Committee Summary for Senate Capital Budget (04/28/2025)

Bill/Time	Type	Title	Sponsor
HP25 00:06:19.680 - 8:05:10 AM	General Working Session	Unclear	Likely Text to Speech Error on Bill #
HB25 00:38:49.920 - 8:37:40 AM	General Working Session	making appropriations for capital improvements.	Milz, David(R)[B-]2024

HP25: Bob Quinn, Commissioner of the Department of Safety, Amy Newri, Director of Administration, Brendan Davyy, Major of the Operations Bureau of the New Hampshire State Police Information Only00:06:19.680 - 8:05:10 AM; Commissioner Bob Quinn, along with Amy Newri and Major Brendan Davyy, presented three key projects included in the current capital budget: replacement of the automated fuel tax system, construction of a new state police gun range and training facility, and modernization of the license plate production equipment. The automated fuel tax system is crucial for collecting revenue for the highway fund and needs replacement due to its end-of-life status. The gun range in New Hampton requires significant upgrades to enhance its functionality and training capabilities. The license plate production equipment, currently housed at the Department of Corrections, needs modernization to increase production capacity, reduce downtime, and enhance security features. The new equipment would be installed at the Department of Safety's headquarters to improve efficiency and reduce costs.
HP25: Major Brendan Davyy, Operations Bureau of the New Hampshire State Police Information Only00:11:16.640 - 8:10:07 AM; Major Brendan Davyy provided detailed information about the current state of the gun range facility. He explained that the range is an open-air facility with a sand pit and a plywood shed used as a classroom, which has issues with moisture and mildew due to lack of continuous environmental control. The facility is used nearly full-time for various training purposes, including requalification of troopers and training with local and federal partners. He highlighted the need for upgrades to improve the facility's functionality and effectiveness.
HP25: Amy Newri, Director of Administration, Department of Safety Information Only00:16:34.440 - 8:15:25 AM; Amy Newri discussed the modernization of the license plate production equipment. She explained that the current process, using equipment over 60 years old, is inefficient and challenging to maintain. The new equipment would increase production capacity, reduce downtime, and enhance security features, including digital watermarks and tamper-resistant elements. The new equipment would be installed at the Department of Safety's headquarters, while the existing equipment at the Department of Corrections would continue to produce paper plates and stickers.
HP25: Commissioner Bob Quinn, Department of Safety Information Only00:19:47.840 - 8:18:38 AM; Commissioner Bob Quinn addressed concerns about moving the license plate production equipment from the Department of Corrections to the Department of Safety's headquarters. He explained that the new equipment would require fewer personnel and would be more efficient. He assured that the Department of Corrections would find alternative skills for inmates currently involved in plate production. The decision to move the equipment aims to improve efficiency and reduce costs, while ensuring that production remains stable and less impacted by potential issues at the prison.
HP25: Senator Waters Information Only00:22:11.200 - 8:21:02 AM; Senator Waters expressed concerns about the impact of moving the license plate production equipment on inmate work opportunities at the Department of Corrections. He emphasized the importance of productive work for inmates in reducing recidivism and building skills. He suggested exploring a plan to coordinate the new equipment with the current production at the prison, if possible, to maintain these opportunities.
HP25: Commissioner Bob Quinn, Department of Safety Information Only00:24:23.760 - 8:23:14 AM; Commissioner Bob Quinn responded to Senator Waters' concerns, stating that the Department of Corrections would have a plan to provide other skills for the inmates affected by the equipment move. He highlighted the financial implications of installing the new equipment at the Department of Safety's headquarters, which would be more efficient and less costly than maintaining the current system at the prison.
HP25: Amy Newri, Director of Administration, Department of Safety Information Only00:25:45.039 - 8:24:36 AM; Amy Newri provided further details on the operational impact of modernizing the license plate production equipment. She explained that the new technology would reduce the number of people needed for the process, increasing efficiency. She also discussed the space requirements for installing the new equipment at the Department of Safety's headquarters, ensuring it would fit without the need for additional capital for building expansion.
HP25: Senator Watson Information Only00:33:38.799 - 8:32:29 AM; Senator Watson inquired about items that did not make it into the budget, specifically troop renovations and grants management software. He was informed that troop renovations were not included but are being managed, and the grants management software is moving slowly with the Department of Administrative Services.
HP25: Commissioner Bob Quinn, Department of Safety Information Only00:34:42.960 - 8:33:33 AM; Commissioner Bob Quinn addressed Senator Watson's concerns about troop renovations, explaining the considerations for investing in existing buildings versus leasing new spaces. He highlighted the need to assess whether to stay in current locations or move to new ones based on space and efficiency needs. He assured that any capital project would address the needs of both the state police and the DMV.
HB25: Senator Waters Information Only00:38:49.920 - 8:37:40 AM; Senator Waters discussed various aspects of the capital budget, including satisfaction with the appropriations provided by the House, potential adjustments, and the need for further discussion on specific items. They mentioned the importance of addressing immediate needs and ensuring funds are appropriately allocated.
HB25: Senator Gray Information Only00:40:48.880 - 8:39:39 AM; Senator Gray expressed concerns about the perception of funding allocations and suggested that the Department of Education should evaluate program needs before funding. They emphasized the importance of ensuring fairness in the allocation process.
HB25: Senator Carson Information Only01:02:01.880 - 9:00:52 AM; Senator Carson proposed an amendment related to the Southern New Hampshire regional water interconnection project, seeking $5 million from the capital budget and additional funds from the groundwater trust to cover the project's costs. They highlighted the need for coordination with other funding sources.
HB25: Representative Boyd Information Only01:03:23.680 - 9:02:14 AM; Representative Boyd discussed the potential reallocation of unused funds from a Manchester project to the Southern New Hampshire water project, suggesting a conversation with the drinking water and groundwater trust fund subcommittee.
HB25: Commissioner Hanks Information Only01:31:47.120 - 9:30:38 AM; Commissioner Hanks was mentioned in discussions about the location and installation of new equipment at either the prison or the Department of Safety's warehouse. They were expected to provide further details on job creation and equipment needs.
HB25: Department of Natural and Cultural Resources Information Only01:19:08.040 - 9:17:59 AM; The department requested to remove the Connecticut Lakes Headwater project and Umbagog Lake State Park marine facilities projects and add those appropriations to the tramway project. They discussed the priority of the tramway and potential funding sources.
HB25: University System Information Only01:35:16.080 - 9:34:07 AM; The university system requested a change in language to use the $8 million appropriation for academic building deferred maintenance projects. They emphasized the need for flexibility in using the funds for various academic buildings.
HB25: Department of Transportation Information Only01:37:24.960 - 9:36:15 AM; The Department of Transportation indicated satisfaction with the provided appropriations but mentioned additional needs if more funding became available. They discussed the potential use of federal funds to reduce state appropriations.

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