Committee Summary for House Executive Departments and Administration (10/01/2025)

Bill/Time	Type	Title	Sponsor
HB525 00:05:46.880 - 9:01:07 AM	General Working Session	transferring administration of the program for the deaf and hard of hearing and the board of licensure of interpreters for the deaf, deafblind, and hard of hearing to the office of professional licensure and certification.	McGuire, Carol(R)[A+]2024
SB182 2025-2328h 00:10:16.959 - 9:05:37 AM	Executive Session	relative to the maternal mortality review committee.	Prentiss, Suzanne(D)[F]2024
SB185 00:14:23.040 - 9:09:44 AM	General Working Session	relative to office of professional licensure and certification investigations.	Pearl, Howard (R)[C+]2024
HB349 00:32:10.960 - 9:27:31 AM	General Working Session	relative to the practice of optometry and authorization to perform ophthalmic laser procedures.	Kofalt, Jim(R)[A+]2024
HB244 2025- [amendment worked on with Vanessa Shehan] 01:48:29.520 - 10:43:50 AM	General Working Session	updating and recodifying the municipal enforcement of the building and fire code.	McGuire, Carol(R)[A+]2024
SB94 02:01:37.920 - 10:56:58 AM	General Working Session	prohibiting municipal amendments to the state building code.	McConkey, Mark(R)
HB610 02:11:18.880 - 11:06:39 AM	General Working Session	relative to repealing the office of the consumer advocate.	Berry, Ross(R)[A-]2024

HB525: Madam Chair Information Only00:05:46.880 - 9:01:07 AM; The Chair opens the subcommittee work session on seven of the nine retained bills in the House Executive Departments and Administration Committee. They lead the Pledge of Allegiance and introduce HB 525, noting it was inspired by unused COVID-era funds but the sponsor is no longer interested. The Chair proposes moving to executive session to find it inexpedient to legislate (ITL) without objection.
HB525: Representative Schmidt Information Only00:07:36.479 - 9:02:57 AM; Representative Schmidt moves to ITL HB 525.
HB525: Representative Sers Information Only00:07:36.479 - 9:02:57 AM; Representative Sers seconds the motion to ITL HB 525.
HB525: Committee Clerk Information Only00:07:36.479 - 9:02:57 AM; The clerk calls the roll on the motion to ITL HB 525, with votes resulting in 14 yes, 0 no, 2 absent. The Chair notes the unanimous vote and places it on the consent calendar.
SB182 2025-2328h: Madam Chair Information Only00:10:16.959 - 9:05:37 AM; The Chair summarizes SB 182, which changes the committee name for federal compliance, adjusts data collection, and adds members from Corrections and DCYF. They introduce a 'skinny' amendment focusing on name change, operations, and contact allowances for fuller investigations. The Chair moves to executive session and proposes the amendment.
SB182 2025-2328h: Committee Members Information Only00:11:12.560 - 9:06:33 AM; The committee adopts amendment 2025-2328h unanimously (14-0). They then vote on SB 182 as amended, passing it unanimously (14-0) and placing it on the consent calendar.
SB185: Nicholas Fry, General Counsel for OPLC Information Only00:14:23.040 - 9:09:44 AM; Nicholas Fry provides an update on OPLC's progress in addressing the investigations backlog. He details monthly reports for July, August, and September, covering improvements in public communication (e.g., autoresponse emails, website updates), backlog audit and outreach (letters to complainants and licensees), streamlining intake with weekly team meetings, preliminary investigation protocols, referrals to law enforcement, peer review processes using board recusals or contractors, and redacting names in initial reviews for impartiality. He mentions a pending software contract to further automate and mentions Director Jurus's efforts in consulting other states.
SB185: Representative Schmidt Information Only00:23:16.720 - 9:18:37 AM; Representative Schmidt praises the thorough work and confirms the updates have been shared with boards, seeking assurance on board sign-off for the restructuring. Fry affirms ongoing communication and no known objections from boards.
SB185: Madam Chair Information Only00:25:27.840 - 9:20:48 AM; The Chair asks about handling felony convictions in licensing, and Fry explains pathways through complaints or application background checks, applying standards under RSA 310-A:12 and 332-B:10, with variations by board (e.g., FBI checks for healthcare).
SB185: Representative Groen Information Only00:29:13.120 - 9:24:34 AM; Representative Groen requests an update in January on progress, suggesting ITL now with potential future action via non-germane amendment if needed. The Chair agrees.
SB185: Committee Members Information Only00:30:04.640 - 9:25:25 AM; The committee moves to executive session, votes unanimously (15-0) to ITL SB 185, and places it on the consent calendar. Fry clarifies that an oral report suffices for the January update unless more detail is needed.
HB349: Madam Chair Information Only00:32:10.960 - 9:27:31 AM; The Chair introduces HB 349 with an amendment adding constraints and training for optometrists to perform ophthalmologic laser procedures. They invite representatives from the optometrists to discuss public safety and access.
HB349: Dr. Angelique Sawyer, Optometrist from North Conway and Berlin, NH Support00:32:42.720 - 9:28:03 AM; Dr. Sawyer, a private practice optometrist serving northern NH with access issues, supports the amendment. She explains Roman numerals IV and V add specifics on proctoring for live experience, addressing January hearing concerns. The amendment covers NH-licensed providers and those by endorsement from other states. She notes two more states (Montana, West Virginia) now allow this, totaling 14, with 6 using proctoring. Minimum procedures mirror ophthalmology residency requirements (4-5 per laser type). Proficiency is required, and not all will qualify. She confirms referrals will continue for complex cases, and lasers have built-in safeguards, but training is essential to prevent harm.
HB349: Representative Sers Information Only00:36:50.000 - 9:32:11 AM; Representative Sers seeks clarification on amendment sections, confirming IV and V detail qualifications building on sections I-III.
HB349: Representative Schmidt Information Only00:36:50.000 - 9:32:11 AM; Representative Schmidt questions the expedited process, noting past extensive debate and tabling. He supports expansion with proven training but seeks a subcommittee for thorough examination, especially with new members.
HB349: Madam Chair Information Only00:40:32.640 - 9:35:53 AM; The Chair explains the amendment addresses prior concerns on live training versus residency, setting minimum standards higher than before. They welcome new members and substitutes, noting the topic's history, and indicate no subcommittee unless surprised by committee feel.
HB349: Representative Sers (follow-up) Information Only00:42:32.400 - 9:37:53 AM; Representative Sers questions if rulemaking under section II covers IV and V or if there's overlap. The Chair and Dr. Sawyer explain it sets statutory minimums to prevent lower bars, with rulemaking for further details.
HB349: Representative Groen Information Only00:44:29.280 - 9:39:50 AM; Representative Groen asks about referrals post-passage. Dr. Sawyer confirms most optometrists will refer complex cases to certified optometrists or ophthalmologists, even after certification.
HB349: Dr. [Unnamed Optometrist, from north country practice] Support00:46:12.880 - 9:41:33 AM; The speaker, an optometrist from the north country, explains that they already diagnose and treat conditions related to the three laser procedures in question, including post-cataract complications and glaucoma management. They emphasize their training, certification, and experience in other states, noting that the board would ensure proper qualifications. They highlight the safety track record of over 145,000 procedures by optometrists in 40 states with no increased complication or malpractice rates compared to ophthalmologists. They address access issues in the north country, stating that patients often face delays traveling south, and this bill would extend safe, existing practices without rollback of prior optometry privileges.
HB349: Dr. Shaki Ma, President, New Hampshire Society of Eye Physicians and Surgeons Oppose00:52:32.800 - 9:47:53 AM; Dr. Ma opposes HB 349 and its amendment, prioritizing patient safety due to the delicate nature of the eye and potential real-time complications from laser procedures. She cites a case of irreversible blindness from an optometrist-performed procedure and notes that less than 20% of optometrist referrals for glaucoma lasers were appropriate. She argues that ACGME minimums are institutional requirements following extensive medical training, not shortcuts for optometrists lacking hands-on surgical experience. Published evidence shows poorer outcomes and higher repeat rates for optometrist-performed lasers. She stresses the need for depth and breadth in training, warning that isolated procedures limit treatment options and lower care standards without improving access.
HB349: Dr. Timothy Peters, Eyesight New Hampshire Oppose01:01:33.760 - 9:56:54 AM; Dr. Peters announces a new ophthalmology practice opening at Androscoggin Valley Hospital in Berlin starting January 2026, providing on-site care every other week from January 9, evolving to include surgeries in May. This collaboration addresses north country access without legislative changes or lowered standards. He clarifies lasers lack inherent safeguards and require precision skills honed in surgical residency. He notes procedures are rare (less than 0.3% of cases) and access is readily available statewide, countering claims of widespread shortages.
HB349: Tim Blake [likely witness or committee member] Information Only01:10:06.960 - 10:05:27 AM; Tim Blake agrees that while lasers may be less technically complex than other eye surgeries, the key challenge is determining indications for procedures—deciding when to perform them—which is where most errors occur.
HB349: Representative [Unnamed, possibly sponsor] Support01:11:15.840 - 10:06:36 AM; The representative urges cooperation between ophthalmologists and optometrists, noting significant changes to the bill addressing prior concerns. They emphasize that optometrists' reputations are at stake, putting the onus on them to ensure safety, and express disappointment in the lack of compromise.
HB349: Representative Howard Support01:13:34.560 - 10:08:55 AM; Representative Howard asks about the volume of surgeries performed (15-20 per week) and details on the Androscoggin Valley Hospital rollout, including quarterly surgeries starting in 2026 after assessing volume.
HB349: Representative Kofalt Support01:14:32.560 - 10:09:53 AM; Representative Kofalt questions the anecdotal Oklahoma blindness case, noting similar risks with ophthalmologists, and seeks statistical evidence of higher risks with optometrists. They challenge a study excluding high-risk patients and highlight low reported negative outcomes in states allowing these procedures, as well as stable malpractice rates. They note experienced optometrists from other states could enhance access.
HB349: Representative Schmidt Oppose01:21:42.000 - 10:17:03 AM; Representative Schmidt supports expanding optometry but finds the process flawed and premature, even with the amendment. They question the optometry board's ability to develop expertise quickly compared to the immediate January 9 access via ophthalmologists. They argue approving the bill starts a 'production line' for trained optometrists, improving north country access despite delays, and sees no harm in proceeding given the amendment's safeguards.
HB349: Representative Scitec Oppose01:26:46.560 - 10:22:07 AM; Representative Scitec votes for the amendment but opposes the bill due to hyper-caution over vision risks, citing personal experience with eye conditions. They reference a case where an optometrist's referral led to unnecessary surgery recommendations and note no New England states allow this. They believe north country access is addressed and vision is too critical for isolated procedure risks without full surgical training.
HB349: Chair/Representative [Unnamed] Support01:31:09.520 - 10:26:30 AM; The chair moves amendment 2025-2969h, adopted 15-0, then Ought to Pass as Amended on HB 349, passed 12-3. They note thorough review, disappointment in lack of compromise, and expect floor debate with a minority report.
HB349: Representative Howard (seconding motion) Support01:35:07.120 - 10:30:28 AM; Representative Howard supports based on comprehensive data review beyond hearings, highlighting the amendment's safeguards in sections 4 and 5 for proper training.
HB349: Representative Sers Support01:41:45.280 - 10:37:06 AM; Representative Sers supports, noting 3-6 years for impact due to training needs but emphasizing patient choice, liberty, and potential for optometrists trained elsewhere to increase access immediately.
HB349: Representative [Unnamed, responding to Sers] Support01:42:50.239 - 10:38:11 AM; The representative clarifies pathways for out-of-state trained optometrists to start quickly, avoiding delays, and suggests future collaboration on broader informed consent laws.
HB349: Representative Schmidt (final statement) Oppose01:45:08.880 - 10:40:29 AM; Representative Schmidt favors expansion but votes against the bill as amended, citing flaws in optometry board oversight (not the gold standard) and believing it should go to Health and Human Services Committee.
HB244 2025- [amendment worked on with Vanessa Shehan]: Phil Sherman Information Only01:48:29.520 - 10:43:50 AM; Phil Sherman presents the amendment recodifying building code provisions from RSA 670 series into 155A, removing overlaps with HB 428 (effective July 2026). It transfers definitions, authorities, appeals processes, enforcement, and penalties without eliminating powers, corrects terminology (e.g., 'building official'), and edits for grammar and pointers. Key changes include clarifying municipalities enforce (not adopt) the state code, coordinating permit requirements, and repealing redundant sections. He stresses alignment with HB 428's effective date to avoid lapses and notes no opposition from stakeholders like the Municipal Association, which requested a definition of 'code' in RSA 672 excluding the state building code.
SB94: Phil Jayzac, New Hampshire Homebuilders Association Oppose02:01:37.920 - 10:56:58 AM; Phil Jayzac proposes removing language in SB 94 (partner to HB 428) allowing municipal amendments to technical requirements if the state code is more than two editions behind model codes. This would undermine uniformity by enabling 'choose your own adventure' local codes if the legislature delays adoption for two cycles, defeating HB 428's goal of consistent statewide standards. It does not affect the policy of adopting codes one edition behind.
HB610: Donald Crease, Consumer Advocate Information Only02:11:18.880 - 11:06:39 AM; Donald Crease, the state's Consumer Advocate since 2016, introduced himself as an attorney licensed in New Hampshire and explained his role in representing residential utility customers, primarily at the Public Utilities Commission (PUC). He expressed neutral but confused stance on the bill and amendment, noting no complaints about his state-level advocacy but some dissatisfaction with his regional advocacy against ISO New England. He supported HB 690 for studying withdrawal from ISO New England. Crease suggested refining the amendment's duties to 'pursue safe and reliable service at the lowest possible cost while maximizing customer freedom' instead of framing around energy source choices, given the restructured electric market. He opposed abolishing the attorney requirement for the Consumer Advocate, reducing staff from six to four, and allowing governor removal for subjective reasons, emphasizing independence as key. He agreed with updating the advisory board's role to oversight, treating it like a nonprofit board.
HB610: Neil Kirk, Residential Ratepayers Advisory Board Information Only02:22:24.319 - 11:17:45 AM; Neil Kirk, a member of the Residential Ratepayers Advisory Board representing the elderly from Ware, spoke in his personal capacity. He welcomed the shift from advice to oversight for the board, noting they already provide informal oversight through education, recommendations on cases and legislation, and influence on reappointments. He highlighted that reducing staff to four would increase reliance on expensive experts ($250-500/hour vs. staff at $50-75/hour) and suggested granting the Consumer Advocate authority like the Attorney General to request additional funds from fiscal committee for experts. Kirk supported defining duties but urged making them state policy for all agencies (PUC, Department of Energy, etc.) to ensure effectiveness. He had no issue with governor removal but recommended tightening language to prevent arbitrary political use, suggesting Legislative Services for better wording. He noted the staff provision maintains current headcount but changes roles.
HB610: Patrick McDermott, AARP New Hampshire Oppose02:32:39.600 - 11:28:00 AM; Patrick McDermott, volunteer state president for AARP New Hampshire from Hooksett, represented 212,000 members aged 50+. With 40 years in the energy industry (mostly PSNH/Eversource), he noted New Hampshire's high electric rates and costs, stressing the need for a strong Consumer Advocate to counter utilities' resources. He opposed the proposed amendment, arguing the office currently operates effectively and efficiently. The changes would narrow duties, reduce flexibility, and make the office less efficient, without addressing any real problems.

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