Warning: Bill numbers and names are based on text-to-speech transcript which may have errors due to transcription issues or ad hoc/incomplete language use by committee.
enables regional conservation and energy resources planning for habitat, strongholds, wildlife corridors, and creating a commission to study transferring ownership of the Winnipesaukee River Basin Program to an alternative authority
requires the Governor to submit and present a quarterly fiscal year budget report about the general and education trust funds to the General Court Financial Committee
relative to resource planning considering wildlife corridors and habitat strongholds and establishing a study commission for the Lakes Region wastewater treatment facility
Likely Text to Speech Error on Bill #
HB592
Support00:04:33.547 - 10:04:25 AM
Jason Stock expressed support for the bill as printed. He noted that his organization's interest was in the portions dealing with strongholds and conservation commissions for designating wildlife strongholds. He mentioned work done in the Senate to amend the language to clarify that designating strongholds is for information gathering and not for regulatory purposes that could restrict property use, particularly in forestry and forest management. The organization has no opinion on the Winnipesaukee River Basin piece.
HB592
Support00:06:56.888 - 10:06:48 AM
Ted Dears supported Parts 2 and 3 of the bill, which establish the Winnipesaukee Basin Study Commission and create a new director position. He explained that the Winnipesaukee River Basin Program is unique as the only state-owned regional wastewater authority funded entirely by communities. Over 50 years, communities have become more sophisticated, and it's time to consider transferring ownership from the state, which does not fund it. The transition will be challenging, involving employees, records, and infrastructure like a wastewater treatment plant handling up to 11 million gallons a day, 60 miles of pipeline, and 14 pump stations. The new director position, appointed by the governor, would oversee engineering needs, infrastructure upgrades, and facilitate the transition if it occurs. Communities support the position and are willing to fund it. He agreed the state should not be in the wastewater business due to procurement and hiring challenges.
HB600
Information Only00:29:48.713 - 10:29:40 AM
Representative Rung noted that no fiscal note was submitted by the Governor's office at the public hearing and inquired if one had been received since then. The response was no.
HB600
Support00:31:00.273 - 10:30:52 AM
Representative McGuire sought input from the LBA on whether the bill would require additional resources, noting it involves compiling existing data. He viewed it as a way to hold the administration accountable for spending and projections.
HB600
Information Only00:32:16.834 - 10:32:08 AM
Representative Munz expressed concern about including lapse estimates, calling them guesstimates that can be misleading. He suggested adding actual expenditures to the report for meaningful discussion, noting a similar report already exists in statute (RSA 911:2).
HB600
Support00:34:11.005 - 10:34:03 AM
Representative Griffin acknowledged concerns about lapses but supported the bill for creating a track record of reports over time, allowing the legislature to assess the accuracy of projections based on historical performance.
HB600
Support00:35:33.641 - 10:35:25 AM
Representative Ebel fully supported the bill, agreeing with the need for more transparency and daylight on fiscal issues. He noted that the Fiscal Committee could request monthly reports if needed.
HB600
Information Only00:36:46.866 - 10:36:38 AM
Representative Mons questioned whether revenues and appropriations reporting is already required in statute, seeking clarification on the bill's necessity.
SB592
Support00:51:22.404 - 10:51:14 AM
Opens executive session on SB 592 and calls for a motion on ought to pass. Prompts for discussion after the motion.
SB592
Support00:51:22.404 - 10:51:14 AM
Explains that the bill was approved by the Senate Resources Committee. Notes that provisions on wildlife corridors and habitat strongholds serve as reminders for resource planning groups. Describes the new study commission including public members from Laconia and other towns to scope needs for the wastewater system, acknowledging time constraints. Recommends passage. Later opposes the proposed amendment, stating commissions can invite needed input and that a larger commission would hinder progress. Notes the bill was already amended by the Resources Committee.
SB592
Support00:53:29.475 - 10:53:21 AM
Proposes an amendment to keep commission at seven members, reduce House members to two from the Merrimack River Basin, and add a representative from the city of Franklin due to the wastewater treatment facility's location there and its impact. After the amendment fails, expresses appreciation for consideration and emphasizes the need for ratepayers' stronger voice, citing experience from another commission.
SB592
Oppose00:54:38.355 - 10:54:30 AM
Opposes the proposed amendment, stating it is not appropriate as appointed representatives will likely be from affected areas and there is no need to expand membership.
SB592
Oppose00:54:38.355 - 10:54:30 AM
Agrees with opposition to the amendment, noting the Speaker appoints representatives with vested interest from impacted towns.
SB592
Support00:55:55.035 - 10:55:47 AM
Agrees with Representative Rung's amendment proposal and seconds the motion for it.
SB592
Information Only00:57:17.435 - 10:57:09 AM
Suggests passing the bill as received to avoid a committee of conference.
SB592
Information Only00:57:17.435 - 10:57:09 AM
Corrects Representative McGuire, clarifying the amendment would not increase the commission size.
SB592
Support00:58:33.159 - 10:58:25 AM
After amendment vote, reiterates strong feeling that ratepayers need stronger representation on the commission.
SB592
Vote00:57:17.435 - 10:57:09 AM
Roll call vote on proposed amendment fails (2-7).
SB592
Vote00:59:20.339 - 10:59:12 AM
Roll call vote on ought to pass for SB 592 passes 9-0 (McGuire yes, Griffin yes, Erf yes, Weiler yes, Ebel yes, Mons yes, Rung yes, Chairman Cambrell yes).
SB592
Information Only01:00:07.093 - 10:59:59 AM
Closes executive session on SB 592.
SB592
Support01:00:07.093 - 10:59:59 AM
Opens executive session on SB 600 and calls for motion on ought to pass.
SB592
Support01:01:00.153 - 11:00:52 AM
Moves ought to pass on SB 600.
SB592
Support01:01:00.153 - 11:00:52 AM
Seconds the motion for ought to pass on SB 600.
SB592
Information Only01:01:00.153 - 11:00:52 AM
Declines to add discussion on SB 600.
SB592
Vote01:01:47.403 - 11:01:39 AM
Roll call vote on ought to pass for SB 600 passes 9-0 (McGuire yes, Griffin yes, Irv yes, Weiler yes, Ebel yes, Munz yes, Rung yes, Chairman Kambrells yes).
SB592
Information Only01:01:47.403 - 11:01:39 AM
Closes executive session on SB 600 and discusses upcoming meetings.
SB592
Information Only01:03:25.456 - 11:03:17 AM
Confirms next full finance meeting on April 27 at 1 p.m. and discusses report writing.
SB592
Information Only01:03:25.456 - 11:03:17 AM
Notes possibility of further referrals and closes the session humorously.