Committee Summary for House Finance Division II (03/21/2025)

Bill/Time	Type	Title	Sponsor
HB781 00:12:27.600 - 12:13:28 PM	Executive Session	(New Title) requiring school districts to adopt policies establishing a cell phone-free education.	Litchfield, Melissa(R)[A-]2022
HB2 1190H 00:20:15.200 - 12:21:16 PM	Executive Session	relative to state fees, funds, revenues, and expenditures.	Weyler, Kenneth(R)[B+]2024
HB1 00:23:52.039 - 12:24:53 PM	Executive Session	making appropriations for the expenses of certain departments of the state for fiscal years ending June 30, 2026 and June 30, 2027.	Weyler, Kenneth(R)[B+]2024
HB2 1163H 00:26:37.360 - 12:27:38 PM	Executive Session	relative to state fees, funds, revenues, and expenditures.	Weyler, Kenneth(R)[B+]2024
HB2 1215H 00:30:29.640 - 12:31:30 PM	Executive Session	relative to state fees, funds, revenues, and expenditures.	Weyler, Kenneth(R)[B+]2024
HB2 153H 00:33:17.519 - 12:34:18 PM	Executive Session	relative to state fees, funds, revenues, and expenditures.	Weyler, Kenneth(R)[B+]2024
HB2 00:35:33.920 - 12:36:34 PM	Executive Session	relative to state fees, funds, revenues, and expenditures.	Weyler, Kenneth(R)[B+]2024
HB2 00:37:36.560 - 12:38:37 PM	Executive Session	relative to state fees, funds, revenues, and expenditures.	Weyler, Kenneth(R)[B+]2024
HB2 1156H 00:53:53.280 - 12:54:54 PM	Executive Session	relative to state fees, funds, revenues, and expenditures.	Weyler, Kenneth(R)[B+]2024
HB2 1180H 00:57:12.480 - 12:58:13 PM	Executive Session	relative to state fees, funds, revenues, and expenditures.	Weyler, Kenneth(R)[B+]2024
HB2 1213H 01:04:33.440 - 1:05:34 PM	Executive Session	relative to state fees, funds, revenues, and expenditures.	Weyler, Kenneth(R)[B+]2024
HB2 1202H 01:23:58.960 - 1:24:59 PM	Executive Session	relative to state fees, funds, revenues, and expenditures.	Weyler, Kenneth(R)[B+]2024
HB2 1154H 01:26:12.000 - 1:27:13 PM	Executive Session	relative to state fees, funds, revenues, and expenditures.	Weyler, Kenneth(R)[B+]2024
HB2 1157H 01:29:34.800 - 1:30:35 PM	Executive Session	relative to state fees, funds, revenues, and expenditures.	Weyler, Kenneth(R)[B+]2024

HB781: Chair Information Only00:12:27.600 - 12:13:28 PM; The chair opened the meeting by apologizing for their error and mentioned that the first three bills on the docket had already been dealt with in full finance, so they would be skipping those. They then introduced the fourth bill, HB781, related to cell phones, and asked if anyone wanted to speak on it.
HB781: Representative Lann Information Only00:13:34.480 - 12:14:35 PM; Representative Lann mentioned that there was a work session on HB781 on the 18th, where it was retained with an 8-0 vote. He suggested that the committee reconsider their vote, allowing for a different action if they so chose.
HB781: Representative Papovich Information Only00:14:52.639 - 12:15:53 PM; Representative Papovich moved to reconsider the vote on HB781. The motion was seconded, and they discussed the basis for reconsideration, citing new budgetary information and decisions made since the last session.
HB781: Representative Papovich Support00:16:02.639 - 12:17:03 PM; After reconsideration was complete, Representative Papovich moved to OTP (Ought to Pass) HB781. He stated that it was a good bill supported by everyone and would benefit from being sent to the House floor for further action.
HB781: Representative W Information Only00:16:48.160 - 12:17:49 PM; Representative W inquired about further voting on HB781, to which it was confirmed that there would be a vote on the OTP motion, followed by budget work session and more votes.
HB781: Representative Papovich Support00:17:48.400 - 12:18:49 PM; Representative Papovich made a motion to OTP HB781 after reconsideration, which was seconded. There was no further discussion, and the motion passed unanimously.
HB2 1190H: Chair Information Only00:20:15.200 - 12:21:16 PM; The chair introduced a new tracking packet containing several new amendments, including amendment 1190H for HB2, which included the same language as HB781. The amendment would put the cell phone use policy into both HB781 and HB2.
HB2 1190H: Representative Papovich Support00:22:42.320 - 12:23:43 PM; Representative Papovich moved to adopt amendment 1190H to HB2, noting that they had just discussed similar content in HB781. The motion was seconded by Representative Bean and passed unanimously.
HB1: Chair Information Only00:23:52.039 - 12:24:53 PM; The chair discussed the funding portion of the cell phone policy, indicating that $1 million was included in House Bill 1 for this purpose, and pointed out where this funding could be found in the tracking packet.
HB1: Representative Papovich Support00:24:39.840 - 12:25:40 PM; Representative Papovich moved to adopt the changes to HB1 as described in the tracking packet, specifically line 38, which involved decreasing the appropriation by $1 million. The motion was seconded by Representative Bean.
HB1: Representative Papovich Information Only00:24:39.840 - 12:25:40 PM; Representative Papovich concluded the discussion on HB1, noting that the bills related to cell phone policies were retained and covered by the amendment adopted in House Bill 2. He emphasized that the cell phone policy was included in the retained bills to ensure they were not forgotten.
HB2 1163H: Representative Information Only00:26:37.360 - 12:27:38 PM; The representative discussed the upcoming session with the lottery commission regarding video lottery terminals (VLTS) and amendment 1163H. They mentioned that the commission would provide revenue estimates and that any questions could be addressed then, indicating that no immediate action was required.
HB2 1163H: Representative Hacken Phillips Information Only00:27:22.640 - 12:28:23 PM; Representative Hacken Phillips expressed concerns from charitable organizations about the decrease in their cut from the amendment. He noted that while the organizations understood the potential for increased volume and net dollars, they were still concerned about the percentage decrease in their share.
HB2 1163H: Daniel Information Only00:28:22.880 - 12:29:23 PM; Daniel, who previously sat on Ways and Means, provided background on the perennial concerns of charitable organizations feeling cut out of the equation. He explained that the organizations had presented this argument before, and the decrease in their percentage share continued to fuel their concerns.
HB2 1163H: Representative Murray Information Only00:29:20.240 - 12:30:21 PM; Representative Murray acknowledged that the charitable organizations understood both sides of the equation but remained concerned about the percentage decrease. He noted that even after the upcoming session with the lottery commission, the issue might persist due to uncertainties in revenue projections.
HB2 1215H: Representative Papovich Support00:30:29.640 - 12:31:30 PM; Representative Papovich supported using the opioid abatement trust fund for the Northern Shield or Granite Shield program, as outlined in HB2. He suggested adopting the language to align with the funding already allocated in HB1, with the option to remove it later if necessary.
HB2 1215H: Representative Murray Oppose00:31:23.520 - 12:32:24 PM; Representative Murray opposed using the opioid abatement trust fund for law enforcement purposes, expressing concerns about the fund's intended use.
HB2 1215H: Representative Support00:32:12.799 - 12:33:13 PM; The representative made a motion to adopt amendment 1215H to HB2, aiming to bring the funding and language in sync. The motion was seconded and passed with a vote of 4 in favor and 3 opposed.
HB2 153H: Representative Information Only00:33:17.519 - 12:34:18 PM; The representative introduced amendment 153H to HB2, which makes technical changes to the determination and timing of charter school grants. They noted that this amendment had no impact on the amount of grants and was previously discussed with the Department of Education.
HB2 153H: Representative Papovich Support00:34:40.040 - 12:35:41 PM; Representative Papovich supported the amendment, recalling it as a cleanup of language with no significant impact. He made a motion to adopt amendment 153H to HB2, which was seconded and passed unanimously.
HB2: Representative Information Only00:35:33.920 - 12:36:34 PM; The representative discussed section 123 of HB2, which relates to adequacy grants and the timing of the October estimate. They noted that this section was on hold pending decisions on overall education funding to avoid contradictions in the RSA.
HB2: Representative Papovich Information Only00:36:25.200 - 12:37:26 PM; Representative Papovich added that the adequacy grant amount is based on effective data at the end of the year, and any discrepancies would only cause a delay, not a material change. He supported holding the amendment to ensure no conflicts with future language.
HB2: Representative Information Only00:37:36.560 - 12:38:37 PM; The representative discussed section 149 of HB2, which relates to the statutory use of E911 funds and state police radio communications. They noted that no action had been taken on this section and suggested considering it for future legislation.
HB2: Representative Information Only00:38:45.200 - 12:39:46 PM; The representative proposed a 50/50 split of E911 funds and general funds for state police communications, based on discussions with experts. They suggested this as a temporary solution until a legislative fix could be implemented.
HB2: Representative Information Only00:39:54.640 - 12:40:55 PM; The representative clarified that the 50/50 split would not require changes to HB1 line items but would adjust the funding source. They recommended removing some language from HB2 to provide future direction to the department.
HB2: Representative Information Only00:40:47.920 - 12:41:48 PM; The representative discussed the need for future legislation to delineate appropriate uses of E911 funds, following federal task force recommendations. They suggested fixing HB1 and HB2 for the current biennium and addressing the specifics in the next session.
HB2: Representative Information Only00:42:05.359 - 12:43:06 PM; The representative proposed a temporary change for year one of the biennium, reverting in year two, to force legislative action in the next session. They noted the cost of the 50/50 split would be about $3 million over the biennium.
HB2: Representative Hacken Phillips Information Only00:43:04.400 - 12:44:05 PM; Representative Hacken Phillips preferred to fix HB1 and HB2 now and follow up with legislation next year to delineate the uses of E911 funds. They discussed the option of a temporary change for year one but favored a more stable budget approach.
HB2: Representative Papovich Information Only00:44:05.200 - 12:45:06 PM; Representative Papovich questioned the long-standing practice of using E911 funds for state police communications, which started in 2012. He expressed reluctance to allocate $1.5 million in general funds for a temporary patch, preferring a permanent solution.
HB2: Representative Information Only00:45:15.920 - 12:46:16 PM; The representative warned against setting a precedent for other departments to use dedicated funds for operational costs. They emphasized the need to correct the funding mechanism, even if not immediately.
HB2: Representative Murray Information Only00:46:29.760 - 12:47:30 PM; Representative Murray clarified that the current language in HB2 would codify the practice of using E911 funds for state police communications, making it harder to change later. They supported deleting section 149 and implementing a 50/50 split.
HB2: Representative Information Only00:49:48.880 - 12:50:49 PM; The representative proposed a motion to modify HB1 and HB2, splitting the funding for state police communications 50/50 between E911 and general funds. The motion was seconded and passed unanimously.
HB2 1156H: Representative Murray Information Only00:53:53.280 - 12:54:54 PM; Representative Murray confirmed that previous amendments were already dealt with and that the current discussion was about new sections. They noted that the public school infrastructure commission would not need fiscal approval for grant dispersal under amendment 1156H.
HB2 1156H: Representative Support00:54:52.920 - 12:55:53 PM; The representative made a motion to adopt amendment 1156H to HB2, which was seconded and passed unanimously.
HB2 1180H: Representative Information Only00:57:12.480 - 12:58:13 PM; The representative discussed amendments 1167H and 1180H, which relate to a computer science appropriation. They suggested choosing one amendment, as both together would not make sense.
HB2 1180H: Representative Support00:57:59.240 - 12:59:00 PM; The representative supported adopting amendment 1180H, which would lapse unspent funds back to the general fund. They noted the constraints on funding and suggested reconsidering the program if more funds became available.
HB2 1180H: Representative Murray Information Only00:59:14.480 - 1:00:15 PM; Representative Murray clarified the options for the committee regarding the computer science appropriation. They supported amendment 1180H, noting that the program was not being expended as anticipated and suggested revisiting it when funding was more stable.
HB2 1180H: Representative Hacken Phillips Information Only01:00:11.040 - 1:01:12 PM; Representative Hacken Phillips felt unprepared to vote on the amendment, noting that it was not discussed in detail during previous sessions. They deferred to the committee's decision.
HB2 1180H: Representative Support01:03:20.160 - 1:04:21 PM; The representative made a motion to adopt amendment 1180H to HB2, which was seconded and passed with one vote in favor and no opposition.
HB2 1213H: Representative Kelly Support01:04:33.440 - 1:05:34 PM; Representative Kelly introduced amendment 1213H, which relates to Medicaid direct certification for free and reduced-price school meals. She explained that the amendment addresses privacy concerns and costs, proposing a two-year pilot period to assess its impact on the state's funding formula.
HB2 1213H: Representative Kelly Support01:08:53.920 - 1:09:54 PM; Representative Kelly supports the amendment, highlighting that the Average Daily Membership (ADM) numbers will be frozen during the two-year pilot program, ensuring no increase in the adequacy amount. The pilot program aims to evaluate the impact and effectiveness of the MDC (Meal Distribution Center) using real data on participation and costs. This will allow more economically disadvantaged children to access nutritious meals without affecting education funding. The pilot will end if the legislature decides to do nothing.
HB2 1213H: Representative Murray Information Only01:10:06.159 - 1:11:07 PM; Representative Murray requested time to review the amendment before voting, suggesting a delay until Monday. They noted that the amendment resembles a previously considered and rejected bill, expressing skepticism about its success. However, they acknowledged the differences in language and the need for further consideration.
HB2 1213H: Representative Papovich Oppose01:13:26.640 - 1:14:27 PM; Representative Papovich opposed the amendment, stating that similar policy proposals had been rejected before. They questioned the need for the amendment, highlighting that no specific examples of children denied food in schools were provided despite repeated requests over three years. They argued that addressing hunger is important but questioned the effectiveness and relevance of this specific amendment.
HB2 1213H: Representative Kelly Support01:14:27.600 - 1:15:28 PM; Representative Kelly provided examples of recent incidents in Goffstown and Keene where children were denied food, emphasizing the urgency of addressing hunger among school children. They argued that the pilot program is necessary to gather data and address the issue without impacting the state's budget.
HB2 1213H: Representative Papovich Oppose01:15:44.760 - 1:16:45 PM; Representative Papovich reiterated their skepticism about the amendment, noting that no specific examples were brought up earlier in the legislative process. They stressed the importance of having concrete data before making policy decisions and questioned the timing of the amendment's introduction.
HB2 1213H: Representative Murray Support01:17:39.440 - 1:18:40 PM; Representative Murray supported the amendment, emphasizing the need for data to inform future legislative decisions. They argued that the pilot program is revenue-neutral and necessary to address potential issues without affecting future budget obligations.
HB2 1213H: Representative Maguire Information Only01:18:44.400 - 1:19:45 PM; Representative Maguire suggested that adding a checkbox on Medicaid applications for free and reduced lunch could streamline the process. However, they expressed concerns about automatically enrolling Medicaid recipients without their consent, indicating a need for federal approval for such a program.
HB2 1213H: Representative Kelly Support01:20:06.960 - 1:21:07 PM; Representative Kelly clarified that the checkbox on Medicaid applications would require USDA approval and would not automatically enroll recipients. They emphasized that the pilot program is temporary and can be discontinued if the data does not support its continuation.
HB2 1213H: Representative Maguire Oppose01:20:58.560 - 1:21:59 PM; Representative Maguire opposed the amendment, arguing that once children are certified in the program, they remain certified, potentially increasing education budget costs. They questioned the sustainability of the program beyond the pilot phase.
HB2 1213H: Representative Kelly Support01:22:45.760 - 1:23:46 PM; Representative Kelly clarified that the pilot program is only for two years, after which the legislature would decide whether to continue it. They argued that the program's impact on the education budget would be assessed based on the data collected during the pilot.
HB2 1202H: Representative Earth Information Only01:23:58.960 - 1:24:59 PM; Representative Earth introduced amendment 1202H, which proposes repealing the phase out grants for Education Freedom Accounts (EFA) in their final two years. They explained that the grants are set to end in two years anyway, and the amendment would free up general funds, particularly if the budget becomes tight at the end of the cycle.
HB2 1154H: Representative Maguire Information Only01:26:12.000 - 1:27:13 PM; Representative Maguire sought clarification on amendment 1154H, which requires school districts to use the state's assessment portal for the naturalization exam, a graduation requirement. They confirmed that the amendment does not change the exam requirements but simplifies reporting by using a single DOE portal.
HB2 1157H: Representative Murray Information Only01:29:34.800 - 1:30:35 PM; Representative Murray discussed amendment 1157H, which would allow the Department of Education to satisfy existing statute requirements using ongoing special education audits rather than conducting an additional evaluation. They questioned whether old language in the statute could be cleaned up but acknowledged that it might not be the committee's responsibility.
HB2 1157H: Representative Hacken Phillips Information Only02:29:26.720 - 2:30:27 PM; Representative Hacken Phillips discussed the unfilled and unfunded positions within Division One, mentioning a campaign to abolish most of these positions to simplify the identification of necessary roles. He expressed confusion over the accounting unit related to student wellness and its relation to assessments and service contracts.
HB2 1157H: Representative Papovich Information Only02:30:30.040 - 2:31:31 PM; Representative Papovich indicated comfort with making a motion but was willing to wait if others wanted to review the document over the weekend. He clarified details about an accounting unit and its positions, noting that the unit was not being entirely zeroed out.
HB2 1157H: Unidentified Speaker Information Only02:31:19.520 - 2:32:20 PM; An unidentified speaker provided detailed information about an accounting unit, explaining the savings and the remaining positions and activities within it. They noted discrepancies in the numbers and that the unit was not being entirely eliminated.
HB2 1157H: Unidentified Speaker Information Only02:32:52.000 - 2:33:53 PM; Another unidentified speaker corrected a header issue in the document, clarifying that the correct accounting unit was 25503, titled 'instructional support.' They explained the reduction in out-of-state travel and the removal of one position from this unit.
HB2 1157H: Unidentified Speaker Information Only02:34:33.439 - 2:35:34 PM; The speaker discussed the reduction in funding for robotics and adult education, noting that not all funds would be eliminated. They pointed out that some funds would remain for the robotics grant and that there would be a reduction in non-matching state funds.
HB2 1157H: Unidentified Speaker Information Only02:37:10.720 - 2:38:11 PM; The speaker provided further details on the reduction of funds, including the elimination of the Office of Early Childhood and the reduction in funding associated with a position at the Department of Education. They noted that some positions were vacant and there was no activity in certain accounts.
HB2 1157H: Unidentified Speaker Information Only02:40:06.720 - 2:41:07 PM; The speaker discussed the reduction in funding related to the Office of the Commissioner, mentioning the transfer to plant and property and the reduction in rent due to the acquisition of a building. They also mentioned the potential elimination of the Advanced Placement program funding, expressing concern about the impact on students.
HB2 1157H: Unidentified Speaker Information Only02:42:16.560 - 2:43:17 PM; The speaker expressed concern about the potential elimination of funding for the Advanced Placement program, noting the impact on students who cannot afford the fees. They requested communication over the weekend to discuss further and thanked Representative McGuire for their patience and assistance.
HB2 1157H: Unidentified Speaker Information Only02:43:57.040 - 2:44:58 PM; The speaker discussed the importance of transportation funding, highlighting its critical role in workforce issues. They appreciated the efforts to refine the amendment and thanked Representative McGuire for their time and assistance.