Committee Summary for Senate Capital Budget (04/24/2025)

Bill/Time	Type	Title	Sponsor
HB25 00:07:13.919 - 8:05:39 AM	Public Hearing	making appropriations for capital improvements.	Milz, David(R)[B-]2024

HB25: Representative David Mills, Chairman Public Works and Highways Information Only00:07:13.919 - 8:05:39 AM; Representative David Mills provided an overview of the capital budget process for HB25. He noted that the initial budget from the Governor was set at $143.5 million, but the Public Works and Highways Committee adjusted it down to $132.5 million, achieving an $11 million reduction. Key adjustments included repurposing $20 million originally allocated for the CTE program, which was voted down by Jaffrey, Rindge, and Milford, into funding for state airports, military projects, community colleges, the veterans home, and the completion of the Canon Mountain Tramway system. Additionally, they reallocated $12 million from UNH's building projects to reserve and other smaller projects, achieving further savings.
HB25: Senator Information Only00:11:22.480 - 8:09:48 AM; The Senator expressed appreciation for the House's work on the capital budget, particularly highlighting their efforts in leveraging federal funding and carefully managing lapses and repurposing. The Senator also discussed concerns about CTE funding, specifically mentioning a conversation with the Commissioner about potential fallback proposals for Milford, which faces challenges with town meeting votes timing. The Senator suggested reserving half of the Milford funding pending a resolution of their vote, referencing past practices of splitting budgets over two years for similar situations.
HB25: Representative David Mills, Chairman Public Works and Highways Information Only00:12:26.320 - 8:10:52 AM; Chairman Mills responded to the Senator's query about reserving funds for Milford, explaining that historically, the committee has not held back funds. He mentioned a $120 million worth of other requests and the need to prioritize. Mills discussed a conversation with the Commissioner about putting a placeholder for Milford in the budget, assuring that CTE funding remains a priority and that if Milford votes yes in the future, they would be top priority for funding. He emphasized the importance of not delaying the allocation of funds that could be used elsewhere immediately.
HB25: John Graham, Bedford, NH, Board of Managers for the Veterans Home Support00:15:31.680 - 8:13:57 AM; John Graham expressed strong support for the additions made to the Veterans Home in HB25, specifically mentioning the inclusion of the sixth priority for ADA compliance at a cost of $1.5 million. He highlighted the importance of this funding in meeting VA requirements and improving the facilities, especially with an upcoming inspection. Graham stressed the value of this investment and requested that the committee leave the addition in the bill.
HB25: Representative Kazinski Oppose00:16:44.399 - 8:15:10 AM; Representative Kazinski opposed the allocation of funds in HB25 for private freight railroads, specifically criticizing the subsidies for New Hampshire North Coast owned by Boston Sand and Gravel and CSX. He argued that these companies are highly profitable and should not be subsidized by public funds, especially in a tight budget year. Kazinski questioned the rationale behind these subsidies, pointing out that they do not significantly reduce road traffic and that the companies should maintain their lines at their own expense as required by the state rail plan. He used the analogy of a hypothetical public-private partnership with Elon Musk to illustrate his point about the inappropriateness of the subsidies.
HB25: Unidentified Speaker Oppose00:22:25.760 - 8:20:51 AM; The speaker expressed opposition to the bill, particularly focusing on the aspect of the state subsidizing private companies through interest payments. They suggested that this portion of the bill should be deleted, arguing it would be in the best interest of their constituents. They also discussed existing contracts related to the maintenance of a railroad, mentioning a matching deal where the state and the private entity each contribute 450,000 dollars for a total cost of 900,000 dollars.
HB25: Senator Carson Information Only00:23:53.919 - 8:22:19 AM; Senator Carson inquired about the ownership and maintenance responsibilities surrounding railroads, specifically asking about the extent of land around the rail that the rail company is responsible for. They were seeking clarification on whether state funds might be used for this purpose, to which it was explained that the majority of the money is used for rail and tie replacements, which is an expensive process.
HB25: Mr. Shay Information Only00:25:08.640 - 8:23:34 AM; Mr. Shay, from the LBA, responded to questions regarding existing contracts that might tie the state to match funding. He clarified that there's no ongoing agreement beyond what's stated in House Bill 25, where appropriations to the Department of Transportation lead to contracts with entities, approved by the Governor and Council. He also explained the requirement for a dollar-for-dollar match by the private entity.
HB25: Chris Shay from LBA Information Only00:26:06.559 - 8:24:32 AM; Chris Shay provided a detailed overview of changes made by the House to the capital budget. He discussed adjustments to sections one and two of the bill, including funding for critical maintenance, energy management systems, and IT infrastructure at the Community College System of New Hampshire. He highlighted changes to funding for various departments such as Corrections, Education, Environmental Services, Fish and Game, Health and Human Services, Information Technology, Judicial Branch, Military Affairs, and the University System of New Hampshire. He also mentioned the reallocation of funds for projects like the Canon Mountain Aerial Tramway, ADA compliance at the Veterans Home, and state match for FAA projects under the Department of Transportation.
HB25: Senator Waters Information Only00:30:23.840 - 8:28:49 AM; Senator Waters asked about the funding for vehicle purchases through the capital budget, specifically questioning if a backhoe for the Fish and Game Commission could be funded through non-bonded sources. They expressed concern over bonding for vehicles, which would be paid for over decades, and requested more information on current equipment and potential alternative funding sources.
HB25: Senator Gray Information Only00:35:40.160 - 8:34:06 AM; Senator Gray discussed the shift of plate production from the Department of Corrections to the Department of Safety, expressing concerns about maintaining activities for inmates. They questioned the automation of new machinery and whether production would be outsourced or handled by new personnel.
HB25: Senator Lang Information Only00:36:48.160 - 8:35:14 AM; Senator Lang mentioned a planned meeting with Commissioner Hanks to discuss the shift of plate production, noting that other work programs could be found for inmates. They emphasized the importance of keeping activities for inmates and requested clarification on who would be producing the plates under the new system.
HB25: Senator Watson Information Only00:45:42.400 - 8:44:08 AM; Senator Watson inquired about potential further lapses or funding issues that might arise before action on the bill. They also asked about the certainty of federal matches for the projects, to which it was noted that federal funding is always at risk, and specific departments would have the best insight into this matter.
HB25: Unknown Information Only00:48:53.559 - 8:47:19 AM; The speaker mentioned that if an agency were to ask for assistance due to a lack of federal funds for a project, they would be directed to go through the legislative process rather than having the CPOC move funds around. This approach ensures that such issues are addressed correctly through a bill presented to the full body.
HB25: Mr. Sheay Information Only00:49:30.000 - 8:47:56 AM; Mr. Sheay indicated that there were no further questions from him and noted that no one else was present to testify.
HB25: Mr. Carson Information Only00:49:40.000 - 8:48:06 AM; Mr. Carson disclosed that he has a daughter and son-in-law who work for Eastern, a company that could be impacted by the bill. Despite this, he stated his intention to participate in the discussion.
HB25: Chairman Information Only00:49:50.000 - 8:48:16 AM; The Chairman acknowledged Mr. Carson's disclosure and noted another disclosure from a member of the community college system, who stated that they would not be impacted by the bill. The Chairman then closed the public hearing.

McConkey, Mark(Chairman)(R)	Gray, James(V Chairman)(R)[C+]2024	Carson, Sharon(R)[C]2024
Watters, David(D)[CT]2024	Fenton, Donovan(D)[F]2024