Committee Summary for House Judiciary (02/25/2026)

Bill/Time	Type	Title	Sponsor
HB1416 00:04:09.133 - 9:03:00 AM	Public Hearing	prohibits certain government regulations regarding pregnancy resource centers in connection with abortion and contraception service offerings.	Farrington, Samuel(R)[A+]2025
HB1456 01:28:54.811 - 10:27:45 AM	Public Hearing	repealing the legislature's declaration of authority over public education.	Cloutier, John(D)[F]2025
HB1489 01:30:00.000 - 10:28:51 AM	Public Hearing	relative to interstate depositions and discovery.	Lynn, Bob(R)[B]2025
HB1550 01:43:54.811 - 10:42:45 AM	Public Hearing	requiring marital masters, arbitrators, mediators, and judicial referees to be commissioned as a justice of peace as a qualification for such positions.	Love, David(R)[B+]2025
HB1489 02:24:53.372 - 11:23:44 AM	Executive Session	relative to interstate depositions and discovery.	Lynn, Bob(R)[B]2025
HB1127 2026-0880h 02:24:53.372 - 11:23:44 AM	Executive Session	relative to the uniform voidable transactions act.	Lynn, Bob(R)[B]2025
HB1422 2026-0871h 02:39:53.372 - 11:38:44 AM	Executive Session	relative to the time to petition for a new trial.	Mannion, Tom(R)[A+]2025
HB1550 02:39:53.372 - 11:38:44 AM	Executive Session	requiring marital masters, arbitrators, mediators, and judicial referees to be commissioned as a justice of peace as a qualification for such positions.	Love, David(R)[B+]2025
HB1456 02:39:53.372 - 11:38:44 AM	Executive Session	repealing the legislature's declaration of authority over public education.	Cloutier, John(D)[F]2025
HB1590 03:07:55.011 - 12:06:46 PM	Public Hearing	harmonizing the age of personhood under the criminal code and the fetal life protection act.	Scully, Kevin(R)[A-]2025
HB1591 small amendment to Part 2 04:17:00.000 - 1:15:51 PM	Public Hearing	relative to the release of escrowed funds by the judicial branch.	Potenza, Kelley(R)[A]2025
HB1593 04:41:00.000 - 1:39:51 PM	Public Hearing	relative to nondiscrimination due to disability.	Cornell, Patricia(D)[F]2025
HB1590 05:44:48.870 - 2:43:39 PM	Executive Session	harmonizing the age of personhood under the criminal code and the fetal life protection act.	Scully, Kevin(R)[A-]2025

HB1416: Representative Sherry, Sponsor Support00:04:09.133 - 9:03:00 AM; Representative Sherry introduced HB 1416, emphasizing its protection of pregnancy resource centers (PRCs) from government compulsion to perform or refer for abortions, framing it as a free speech and religious freedom issue. She highlighted that PRCs provide free services like counseling, ultrasounds, diapers, and parenting classes to support women in choosing life. She cited attacks on PRCs in other states, such as Massachusetts' ad campaign and laws in Colorado and Illinois imposing fines or restrictions, which were blocked in court. She noted there are 19 PRCs in New Hampshire, part of 2,800 nationwide with 62,000 workers, mostly volunteers, and 97% positive patient experiences. The bill prevents similar coercion in NH without regulating abortion access.
HB1416: Chris Eager Support00:19:09.133 - 9:18:00 AM; Chris Eager shared a personal story of visiting eight PRCs in New Hampshire, from Keene to Rochester and West Lebanon, with a team in 2024. He was impressed by the competency, caring staff, and services like boutiques offering baby clothes and strollers earned through credits. Funded by donations, no taxpayer money, the centers help families in need. He urged the committee to support the bill to allow PRCs to continue their vital work without interference.
HB1416: Lydia Borsi, Lebanon, medical student Oppose00:25:00.000 - 9:23:51 AM; Lydia Borsi acknowledged the need for pregnancy resources but argued HB 1416 would prevent the state from ensuring honesty, safety, and accurate medical information at PRCs. She criticized counseling on 'abortion reversal' using progesterone after mifepristone, noting case series are weak evidence and equivalent to not taking the second pill; the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists states it lacks reliable support. She emphasized that patients deserve complete, evidence-based info from trained providers, using her sister's diabetes as an example of how missing information could endanger lives. As a future physician, she supports informed consent and opposes exempting PRCs from such standards.
HB1416: Dr. Obstetrician, former NH Medical Society representative, Concord Hospital Oppose00:34:09.133 - 9:33:00 AM; The doctor, with 20 years on the NH Medical Society council representing obstetricians and 40 years teaching at Dartmouth Medical School, shared a story of treating an infertile patient with blocked tubes post-infection. He performed surgery to reopen them, leading to a successful pregnancy and birth of daughter Anna. Years later, during an exam, she confronted him about providing abortion care alongside fertility help, revealing her role as a PRC volunteer. She stopped seeing him afterward, highlighting philosophical differences in reproductive care.
HB1416: Catherine Kelly, Penacook Pregnancy Center Support00:36:00.000 - 9:34:51 AM; Catherine Kelly described the 13-year-old Penacook Pregnancy Center's free services, including diapers, strollers, formula, utility bill payments, and prescriptions for newborns. They assist women from ERs, handle domestic violence cases by providing essentials, and receive referrals from Manchester Health Department and Waypoint. All operations are confidential, funded by small private donations, with volunteers signing covenants. Located in inner-city Manchester, they help those in need without government funds, emphasizing their charitable role.
HB1416: Kathleen Yaninian, volunteer, Penacook Pregnancy Center, Manchester Support00:40:00.000 - 9:38:51 AM; Kathleen Yaninian detailed the center's 501(c)(3) status, operating on donations with unpaid volunteers in an old inner-city Manchester building serving the poor, homeless, immigrants, those in recovery, and ex-prisoners. They provide diapers, wipes, books for education, and track client needs. Last year saw over 500 clients, already 100+ this year, with growing demand including from Congo immigrants. They use Google Translate for communication and face no issues with immigration status, focusing on caring support without judgment.
HB1416: Kelly Lindholm, Executive Director, Care Net Women's Center, Concord Support00:44:00.000 - 9:42:51 AM; Kelly Lindholm shared her story of becoming pregnant at 17, feeling scared and alone, obtaining abortion pills but visiting a PRC instead. There, she learned about her child, heard the heartbeat, and chose to keep the baby; her son is now 11. Eleven years later, she is executive director of Branches Family Resource Centers in Brattleboro, VT, and Greenfield, MA. She won a 2023 case against a Vermont law fining PRCs $10,000 for self-administered pregnancy tests or offering info, as they were transitioning to medical clinics. She supports HB 1416 to prevent similar targeting.
HB1416: Liz Neville, President and Co-founder, St. Gianna's Place Support00:52:00.000 - 9:50:51 AM; Liz Neville described St. Gianna's Place as a nonprofit transitional home for pregnant homeless women and young children, taking them from streets, tents, or cars. They offer up to two years of safe housing, life skills like budgeting and parenting, GED/job training, college courses, car services, licenses, and donated vehicles. Focus on mental health counseling, healing from abuse and addiction, teaching dignity, and transforming lives. The bill protects their mission to serve vulnerable mothers without interference.
HB1416: Bob Dunn, Director of Public Policy, Roman Catholic Diocese of Manchester Support00:55:00.000 - 9:53:51 AM; Bob Dunn, on behalf of Bishop Peter Libasci, supported HB 1416 for advancing human dignity of mothers and children, arguing that devaluing unborn life leads to broader societal disposability of the vulnerable like immigrants or homeless. He noted proactive legislation is common in NH and necessary against potential attacks via bills or executive administrative rules, regardless of majority shifts.
HB1416: Lorraine Lindenberg, Derry Support00:58:00.000 - 9:56:51 AM; Lorraine Lindenberg referenced House Concurrent Resolution 31 from May 2012, passed by NH House and Senate, commending PRCs nationwide for compassionate, confidential, nonjudgmental counseling to women and men facing pregnancies. With over 2,500 centers providing individualized care regardless of outcomes, HB 1416 solidifies their right to operate freely like any business, without government interference.
HB1416: Sarah Nashua Support00:58:00.258 - 9:56:51 AM; Sarah from Nashua supports the bill, highlighting the contrast between negative online reviews and actual positive experiences at pregnancy centers. She argues that opposition is based on rumors, anti-Christian bias, and financial interests of abortion facilities. She describes positive stories from vulnerable women receiving compassionate care and views the bill as pro-liberty, protecting centers from government interference in the live-free or die state. She urges an ought to pass vote.
HB1416: Michael Unis, Rochester Support01:00:00.000 - 9:58:51 AM; Michael Unis, executive director of Options for Women in Rochester, supports the bill. He explains that pregnancy centers provide practical, emotional, medical, and educational support including pregnancy testing, ultrasounds, STI testing, parenting education, referrals, and material assistance. He emphasizes that the bill allows providers to operate within their scopes of care with clarity and integrity, preserving diverse support options for women in difficult situations without limiting access to other medical services.
HB1416: Rachel Potter, ACLU of New Hampshire Oppose01:03:00.000 - 10:01:51 AM; Rachel Potter opposes the bill, arguing it grants special privileges to crisis pregnancy centers based on their anti-abortion ideology, exempting them from oversight applied to other health providers. She contends this creates unequal rules favoring a specific viewpoint, undermining transparency, accountability, and equal protection under the law. She requests an inexpedient to legislate (ITL) vote.
HB1416: Ian Hewitt, Cornerstone Support01:06:00.000 - 10:04:51 AM; Ian Hewitt supports HB 1416 as a modest bill preventing indirect bans on pregnancy resource centers (PRCs). He expresses concerns about partisan state agencies potentially targeting PRCs and the need for judicially enforceable protections. He notes opposition from groups like the Medical Association, ACLU, and Planned Parenthood suggests intent to use agencies against PRCs. During questioning, he discusses attacks in other states like Massachusetts involving open-ended investigations causing financial strain and suggests a minor amendment for clarity on standing.
HB1416: Elise Sharian, New Hampshire resident Oppose01:09:00.000 - 10:07:51 AM; Elise Sharian opposes HB 1416, acknowledging the need for support services but criticizing faith-based centers for violating church-state separation, providing inaccurate information on abortion and prenatal development, and lacking medical qualifications. She highlights risks like undetected fetal abnormalities from non-medical ultrasounds, non-compliance with HIPAA, and deceptive practices misleading patients on pregnancy timelines and options.
HB1416: Jason Hennessy, New Hampshire Right to Life Support01:13:00.258 - 10:11:51 AM; Jason Hennessy supports the bill, emphasizing pregnancy centers' necessary services for women choosing life, attacks in other states like California, New York, and Massachusetts via attorney general actions and intimidating letters, and the need for specific protections in New Hampshire where 19 centers exist. He references vandalism in Littleton and statements from Democratic leaders indicating real threats. During questioning, he details national patterns of intimidation and how the bill provides legislative defense.
HB1416: Kathy Stratton, New Hampshire Medical Society Oppose01:20:00.000 - 10:18:51 AM; Kathy Stratton opposes the bill due to concerns that women may not see medical personnel at centers, risking misdiagnosis, delayed care, and harm. She argues the bill prohibits regulation, allowing misrepresentation and undermining informed consent. She values the care provided but believes exemptions fail to protect patients from harm in this unregulated industry. During questioning, she clarifies concerns about ultrasounds and delays in proper care, trusts the medical board for oversight, and affirms equal standards regardless of payment.
HB1456: Representative John Cloutier, Sullivan County Support01:28:54.811 - 10:27:45 AM; Rep. Cloutier introduces and supports HB 1456, discussing historical Supreme Court rulings in 1993 and 1997 finding the education funding system unconstitutional due to overreliance on local property taxes violating constitutional articles on education rights and proportionate taxation. He notes failed legislative attempts to amend the constitution (over 32 proposals) and constituent anger in Sullivan County communities like Claremont, Newport, and Croydon over unfair funding burdens. He urges fully funding adequate education and a positive recommendation for the bill.
HB1489: Representative Bob Lynn Support01:30:00.000 - 10:28:51 AM; Rep. Lynn introduces and supports HB 1489 to streamline interstate discovery in civil cases by eliminating the need for commissioners in depositions across state lines. He explains the process: a foreign subpoena is served to the NH Superior Court clerk, who issues an NH subpoena under standard rules. He notes bipartisan sponsorship and collaboration with Prof. Chuck Mooney. During questioning, he highlights how it makes the process more efficient, similar to intra-state subpoenas, reducing court encumbrance.
HB1550: Representative David Love, Derry Support01:43:54.811 - 10:42:45 AM; Rep. Love introduces and supports HB 1550 (as amended) to empower judges, mediators, etc., in family court to require oaths of truth, enabling perjury charges if violated. He argues it ensures truth-seeking in contentious divorces, easing judges' roles and deterring lies that harm children. The amendment mandates justice of the peace certification for oath administration and refers perjury to prosecutors. During extensive questioning, he addresses certification requirements, fiscal notes, potential grandfathering, effective dates, dismissal processes via judicial review, and unintended executive branch influences.
HB1550: Lauren Warner, Judicial Branch Oppose01:50:00.000 - 10:48:51 AM; Lauren Warner opposes the bill, citing unintended consequences like violating separation of powers by requiring executive branch (governor and council) approval for justices of the peace, potentially politicizing neutral roles like mediators and referees. She notes it could reduce volunteer participation due to five-year term limits and delays, cause case backlogs if current personnel must reapply, and eliminate the existing pool until reappointed. She highlights impacts on rural areas and the goal of impartiality.
HB1550: Lauren Warner, Judicial Branch Information Only01:58:54.811 - 10:57:45 AM; Warner responds to questions about oaths taken by administrators, mediators, and arbitrators, confirming they take an oath to perform their duties but not a constitutional oath as prescribed in the bill. She agrees that the effective date of January 1, 2027, would impose significant time constraints, potentially causing case delays if personnel must become justices of the peace quickly. She confirms that testimony in family court trials is under oath and people cannot testify without it.
HB1489: Representative Lynn, Chair Support02:24:53.372 - 11:23:44 AM; Moves ought to pass (OTP) for HB 1489, stating he has fully discussed it in prior testimony and has nothing further to add.
HB1489: Committee Roll Call Vote02:24:53.372 - 11:23:44 AM; Unanimous vote of 17 yes, 0 no on OTP; bill placed on consent.
HB1127 2026-0880h: Representative Lynn, Chair Support02:24:53.372 - 11:23:44 AM; Moves adoption of amendment 2026-0880h to address concerns from the trust industry regarding impacts on irrevocable trusts with spendthrift provisions, requiring clear and convincing evidence for actual fraud claims and making cross-reference changes. Then moves OTP as amended, highlighting the bill's adoption of uniform law and alleviation of trust concerns through collaboration with Professor Mooney.
HB1127 2026-0880h: Charles Mooney, Uniform Law Commissioner Information Only02:24:53.372 - 11:23:44 AM; Explains that the amendment applies only to irrevocable spendthrift trusts to protect assets from creditors, as these are the trusts of concern to the Trust Council.
HB1127 2026-0880h: Committee Roll Call Vote02:24:53.372 - 11:23:44 AM; Unanimous vote of 17-0 on the amendment; unanimous 17-0 on OTP as amended; bill on consent.
HB1422 2026-0871h: Representative Burch Support02:39:53.372 - 11:38:44 AM; Moves OTP and introduces amendment 2026-0871h to clarify that counsel is appointed only if the petitioner is indigent, avoiding mandatory appointment regardless of indigency. Notes agreement with proponents and decides against changing 'may' to 'shall' for judicial discretion in close cases.
HB1422 2026-0871h: Committee Roll Call Vote02:39:53.372 - 11:38:44 AM; Unanimous 17-0 on amendment; unanimous 17-0 on OTP as amended; bill on consent.
HB1550: Representative Lynn, Chair Oppose02:39:53.372 - 11:38:44 AM; Moves inexpedient to legislate (ITL), explaining that marital masters and hearing officers already administer oaths in hearings without needing to be justices of the peace, and applying oaths to mediations and neutral evaluations would undermine their informal, consensus-building nature. Also notes the bill's residency requirement would exclude non-domiciled personnel.
HB1550: Representative Horrigan Oppose02:39:53.372 - 11:38:44 AM; Raises technical issue that the bill requires individuals to be domiciled in New Hampshire, which isn't currently the case, citing an example of a marital master commuting from Maine.
HB1550: Committee Roll Call Vote02:39:53.372 - 11:38:44 AM; Unanimous 17-0 on ITL; report to be written.
HB1456: Representative McFarland Oppose02:39:53.372 - 11:38:44 AM; Moves ITL, arguing the legislature has constitutional authority over education policy, repealing the declaration would undermine the institution, the proclamation was part of the negotiated HB 2 budget package, isolating it would upset the balance, and the bill references a non-existent RSA 141-389 with no legal effect.
HB1456: Representative Smith Support02:54:53.372 - 11:53:44 AM; Disagrees that HB 2 content is a proclamation; HB 2 should only contain language for HB 1 implementation, but has been used for unrelated bills passed on party lines. Notes past amendments to HB 2 language and that arguments against the bill are not convincing.
HB1456: Representative Horrigan Support02:54:53.372 - 11:53:44 AM; Favors the policy to repeal the HB 2 provision as a mistake; legislature can undo HB 2 elements, citing recent testimony against a bill undoing an HB 2 compromise.
HB1456: Representative McFarland (response) Oppose02:54:53.372 - 11:53:44 AM; Responds that HB 2's language is a proclamation not modifying statutes, so no statute exists to repeal, and the bill has no legal effect.
HB1456: Representative Burch Support02:54:53.372 - 11:53:44 AM; HB 2 passed on party lines, not an agreement; when affecting constitutional rights under Article 1, Section 37, the Supreme Court can decide; the HB 2 statement is wrong constitutionally, and the bill can correct the reference if passed.
HB1590: Representative Kevin Scully, Sponsor, Hillsborough District 8, Ward 6, Nashua Support03:07:55.011 - 12:06:46 PM; Introduces HB 1590 to resolve constitutional conflicts by setting the Fetal Life Protection Act limit at 20 weeks, matching the established personhood age from the 2017 fetal homicide law (RSA 630:1-a). Argues the current 24-week limit creates a lesser class of persons subject to capital punishment without due process, violating Articles 2, 16, and 18 of the NH Constitution. Maintains women retain rights up to 20 weeks and beyond for health/life risks; emphasizes upholding the Constitution and intrinsic value of personhood, warning against reducing personhood for convenience like historical precedents.
HB1590: Representative Turner Information Only03:07:55.011 - 12:06:46 PM; Questions why modify the abortion limit to 20 weeks instead of the homicide law to 24 weeks, noting the governor's stance and 20-week ultrasound timing.
HB1590: Representative Kevin Scully (response) Support03:07:55.011 - 12:06:46 PM; Clarifies it's a civil rights bill fixing constitutional violations; 20 weeks is already established personhood, Roe v. Wade's 24-week viability is outdated with modern medicine allowing 21-week survivals; setting precedent to exclude personhood for convenience echoes dangerous historical exclusions like Nuremberg laws.
HB1590: Representative Crystal Lloyd, Nashua Oppose03:22:55.011 - 12:21:46 PM; Representative Lloyd shares her personal story of undergoing IVF at age 42, detailing the low success rates and high risks of her embryos and pregnancy. She expresses anger at legislators impacting her ability to have a child and concerns about the existing 24-week abortion limit, noting her pregnancy would be high-risk.
HB1590: Representative Susan VanCastiel, Salem Oppose03:25:00.000 - 12:23:51 PM; Representative VanCastiel emphasizes personal family decisions on abortion, references Roe v. Wade's history, and urges enforcing the 14th Amendment through a constitutional amendment (CACR) for Granite Staters to vote on the issue rather than legislative imposition.
HB1590: Brooke Cadwell, Certified Nurse Midwife Oppose03:28:00.000 - 12:26:51 PM; Cadwell opposes HB 1590, highlighting healthcare deserts and closures of obstetric units due to restrictive abortion laws. She notes the loss of comprehensive women's health services, including cancer screenings and family planning, and stresses that medical decisions should be between patients and providers.
HB1590: Nancy Brennan for Amy Agostino, Neonatal Nurse, Londonderry Oppose03:31:00.000 - 12:29:51 PM; Agostino's testimony, read by Brennan, criticizes fetal personhood as deceptive and HB 1590 as an abortion ban. She explains medical realities of late-term abortions, which are rare (1% after 20 weeks) and due to severe complications, urging trust in healthcare professionals for emergencies.
HB1590: Dr. Ogong Oppose03:34:00.000 - 12:32:51 PM; Dr. Ogong opposes HB 1590, explaining the difference between 20 and 24 weeks gestation for complications like incompetent cervix. She notes the bill criminalizes physicians and challenges care in emergencies.
HB1590: Anonymous Speaker on Fetal Anomalies Oppose03:37:55.011 - 12:36:46 PM; The speaker discusses post-20-week abortions due to devastating fetal anomalies detected via amniocentesis and blood tests, which take time. She shares a personal experience of delayed results pushing decisions past 18 weeks, criticizing the bill's impact on choices.
HB1590: Emily Zajano, Exeter Oppose03:40:00.000 - 12:38:51 PM; Zajano, a pediatric emergency physician, opposes HB 1590 with her story of twin pregnancy complications at 16-19 weeks involving uterine rupture and heart disease, requiring abortions to save her life and future fertility. She argues the bill replaces medical judgment with legal fear.
HB1590: Fidelma McKenna, Midwife, Nashua Oppose03:43:00.000 - 12:41:51 PM; McKenna opposes the bill, describing midwifery's role in supporting reproductive decisions. She warns that reducing the limit to 20 weeks endangers patients by limiting information on anomalies and emergencies, erodes provider confidence, and deters OBGYNs from the state.
HB1590: Jean Brown, Hanover Oppose03:46:00.000 - 12:44:51 PM; Brown shares her 1991 experience of aborting a trisomy 18 fetus at 20 weeks to avoid emotional trauma. She asserts women's bodily autonomy, opposes government as medical experts, and criticizes criminalizing doctors, emphasizing pregnancy's complexity.
HB1590: Amy Taravakia, 603 Equality Oppose03:49:00.000 - 12:47:51 PM; Taravakia opposes HB 1590, recounting miscarriages at 12 and 18 weeks, including a non-viable pregnancy with potential trisomy 18. She highlights emotional and physical tolls and the need for accessible abortion care without state interference.
HB1590: Dr. Ogong Continuation or Additional Medical Testimony Oppose03:52:55.011 - 12:51:46 PM; The testimony addresses hemorrhaging in ectopic pregnancies, transfusion limits, and how bans create healthcare deserts, discouraging providers. It notes 89% of Granite Staters support bodily autonomy and disproportionate impacts on vulnerable groups.
HB1590: Dr. Melissa Martinez-Adorno, NH ACOG Chair Oppose03:55:00.000 - 12:53:51 PM; Dr. Martinez-Adorno opposes the bill, warning that lowering to 20 weeks includes felony penalties in decisions, causing delays leading to sepsis or death. It will drive providers away, worsening rural access, and interfere with evidence-based care.
HB1590: Dr. Julia Mead, OBGYN Oppose03:58:00.000 - 12:56:51 PM; Dr. Mead opposes HB 1590, citing cases like anencephaly at 20 weeks and premature rupture of membranes. The bill forces delays risking infection or death, undermines physician training, and increases maternal morbidity without medical basis.
HB1590: Dr. Amy Lee, Resident Physician Oppose04:01:00.000 - 12:59:51 PM; Dr. Lee opposes the bill, noting abortion training requirements for OBGYNs and how restrictions limit full-spectrum care. She is leaving NH due to felony risks, contributing to resident exodus and provider shortages.
HB1590: Kayla Montgomery, Planned Parenthood Oppose04:03:00.000 - 1:01:51 PM; Montgomery opposes HB 1590, explaining it establishes a 20-week ban, criminalizes doctors and patients, and risks investigating miscarriages or stillbirths as homicide. She references Kentucky case and removal of safeguards from original personhood bill.
HB1590: Claire Talion Oppose04:05:00.000 - 1:03:51 PM; Testimony cut off, but in context of opposition to HB 1590 based on prior speakers.
HB1590: Dr. Maris Holland, OBGYN, Manchester Oppose04:05:58.480 - 1:04:49 PM; Dr. Holland opposes, addressing personhood's ramifications like prosecuting miscarriages and IVF challenges. She highlights physician shortages projected for NH and misinformation, stressing legislative interference harms access.
HB1590: Rachel Potter, ACLU of New Hampshire Oppose04:08:00.000 - 1:06:51 PM; Potter opposes, arguing the bill merges homicide and abortion statutes, making abortion conditional on exceptions and inviting investigations into pregnancy outcomes. It transforms regulated healthcare into a homicide exception, raising legal uncertainties.
HB1590: Jason Hennessy, NH Right to Life Support04:11:00.000 - 1:09:51 PM; Hennessy supports HB 1590 with amendment, citing fetal pain after 14-15 weeks, human rights for both mother and child, historical precedents like Hippocratic Oath, and data showing most OBs do not perform abortions. Notes IVF exemption in current law.
HB1590: Representative Kelly Potenza, Stratford District 19 Support04:14:00.000 - 1:12:51 PM; Rep. Potenza, co-sponsor, supports harmonizing statutes at 20 weeks for personhood consistency, avoiding conflicts like the 24-week budget provision. She addresses broader issues like forced pregnancies but emphasizes legal clarity without labeling mothers as murderers.
HB1591 small amendment to Part 2: Representative Kelly Potenza, Stratford District 19 Support04:17:00.000 - 1:15:51 PM; Rep. Potenza introduces and supports HB 1591, addressing gaps in RSA 471C for courts handling abandoned property. She cites a constituent's $40,000 held since 2022 without procedures, urging alignment with existing frameworks for clarity and fairness. Mentions a drafting amendment to fix wording.
HB1591 small amendment to Part 2: Lauren Warner, Deputy General Counsel for the Judicial Branch Information Only04:35:58.480 - 1:34:49 PM; Lauren Warner testified on the original HB 1591, explaining that the Judicial Branch promptly returns funds held in escrow or trust after court orders, unless conditions must be met or documentation like a W-9 is required. She referenced the specific 2022 case where conditions for disbursement have not been satisfied, clarifying that this is not abandoned property but funds belonging to identified claimants. Warner stated that the branch does not unlawfully withhold funds and that the current process aligns with the bill's intent, though she believes the legislation is unnecessary based on existing practices and the fiscal note.
HB1593: Representative Megan Murray, Hillsborough District 37 (Milford and Amherst) Support04:41:00.000 - 1:39:51 PM; As co-sponsor, Rep. Murray introduced HB 1593, explaining it codifies federal Section 504 protections into state law to ensure continuity if federal protections are weakened. She noted small differences from federal law and emphasized New Hampshire's leadership in disability protections, allowing state courts to handle complaints promptly and recover attorneys' fees.
HB1593: Gretchen Fishman, special education and disability justice advocate and parent Support04:45:00.000 - 1:43:51 PM; Gretchen Fishman shared personal experiences of her children's educational neglect due to disability discrimination. She highlighted gaps in state law for state-funded programs and community colleges, forcing reliance on slow federal processes. Fishman urged passage to codify federal standards, enabling immediate state court remedies, fee recovery, and uniform fairness across state-funded systems like hospitals and higher education, especially amid lawsuits challenging federal protections.
HB1593: Evan Eastler Fishman, on behalf of neurodivergent people Support04:47:00.000 - 1:45:51 PM; Evan Fishman expressed strong support, sharing his childhood loss to autism discrimination and denial of accommodations, evoking sorrow and grief. He argued that denying the bill would perpetuate trauma on neurodivergent children, equating disability discrimination to racism and sexism, and cited figures like Einstein and Newton as examples of spectrum thinkers who advanced society.
HB1593: Brendan Madden, Dover, NH, NH Leadership Series participant Support04:49:00.000 - 1:47:51 PM; Brendan Madden supported the bill, crediting his Associate's Degree from Great Bay Community College for his nonprofit role despite a brain tumor diagnosis. He was dismayed by the lack of state discrimination clauses for post-secondary institutions and urged an Ought to Pass to ensure legal protections and opportunities for students with disabilities in higher education.
HB1593: Patricia Vincent Pratt Support04:51:00.000 - 1:49:51 PM; Patricia Vincent Pratt recounted the 1977 Section 504 sit-in and her husband Jim's pre-504 discrimination, including segregated schooling, inaccessible voting, and employment barriers despite academic success. She emphasized enforcing existing laws and passing the bill to prevent rollbacks, ensuring Granite Staters with disabilities live free from such discrimination.
HB1593: Louis Esposito, Executive Director of ABLE New Hampshire Support04:53:00.000 - 1:51:51 PM; Louis Esposito explained Section 504 prohibits disability discrimination in federally funded programs, covering 504 plans, accessible hospital equipment, and housing. HB 1593 writes these protections into state law, providing state court access for issues like school accommodations, captioned courses, or job training without relying on federal agencies.
HB1593: Lisa Boatwin, representing Strategies for Disability Equity Support05:05:58.480 - 2:04:49 PM; Lisa Boatwin described federal laws as fiscal guardrails preventing costly institutionalization ($160,000-$300,000/year per person) by enabling community integration, employment, and reduced reliance on benefits like SNAP and Medicaid. Weakening protections increases state costs in care, lost taxes, and benefits; the bill ensures continued federal-level safeguards in state law.
HB1593: Adam Thompson, disabled veteran, Nashua Ward 3 Support05:20:58.480 - 2:19:49 PM; Adam Thompson supported the bill for codifying Section 504 into state statute, ensuring consistent protections against exclusion or denial in publicly funded programs regardless of federal changes. He emphasized legal clarity, state causes of action, and New Hampshire's tradition of embedding rights like free speech and privacy in state law, noting disability affects all communities bipartisanly.
HB1593: Carrie Duran, resident of Wolfeborough, NH, mom and legislative liaison for Lakes Region Community Services Support05:25:00.000 - 2:23:51 PM; Carrie Duran testified as a mother of 15-year-old Katie with Down syndrome, stressing the bill's importance for equal opportunities like high school graduation, independent living, employment, and college. She urged passage to sustain these for children with developmental disabilities, drawing from her organization's service to children and adults.
HB1590: Representative Manos Vote05:44:48.870 - 2:43:39 PM; Moved Inexpedient to Legislate (ITL) on HB 1590, which passed unanimously 17-0. No further discussion from the mover.
HB1590: Representative Scully Oppose05:45:30.000 - 2:44:21 PM; Opposed the ITL motion, planning a minority report and further House discussion, referencing prior arguments heard in the hearing.

Lynn, Bob(Chairman)(R)[B]2025	Kuttab, Katelyn(Clerk)(R)[B]2025	Mannion, Dennis(V Chairman)(R)[B+]2025
Smith, Marjorie(D)[F]2025	Bergeron, Dan(D)[F]2025	Horrigan, Timothy(D)[F]2025
Berch, Paul(D)[F]2025	Turer, Eric(D)[F]2025	Scully, Kevin(R)[A-]2025
Tripp, Richard(R)[B]2025	Andrus, Louise(R)[C+]2025	Ball, Lorie(R)[B+]2025
Manos, Zoe(D)[CT]2025	Perez, Kristine(R)[B+]2025	Alexander, Joe(R)[A+]2025
McFarlane, Donald(R)[A]2025	Rombeau, Catherine(D)[CT]2025	Paige, Mark(D)[D-]2025