reflects the document's purpose in tracking transfers while still requiring a health assessment.
SB442
Information Only00:10:56.398 - 10:39:57 AM
Representative Gruber inquired about the definition of 'official certificate of transfer' and was informed it is defined in RSA 437:8, with the bill ensuring consistency across statutes.
SB445
Information Only00:15:41.338 - 10:44:42 AM
Senator Perl began introducing Senate Bill 445, which aligns appeals of license actions and fine actions by the New Hampshire DES with the appeals process for permit decisions, providing better due process for challenges to licensing or fines. The introduction was cut off mid-sentence regarding current DES practices.
SB445
Information Only00:15:41.338 - 10:44:42 AM
Senator Pearl explains the bill's purpose to root appeals from DES decisions to independent environmental councils, eliminating internal agency appeals for efficiency and fairness. He notes the diversity of council members and the need for non-attorney hearing officers, though DOJ recently hired one. He defers technical questions to DES representatives.
SB445
Information Only00:17:55.018 - 10:46:56 AM
Craig Wright introduces himself and affirms the bill is a DES request to modernize appeals for administrative fines and license actions by routing them directly to the four environmental councils, streamlining the process and avoiding internal loops. He introduces Richard Head to detail changes.
SB445
Information Only00:19:02.023 - 10:48:03 AM
Richard Head details the bill's removal of internal appeal loops before reaching councils, striking references to RSA 541-A and directing appeals to RSA 21-O. He highlights technical changes like updating division names, removing attorney requirement for hearing officers, allowing preliminary notices for permits, and staying fines/licenses during appeals except for imminent risks. He mentions a minor amendment for typos and Senate-requested stays.
SB535 amendment fixing RSA 437 typo
Support00:34:06.528 - 11:03:07 AM
Senator Pearl introduces SB 535 to define residential breeders who raise litters in a household setting without importing animals, exempting them from home inspections for impervious surfaces if they register as pet vendors between 31-50 transfers per year. This provides relief to small-scale breeders not targeted by prior thresholds, encourages registration for better tracking, and removes outdated commercial kennel references. He notes an amendment to fix a RSA citation typo.
SB535 amendment fixing RSA 437 typo
Oppose00:43:38.466 - 11:12:39 AM
Karen Fugate opposes raising the threshold to 50 transfers without oversight, noting it's higher than neighboring states' limits. She argues it reduces accountability, risks poor welfare, disease spread, and burdens shelters, citing cases of unsanitary conditions in small-scale operations. She urges maintaining the 30-transfer limit for inspections and humane standards, suggesting middle-ground rules for home environments.
SB535 amendment fixing RSA 437 typo
Oppose00:53:00.000 - 11:22:01 AM
Kurt Ehrenberg opposes increasing the threshold to 50, stating the 30 limit aids early intervention in hoarding/neglect, enables inspections, and protects taxpayers from crises like the 2017 Wolfeboro Great Danes case (80+ animals). He warns it could attract out-of-state vendors avoiding oversight, undermining 2019 reforms for public safety and welfare.
SB535 amendment fixing RSA 437 typo
Support00:56:45.197 - 11:25:46 AM
Angela Ferrari testified in support of SB 535, explaining that it provides more oversight to the Department of Agriculture by encouraging smaller residential breeders to become licensed pet vendors. She noted that current agricultural rules, such as impervious to moisture requirements, are difficult for residential breeders to meet, leading to a reduction in local breeding and longer waitlists for home-raised puppies. She clarified that the 30-transfer threshold applies to all pet vendors, and the bill exempts residential breeders from certain inspection standards while maintaining overall oversight. Ferrari highlighted the importance of the imported animal definition to ensure health certificates for offspring of imported pregnant animals, closing a loophole exploited by shelters and rescues. She emphasized that licensing allows departmental oversight without full inspection exemptions, and residential breeding helps meet demand, potentially reducing imports and associated diseases. During questions, she addressed concerns about health certificates, oversight, and how this could reduce imported dogs and related health issues.
SB535 amendment fixing RSA 437 typo
Support01:10:03.197 - 11:39:04 AM
Commissioner Sean Jasper supported SB 535, appreciating collaboration with Senator Pearl. He explained that the bill addresses impractical requirements for residential breeders, such as impervious surfaces, which are hard to maintain in home settings. The bill limits scope to non-imported animals to prevent disease introduction, providing a compromise for oversight. He clarified that the 50-dog-or-cat limit is a total, not separate counts. On history, he noted past changes in transfer numbers (from 50 to 20 to 30), but the focus is on practical residential breeding without commercial imports.
SB593
Information Only01:17:50.600 - 11:46:51 AM
Senator Howard Pearl introduced SB 593, which amends prior legislation from House Bill 2 to allow solid waste management districts to apply for refunds of the $3.50 per ton surcharge on trash, rather than individual municipalities. This addresses an oversight where districts aggregate trash but cannot easily allocate tonnage back to towns. The bill specifies payments reflect only waste from New Hampshire municipalities within the district and sets an effective date of January 1, 2027, for rulemaking. Pearl noted it originated from a different bill but was amended for this purpose, affecting a few districts like BCEP.
SB593
Support01:23:11.849 - 11:52:12 AM
Hugh Curley, representing BCEP, supported SB 593, explaining the district's $15,000-$20,000 annual expense from the surcharge without reimbursement due to its status as a separate legal entity under RSA 53B. BCEP contracts directly with Waste Management for about 5,000 tons yearly. He requested retroactivity to July 1 to recover paid funds, noting non-retroactivity means lost money to DES, and urged an early effective date to minimize ongoing losses.
SB593
Support01:23:11.849 - 11:52:12 AM
Richard Moore supported SB 593, paraphrasing his written testimony. He emphasized BCEP's separate contracts and legal entity status, making individual municipal reimbursements impractical. The district pays the surcharge on aggregated trash but cannot receive refunds under current law, leading to a deficit. He highlighted that BCEP reports tonnage to DES, but funds go only to municipalities, leaving districts like BCEP unable to recover costs without this fix.
SB593
Support01:30:40.129 - 11:59:41 AM
The representative explains complications in changing contracts with towns like Chichester, Epsom, and Barnstead due to lack of direct funding. They discuss commingling trash and formulas for expense division based on population. They note DES's narrow view of 'municipality' forcing redefinition of districts. In response to questions, they confirm no recourse for withheld funds and suggest arrangements for municipalities to reimburse BCEP after receiving funds from DES.
SB593
Support01:34:57.629 - 12:03:58 PM
Nork states DES supports the bill as it fixes a drafting error addressing solid waste district concerns. He discusses effective dates, rulemaking timelines (typically 6 months, but could expedite to January 1), and interim rulemaking options. He explains quarterly reimbursements starting July 31, processes for retroactive claims, and arrangements for districts to invoice towns for surcharges. He notes agencies cannot interpret 'municipality' broadly without statutory change and suggests workable solutions like town reimbursements to districts.
SB593
Support01:47:04.270 - 12:16:05 PM
Burke-Cohen supports the bill as a technical fix to the Solid Waste Management Fund. She details the administrative rules process: interim rules exist, permanent rules are in process since February 2025, amendable until JLCAR vote. She suggests options like amending pending rules or interim rules. She recommends moving the effective date to upon passage or July 1, 2025, to align rules with the statute and aid reimbursements.
SB624 2024-1499h
Vote02:39:23.343 - 1:08:24 PM
Wheeler moves to pass SB 624 with Amendment 1499h. He explains the amendment addresses gaps in rules allowing sales of dangerous synthetic cannabis products in stores, imposing penalties on retailers ($1,000 for first three offenses, up to $20,000 subsequent) without doubling cannabis penalties or penalizing youth. He notes removal of federal exception language for a strict 0.4 mg THC cap to protect youth from untested substances.
SB624 2024-1499h
Information Only02:42:50.843 - 1:11:51 PM
Elston clarifies that current products are not mislabeled; they accurately state contents like THCA or THCO. The issue is industry confusion on allowable products. Labeling is not a main concern as illegal products are identifiable; the bill provides mechanism to remove them from stores quickly. She notes accurate labeling debate is separate.
SB624 2024-1499h
Information Only02:46:12.675 - 1:15:13 PM
Explains the federal hemp law distinguishing hemp from marijuana using a 0.3% THC by dry weight threshold to allow for fiber and CBD production while separating it from intoxicating marijuana. Describes the plant's versatility and the need for this distinction due to varying THC levels in strains.
SB624 2024-1499h
Information Only02:48:38.315 - 1:17:39 PM
Raises concern from a constituent who owns a hemp store worried that some products may exceed the 0.4 mg THC limit, potentially threatening their business. Seeks clarification on compliance.
SB624 2024-1499h
Information Only02:49:49.435 - 1:18:50 PM
Clarifies that products meeting federal hemp standards should comply, notes that shipping containers do not count, only shelf products matter, and suggests non-compliant products indicate broader issues. Comments on typical CBD oil bottle sizes.
SB624 2024-1499h
Support02:50:54.023 - 1:19:55 PM
Appreciates Representative Wheeler's work on the amendment, notes it improves the bill by not criminalizing consumers but holding sellers accountable, praises collaboration with cannabis stakeholders and Liquor Commission, and states support for the amendment.
SB624 2024-1499h
Support02:50:54.023 - 1:19:55 PM
Expresses that they hated the original bill but now love it due to the amendments, thanks Representative Wheeler.
SB624 2024-1499h
Vote02:52:13.183 - 1:21:14 PM
Roll call on adopting amendment 2024-1499h for SB 624: Vice Chairwoman Barber Yes, Representative Kenney Yes, Representative Patenza Yes, Representative Freeman Yes, Clerk Yes, Representative Scully Yes, Representative Minor Yes, Ranking Member Bixby Yes, Representative Sofokides Yes, Representative Germana Yes, Representative Haskins No, Representative Howard Yes, Representative Wheeler Yes, Representative Gruber Yes, Chairwoman Aron Yes. Passes 14-1.
SB624 2024-1499h
Vote02:53:15.703 - 1:22:16 PM
Motion for Ought to Pass as Amended (OTPA) on SB 624, seconded. No discussion. Roll call: Vice Chairwoman Barber Yes, Representative Kenney Yes, Representative Patenza Yes, Representative Freeman Yes, Clerk No, Representative Scully Yes, Representative Miner Yes, Ranking Member Bixby Yes, Representative Safakides Yes, Representative Germana Yes, Representative Haskins No, Representative Howard Yes, Representative Wheeler Yes, Representative Gruber Yes, Chairwoman Aron Yes. Passes 13-2. Placed on consent calendar.
SB465
Oppose02:54:08.186 - 1:23:09 PM
Moves ITL on SB 465. Acknowledges xylazine as a significant issue but notes federal legislation is progressing that will address it more comprehensively. Highlights burden on veterinarians for reporting despite exemptions, argues it won't remove the drug from streets, and prefers waiting to avoid conflicts with federal law and further issues for vets and legitimate users.
SB465
Support02:56:05.386 - 1:25:06 PM
Acknowledges paperwork but notes vets already handle Schedule III drugs, sees no additional burden, believes action is needed against drugs, and supports the bill as a positive step.
SB465
Support02:57:33.231 - 1:26:34 PM
Agrees with Representative Miner after extensive review and testimony. States vets already manage Schedule III drugs with similar record-keeping per dose, dismisses burden concerns as related to individual practices, emphasizes xylazine's growing danger, and supports OTP to aid law enforcement in tracking and penalizing use.
SB465
Oppose02:58:45.306 - 1:27:46 PM
Questions if scheduling as Schedule III in NH will effectively reduce black market access, predicts no impact, and highlights unintended consequences for large animal vets amid national shortages, preferring federal action for broader effect.
SB465
Support03:00:57.866 - 1:29:58 PM
Notes state vet's testimony was from private practice perspective, not official, and supports OTP.
SB465
Support03:02:07.706 - 1:31:08 PM
Appreciates discussion, expresses concern over waiting for Congress given its inefficiencies, argues NH should act to track the substance despite small state size, notes easy adoption of federal law later if passed, and will vote against ITL.
SB465
Oppose03:03:13.146 - 1:32:14 PM
Shares conversation with state veterinarian expressing concerns over conflicts with impending federal law, notes frequent use of xylazine by vets making reporting burdensome despite exemptions, and believes it would harm agricultural and veterinary communities.
SB465
Oppose03:04:29.066 - 1:33:30 PM
Highlights vets' frequent use of xylazine in risky situations with large animals for safety, notes federal enforcement is more effective, argues criminalizing drugs doesn't reduce supply but creates more criminals.
SB465
Support03:05:41.461 - 1:34:42 PM
Surprised by extent of discussion and xylazine's availability in bulk powder form, horrified by its misuse, dismisses paperwork concerns without widespread vet opposition, believes it could prevent imports, suggests delayed effective date tied to federal law, and supports despite war on drugs failures.
SB465
Oppose03:06:58.041 - 1:35:59 PM
Acknowledges drug devastation but questions if law will have intended effect, notes no evidence of widespread diversion or local manufacturing of fentanyl-xylazine mixes in NH, cites potential unintended consequences for vets and farmers, and will vote ITL when in doubt.
SB465
Oppose03:08:08.741 - 1:37:09 PM
Supports federal legislation for national impact, argues NH action as small New England state won't regulate illegal use effectively, could grow black market, and significantly impact large animal vets and farmers.
SB465
Oppose03:09:15.381 - 1:38:16 PM
Reiterates no evidence of local fentanyl-xylazine mixing, notes xylazine doesn't provide high alone so always combined, argues state scheduling won't stop out-of-state imports or add value to fentanyl busts, opposes added regulations on vets and farmers compared to neighboring states.
SB465
Oppose03:10:21.781 - 1:39:22 PM
Agrees with Representatives Scully and Bixby, notes committee's agriculture policy role, sees no solution to problem but added difficulty for large animal treatment, supports ITL from ENA perspective.
SB465
Support03:11:21.761 - 1:40:22 PM
Initially leaned against but after discussion and research on other states (PA Schedule III, OH, WV Schedule IV with vet exceptions), supports advancing to CJ for refinements, emphasizes xylazine's horrors in cutting fentanyl causing severe physical damage, believes government enforcement needed now.
SB465
Oppose03:14:17.201 - 1:43:18 PM
Concerns over excessive paperwork for large animal vets and farmers versus small animal practices, notes past vet use of fentanyl patches without powders, argues it would heavily impact them.
SB465
Support03:15:35.221 - 1:44:36 PM
As a nurse, dismisses paperwork complaints for licensed professionals, states they must accept responsibility, suggests team can handle recording in crises.
SB465
Support03:17:00.922 - 1:46:01 PM
Votes No on ITL motion (supports bill).
SB465
Vote03:18:26.060 - 1:47:27 PM
The committee conducted a roll call vote on SB 465, with the following results: Representative Comtois yes, Representative Kenney yes, Representative Patenza no, Representative Freeman no, Clerk yes, Representative Scully yes, Representative Minor no, Ranking Member Bixby yes, Representative Sofokides yes, Representative Germana yes, Representative Haskins aye, Representative Howard yes, Representative Wheeler nay, Representative Gruber yes, Chairman Aaron yes. The motion passed 11 to 5. Representative Bixby was assigned to write the majority report, and Representative Freeman to write the minority report, which is in favor of Ought to Pass (OTP).
SB475
Information Only03:20:20.490 - 1:49:21 PM
The committee began discussion on SB 475, focusing on amendments to define foster homes and facilities for animals. The discussion noted the need to include both residential homes and non-residential facilities, with concerns about inspections and the commissioner's interest in adding 'facility' to the definition.
SB475
Information Only03:22:03.720 - 1:51:04 PM
Representative Patenza presented the near-final amendment for SB 475, which retains the original pet vendor foster home definition and adds a new paragraph defining pet vendor foster facility. She added a requirement for pet vendors to report foster homes annually to the Department of Agriculture for compliance with licensure, inventory, and pet limits, emphasizing confidentiality under RSA 436:6A and RSA 91-A. The amendment addresses concerns about overcapacity, prevents puppy mill operations, ensures privacy for foster homes, and maintains pet vendor responsibility for inspections without burdening the department. She clarified that reporting includes only address and animal count, and noted existing authority for abuse investigations. Patenza plans to share the amendment with the committee and send it to OLS for execution soon.
SB475
Information Only03:27:31.940 - 1:56:32 PM
Representative Bixby noted two key issues from the hearing: preserving pet vendors' ability to foster animals in homes with oversight via the reporting list, and providing statutory basis for AGR rules. He confirmed the amendment adds a second section defining foster facility, which includes determination by a licensed veterinarian, providing the necessary statutory authority for rules.
SB418 2024-1481h
Information Only03:28:47.138 - 1:57:48 PM
The committee moved to discussion on SB 418, noting an amendment from Representative Scully.
SB418 2024-1481h
Information Only03:30:10.659 - 1:59:11 PM
Representative Scully explained amendment 2024-1481h to SB 418, which builds on the Senate bill by exempting small-scale producers of non-hazardous homestead foods from municipal licenses, restrictions, and inspections. The amendment addresses testimony from health departments pursuing small producers and clarifies exemptions under RSA 147:1, RSA 47:12, and RSA 143-A:5, including section 7 on homestead foods. It ensures parallel treatment for towns and cities, preventing over-regulation and allowing participation in farmers markets without ambiguity in statutory purview for health officers.
SB418 2024-1481h
Information Only03:33:43.108 - 2:02:44 PM
Representative Bixby affirmed the amendment covers the gap in exempting homestead foods and clarifies no licenses, restrictions, or exclusions, removing ambiguity for regulation of farmers markets. He noted the existing narrower scope for town health officers but emphasized the amendment eliminates fuzziness entirely.
SB418 2024-1481h
Information Only03:35:12.548 - 2:04:13 PM
Representative Comtois appreciated the amendment's language prohibiting regulations, restrictions, or exclusions, which allows small producers to participate in farmers markets and opens opportunities for more people.
SB418 2024-1481h
Information Only03:35:12.548 - 2:04:13 PM
Representative Potenza praised the amendment as the KISS model, covering everything comprehensively after some back and forth.
SB418 2024-1481h
Support03:36:18.784 - 2:05:19 PM
Representative Comtois highlighted issues with the original hearing, noting exemptions that prevented participation in certain farmers markets like Nashua, calling it insane, and expressed strong support for the amendment, urging to execute it now. He also asked if Representative Scully had discussed it with Senator Sullivan.
SB418 2024-1481h
Information Only03:36:18.784 - 2:05:19 PM
Representative Scully explained that he sent the initial amendment to Senator Sullivan and the Senate lawyer, addressed their critiques by simplifying it, removed references to RSA 4712 and 147.1 to avoid complexity, and confirmed a telephone conversation with Senator Sullivan who seemed comfortable with the changes.
SB418 2024-1481h
Support03:37:37.704 - 2:06:38 PM
Representative Barber expressed happiness that the amendment takes effect upon passage, providing immediate relief.
SB418 2024-1481h
Information Only03:39:07.153 - 2:08:08 PM
The Chair thanked Representative Scully for his work, noted no intention to execute anything else that day but asked if anyone was interested, and after discussion, decided to put off execution due to concerns about timing with the Senate.
SB418 2024-1481h
Information Only03:39:07.153 - 2:08:08 PM
Representative Scully thanked the Chair and affirmed his role as champion of the little guy, feeling natural about the bill.
SB644
Information Only03:40:25.392 - 2:09:26 PM
The Chair recalled SB 644 as a housekeeping bill that failed last year due to added provisions disagreed upon in committee of conference, and suggested it is ready for Ought to Pass without amendment in the upcoming executive session.
SB644
Support03:40:25.392 - 2:09:26 PM
Representative Bixby confirmed the bill is ready to go.
SB644
Support03:40:25.392 - 2:09:26 PM
Suggested executing it now since it's ready.
SB644
Information Only03:41:42.618 - 2:10:43 PM
The Chair agreed to have a dedicated day for executing all bills to allow holding onto some.
SB442
Information Only03:41:42.618 - 2:10:43 PM
The Chair introduced SB 442, noting it changes health certificates to official certificates of transfer, calling it a no-brainer, and referenced its passage many years ago with missed phrases now being corrected at the department's request.
SB442
Support03:42:38.949 - 2:11:39 PM
Representative Compton supported changing the title to reflect the certificate accurately, reducing confusion.
SB442
Information Only03:43:30.069 - 2:12:31 PM
Clarified that the title was changed throughout but a couple of spots were missed in the language update.
SB442
Information Only03:43:30.069 - 2:12:31 PM
Confirmed no amendment is needed.
SB445
Information Only03:43:30.069 - 2:12:31 PM
The Chair described SB 445 as housekeeping to streamline appeals procedures, despite its length, and noted an amendment for typos provided by the department.
SB445
Information Only03:44:51.386 - 2:13:52 PM
Confirmed there is an amendment to correct typos and suggested Representative Howard prepare it for practice.
SB445
Information Only03:44:51.386 - 2:13:52 PM
Agreed to prepare the amendment.
SB445
Information Only03:44:51.386 - 2:13:52 PM
Instructed Representative Howard to contact if questions on the process.
SB535 2024-1493h
Information Only03:46:26.522 - 2:15:27 PM
The Chair introduced SB 535 and noted amendment 2024-1493h prepared by Representative Barber to fix a wrong RSA reference on line 26 from 473:1 to 437:1.
SB535 2024-1493h
Information Only03:46:26.522 - 2:15:27 PM
Confirmed the amendment fixes the RSA reference.
SB535 2024-1493h
Information Only03:47:25.978 - 2:16:26 PM
Suggested further corrections to avoid circular references: on line 22 and line 26, change references from RSA 466:4 III to RSA 437:14 for the definition of pet vendor, to prevent looping back through licensing and fees sections.
SB535 2024-1493h
Information Only03:50:35.718 - 2:19:36 PM
Questioned and confirmed the changes, noting the first reference on line 21 might stay as it relates to five or more dogs and group licenses.
SB535 2024-1493h
Information Only03:50:35.718 - 2:19:36 PM
Read and confirmed the proposed language starting on line 20, ensuring the first reference to 466:4 is correct but the second should be 437:14.
SB535 2024-1493h
Information Only03:51:53.736 - 2:20:54 PM
Mentioned attempting to negotiate an honorable surrender on SB 475 a couple of weeks ago.
SB535 2024-1493h
Support03:52:52.381 - 2:21:53 PM
Representative Bixby expressed strong support for the bill, emphasizing its importance for residential breeders acclimating dogs into home settings, which she believes is healthier for the animals. She discussed becoming aware of issues with health certificates stored in paper boxes around 2016 or 2017, highlighting the difficulty in tracking dog transfers and regulating commercial sellers due to the inefficient system. She spent years working to improve RSA 437, ultimately focusing on creating a database for animal transfers to provide better data. This data shows that the number of dogs bred does not determine abuse, and the bill allows regulation of pet vendors while permitting home environment raising, which is better than sterile environments or importing from puppy mills.
SB593
Support03:56:44.406 - 2:25:45 PM
Representative Compton proposed an amendment to make the bill effective upon passage, which the committee agreed to, and encouraged waste management districts to collaborate with towns on owed funds and urged the department to expedite rulemaking.
SB593
Information Only03:57:52.861 - 2:26:53 PM
Director Wimsatt clarified the rulemaking process, noting they are operating under interim rules expiring June 30th and preparing to file a package soon. He explained that incorporating the bill's changes might require immediate interim rulemaking post-passage, bypassing some processes for speed, and assured that districts could work out reimbursements, potentially with a short delay for direct requests.
SB593
Support04:00:57.238 - 2:29:58 PM
Representative Wheeler inquired about expediting the bill's passage to allow incorporation into current rules and discussed the potential timeline if fast-tracked through House, Senate concurrence, and Governor's signature.
SB593
Support04:02:12.678 - 2:31:13 PM
Representative Freeman suggested passing with a floor amendment today and alerting leadership to fast-track to the Governor's desk quickly.
SB593
Support04:03:07.532 - 2:32:08 PM
Sarah Burt Cohen supported the upon passage effective date and fast-tracking, noting groundwork laid with Senator Pearl, chair of ED&RA, for quick concurrence to meet timelines and allow DES to amend their proposal before JLCAR.
SB593
Support03:56:44.406 - 2:25:45 PM
The Chair facilitated consensus on a floor amendment for effective upon passage, confirmed with Director Wimsatt that only the effective date changes, and called for the motion to Ought to Pass, resulting in a 16-0 vote. She noted it won't go on consent due to the amendment.