Committee Summary for House Resources, Recreation and Development (02/11/2026)

Bill/Time	Type	Title	Sponsor
HR22 00:05:26.240 - 9:00:18 AM	Public Hearing	to name a certain peak after Alan Shepard.	Turcotte, Len(R)[B]2025
HR22 00:19:41.679 - 9:14:33 AM	Executive Session	to name a certain peak after Alan Shepard.	Turcotte, Len(R)[B]2025
HR44 00:36:10.480 - 9:31:02 AM	Public Hearing	concerning the protection of public lands.	Burroughs, Anita(D)[F]2025
HB1258 01:06:15.680 - 10:01:07 AM	Public Hearing	relative to per and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and public health data.	Vail, Suzanne(D)[CT]2025
HB1141 2026-0532H 01:37:27.760 - 10:32:19 AM	Public Hearing	prohibiting the extraction of groundwater for the purpose of bottling in plastic bottles.	Caplan, Tony(D)[D-]2025
HB113 2026-0541H 02:02:12.000 - 10:57:04 AM	Executive Session	relative to OHRV operation on certain highways within the town of Windsor.	Colcombe, Riché(R)[B+]2025
HB1258 03:39:20.640 - 12:34:12 PM	Executive Session	relative to per and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and public health data.	Vail, Suzanne(D)[CT]2025
HB1019 2026-0547h 03:40:36.960 - 12:35:28 PM	Executive Session	relative to the composition of the state water well board.	Petrigno, Peter(D)[F]2025
HB1020 03:45:39.120 - 12:40:31 PM	Executive Session	proclaiming Lake Winnipesaukee the official state lake of New Hampshire.	Maggiore, Jim(D)[CT]2025
HB1204 2026-0471h 03:53:10.080 - 12:48:02 PM	Executive Session	relative to the grading and use of timber grown in New Hampshire.	Davis, Arnold(R)[B+]2025
HB1095 2026-0687h 04:01:10.960 - 12:56:02 PM	Executive Session	increasing the maximum weight of a utility terrain vehicle to 3,000 pounds.	Ouellet, Mike(R)[B]2025
HB1141 2026-0532h 04:10:07.439 - 1:04:59 PM	Executive Session	prohibiting the extraction of groundwater for the purpose of bottling in plastic bottles.	Caplan, Tony(D)[D-]2025
HB1414 04:20:19.920 - 1:15:11 PM	Executive Session	relative to establishing conditions for dog access to state parks.	Popovici-Muller, Daniel(R)[A-]2025
HB1425 2026-0528h 04:23:36.319 - 1:18:28 PM	Executive Session	relative to the development of an online wetlands permit processing system.	Donnelly, Tanya(R)[B+]2025

HR22: Representative Len Turkot, Strafford District 4 (Barrington and Strafford) Support00:05:26.240 - 9:00:18 AM; Representative Turkot introduced the resolution, explaining it originated from an 8th grade social studies teacher in Barrington. He emphasized the substantive nature of the proposal and turned the presentation over to two student representatives from the class.
HR22: Shelby Hilfiger and Danielle Bashard, 8th grade students, Barrington Middle School Support00:07:31.120 - 9:02:23 AM; The students presented a detailed case for naming a peak in Bethlehem after Alan Shepard, highlighting New Hampshire's tradition of honoring notable natives. They detailed Shepard's biography, from his birth in East Derry, education at Pinkerton Academy, naval career, selection as a Mercury astronaut, first American in space in 1961, and Apollo 14 moon landing in 1971 where he famously hit a golf shot. They argued the peak's current nickname lacks significance compared to Shepard's legacy and connected the project to their civics education, enhancing interest in lawmaking and legacy. They closed with Shepard's quote, 'Let's light this candle,' urging the committee to honor him.
HR22: Representative Len Turkot Support00:13:52.320 - 9:08:44 AM; Following the students, Turkot addressed a rumor that Shepard opposed namings, providing evidence of 16 existing honors including I-93 and local sites in Derry. He shared enthusiastic emails from Shepard's daughter Laura Shepard Churchley supporting the proposal, confirming family approval and Shepard's love for New Hampshire.
HR22: Representative Steve Pearson, Derry Information Only00:15:03.040 - 9:09:55 AM; Pearson, a Pinkerton Academy alumni board member and distant relative of Shepard, praised the presentation but noted Shepard's lifetime aversion to public honors, including objecting to I-93 naming. He deferred to the family's current support from Shepard's daughters and shifted from potential objection to neutrality.
HR22: Representative Len Turkot Support00:18:29.280 - 9:13:21 AM; In brief follow-up, Turkot clarified Shepard opposed commercializing his name but not honors, distinguishing from other astronauts who profited from theirs.
HR22: Committee Chair Vote00:19:41.679 - 9:14:33 AM; The chair closed the public hearing and opened executive session on HR22. Noted Shepard's humility in life but family support. Motion made by Representative Ryan to Ought to Pass (OTP) HR22, seconded by Representative Dupont. Roll call resulted in 15 yes votes, 0 no, passing unanimously. Placed on consent calendar for House floor, to proceed to Senate and Governor.
HR44: Representative Burrows Support00:36:10.480 - 9:31:02 AM; Representative Burrows introduced House Resolution 44, explaining her personal connection to the White Mountains and hiking. She described the resolution as a non-binding statement expressing New Hampshire residents' values regarding public lands, which are vital to the economy, identity, and quality of life. It supports stewardship by federal agencies, opposes rolling back protections for roadless areas, and does not interfere with sustainable forest management or public safety. She noted support from the state's congressional delegation and stakeholders like the Sierra Club. She is open to amending the bill to remove specific references to the roadless rule if the committee prefers.
HR44: Kennard Solen, Londonderry, NH, Sierra Club Support00:45:12.480 - 9:40:04 AM; Kennard Solen shared a personal 'love story' with New Hampshire's public lands, particularly roadless areas in the White Mountains, emphasizing their mental health benefits, democratic accessibility, and spiritual value. He highlighted the importance of these areas as watersheds for clean water, reducing treatment costs and preventing contamination like PFAS; as carbon sinks absorbing CO2; for biodiversity including eagles and fish; and for recreation supporting the economy. He noted historical significance to Native Americans like the Abenaki and argued that roads increase fire ignition risks from human activity, while natural fires benefit forest health. He urged the committee to protect these priceless lands as stewards.
HB1258: Representative Vale Support01:06:15.680 - 10:01:07 AM; Representative Vale presented HB 1258 as a narrowly tailored bill for public health transparency, requiring the state to make existing PFAS data publicly available in a searchable, durable format without mandating new testing or regulations. She discussed attending an environmental health conference focused on prevention and noted challenges with inconsistent data access across agencies, which hinders healthcare guidance, equity, and risk assessment. PFAS exposure affects water, food, soil, and air, leading to health issues like immune defects and chronic diseases. The bill supports surveillance, education, and planning for municipalities, researchers, and residents, ensuring continuity regardless of administrative changes. She intended it for the Health and Human Services Committee but appreciated the committee's time.
HB1141 2026-0532H: Representative Judy Aaron, representing Aworth, Grantham, Langdon, Lempster, and Washington Support01:37:27.760 - 10:32:19 AM; Representative Aaron introduced a non-germane amendment to HB1141 to address issues in the mining permitting process. She explained that a constituent in Aworth faced a lengthy and expensive process to renew a mining permit through the Department of Natural and Cultural Resources (DNCR), costing $40,000 and taking years due to outdated statutes from the 1800s and lack of departmental expertise. She proposed transferring permitting authority to the Department of Environmental Services (DES), which has more experience with land use permits. The amendment, developed in collaboration with DES and DNCR, streamlines the process and clarifies statutes to prevent future difficulties. She requested the committee pass the amendment 2026-0532H, which replaces the original bill, and directed technical questions to DES and DNCR representatives.
HB1141 2026-0532H: Amy Clark, Bureau Administrator, Alteration of Terrain Bureau, DES Support01:46:54.320 - 10:41:46 AM; Amy Clark supported the amendment, noting close collaboration between DES and DNCR. She clarified that mining projects already require an Alteration of Terrain (AOT) permit from DES, but the separate mining permit from DNCR is rarely issued (about one per year), leading to unawareness among applicants. The amendment consolidates permitting under DES to reduce duplication and improve clarity. She addressed questions: the lack of public hearings in the AOT process is because projects undergo local review, and any public hearing requirements can be added via rulemaking; the delayed effective date for sections 8-11 allows time for rulemaking to incorporate elements like financial assurances. On fees in section 6 (unrelated to mining transfer), it fixes a 'hiccup' in the permit-by-notification fee structure by adjusting the catchall fee to align with standard review costs, reducing fees for small projects but increasing them for mid-sized ones (100,000-150,000 sq ft) from $1,000 to appropriate levels.
HB1141 2026-0532H: Richard Head, Legal Unit, DES Information Only01:53:21.440 - 10:48:13 AM; Richard Head briefly assisted in locating rulemaking authority references and explained the repeal in section 11 of RSA 482-A:3, XI(c) regarding mining permits exceeding small motor mineral dredging. He stated it was intentional as such large projects are rare (none since the 1800s) and, if they occur, would still require a wetlands permit under DES jurisdiction, making the provision unnecessary.
HB1141 2026-0532H: Carrie Yankis, Administrator, Land Management Bureau, DNCR Support01:56:49.760 - 10:51:41 AM; Carrie Yankis presented a letter from Director Patrick Hackley supporting the amendment to HB1141. DNCR endorses consolidating mining permitting under DES to eliminate duplication, enhance clarity for applicants, and leverage DES's expertise in environmental standards while preserving protections. DNCR has long collaborated with DES on mining oversight and commits to continued partnership during the transition, viewing the amendment as a practical improvement benefiting applicants, regulators, and the state.
HB113 2026-0541H: Representative Nab Support02:02:12.000 - 10:57:04 AM; In the executive session, Representative Nab moved Ought to Pass (OTP) on HB113 and introduced amendment 2026-0541H, seconded by Representative Darby. She explained the amendment addresses concerns from prior discussions, including requirements for notifying abutters and holding a public meeting, and allows the town to close the road to ORVs without returning to the legislature. The amendment was developed with the prime sponsor, DOT, and DNCR, all of whom support it.
HB113 2026-0541H: Representative Darby Support02:04:10.560 - 10:59:02 AM; Representative Darby seconded the motions and, after the amendment passed unanimously (15-0), expressed appreciation for collaboration with Representative Kulkcom. He highlighted the amendment's protections, such as public hearing notifications and DOT/Bureau of Trails oversight, as meeting high standards for opening roads to OHVs south of the North Country, and suggested it as a model for future cooperation.
HB1258: Chair Information Only03:39:20.640 - 12:34:12 PM; The chair announces that HB1258 is opened but recessed until next Wednesday at 10:00 AM due to waiting for more information.
HB1019 2026-0547h: Representative Darby Support03:40:36.960 - 12:35:28 PM; Moves ought to pass on HB1019 and introduces amendment 2026-0547h, a replace-all amendment that removes the state geologist from the board instead of adding a filtration specialist, and changes the effective date to upon passage to free up the geologist's time.
HB1019 2026-0547h: Committee Vote03:43:26.640 - 12:38:18 PM; The amendment passes unanimously 16-0.
HB1019 2026-0547h: Representative Darby Support03:44:12.800 - 12:39:04 PM; Moves ought to pass as amended.
HB1019 2026-0547h: Committee Vote03:44:12.800 - 12:39:04 PM; Ought to pass as amended passes unanimously 16-0 on consent.
HB1020: Representative Donnelly Oppose03:45:39.120 - 12:40:31 PM; Moves inexpedient to legislate (ITL), praising the students' presentation but suggesting a statewide competition for fourth graders organized by New Hampshire Lakes to select the official lake, promoting education about lakes across the state.
HB1020: Representative Darby Oppose03:47:23.199 - 12:42:15 PM; Opposes ITL and suggests interim study to consider recognizing multiple lakes, promote natural resources, and cyanobacteria mitigation efforts, potentially leading to new legislation.
HB1020: Representative Bale Oppose03:48:34.319 - 12:43:26 PM; Supports interim study as a better approach.
HB1020: Unidentified Representative Support03:49:44.640 - 12:44:36 PM; Supports ITL, favoring a competition to involve all lakes without needing interim study, noting the students' honest presentation.
HB1020: Representative Donnelly Support03:50:55.760 - 12:45:47 PM; Agrees to support future legislation after the statewide competition.
HB1020: Committee Vote03:52:22.000 - 12:47:14 PM; ITL passes 10-6, with a minority report.
HB1204 2026-0471h: Representative Davis Support03:53:10.080 - 12:48:02 PM; Moves ought to pass and amendment 2026-0471h, which gives preference to New Hampshire timber for building homes, removing political boundaries in grading and basing it on science.
HB1204 2026-0471h: Representative Darby Oppose03:54:21.199 - 12:49:13 PM; Supports the bill's intent to treat NH timber fairly but opposes the amendment due to concerns: undefined latitude in bill text, requirements leading to overengineering and higher costs using SPFs design values, and mandating double designs for higher strength materials.
HB1204 2026-0471h: Committee Vote03:58:04.720 - 12:52:56 PM; Amendment passes 9-7.
HB1204 2026-0471h: Representative Davis Support03:58:54.399 - 12:53:46 PM; Moves ought to pass as amended.
HB1204 2026-0471h: Representative Darby Support03:59:49.680 - 12:54:41 PM; Despite reservations on the amendment, supports ought to pass as amended to set precedent for fair treatment of NH timber industry, hoping Senate addresses concerns.
HB1204 2026-0471h: Committee Vote03:59:49.680 - 12:54:41 PM; Ought to pass as amended passes unanimously 16-0 on consent.
HB1095 2026-0687h: Representative Davis Support04:01:10.960 - 12:56:02 PM; Moves ought to pass with amendment 2026-0687h to raise the dry laden weight to 3,499 pounds, noting the UTV commission (from HB188) studied and voted to support it.
HB1095 2026-0687h: Unidentified Speaker Information Only04:02:19.359 - 12:57:11 PM; Notes that during the public hearing, the UTV industry supported increasing the weight limit further.
HB1095 2026-0687h: Representative Dunn Support04:03:04.560 - 12:57:56 PM; Supports the amendment to set a weight limit of 3499 lbs, noting it aligns with previous legislation and testimony from NOVA president accepting around 3500 lbs. Prefers small steps over unlimited weight.
HB1095 2026-0687h: Representative Vale Support04:05:26.960 - 1:00:18 PM; Supports the ought to pass as amended but expresses concern that the bill could lead to trail closures due to opposition from timber owners and Farm Bureau. Highlights enforceability of width restrictions over weight and potential conflicts with landowners opening their lands.
HB1095 2026-0687h: Unidentified Representative Oppose04:06:24.479 - 1:01:16 PM; Will vote against ought to pass as amended, echoing concerns about the bill's impact raised by the ranking member.
HB1095 2026-0687h: Representative Davis Support04:06:24.479 - 1:01:16 PM; Supports the bill, noting that major landowners receive compensation through registration fees and are unlikely to close lands over weight differences. Mentions trail repairs by Bureau of Trails and clubs.
HB1095 2026-0687h: Representative Tremley Support04:07:35.680 - 1:02:27 PM; Reiterates support, citing good relationships between Bureau of Trails and landowners, availability of repair funds, and lack of opposition back home.
HB1095 2026-0687h: Representative Dunn Support04:07:35.680 - 1:02:27 PM; Supports the amendment and bill as amended, arguing that keeping the 2000 lb limit is illogical given shift to heavier electric vehicles for noise reduction. Notes acceptance of around 3500 lbs from testimony.
HB1141 2026-0532h: Representative Donnelly Support04:10:07.439 - 1:04:59 PM; Moves to pass amendment 2026-0532h, which completely rewrites the bill to address authority for mining and prospecting, updating outdated statutes from the 1800s for better laws.
HB1141 2026-0532h: Representative Darby Oppose04:10:59.120 - 1:05:51 PM; Appreciates the amendment's consolidation of statutes and alignment with DES but opposes due to loss of public notice requirement in RSA 12-E. Suggests adding public hearings to section five and plans a potential floor amendment.
HB1141 2026-0532h: Representative Darby Support04:14:21.120 - 1:09:13 PM; Supports the bill as amended, recognizing constituent concerns about plastic water bottles, microplastics, and landfills, but notes the amendment consolidates statutes without prohibiting extraction. Acknowledges need for broader plastic pollution discussion.
HB1141 2026-0532h: Unidentified Representative Support04:16:46.560 - 1:11:38 PM; Supports the amendment as it replaces the original bill, separating plastic bottle concerns from groundwater extraction. Anticipates future legislation on plastic pollution and notes recycling practices by bottlers.
HB1414: Representative Nab Oppose04:20:19.920 - 1:15:11 PM; Moves for inexpedient to legislate (ITL), noting the bill applies to few parks and supports dog-free spaces for those uncomfortable with dogs. Most parks already allow leashed dogs.
HB1414: Unidentified Representative Oppose04:21:25.840 - 1:16:17 PM; As a dog owner who frequents state parks, supports ITL, praising state park commission's rule-making.
HB1414: Unidentified Representative Oppose04:21:25.840 - 1:16:17 PM; As an equestrian and horse owner, supports ITL for safer conditions for horses.
HB1425 2026-0528h: Representative Donnelly Support04:23:36.319 - 1:18:28 PM; Moves for ought to pass and introduces amendment 2026-0528h to change 'or' to 'and' for notifications by applicable groups, as caught during hearing with DES input.
HB1425 2026-0528h: Representative Darby Support04:24:43.840 - 1:19:35 PM; Confirms the amendment's language is correct after review and consultation with DES, noting only one notification is needed if applicable.

Harb, Robert(Chairman)(R)[B+]2025	Taylor, Brian(Clerk)(R)[C]2025	Dunn, Ron(V Chairman)(R)[A]2025
Buco, Thomas(D)[D]2025	Vail, Suzanne(D)[CT]2025	Gould, Linda(R)[B+]2025
Tremblay, Marc(R)	Ryan, Linda(D)[D-]2025	Darby, Will(D)[CT]2025
Donnelly, Tanya(R)[B+]2025	Knab, Allison(D)[CT]2025	Sargent, Gregory(D)[D-]2025
Baldwin, Heather(D)[F]2025	Dupont, Pierre(R)[B]2025	Davis, Arnold(R)[B+]2025
Bridle, Nicholas(R)[C]2025