Committee Summary for House Environment and Agriculture (04/22/2025)

Bill/Time	Type	Title	Sponsor
HB179 2024-1453h 00:10:08.640 - 9:06:29 AM	Executive Session	relative to hazardous waste accident fees.	Proulx, Mark(R)[B]2024
SB302 00:16:02.720 - 9:12:23 AM	Executive Session	requiring background checks for solid waste facility owners.	Pearl, Howard (R)[C+]2024
SB229 00:18:38.799 - 9:14:59 AM	Executive Session	relative to the sale of uninspected bison, red deer, and elk meat.	Pearl, Howard (R)[C+]2024
SB50 00:24:14.960 - 9:20:35 AM	Executive Session	establishing a committee to study the regulation of private animal boarding facilities.	Ward, Ruth(R)[C+]2024
Unclear 00:37:21.160 - 9:33:42 AM	General Working Session	Unclear

HB179 2024-1453h: Chair Information Only00:10:08.640 - 9:06:29 AM; The Chair opened the executive session and discussed the amendment to HB179. The amendment replaces section one to address non-payment fees for hazardous materials accidents, setting a penalty of no more than $1,000 per day for non-payment beyond 90 days, with a cumulative penalty not exceeding 25% of the cost established. The Chair noted this amendment was deemed reasonable and recalled that the bill was about fees for hazardous waste damaging equipment.
HB179 2024-1453h: Representative Patenza Information Only00:11:19.519 - 9:07:40 AM; Representative Patenza inquired about changes made to the bill since it left their committee. They noted that the maximum penalty was reduced from 100% to 25% of the cost of damages, which they considered a significant reduction.
HB179 2024-1453h: Representative Information Only00:12:30.800 - 9:08:51 AM; A representative raised concerns about the clarity of the statute regarding who receives the penalty money. They suggested that while it might be clear in rule, it was not specific in statute. They also mentioned that the issue might come back for further amendment in the future.
HB179 2024-1453h: Representative Germana Information Only00:13:44.720 - 9:10:05 AM; Representative Germana asked about the bill's impact on homeowners, particularly if the fees could fall unduly on them. They were reassured by the provision that the penalty could be no more than $1,000 per day and that there was room for negotiation of lower amounts, with additional protections if a payment plan was established.
HB179 2024-1453h: Representative Bixby Information Only00:14:50.959 - 9:11:11 AM; Representative Bixby confirmed that the prime sponsor was supportive of the bill despite not being able to attend the Senate hearing due to scheduling conflicts. They appreciated the effort to introduce and support the amendment.
SB302: Chair Information Only00:16:02.720 - 9:12:23 AM; The Chair announced that SB302 would not be executed during the current session due to a last-minute request for an additional change to the bill. They planned to review the amendment with Senator Pearl and Director Whimsat to ensure it meets expectations and mentioned potential future actions, including a field trip to UNH.
SB302: Representative Germana Support00:17:22.640 - 9:13:43 AM; Representative Germana expressed appreciation for the Chair's decision to ensure the bill is correct before execution, highlighting the importance of getting it right given its previous iterations.
SB229: Representative KTO Support00:18:38.799 - 9:14:59 AM; Representative KTO moved to pass SB229, describing it as a common sense bill that allows non-amendable species to enter the retail chain, enhancing food security by providing more meat options from New Hampshire farms.
SB229: Representative Bixby Support00:20:03.600 - 9:16:24 AM; Representative Bixby supported the bill, noting it expands the sale of bison, red deer, and elk meat to retail and restaurants, and removes a sunset provision that required challenging inspections. They mentioned the state vet's absence from the hearing as an indication of no objections from the department.
SB229: Representative Support00:21:24.159 - 9:17:45 AM; Another representative highlighted the humane aspect of on-farm slaughter for these animals, which reduces stress and improves meat quality. They also noted the low risk of chronic wasting disease due to closed herds.
SB229: Representative Sophikitis Support00:22:40.880 - 9:19:01 AM; Representative Sophikitis supported the bill, emphasizing the humane kill shot method which avoids the stress of transportation, thus improving meat quality.
SB229: Committee Vote00:23:29.039 - 9:19:50 AM; The committee voted unanimously to pass SB229, with the motion placed on consent.
SB50: Representative Haskins Oppose00:24:14.960 - 9:20:35 AM; Representative Haskins moved to adopt SB50 with a 'not to pass' motion, citing disturbing testimonies from the hearing. They supported the idea of a study committee to investigate current statutes and the need for additional protections for animal boarding facilities.
SB50: Chair Information Only00:24:14.960 - 9:20:35 AM; The Chair acknowledged the work done by the committee researcher, Christy Fresser, in looking into the regulation of kennels in New Hampshire. They noted that even the researcher struggled to find clear regulations.
SB50: Representative Information Only00:25:42.880 - 9:22:03 AM; The speaker discussed the challenges in obtaining a comprehensive list of kennels in the state, noting that businesses are registered but not easily identifiable as kennels. They expressed concern over the lack of oversight, licensure, and operational requirements such as insurance for doggy daycares and other pet care facilities. They suggested the need for a list of operators to ensure accountability and proper care for pets.
SB50: Representative Bixby Information Only00:26:59.200 - 9:23:20 AM; Representative Bixby shared their evolving perspective on the need for licensing kennels. Initially unsure of the necessity, their view shifted after hearing about issues during the hearing. They also mentioned receiving communication from a constituent, Diane Richardson, who advocated for more rules and a study to tailor regulations appropriately for different types of kennels.
SB50: Representative Patenza Information Only00:28:04.159 - 9:24:25 AM; Representative Patenza, although not present at the hearing, shared insights based on personal experiences with doggy daycares in Exeter and Dover. They suggested interim measures like inspections while a study is conducted, questioning whether the commissioner could intervene without statutory authority.
SB50: Representative Information Only00:29:16.559 - 9:25:37 AM; The speaker highlighted the disturbing testimonies about dogs disappearing, dying, getting injured, or falling sick at kennels, emphasizing the need for oversight. They stressed the importance of no margin for error in caring for other people's pets, drawing a parallel to their experience as a camp nurse where strict protocols were necessary for safety.
SB50: Representative Information Only00:31:45.519 - 9:28:06 AM; The speaker shared personal experiences with boarding their pets and the challenges in ensuring the facility's quality. They supported the idea of a study committee to explore all aspects of pet care regulations and the potential benefits of licensing and penalties for violations to provide recourse for pet owners.
SB50: Representative Miner Information Only00:33:26.320 - 9:29:47 AM; Representative Miner acknowledged that licensing alone might not solve all problems but considered it a step in the right direction. They discussed the potential for regulations to accompany licensing, suggesting that standards would be necessary for qualification.
SB50: Representative Howard Information Only00:33:26.320 - 9:29:47 AM; Representative Howard questioned whether regulations would come with licensing, suggesting that standards would need to be set for kennels to qualify for a license. They agreed that this topic should be discussed in a study committee.
SB50: Representative Information Only00:34:26.719 - 9:30:47 AM; The speaker discussed the need for protections for both pet owners and those boarding animals. They shared a personal anecdote about a dog dying under their care due to undisclosed health issues, suggesting that owners should disclose medical conditions and that protections should be considered for all parties involved.
SB50: Chair Information Only00:36:08.240 - 9:32:29 AM; The Chair concluded the discussion on SB50 and called for a vote on the motion to pass the bill. The vote was unanimous in favor, and the bill was added to the consent calendar. The Chair then ended the executive session on SB50 and requested committee reports from Representatives Comtois and Haskins.
Unclear: Nicole Cardwell, Director of the New Hampshire Food Alliance Information Only00:37:21.160 - 9:33:42 AM; Nicole Cardwell presented the first-ever New Hampshire Food and Agriculture Strategic Plan, developed over two years with support from the New Hampshire Department of Agriculture Markets and Food, UNH Cooperative Extension, and a network of over 200 businesses and organizations. The plan includes 27 product, market, and issue briefs with 143 specific recommendations aimed at strengthening New Hampshire's food system. Cardwell highlighted the plan's goal to be actionable and tangible, serving as a roadmap for positive change through policy development, funding, and infrastructure investment. She emphasized the plan's utility as a resource for state legislators, providing concise information and policy recommendations related to the food system.
Unclear: Representative Bixby Information Only00:38:07.880 - 9:34:28 AM; Representative Bixby acknowledged Nicole Cardwell's role in guiding the development of the New Hampshire Food and Agriculture Strategic Plan and expressed appreciation for the collective effort involved. He highlighted the plan's significance and the involvement of numerous contributors, including himself, in the advisory committee.
Unclear: Commissioner Sean Jasper Information Only00:40:30.240 - 9:36:51 AM; Commissioner Sean Jasper was mentioned as a participant in the advisory committee for the development of the New Hampshire Food and Agriculture Strategic Plan. However, he did not provide additional comments in the provided transcript.
Unclear: Alan Reitz, Director of Public and Government Affairs for the Handover Co-op Food Stores Information Only00:40:30.240 - 9:36:51 AM; Alan Reitz was present to offer a business perspective on the impact of the New Hampshire Food and Agriculture Strategic Plan. He was open to sharing comments or answering questions related to the plan's business implications.
Unclear: Representative Miner Information Only00:58:23.440 - 9:54:44 AM; Representative Miner expressed concern about the statistics on wasted food in the strategic plan, particularly the high percentage of food wasted at the household level. He inquired about potential steps to address food waste, to which Nicole Cardwell responded by directing attention to the recommendations in the plan's wasted food brief and emphasizing the complexity of the issue, including consumer education and potential revenue for farms from reducing on-farm waste.
Unclear: Representative Bixby Information Only01:00:33.839 - 9:56:54 AM; Representative Bixby discussed the strategic plan's approach to not prioritizing certain recommendations over others, emphasizing that the entire plan is a priority. He highlighted the importance of community involvement and the potential for the web version of the plan to be updated with new data, such as the amount of food produced by individuals in their backyards.
Unclear: Representative Patenza Information Only01:03:51.880 - 10:00:12 AM; Representative Patenza shared personal experiences with food waste from family restaurants and community involvement in food recovery. She expressed frustration about the current state of food waste, particularly in restaurants and events, and the missed opportunities for reducing waste and supporting communities in need. Nicole Cardwell responded by discussing food recovery and the potential for reducing food waste and insecurity through existing legal frameworks like the Good Samaritan Act.
Unclear: Representative Gruber Information Only01:08:00.400 - 10:04:21 AM; Representative Gruber praised the effort to bring people together for the New Hampshire Food and Agriculture Strategic Plan and appreciated the focus on leveraging assets. He raised concerns about the financial sustainability of keeping the plan current and relevant, to which Nicole Cardwell responded by mentioning upcoming events to move forward with the plan's recommendations and the challenges of securing long-term funding.
Unclear: Representative Sophocitis Information Only01:11:09.520 - 10:07:30 AM; Representative Sophocitis expressed admiration for the New Hampshire Food and Agriculture Strategic Plan and inquired about the impact of failed USDA contracts on local farmers. Nicole Cardwell admitted she did not have information on that specific issue.
Unclear: Unidentified Speaker Information Only01:11:48.080 - 10:08:09 AM; The speaker commended the strategic planning document on urban planning, highlighting its quality and usefulness. They praised the inclusion of authors in each section, which they believe will serve as a valuable resource for future reference and collaboration.
Unclear: Unidentified Speaker Information Only01:12:44.080 - 10:09:05 AM; The speaker elaborated on the comprehensive nature of the strategic plan, emphasizing the inclusion of authors and organizations working in the food system space. They highlighted how the document lists organizations on the website and in the print copy, aiding in networking and collaboration within the food system community.
Unclear: Representative Miner Information Only01:13:40.080 - 10:10:01 AM; Representative Miner shared their experience with composting on their poultry farm. They described how they sell all parts of the processed birds, except for the entrails and feathers, to minimize waste and maximize sales, particularly to the raw dog food market.
Unclear: Unidentified Speaker Information Only01:15:45.840 - 10:12:06 AM; The speaker appreciated the strategic plan and offered further assistance with the document and website. They emphasized the importance of strengthening the food system in New Hampshire and encouraged collaboration.
Unclear: Representative Vicki Information Only01:16:48.800 - 10:13:09 AM; Representative Vicki informed the committee about the upcoming bill filing period in September, urging early preparation for any policy proposals related to the food system. They emphasized the need to work with both the House and Senate.
Unclear: Representative Sophikitus Information Only01:17:53.840 - 10:14:14 AM; Representative Sophikitus shared a personal story about their son's experience at Stone Camp in Conway, which taught children about food waste. They suggested that similar educational opportunities could benefit young people in understanding the food system.
Unclear: Unidentified Speaker Information Only01:19:02.560 - 10:15:23 AM; The speaker echoed Representative Sophikitus's point about the importance of educating young people about the food system. They mentioned their daughter's attendance at Brandmore Farm's farm camp as an example of such opportunities.
Unclear: Alan Reitz, Planefield, NH, Hanover Co-op Food Stores Information Only01:19:31.440 - 10:15:52 AM; Alan Reitz from the Hanover Co-op Food Stores discussed their commitment to sourcing local and regional food. He highlighted the importance of the strategic plan as a resource for supporting local agriculture and shared examples of how the co-op supports local farmers and contributes to food rescue programs like Willing Hands.
Unclear: Representative Howard Information Only01:28:22.960 - 10:24:43 AM; Representative Howard, a member of the Hanover Co-op, discussed the higher cost of local products. Alan Reitz responded by explaining the co-op's policy of supporting farmers by accepting higher costs and the importance of local food for the community's economic impact.
Unclear: Unidentified Speaker Information Only01:31:23.920 - 10:27:44 AM; The speaker responded to Representative Howard's question about the cost of local food, pointing out that New Hampshire farms are small and that increasing their scale could help make local food more competitive in price.
Unclear: Representative Miner Information Only01:32:30.080 - 10:28:51 AM; Representative Miner acknowledged the rising costs of farming inputs and noted that consumers are willing to pay more for quality local products. Alan Reitz added that the co-op maintains competitive pricing for local products like McNamera eggs.
Unclear: Representative Bixby Information Only01:34:43.040 - 10:31:04 AM; Representative Bixby discussed the importance of direct-to-consumer sales for New Hampshire farmers, which, while beneficial, are labor-intensive. They praised the co-op's role in providing steady contracts to farmers and highlighted other avenues like CSAs for less labor-intensive sales.
Unclear: Unidentified Speaker Information Only01:36:59.520 - 10:33:20 AM; The speaker emphasized the importance of direct connections between farms and consumers and the role of small grocers in supporting local food systems. They appreciated the work of the New Hampshire Homebuilders in providing a free lunch and mentioned future meetings regarding SB302.

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)