Committee Summary for House Executive Departments and Administration (01/15/2025)

Bill/Time	Type	Title	Sponsor
Unclear 00:01:17.960 - 9:00:48 AM	General Working Session	Unclear

Unclear: Carol Maguire, Chair of Edna Information Only00:01:17.960 - 9:00:48 AM; Representative Carol Maguire, in her ninth term and fifth term as chair of Edna, welcomed members to the committee orientation. She emphasized the importance of proper introductions and the need for timely and focused hearings. Maguire also arranged for orientations with jail car staff, the retirement system, and the office of professional licensure to help members understand the main areas Edna deals with. She encouraged members to ask questions during these sessions and mentioned minor points such as the use of computers and the availability of a coffee pot in the office.
Unclear: Erica de Breze, Hampton Information Only00:03:12.280 - 9:02:43 AM; Representative Erica de Breze from Hampton introduced herself, stating she was assigned to Edna.
Unclear: Fred Davis, Nashua Information Only00:04:09.000 - 9:03:40 AM; Representative Fred Davis from Nashua introduced himself, noting it was his second term on Edna.
Unclear: Glinton Bailey, Milton and Rochester Information Only00:04:09.000 - 9:03:40 AM; Representative Glinton Bailey introduced himself, stating he represents Milton and Rochester Ward 5 and is returning to Edna.
Unclear: Jeremy Slashy, Hudson Information Only00:04:39.039 - 9:04:10 AM; Representative Jeremy Slashy from Hudson introduced himself, stating he represents Ward 1 and this is his 23rd year.
Unclear: Heath Howard, Strafford and Barrington Information Only00:04:39.039 - 9:04:10 AM; Representative Heath Howard introduced himself, stating he represents Strafford and Barrington. This is his first term on Edna and second term in the house.
Unclear: John Sitech, Salem Information Only00:04:39.039 - 9:04:10 AM; Representative John Sitech from Salem introduced himself, mentioning he was assigned to Edna after winning a special election. He also stated that Edna is the best committee in the House and that he is the clerk.
Unclear: Representative Erica Layon Rockingham - District 13 Information Only00:04:39.039 - 9:04:10 AM; Representative Erica Leon from Derry introduced herself, noting it's her third term in the house and first term on Edna.
Unclear: Jackie Groda Information Only00:05:31.680 - 9:05:02 AM; Representative Jackie Groda introduced herself, stating it's her fourth term in the house and on Edna. She agrees with Representative Sitech that Edna is the best committee and believes it works well together due to the bills relating to agencies and administration.
Unclear: James Tbo, Franklin and Northfield Information Only00:05:31.680 - 9:05:02 AM; Representative James Tbo from Franklin and Northfield introduced himself, noting it's his first term in the house and he's looking forward to learning about the area of law Edna deals with.
Unclear: Vanessa Shen, Milford Information Only00:06:02.280 - 9:05:33 AM; Representative Vanessa Shen from Milford introduced herself, stating it's her third term in the house, second on a committee, and first on Edna. She is looking forward to learning more.
Unclear: Paul Dargy, Milford Information Only00:06:02.280 - 9:05:33 AM; Representative Paul Dargy from Milford introduced himself, noting it's his second term in the house and first term on Edna.
Unclear: John Sos, Bristol and Bridgewater Information Only00:06:02.280 - 9:05:33 AM; Representative John Sos from Bristol and Bridgewater introduced himself, stating he was assigned to Edna in his second term.
Unclear: Carol Maguire, Chair of Edna Information Only00:06:58.720 - 9:06:29 AM; Representative Carol Maguire discussed the need for a member from Edna for the commission on post-traumatic stress disorder in first responders. She also mentioned the committee's subcommittees, including pensions, licensing, and state building codes, and the process for assigning members to them.
Unclear: Jackie Groda Information Only00:08:25.840 - 9:07:56 AM; Representative Jackie Groda asked for elaboration on state building codes, noting their historical significance and the committee's commitment to staying current with them. She explained the process of adopting previous building codes to avoid potential issues with new codes and the flexibility for towns to adopt newer codes if they choose.
Unclear: Carol Maguire, Chair of Edna Information Only00:09:21.160 - 9:08:52 AM; Representative Carol Maguire elaborated on the state building codes, mentioning the adoption of the 2021 codes and changes made to allow towns to make formal amendments. She discussed the challenges with inconsistent code enforcement and the role of the State Building Code Review Board. Maguire also mentioned several bills related to building codes that Edna will consider, including one she sponsors to consolidate enforcement materials.
Unclear: Jackie Groda Information Only00:17:01.399 - 9:16:32 AM; Representative Jackie Groda added that building codes are an animated subject integral to everyday life and supported a statewide building code for safety and consistency across towns. She noted the importance of code compliance for home buyers during inspections.
Unclear: Carol Maguire, Chair of Edna Information Only00:17:55.400 - 9:17:26 AM; Representative Carol Maguire responded to a question about building codes for existing properties, explaining that the existing building code directs updates for older homes, and emphasized safety recommendations for electrical systems.
Unclear: Representative Schmidt Information Only00:19:14.400 - 9:18:45 AM; Representative Schmidt provided an overview of the administrative rules process, emphasizing its relevance due to the upcoming discussions with the Joint Legislative Committee on Administrative Rules (JELCAR). He highlighted his 19th year on JELCAR, the overlap between JELCAR and the committee's work, and the importance of understanding state agency rules. He also mentioned that several members of the committee, including Representative Maguire, are on JELCAR, which helps in navigating the rule-making process.
Unclear: Representative Schmidt Information Only00:20:14.559 - 9:19:45 AM; Continuing his discussion, Representative Schmidt explained the role of JELCAR in overseeing administrative rules, which serve as implementation manuals for statutes. He noted that agencies have limited power, requiring legislative oversight through JELCAR to ensure rules stay within the intended scope. He mentioned the current composition of JELCAR, with Representative Maguire as the previous chair, and Senator Lang as the current chair.
Unclear: Representative Schmidt Information Only00:21:09.159 - 9:20:40 AM; Representative Schmidt further detailed the structure and function of JELCAR, noting the rotation of the chair between the House and Senate. He listed current members of JELCAR from the committee, including himself, Representative Maguire, and Representative Gro, emphasizing their experience would be beneficial for the committee's work. He also mentioned the Joint Committee on Employee Classification (JCC), where he serves alongside another member from the committee.
Unclear: Representative Schmidt Information Only00:22:04.240 - 9:21:35 AM; Representative Schmidt discussed the need to appoint a Republican member to the JCC due to a vacancy. He mentioned Representative Scitec, a long-serving member of JCC, as a potential candidate. He also noted upcoming legislative sessions where JCC-related bills would be discussed, indicating the importance of understanding the classification process.
Unclear: Representative Schmidt Information Only00:24:04.520 - 9:23:35 AM; Representative Schmidt introduced Mr. Bradley Greenland, the committee researcher, who would assist with data and comparisons of bill versions during Senate amendments and Committees of Conference. He emphasized Greenland's role in supporting the committee's work and keeping track of their activities.
Unclear: Representative Schmidt Information Only00:24:54.320 - 9:24:25 AM; Representative Schmidt discussed the committee's schedule, mentioning the 36 bills currently assigned, with deadlines for early bills set for March 6th. He outlined plans to schedule hearings and suggested taking time off the following week. He also mentioned a lighter day on February 12th, which would include a state animated film and discussions on state symbols and holidays.
Unclear: Representative Schmidt Information Only00:25:39.960 - 9:25:10 AM; Representative Schmidt continued discussing the committee's schedule, noting the upcoming bills and the likelihood of tougher ones being assigned later. He mentioned plans for executive sessions and the possibility of caucusing before them if needed. He emphasized the importance of having subcommittee chairs schedule meetings flexibly to accommodate members' availability.
Unclear: Representative Schmidt Information Only00:26:31.120 - 9:26:02 AM; Representative Schmidt reiterated the committee's schedule and the importance of attending hearings, which are televised. He mentioned a day dedicated to lighter bills and the involvement of fourth graders in discussing the state flag, highlighting the educational aspect of the committee's work.
Unclear: Representative Schmidt Information Only00:28:20.640 - 9:27:51 AM; Representative Schmidt discussed the process of early bills, which are heard by two committees. He noted that many of the committee's early bills would go to Finance, while others might go to different committees like HHS or Commerce. He emphasized the importance of understanding the legislative calendar and deadlines.
Unclear: Representative Schmidt Information Only00:29:07.760 - 9:28:38 AM; Representative Schmidt outlined the committee's approach to voting on bills, suggesting immediate votes on obvious ones and sending more complex ones to subcommittees. He noted that subcommittee meetings are public and require 24-hour notice. He also mentioned the possibility of executive sessions on the same day as hearings.
Unclear: Representative Schmidt Information Only00:30:03.640 - 9:29:34 AM; Representative Schmidt continued discussing the committee's process, mentioning the scheduling of executive sessions and the possibility of caucusing before them. He emphasized the importance of subcommittee chairs being flexible with scheduling to accommodate members' availability and the public nature of subcommittee meetings.
Unclear: Representative Schmidt Information Only00:36:27.280 - 9:35:58 AM; Representative Schmidt discussed the committee's schedule, mentioning the need for members to be present on Wednesdays and Thursdays for the remainder of the month. He noted that after January, the workload might decrease, but subcommittees would continue to handle difficult bills.
Unclear: Representative Schmidt Information Only00:37:14.560 - 9:36:45 AM; Representative Schmidt addressed the provision of bill copies, mentioning that the committee assistant, Robin Bach, would provide hard copies. He noted that some bills might be delayed and that electronic copies would also be available. He also mentioned the availability of drawers in the committee room for members to store materials.
Unclear: Representative Steve Pearson Information Only00:39:12.760 - 9:38:43 AM; Representative Steve Pearson introduced himself, mentioning his four terms as a representative from Derry and his 27 years in the fire service. He shared his experience and commitment to the committee's work, expressing enthusiasm for the upcoming term and his openness to suggestions and questions. He also humorously mentioned his medical background and the committee's health.
Unclear: Representative Schmidt Information Only00:41:55.480 - 9:41:26 AM; Representative Schmidt noted Representative Pearson's family connection to the legislature, mentioning that Pearson's father is also a state representative and chairman of the Family Law Committee. He also mentioned Pearson's husband serving on both Finance and Educational Funding committees.
Unclear: Representative Howard Information Only00:42:57.319 - 9:42:28 AM; Representative Howard informed the committee about the availability of online remote testimony options, stating that he would read out numbers during hearings to keep members informed.
Unclear: Representative Pearson Information Only00:43:44.040 - 9:43:15 AM; Representative Pearson expressed concerns about online testimony from non-New Hampshire residents, emphasizing the importance of local input in the legislative process. He noted that the online system requires participants to enter their town and state, which helps ensure relevance to New Hampshire issues.
Unclear: Representative Schmidt Information Only00:45:27.400 - 9:44:58 AM; Representative Schmidt discussed the impact of form emails on legislative decision-making, suggesting that personal testimonies are more valuable than identical form submissions. He noted that organized efforts to influence the committee through form emails are often ineffective.
Unclear: Representative Schmidt Information Only00:46:17.640 - 9:45:48 AM; Representative Schmidt advised on handling large quantities of emails, suggesting the use of a dedicated public email box to manage legislative communications separately from personal ones. He emphasized the importance of keeping personal and public communications distinct.
Unclear: Representative Schmidt Information Only00:47:12.800 - 9:46:43 AM; Representative Schmidt discussed the use of microphones during committee meetings, advising members to speak closely into them for better audio quality and to turn them off when not in use to avoid interference. He emphasized the importance of clear communication during hearings.
Unclear: Representative Schmidt Information Only00:48:04.960 - 9:47:35 AM; Representative Schmidt discussed the preference for witnesses to highlight their testimony rather than read it, especially for lobbyists and professionals. He noted that reading testimony can be less persuasive than engaging directly with the committee. He also mentioned the importance of giving new members opportunities to contribute through amendments and speeches.
Unclear: Representative Schmidt Information Only00:48:55.040 - 9:48:26 AM; Representative Schmidt encouraged new members to write committee reports and speak on the floor, emphasizing the importance of participating in minor issues to gain experience. He noted that the committee often deals with 'inside baseball' topics, which are less controversial and allow for more effective speeches.
Unclear: Representative Schmidt Information Only00:49:54.240 - 9:49:25 AM; Representative Schmidt discussed the process of editing committee reports, mentioning his experience in journalism and his practice of editing for grammar and coherence. He noted that he sends edited reports back to members for approval before forwarding them.
Unclear: Douglas Osterhout Information Only01:06:54.279 - 10:06:25 AM; Douglas Osterhout, Director of the Administrative Rules Unit for the Office of Legislative Services, along with committee attorney Rebecca Ricard, provided a presentation on the rule-making process. Osterhout outlined the relationship between legislation and rules, emphasizing the importance of understanding how rules are developed and implemented. He highlighted the constitutional basis for rule-making authority and the necessity of legislative delegation to the executive branch.
Unclear: Douglas Osterhout Information Only01:08:33.279 - 10:08:04 AM; Osterhout continued the presentation, discussing the definition of an agency under RSA 541A and the varying structures of agencies, from large ones like the Department of Health and Human Services to smaller ones like the Office of Professional Licensure and Certification. He explained the difference between rules and internal agency policies, emphasizing that rules carry the force of law.
Unclear: Douglas Osterhout Information Only01:16:26.639 - 10:15:57 AM; Osterhout discussed limitations on rule-making authority, including the inability of agencies to delegate their rule-making powers to others and the necessity of specific statutory authorization for certain types of rules. He provided examples from HHS and the OPLC to illustrate these points.
Unclear: Douglas Osterhout Information Only01:32:28.000 - 10:31:59 AM; Osterhout explained the rule-making process, including the steps from filing initial proposals to final adoption. He noted the importance of public hearings and stakeholder input in modifying rules. He also discussed the role of the JELCAR in reviewing and approving rules, and the implications of JELCAR's decisions on the validity of rules in court.
Unclear: Douglas Osterhout Information Only01:57:12.119 - 10:56:43 AM; Osterhout addressed questions about the impact of legislation on existing rules, explaining that repealing an agency's rule-making authority might not automatically repeal existing rules unless specified in the statute. He mentioned the one-year expiration window for rules when authority is transferred between agencies.
Unclear: Unidentified Speaker Information Only01:58:36.320 - 10:58:07 AM; The speaker discussed the implications of removing rule-making authority from an agency, suggesting that without this authority, the agency's operations would need to be legislatively managed. They emphasized the importance of the legislature setting statutory guidelines if an agency lacks rule-making power.
Unclear: Jan Goodwin, Executive Director of NHRS Information Only03:33:14.760 - 12:32:45 PM; Jan Goodwin introduced herself as the executive director of the New Hampshire Retirement System (NHRS) and thanked the committee for the opportunity to present. She introduced her staff, including Marie Mullen, the Chief Financial Officer, and Raynald L'Veque, the Chief Investment Officer, and clarified their roles and names. Goodwin provided an overview of NHRS, established in 1967 as a contributory multi-employer defined benefit plan, covering retirement, disability, and death benefits, as well as a post-retirement medical subsidy. She discussed the funding of pension benefits through employee and employer contributions and investment income, highlighting the importance of investment returns. Goodwin explained that NHRS operates as a component unit of state government, not funded by the general fund, and is overseen by a Board of Trustees. She also mentioned the importance of maintaining NHRS's status as a qualified pension plan under IRS rules and the protections provided by the New Hampshire Constitution, specifically Article 36a, which ensures funds are used exclusively for providing benefits and mandates employer rate certification by the board. Goodwin detailed the fiduciary responsibilities of the NHRS trustees, the use of Albert Einstein's concept of compound interest in pension planning, and provided updates on NHRS's recent activities, including a pension application upgrade, strategic asset allocation plan, cybersecurity enhancements, and member education efforts. She concluded by discussing real estate decisions for NHRS's office space, moving from a leased space in Concord to a purchased building in Horseshoe Pond.
Unclear: Marie Mullen, Chief Financial Officer of NHRS Information Only03:48:04.199 - 12:47:35 PM; Marie Mullen provided an update on financial initiatives at NHRS. She discussed the implementation of a new system, which included assigning specific employer reporting specialists to individual employers to streamline communication and address concerns. Mullen highlighted the positive feedback received from employers and detailed improvements in reporting, cash collection, and reconciliation processes. She also mentioned ongoing efforts to automate and enhance transparency in investment management fees, aiming to better track performance relative to costs.
Unclear: Raynald L'Veque, Chief Investment Officer of NHRS Information Only04:13:11.000 - 1:12:42 PM; Raynald L'Veque discussed NHRS's investment strategy, emphasizing a long-term approach with a 25-year horizon. He explained the asset allocation strategy, which includes a diversified portfolio across private equity, private credit, real estate, and plans to include infrastructure. L'Veque detailed the regular quarterly meetings with investment managers to ensure they adhere to their mandates and manage risk and liquidity effectively. He also clarified the role of alternative investments within the portfolio, noting that real estate is managed separately due to its specialized management.
Unclear: Representative Power Information Only04:16:29.520 - 1:16:00 PM; Representative Power inquired about the breakdown of non-US Equity in the portfolio. Raynald L'Veque, Chief Investment Officer of NHRS, explained that the non-US Equity includes investments managed by managers who also invest in the US. They are transitioning to a global equity structure to better reflect this, with an allocation of around 16%.
Unclear: Representative Power Information Only04:17:19.080 - 1:16:50 PM; Continuing the discussion, Representative Power asked for clarification on whether non-US Equity includes global equity. Raynald L'Veque confirmed that it does, and emphasized the need for better transparency in the portfolio by categorizing these investments as global equity.
Unclear: Representative Power Information Only04:18:15.760 - 1:17:46 PM; Representative Power sought further clarification on the categorization of investments in the portfolio. Raynald L'Veque explained that the pie chart represents strategies rather than direct asset allocation, and the goal is to achieve non-US exposure through these strategies.
Unclear: Representative Power Information Only04:19:16.279 - 1:18:47 PM; Raynald L'Veque detailed the strategies within the portfolio, such as growth, value, small cap, and large cap, which are used to diversify risk. He noted that these strategies are intended to spread risk and achieve the desired non-US exposure.
Unclear: Representative Power Information Only04:20:13.479 - 1:19:44 PM; Representative Power expressed confusion about the term 'strategy' used in the investment context. Raynald L'Veque clarified that the pie chart shows top-level allocation, with individual strategies beneath each category for better investment management.
Unclear: Representative Dery Information Only04:21:01.439 - 1:20:32 PM; Representative Dery inquired about the percentage of assets held in cash or liquid investments. Raynald L'Veque responded that the target allocation for cash is 0%, but they maintain 1-2% for liquidity purposes.
Unclear: Representative Dery Information Only04:22:34.680 - 1:22:05 PM; Representative Dery asked about the decision-making process regarding market corrections and cash allocation. Raynald L'Veque explained that they work with investment consultants to assess macroeconomic environments and make long-term, thoughtful decisions.
Unclear: Raynald L'Veque, Chief Investment Officer of NHRS Information Only04:23:30.680 - 1:23:01 PM; Raynald L'Veque discussed the long-term investment approach of NHRS, focusing on a 25-year horizon. He highlighted the consistent performance across different time periods and the plan's focus on achieving the assumed rate of return of 6.75% net of fees.
Unclear: Raynald L'Veque, Chief Investment Officer of NHRS Information Only04:24:24.479 - 1:23:55 PM; Raynald L'Veque presented investment returns over various periods, noting strong performance despite market volatility. He discussed the importance of a diversified portfolio for consistent returns and the impact of global economic events on investment outcomes.
Unclear: Raynald L'Veque, Chief Investment Officer of NHRS Information Only04:26:08.319 - 1:25:39 PM; Raynald L'Veque compared NHRS's performance to its peers, reporting strong results over a 15-year period. He highlighted efforts to improve transparency and the addition of infrastructure and private credit to the portfolio to reduce risk and enhance returns.
Unclear: Raynald L'Veque, Chief Investment Officer of NHRS Information Only04:27:46.199 - 1:27:17 PM; Raynald L'Veque discussed the strategic plan for the investment office, focusing on recruitment, retention of talent, and investment in systems for better analysis. He emphasized the importance of transparency and the ongoing efforts to disclose more information.
Unclear: Executive Director Information Only04:29:35.760 - 1:29:06 PM; The Executive Director explained the actuarial rate of return process, noting that it's based on a survey of investment consultants and is reviewed annually with a thorough examination every four years. The current rate remains at 6.75%.
Unclear: Executive Director Information Only04:31:16.760 - 1:30:47 PM; The Executive Director outlined the legislative activities in 2024, mentioning the enactment of three bills and the role of NHRS in providing data and objective analysis to the legislature. They also discussed the plan's efforts to pay down the unfunded liability.
Unclear: Executive Director Information Only04:33:11.039 - 1:32:42 PM; The Executive Director presented the funded ratio of NHRS relative to peers and the plan to amortize the unfunded liability over the next 20 years. They highlighted the progress made and the constitutional protections in place to secure the financial future of the retirement system.
Unclear: Representative Howard Information Only04:37:56.879 - 1:37:27 PM; Representative Howard expressed concern about the increasing number of beneficiaries compared to active members and inquired about future funding. The Executive Director reassured that regular cash flow projections are done and no future problems are foreseen.
Unclear: Representative Pearson Information Only04:39:15.799 - 1:38:46 PM; Representative Pearson questioned the investment strategy, particularly the continuation of investments not meeting the target return. Raynald L'Veque explained the philosophy of diversification and the long-term approach to investments, including the shift towards infrastructure for higher yields.
Unclear: Representative Pearson Information Only04:44:19.840 - 1:43:50 PM; Representative Pearson pressed on the duration of underperforming investments. Raynald L'Veque outlined the termination clauses for public market investments and the longer-term commitments for private markets, emphasizing the need for careful monitoring and decision-making.
Unclear: Representative Lam Information Only04:46:54.840 - 1:46:25 PM; Representative Lam suggested a subcommittee meeting to delve deeper into asset classes and investment strategies. The chair agreed, noting the separation between the pension system and the legislature but the importance of understanding investment decisions.
Unclear: Representative Information Only04:48:40.400 - 1:48:11 PM; A representative requested historical context on the unfunded liability to understand the trend. The Executive Director agreed to provide the requested information and mentioned a presentation on NHRS's past, present, and future that covers the historical context.

McGuire, Carol(Chairman)(R)[A+]2024	Sytek, John(Clerk)(R)[B]2024	Layon, Erica(V Chairman)(R)[A]2024
Schmidt, Peter(D)[CT]2024	Thibault, James(R)	Howard, Heath(D)[F]2024
Sellers, John(R)[A-]2024	Sheehan, Vanessa(R)[A]2024	de Vries, Erica(D)
Dargie, Paul(D)	Davis, Fred(D)[F]2024	Bailey, Glenn(R)[A+]2024
Pearson, Stephen(R)[B]2024	Grote, Jaci(D)[CT]2024	Long, Patrick(D)
Slottje, Jeremy(R)