Committee Summary for House Finance Division III (02/09/2026)

Bill/Time	Type	Title	Sponsor
HB1569 00:01:59.040 - 9:00:45 AM	General Working Session	repealing the directive that the state sell the Anna Philbrook Center for Children property in Concord.	Wallner, Mary Jane(D)[F]2025
HB661 3055H 00:34:36.399 - 9:33:22 AM	General Working Session	relative to the department of health and human services management of social security payments, supplemental security income payments, and veterans benefits for children in foster care.	Wallner, Mary Jane(D)[F]2025
HB1566 02:06:05.679 - 11:04:51 AM	General Working Session	making a contingent appropriation to the department of health and human services for the purpose of providing recruitment and benefit grants to child care employers.	Wallner, Mary Jane(D)[F]2025
HB661 3055H 02:28:41.680 - 11:27:27 AM	General Working Session	relative to the department of health and human services management of social security payments, supplemental security income payments, and veterans benefits for children in foster care.	Wallner, Mary Jane(D)[F]2025
HB1750 02:49:57.359 - 11:48:43 AM	General Working Session	making a supplemental appropriation to the department of health and human services for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).	Pearson, Mark(R)[B]2025

HB1569: Representative Moren Mooney, Chairman, House Finance Division 3 Information Only00:01:59.040 - 9:00:45 AM; The chairman opens the work session, introduces the agenda including discussion of several bills starting with HB 1569, explains procedures, deadlines, and recommendation options under House Rule 45. Notes the tour of the Philbrook Center, absence of Commissioner Arlinghouse, and relevance of Senate Bill 572. Poses key questions on subdividing the property and its $5 million valuation.
HB1569: Nathan White, Chief Financial Officer, Department of Health and Human Services Information Only00:06:38.960 - 9:05:24 AM; Provides information on the property sale questions, deferring technical details to the Department of Administrative Services. Confirms the budget assumed $5 million from the sale in FY27 but notes DHHS cannot address subdivision or sale specifics.
HB1569: Ellen La Point, CEO, New Hampshire Hospital Information Only00:09:07.920 - 9:07:53 AM; Confirms understanding that Senate Bill 572 intends to allow subdivision of the property from the larger campus. Adds no further details.
HB1569: Unidentified Representative (Seaworth?) Information Only00:09:07.920 - 9:07:53 AM; Asks about first right of refusal for the City of Concord in HB2 and Merrimack County.
HB1569: Unidentified (Mr. Ripple?) Information Only00:09:07.920 - 9:07:53 AM; Explains that the City of Concord was offered first right but deadline was January 1st, and no action from Merrimack County prior to that date.
HB1569: Representative Stringham Information Only00:10:12.080 - 9:08:58 AM; Inquires about relocating administrative staff from the Philbrook Center to existing facilities.
HB1569: Ellen La Point, CEO, New Hampshire Hospital Information Only00:10:12.080 - 9:08:58 AM; States that the Department of Administrative Services would assist in relocating staff to proximal locations on the state complex to maintain workflow.
HB1569: Brett Mason, Chief Financial Officer, New Hampshire Hospital Information Only00:12:13.120 - 9:10:59 AM; Available to answer questions; unclear on prior laws requiring Senate Bill 572 for subdivision. Addresses relocation costs, noting about 54 positions (46 filled) would move with minimal additional leasing costs beyond moving and furniture. Explains fiscal note savings of $75,000-$90,000 as avoided moving costs if the building is not sold. Estimates state investments in renovations over last five years at approximately $959,500. Notes importance of nearby facilities for staff but no strong opinion on disposing of the center.
HB1569: Representative Priest Information Only00:12:13.120 - 9:10:59 AM; Questions recurring costs of leasing and relocation if property sold for $5 million, and whether disposing of the center is fiscally wise given hospital pressures.
HB1569: Representative Nalivano Information Only00:13:24.880 - 9:12:10 AM; Seeks clarification on the $75,000-$90,000 savings in the fiscal note and comprehensive economic analysis of relocation.
HB1569: Representative Walner Information Only00:15:47.839 - 9:14:33 AM; Asks about state expenditures on renovations to the Philbrook Center in the last five years for offices, records storage, and transitional housing.
HB1569: Representative Terski Information Only00:17:02.959 - 9:15:48 AM; Inquires who can address the property's value, suggesting Commissioner Arlinghouse.
HB1569: Cynthia Babonis, Chief Community Integration Officer, New Hampshire Hospital Information Only00:18:26.240 - 9:17:12 AM; Cynthia Babonis introduced herself and stated she has no specific testimony but is available to provide information or answer questions.
HB1569: Susan Sterns, NAMI New Hampshire Information Only00:19:14.240 - 9:18:00 AM; Susan Sterns offered to answer questions on prior testimony and expressed concerns from community mental health leaders about the sale of Philbrook Center removing 16 beds from the system. She deferred to hospital colleagues on vacancy details, noting about 100 people waiting for discharge and the need for appropriate fits.
HB1569: Representative Rich Naleno Information Only00:20:29.120 - 9:19:15 AM; Representative Naleno questioned the temporary housing duration (up to three years), capacity (2 of 16 units vacant), reasons for vacancies, waiting lists, and process for discharge planning. He noted 190 level five beds, 92 transitional, and that the 16 beds are accounted for in planning.
HB1569: Susan Sterns (continued) Information Only00:20:29.120 - 9:19:15 AM; Sterns deferred on details but mentioned 80-100 stable individuals waiting to transition, with challenges in finding fits. She noted community mental health centers are working to relocate current residents.
HB1569: Representative Stringham Information Only00:21:29.679 - 9:20:15 AM; Representative Stringham asked about the 92 transitional housing beds versus 190 total level five beds, seeking details on the additional 98 units. Sterns deferred to hospital colleagues.
HB1569: Katya Fox, Director of Division for Behavioral Health, DHHS Information Only00:22:44.799 - 9:21:30 AM; Katya Fox clarified that the 92 beds are contracted transitional housing beds subject to an RFP process awaiting Governor and Council approval. She explained challenges in comparing numbers due to various funding sources like Medicaid or private pay. The 16 Philbrook beds are part of the 92. She noted the beds were intended as temporary since 2021, planned for community relocation, with no net loss or cost increase. She discussed 80-100 stable patients waiting for transition, high hospital costs versus community settings, Mission Zero to reduce ED boarding, and the need for more housing. If Philbrook remains, it would require additional appropriations. Timeline for transition is by July 1 via new vendor contract.
HB1569: Representative Priest Information Only00:25:02.159 - 9:23:48 AM; Representative Priest asked about fiscal impact of replacing beds if sold, costs of hospital vs. community care, capacity issues, and potential for additional beds at Philbrook. Fox explained no net loss, same costs, hospital expenses are high (100% general funds), and adding beds would need new appropriations.
HB1569: Representative Seaworth Information Only00:32:35.679 - 9:31:21 AM; Representative Seaworth read testimony from Concord City Manager Tom Aspel on interest in continuing the sale, post-January 1 deadline.
HB1569: Mr. Ripple Information Only00:33:41.600 - 9:32:27 AM; Mr. Ripple commented on the fiscal note ($5 million estimate, $75-90k savings for building prep), no new fiscal impacts since last year.
HB661 3055H: Committee Chair (unidentified) Information Only00:34:36.399 - 9:33:22 AM; The chair discussed federal developments: a December 8, 2025 letter from ACF to the governor on executive order section 3c for reallocating returned funds; December 11, 2025 HHS press release on diverting foster youth benefits; statements from HHS Secretary Robert Kennedy Jr. and Assistant Secretary Alex Adams. Noted no federal check yet. Amendment 3055H drafted post-recommitment for piecemeal approach due to cost. Fiscal note requested.
HB661 3055H: Representative Terski Information Only00:38:10.480 - 9:36:56 AM; Representative Terski noted lack of physical amendment copies but has electronic version.
HB661 3055H: Representative Navano Information Only00:39:09.839 - 9:37:55 AM; Representative Navano referenced ACF statement on 11 states enacting policies and plans for resources/technical assistance to others. Suggested seeking clarification on assistance and timeline.
HB661 3055H: Representative Walner Information Only00:40:21.760 - 9:39:07 AM; Representative Walner introduced amendment to spread costs over time, including DHHS determining existing payees and not automatically taking payments. Passed out timeline.
HB661 3055H: Karen Rosenberg, Policy Director, Disability Rights Center Information Only00:42:59.200 - 9:41:45 AM; Karen Rosenberg walked through timeline: By June 30, 2027, establish ABLE account procedures (for ~78 SSI children); July 1, 2027, determine/apply for benefits, not auto-become payee, encourage alternatives per SSA priority list, cease receiving benefits for new cases where not payee. By June 30, 2028, establish full conservation processes; July 1, 2028, cease using benefits for care costs. Includes annual accountings, notifications (already federal requirements). Funds for unmet needs beyond standard care, e.g., extra support for disabilities.
HB661 3055H: Representative Seaworth Information Only00:53:06.319 - 9:51:52 AM; Representative Seaworth questioned 'shall not use funds for care costs' vs. 'may use for unmet needs' in amendment, seeking clarification on interplay.
HB661 3055H: Karen Rosenberg (continued) Information Only00:54:15.599 - 9:53:01 AM; Rosenberg explained 'shall not' prohibits use for standard care (e.g., foster home costs paid regardless), 'may' allows for extraordinary needs (e.g., extra support for aggressive behaviors or sensory items for autism).
HB661 3055H: Karen Rosenberg (funding) Information Only00:57:36.240 - 9:56:22 AM; Rosenberg discussed potential 4E administrative funds (50/50 federal match) per HB2 provision for screening/training; also QRTP funds for psychiatric needs (not maximized yet). Suggested reflecting in fiscal notes, not necessarily new amendment.
HB661 3055H: Representative Walner Information Only01:02:32.720 - 10:01:18 AM; Representative Walner noted HB2 requires twice-annual reports on federal funding maximization, suggested asking DHHS.
HB661 3055H: Representative Malavano Information Only01:03:41.680 - 10:02:27 AM; Representative Malavano asked if IT upgrades could simplify processes for efficiencies, suggested consulting other states.
HB661 3055H: Representative Priest Information Only01:04:49.440 - 10:03:35 AM; Representative Priest asked if fiscal note done on amendment; noted original HB661 costs over three years.
HB661 3055H: Mr. Ripple Information Only01:06:09.119 - 10:04:55 AM; Mr. Ripple confirmed fiscal worksheet received Friday; first year ~$280k general funds.
HB661 3055H: Nathan White, CFO, DHHS Information Only01:09:33.359 - 10:08:19 AM; White submitted worksheet; little additional 4E available (maximizing already, per recent HB2 report); no new federal funds noticed; noted budget cuts (10% general funds reduction, additional $25.5M in SFY26/27). Offered to walk through worksheet.
HB661 3055H: Susan Laravey, General Counsel, DCYF Information Only01:12:56.159 - 10:11:42 AM; Laravey explained effective dates (July 1, 2026 for startup); $280k one-time for consultant (cheaper than 7-8 FTEs per 1598 report); detailed implementation (onboarding, training).
HB661 3055H: Representative Nelleno Information Only01:16:48.640 - 10:15:34 AM; Representative Nelleno questioned double-counting costs since current system exists; follow-up on new vs. existing work.
HB661 3055H: Gayen Smith, Finance Manager, DCYF Information Only01:17:41.040 - 10:16:27 AM; Smith clarified new costs for ABLE accounts/setup (not current); RFP 9-12 months; current work is eligibility/application, SSA prefers state as payee.
HB661 3055H: Representative Priest Information Only01:19:49.199 - 10:18:35 AM; Representative Priest asked for HB2 report; questioned why $181k/month revenue not shown in worksheet for 2027-2028 (still to state); how long state collected SSI (decades, legal but push to revert). Suggested guesstimate on revenue loss.
HB661 3055H: Susan Laravey (continued) Information Only01:20:47.440 - 10:19:33 AM; Laravey noted worksheet is draft, LBA will formalize; revenue loss ~$2M annually post-2028 when not using for care.
HB661 3055H: Nathan White (continued) Information Only01:24:20.320 - 10:23:06 AM; White confirmed revenue impact ~$2M general fund need annually; timing for hiring/RFP critical; amendment acknowledges phases but needs appropriation.
HB661 3055H: Susan Laravey (continued, technical) Information Only01:25:27.199 - 10:24:13 AM; Laravey discussed federal push, 4E complexities (administrative vs. maintenance, QRTP steps); offered Title IV-E overview; best for child to conserve funds.
HB661 3055H: Representative Priest Information Only01:30:59.280 - 10:29:45 AM; Representative Priest asked if amendment eases transition.
HB661 3055H: Nathan White (continued) Information Only01:32:15.520 - 10:31:01 AM; White noted missing appropriation; timing issues with hiring freeze/RFP; significant GF impact for ABLE route; high fiscal vacancy.
HB661 3055H: Representative Walner Information Only01:33:31.440 - 10:32:17 AM; Representative Walner asked how many children would have state as payee vs. existing appropriate ones; example of uncle as payee.
HB661 3055H: Anissa Drake, DCYF Information Only01:34:41.600 - 10:33:27 AM; Drake clarified SSA decides payee; state notifies upon removal; examples include over-18 self-payees; kinship care preferred but SSA may prefer state for licensed providers.
HB661 3055H: Representative Seaworth Information Only01:37:49.280 - 10:36:35 AM; Representative Seaworth sought example of non-custody relative as payee with 'strong concern'.
HB661 3055H: Susan Laravey (continued) Information Only01:39:06.880 - 10:37:52 AM; Laravey noted relatives must apply; some decline; SSA decides.
HB661 3055H: Representative Naveno Information Only01:40:15.199 - 10:39:01 AM; Representative Naveno discussed demographics (shrinking youth pool) impacting program population.
HB661 3055H: Susan Laravey (continued) Information Only01:41:21.040 - 10:40:07 AM; Laravey noted hard to project due to externalities; focus on near-term; vulnerable 14-17 group for phased conservation.
HB661 3055H: Committee Chair Information Only01:43:28.719 - 10:42:14 AM; Chair suggested amendment for effective date, funding contingency, retroactivity to avoid lawsuits; department to help with language.
HB661 3055H: Representative Walner Information Only01:45:37.040 - 10:44:23 AM; Representative Walner confirmed $2M loss in next cycle; it's lost revenue, not increased expense.
HB661 3055H: Megan Dylan, Paralegal Advocate, NH Legal Assistance Information Only01:47:52.239 - 10:46:38 AM; Megan Dylan clarified SSA regulations: state 7th preferred payee; must affirmatively withdraw if existing; not forced/default unless no other; responsibilities include appeals/accounting/monitoring (more for SSI); Title II simpler than SSI (no ABLE needed); impacts state savings.
HB661 3055H: Committee Chair Information Only01:50:34.719 - 10:49:20 AM; Chair asked if amendment section 1 redundant with current law.
HB661 3055H: Megan Dylan (continued) Information Only01:51:25.119 - 10:50:11 AM; Dylan noted amendment encourages suitable existing payees to remain, avoiding state application.
HB661 3055H: Representative Nelleno Information Only01:52:25.199 - 10:51:11 AM; Representative Nelleno clarified state as default if no other appropriate payee.
HB661 3055H: Representative Walner Information Only01:53:26.159 - 10:52:12 AM; Representative Walner asked about ABLE setup difficulty; Dylan said simple, less reporting than regular accounts; similar to required dedicated accounts for lump sums.
HB1566: Representative Mooney Information Only02:06:05.679 - 11:04:51 AM; Representative Mooney discusses the background of child care workforce grants from last year's budget discussions, noting uncertainties around federal TANF funding coverage of $7.5 million per year. He recalls conversations about whether federal funds would cover the costs and the lack of a definitive response from the federal government. He expresses concerns about the vagueness in the federal email received on October 2nd and questions if the federal government is playing games with funding availability. He highlights that HB 1566 requests $15 million from general funds as a significant amount.
HB1566: Jackie Cowell, Early Learning New Hampshire Support02:09:23.199 - 11:08:09 AM; Jackie Cowell supports HB 1566 as a contingency plan while seeking clarity on TANF funding. She explains that the $15 million helps maintain and expand child care amid shortages costing hundreds of millions, emphasizing the frustration with unclear federal responses due to changes in administration. She details TANF transfers to CCDF, the $74 million TANF reserve in July 2024, and consultations confirming allowable uses for employer grants for retention and recruitment, not direct payments. She notes the program's importance, the system's readiness, and urges keeping the bill alive while pursuing both general and TANF funds. She clarifies that the bill's language is mostly from HB2 in 2023, with additions for TANF sourcing and federal responses.
HB1566: Maryann Barter, Marramac Valley Daycare Service and Blueberry Express Childcare, Pittsfield Support02:20:37.280 - 11:19:23 AM; Maryann Barter stresses the critical need for these funds to recruit and retain child care staff, noting her agency's near-collapse before 2023 funding. She describes pre-pandemic full enrollment with low wages ($14-18/hour) insufficient for living costs, and how 2023 funds enabled $2.50 raises and a $18/hour minimum, attracting and retaining staff. Without continued funding, she faces raising tuitions for low-income, at-risk families or cutting staff pay, both untenable. She highlights closed classrooms due to staffing shortages, preventing expansion despite new housing, and the high cost ($5,000 minimum) to open new spaces, underscoring the bill's role in filling existing capacity.
HB1566: Chris Santelo and Brian Clark, Department of Health and Human Services Support02:25:43.520 - 11:24:29 AM; Chris Santelo and Brian Clark affirm departmental support for child care workforce funding. They clarify the federal letter allows TANF use for direct payments for eligible children's care or transferring up to 30% to CCDF and SSBG. The department has maximized TANF transfers to avoid child care scholarship waitlists, growing enrollment from 2,774 in January 2024 to 5,122 in September 2025, an 80% increase.
HB661 3055H: Unidentified Speaker (Department Official) Information Only02:28:41.680 - 11:27:27 AM; Responds to a question about providing TANF funds directly to eligible parents for child care, confirming it is allowable but not currently implemented due to data system changes needed. Notes the projected TANF balance of $20 million at biennium end, with annual spending of $25 million, indicating it's not sustainable for additional enrollment.
HB661 3055H: Committee Member Information Only02:29:57.920 - 11:28:43 AM; Asks about the impact if House Bill 2 passed as written last year, specifically how many child care providers would benefit. Receives response of 483 providers, approximately 5,000 employees.
HB661 3055H: Representative (possibly Terski) Information Only02:30:44.479 - 11:29:30 AM; Outlines options for addressing the issue: delete the section as in HB 1515, provide full funding as in HB 1566, or amend to reask the federal government for permission based on TANF eligible children's child care and 30% transfer. Distributes an amendment.
HB661 3055H: Department Official Information Only02:31:30.080 - 11:30:16 AM; Confirms reasking the federal government per Senate Bill 483 and Senator Lang's request, but the response remains the same: limited to 30% transfer (already done) or child care for TANF eligible households. Reiterates $20 million TANF balance at biennium end.
HB661 3055H: Representative Nelleno Information Only02:32:57.359 - 11:31:43 AM; Expresses confusion about TANF reserve fund and balance, seeking clarification on potential use for child care scholarships. Receives explanation that TANF balance is about $42 million annually for allowable activities, but child care has used $30 million from three federal fiscal years, reducing balance from $76 million to projected $20 million.
HB661 3055H: Department Official Information Only02:34:06.399 - 11:32:52 AM; Provides further clarification on TANF usage limits, noting only 30% transfer possible regardless of source, and balance is decreasing due to child care funding needs.
HB661 3055H: Representative Seaworth Information Only02:35:15.040 - 11:34:01 AM; Inquires if federal approval to use $15 million would still impact TANF balance, confirmed as correct since total amount doesn't change.
HB661 3055H: Representative Stringham Information Only02:36:28.720 - 11:35:14 AM; Notes concern about TANF reserve approaching zero if built into ongoing budget for TANF eligible children, confirmed as unsustainable since maximum transfer is already used.
HB661 3055H: Nathan White, Chief Financial Officer Information Only02:37:14.560 - 11:36:00 AM; Provides historical context on TANF balance, dropping from $32 million to $14 million during Great Recession. Emphasizes $20 million is vulnerable in economic crisis, unlike higher balances in past 10-15 years. Notes increased child care utilization doubling numbers, requiring 30% TANF transfers never done before.
HB661 3055H: Representative Walner Information Only02:38:13.359 - 11:36:59 AM; Requests a chart showing TANF balance on a specific date (e.g., start of biennium), annual receipts, and expenditures to better understand trends.
HB661 3055H: Department Representative Information Only02:39:27.040 - 11:38:13 AM; The speaker explains the allocation of $20 million over the biennium for child care funding, noting that $10 million is used each year from TANF, with an additional $30 million possible using federal fiscal year 25. They also mention spending on TANF work programs, youth placements through DCYF, and the comprehensive family support program to avoid using general funds.
HB661 3055H: Committee Member Information Only02:40:12.399 - 11:38:58 AM; The member requests a detailed chart showing the beginning TANF balance, anticipated grants of about $60 million during the biennium, expenditures, and ending balance. They clarify that child care receives only $10 million each year from TANF, not $30, and seek information on anticipated needs, drawdown, and child care caseload.
HB661 3055H: Department Representative Information Only02:40:12.399 - 11:38:58 AM; The representative confirms HB2 language allows utilization of TANF without further approval, explaining why TANF dollars are applied to the budget and not visible in House Bill One. They agree to provide the requested information on anticipated needs and caseload draw.
HB661 3055H: Committee Chair Information Only02:41:24.640 - 11:40:10 AM; The chair discusses section six of House Bill 2, which commits full funding for child care workforce programs using general funds. They outline options: deleting the section (amendment 1515), covering all with general funds (1566), or amending to seek federal allowances. They suggest making the amendment more specific, such as asking if community recruitment is covered by TANF funds, and note it repeals section six.
HB661 3055H: Representative Walner Information Only02:42:57.439 - 11:41:43 AM; Representative Walner inquires if there have been conversations with Senator Lang or the Senate committee on Senate Bill 483, which is similar, and suggests meeting to collaborate on amendments or questions.
HB661 3055H: Committee Chair Information Only02:42:57.439 - 11:41:43 AM; The chair agrees that meeting with Senator Lang is a good idea and suggests possible collaboration on amendments, noting Senator Lang had similar thinking.
HB661 3055H: Representative Stringham Information Only02:44:23.840 - 11:43:09 AM; Representative Stringham emphasizes the importance of using TANF funding sufficiently to preserve long-term eligibility, noting that underspending reduces future allocations. They express concern that the TANF well may be running thin, and even overcoming the 30% threshold might not achieve the intended purpose. They support Representative Walner's request for TANF funding details in relation to funding child care needs and amendment 1566.
HB661 3055H: Committee Chair Information Only02:44:23.840 - 11:43:09 AM; The chair notes that the TANF information will be critical for the next work session and announces a potential lunch break but decides to move on to another item.
HB661 3055H: Committee Chair Information Only02:46:32.960 - 11:45:18 AM; The chair introduces item 1750, a supplemental appropriation to the Department of Health and Human Services for SNAP, effective October 1, 2026, with the federal-state split changing from 50/50 to 75/25 state share. They seek the primary source, confirmed as HR1, and ask if it's indefinite.
HB661 3055H: Department Representatives (Nathan White, Brian Clark) Information Only02:47:39.680 - 11:46:25 AM; The representatives confirm the change in administrative cost split to 75/25 starting October 1, 2026, in HR1, and state it is permanent.
HB661 3055H: Committee Chair Information Only02:49:08.240 - 11:47:54 AM; The chair recalls a recent possibility of a similar reduction last fall, which the department addressed using surplus funds from ME for mobile food pantries, noting that period did not last as anticipated.
HB1750: Committee Member (Unnamed) Information Only02:49:57.359 - 11:48:43 AM; The speaker inquired about the unused allocated funds from the emergency SNAP contract and how they were applied to budget reductions. Mr. White explained that the remaining $1.827 million was used for back-of-the-budget reductions instead of cutting services, with details to be provided in the upcoming fiscal dashboard.
HB1750: Mr. White Information Only02:49:57.359 - 11:48:43 AM; Mr. White responded to questions about administrative costs, noting that a detailed listing of budget reductions would be in the February 20th fiscal committee meeting. He clarified that SNAP benefits do not appear in the department's budget and offered to calculate ratios of administrative costs to participants.
HB1750: Committee Member (Unnamed) Information Only02:51:26.960 - 11:50:12 AM; The speaker asked if administrative costs could be divided by SNAP recipients to check for disproportion, expressing interest in potential duplication or excess administrators compared to recipients.
HB1750: Department Representative Information Only02:51:26.960 - 11:50:12 AM; The representative confirmed the request to analyze ratios of administrative costs, including staff, contracts, and office space, against the number of participants. They noted 73,000 SNAP recipients and about 200 staff in integrated eligibility, emphasizing that administrative staff do not exceed recipients.
HB1750: Representative Neleno Information Only02:53:46.240 - 11:52:32 AM; Representative Neleno asked about changes to SNAP-eligible items, such as restricting soft drinks, and why New Hampshire has not adopted them. They also questioned the distinction between legislative and administrative decisions and inquired about fraud compliance, error rates, and audits.
HB1750: Department Representative Information Only02:53:46.240 - 11:52:32 AM; The representative explained that restricting SNAP items is a legislative policy decision, with three bills currently addressing waivers. They clarified that federal mandates would be followed, but current options are waivers. On error rates, FFY24 was 7.57%, below national average, but HR1 changes thresholds. Errors are distinct from fraud; fraud investigations involved 1,223 referrals in SFY25, with 364 for potential fraud out of 70,000 recipients.
HB1750: Committee Member (Unnamed) Information Only02:58:52.319 - 11:57:38 AM; The speaker questioned the $4.4 million allocation for FY27 only and sought clarification on estimates for administrative costs.
HB1750: Mr. White Information Only02:58:52.319 - 11:57:38 AM; Mr. White explained the $4.4 million is an estimate for three-quarters of FY27 due to prior budgeting before law changes, potentially rising to $5.9-$6 million annually. Future biennium may require more if error rates exceed thresholds.
HB1750: Representative Terski Information Only02:59:38.000 - 11:58:24 AM; Representative Terski asked about the impact of losing the 50/50 SNAP match, whether beneficiaries would be kicked out, and what happens if funding is not provided.
HB1750: Department Representative Information Only02:59:38.000 - 11:58:24 AM; The representative stated it puts the program at risk, with no departmental funds to cover; benefits to clients unaffected, but general fund shortfalls would require transfers or cuts elsewhere.
HB1750: Committee Member (Unnamed) Information Only03:01:58.960 - 12:00:44 PM; The speaker sought layman's terms explanation, confirming benefits continue but other services may be impacted.
HB1750: Representative Stringham Information Only03:03:04.399 - 12:01:50 PM; Representative Stringham asked if underfunding could lead to delayed responses, increased error rates, and reduced federal allocations, given high vacancy rates.
HB1750: Department Representative Information Only03:03:04.399 - 12:01:50 PM; The representative agreed, noting 26.6% vacancy and 70 unfunded positions, which could increase error rates if budget is cut further.
HB1750: Committee Chair Information Only03:04:50.720 - 12:03:36 PM; The chair concluded testimony on HB 1750, noted no further discussion, and transitioned to scheduling future meetings.
HB1750: Committee Members (Various) Information Only03:06:21.040 - 12:05:07 PM; The committee discussed scheduling challenges due to holidays, house sessions, and room availability. Options included February 13th (9-12), February 20th (9-12, potentially recessing for fiscal committee), and tentatively March 18th. They agreed on February 13th and 20th mornings, with possible afternoon continuation on the 20th. Also planned review of HB 661 amendment with Commissioner.
HB1750: Committee Chair Information Only03:14:22.960 - 12:13:08 PM; The chair discusses follow-up items, including a timeline chart requested by Representative Walner related to previous discussions, planning to have it ready by Friday if possible, backing up to the 20th, and other items for the 13th meeting. Mentions a meeting with Senator Lang and Senator Rosenwald regarding House Bill 5566 before the 13th. Asks if any follow-up items are missing and confirms four big ones.
HB1750: Representative Priest Information Only03:14:47.200 - 12:13:33 PM; Representative Priest suggests coming prepared on the 13th to execute if possible.
HB1750: Committee Chair Information Only03:16:10.479 - 12:14:56 PM; The chair confirms a chance to take votes on the 13th, notes the possibility of needing the 20th but hopes not, reminds everyone of the 9 o'clock start times, and advises to be mindful of potential voting.
HB1750: Representative Walner Information Only03:16:10.479 - 12:14:56 PM; Representative Walner inquires if the calendar will list specific bills for the 13th or all four each day.
HB1750: Committee Chair Information Only03:16:10.479 - 12:14:56 PM; The chair responds that all bills will be listed each day to keep flexibility in the conversation's direction, acknowledges the heavy and sensitive nature of the topics, thanks everyone for their time and thoughtful questions, and closes the work session on February 9th.