Committee Summary for Senate Children and Family Law (04/03/2025)

Bill/Time	Type	Title	Sponsor
HB204 00:04:18.230 - 8:33:09 AM	Public Hearing	relative to criteria for reporting child support delinquencies to federal agencies.	Spillane, James(R)[A]2024
HB213 00:24:20.960 - 8:53:11 AM	Public Hearing	relative to wage garnishment for child support.	Spillane, James(R)[A]2024
HB243 00:42:49.839 - 9:11:40 AM	Public Hearing	relative to the penalty for false reports of suspected abuse and neglect made to the division for children, youth, and families.	Spillane, James(R)[A]2024
HB478 02:55:49.520 - 11:24:40 AM	Public Hearing	establishing a foster care oversight subcommittee within the oversight commission on children's services.	Petrigno, Peter(D)[CT]2024
HB486 03:09:12.240 - 11:38:03 AM	Public Hearing	relative to grandparents' visitation rights.	Nelson, Jodi(R)[B+]2024
HB204 03:37:16.960 - 12:06:07 PM	Executive Session	relative to criteria for reporting child support delinquencies to federal agencies.	Spillane, James(R)[A]2024
HB213 2024-1453h 03:37:16.960 - 12:06:07 PM	Executive Session	relative to wage garnishment for child support.	Spillane, James(R)[A]2024
HB478 03:40:09.040 - 12:09:00 PM	Executive Session	establishing a foster care oversight subcommittee within the oversight commission on children's services.	Petrigno, Peter(D)[CT]2024
HB243 03:41:26.960 - 12:10:17 PM	Executive Session	relative to the penalty for false reports of suspected abuse and neglect made to the division for children, youth, and families.	Spillane, James(R)[A]2024
HB320 03:47:53.040 - 12:16:44 PM	Executive Session	relative to enforcement of marital property settlements.	Markell, Jay(R)
HB486 03:49:07.279 - 12:17:58 PM	Executive Session	relative to grandparents' visitation rights.	Nelson, Jodi(R)[B+]2024

HB204: Representative Spain Support00:04:18.230 - 8:33:09 AM; Representative Spain introduced House Bill 204, which aims to address issues with child support delinquency reporting. He explained that the bill had passed both the House and Senate in the previous term but was killed due to unrelated disputes. The bill seeks to fix a problem where individuals are reported as delinquent to the federal government despite meeting their child support obligations due to misalignments in payment schedules. He shared a personal experience where he was denied a passport due to a reported delinquency, which was actually a small misalignment in payments. The bill proposes that the Department of Child Support Services maintain an automated system that complies with federal guidelines and reports the exact amount of any arrearage, not just whether someone is delinquent or not.
HB204: Senator Long Information Only00:08:20.440 - 8:37:11 AM; Senator Long asked Representative Spain about the specifics of the bill, particularly regarding the federal threshold for delinquency and how the system would report arrearages. Representative Spain confirmed that the system would report the exact amount of the arrearage, which would help clarify whether a delinquency is genuine or due to an error in payment alignment. Senator Long also mentioned another issue not addressed by the bill, where the system does not automatically report when an arrearage is cleared, requiring individuals to manually resolve the issue.
HB204: The Honorable Betty Gay Support00:11:16.160 - 8:40:07 AM; The Honorable Betty Gay expressed support for the bill, emphasizing the importance of tracking timely child support payments. She shared an anecdote about a case where child support was only paid just before scheduled hearings, highlighting the need for a fair system. She believes the bill will help ensure fairness for both parties involved in child support.
HB204: Matthew Hayes, Attorney at Pure Child Support Services Information Only00:12:39.480 - 8:41:30 AM; Matthew Hayes, an attorney with Pure Child Support Services, stated that the bureau is neutral on the bill. He explained that the bureau already has a certified automated child support system compliant with federal guidelines. He mentioned working with Senator Carson on an amendment the previous year. Hayes clarified that the system reports to the federal government monthly, and if an individual's balance is not zero, it remains on the federal radar. He noted that the system should report specific arrearage amounts, which aligns with the bill's proposal.
HB204: Representative Deborah Dimony, Rockingham District 18, Atkinson Information Only00:20:34.159 - 8:49:25 AM; Representative Dimony discussed the background of the bill, mentioning that she was asked to co-sponsor it by the prime sponsor. She highlighted the need for statistical information on how many parents are affected by under-reporting of child support, which was requested from House Committee Services.
HB204: Unknown Speaker Support00:21:21.120 - 8:50:12 AM; The speaker elaborated on the issue of under-reporting in the child support system, explaining that the system does not allow for specific dollar amounts to be reported, only federal guideline thresholds. They noted that the department faces challenges in removing individuals from penalty lists once their arrears fall below $2,500, as per federal guidelines. The speaker supported the bill, stating it would help the department perform its job more effectively, benefiting thousands of parents.
HB213: Representative James Bain, Rockingham 2, Chairman of the Fishing and Game Committee Support00:24:20.960 - 8:53:11 AM; Representative Bain introduced HB213, explaining that it passed the House last term but faced resistance in the Senate. The bill aims to modify the automatic wage garnishment for child support by requiring courts to inform parties of their right to agree on alternative payment methods. He shared a personal experience where he was not informed of this right, leading to complications in making direct payments for his child's summer camp. The bill proposes a form to be included in the uniform child support guidelines, detailing when garnishment becomes mandatory and how parties can manage their payments independently.
HB213: Senator Long Information Only00:28:29.120 - 8:57:20 AM; Senator Long sought clarification on the bill's implications, specifically whether the court could reject an agreement between parties if one party has a history of delinquency. Representative Bain confirmed that under current law, the court has the authority to enforce garnishment if a payer has been consistently delinquent.
HB213: Representative Betty Gay Support00:29:32.159 - 8:58:23 AM; Representative Gay expressed support for the bill, emphasizing its importance in informing parties of their options regarding payment arrangements. She suggested adding a line to the proposed form to ensure both parties sign off on their chosen method, preventing future disputes over awareness of the option.
HB213: Deborah D Simone, Rockingham District 18, Atkinson Support00:31:32.640 - 9:00:23 AM; Deborah D Simone, a co-sponsor of the bill, testified in support of HB213. She highlighted the overwhelming workload of the child support agency due to wage garnishments. She believes that most parents want to support their children and that allowing them to make payments on their own would reduce the agency's workload. She argues that this bill would benefit the majority of good parents by giving them the opportunity to manage their payments independently.
HB213: Robert Tanguay Oppose00:33:59.919 - 9:02:50 AM; Robert Tanguay testified in opposition to HB213. He expressed concerns about the child support system, suggesting it is driven by federal funding and incentivizes family breakups. He argued that the system is unconstitutional and causes duress, particularly through the enforcement mechanism of wage garnishments. He believes the bill is inexpedient to legislate and criticized the system for not considering wealth and assets, which he feels leads to unfair judgments and financial burdens on working-class families.
HB243: Representative Splain Support00:42:49.839 - 9:11:40 AM; Representative Splain introduced HB243, which has been passed through the House multiple times in previous terms. The bill aims to address false reports of child neglect and abuse, a problem that has been recognized in other states like California, New York, and Massachusetts. The bill encourages, but does not mandate, non-anonymous reporting to allow follow-up by DCYF. It includes provisions to warn frequent reporters of potential legal consequences for knowingly false reports made with intent to harm. Splain shared a personal experience where a false report was made against his family, causing significant trauma, to illustrate the need for the bill.
HB243: Unknown Speaker Information Only00:49:25.359 - 9:18:16 AM; The speaker discussed the fees that should be allowed in civil actions related to the bill. They mentioned that the bill is not new and many people are expected to testify. They also responded to a question about criminal charges, stating that it would be a misdemeanor.
HB243: Unknown Speaker Information Only00:50:42.440 - 9:19:33 AM; The speaker added a section to the bill from the previous year, which allows for charging a professional mandatory reporter who fails to report child abuse. They clarified that this applies to professionals like guidance counselors, doctors, and attorneys, and not to the general public, who are also mandatory reporters but without professional training.
HB243: Unknown Speaker Information Only00:51:44.240 - 9:20:35 AM; The speaker, a counselor, discussed a scenario where they are informed by a student about abuse within the family. They questioned how they could be charged with a false report if they were simply relaying information given to them. The response clarified that professional mandatory reporters are protected from charges of false reporting if they report in good faith, but can be charged for failure to report when they know a report should be made.
HB243: Betty Gay Support00:53:36.760 - 9:22:27 AM; Betty Gay expressed strong support for the bill, highlighting the issue of false reports and the need for accountability in reporting child abuse. She mentioned her long-term involvement in advocating for such legislation and suggested that reports should mandatorily include the reporter's details. She also supported the addition of penalties for professional mandatory reporters who fail to report.
HB243: Emily Lawrence, Advocacy Director with Waypoint Oppose00:57:48.880 - 9:26:39 AM; Emily Lawrence, representing Waypoint, opposed the bill, expressing concerns about its potential chilling effect on reporting child abuse. She argued that the safety of children should be paramount and that the bill might discourage legitimate reports. She suggested alternative approaches used in other states, such as graduated penalties or removing immunity from prosecution, and pointed out some confusing language in the bill that could be clarified.
HB243: Deborah D Simony, Representative from Rockingham 18, Atkinson Support01:10:00.320 - 9:38:51 AM; Representative D Simony supports HB243, emphasizing the need to address false reporting of child abuse. She highlighted that 16 states require the name of the reporter, and many states have penalties for not reporting and for false reporting. She expressed concern that false reports delay the investigation of actual abuse cases, potentially leaving children in need of help unattended. She cited recent cases of child abuse in the state to underline the urgency of the issue, suggesting that penalizing false reporters could help focus resources on genuine cases.
HB243: Cassandra Sanchez, Child Advocate for the State of New Hampshire, with Attorney Lissa Massio, Associate Child Advocate Oppose01:14:15.600 - 9:43:06 AM; Cassandra Sanchez and Attorney Lissa Massio oppose HB243, arguing that it could have a chilling effect on reporting child abuse. They explained the current process at DCYF where over 50% of calls are screened out, suggesting that the system is already managing the volume of reports effectively. They expressed concerns that the bill would add an unnecessary burden on social workers, potentially reducing their efficiency. They also highlighted the importance of distinguishing between repeated callers and false reporting, using the tragic case of Harmony Montgomery as an example. They fear that the bill could lead to less reporting and more pre-questioning of children, which could interfere with criminal investigations and child disclosures.
HB243: Cassandra Sanchez, Child Advocate for the State of New Hampshire, with Attorney Lissa Massio, Associate Child Advocate Information Only01:14:15.600 - 9:43:06 AM; Cassandra Sanchez and Attorney Lissa Massio provided insights into the complexities of mental states in reporting child abuse, emphasizing the challenges laypeople face in understanding these nuances. They discussed the potential unintended consequences of the bill, such as the burden on DCYF assessment workers to investigate the intent behind reports, which could detract from their primary role of child protection. They also raised concerns about who would be responsible for investigating malicious or intentional false reports, suggesting that it might fall to law enforcement or the AG's office rather than DCYF.
HB243: Stacy Terroan Support01:34:15.600 - 10:03:06 AM; Stacy Terroan expressed strong support for HB243, sharing her personal experience of being falsely accused of child abuse by her daughter. She detailed the emotional and legal turmoil she faced, including the impact on her relationship with her granddaughters. Terroan provided evidence of the false accusations and the subsequent investigations by Northampton PD and DCYF, which found the accusations unfounded. She highlighted the need for the bill to prevent such malicious false reports and protect individuals from similar experiences.
HB243: Susan Laravey, General Counsel and Legislative Liaison for DCYF, Department of Health and Human Services Information Only01:44:36.800 - 10:13:27 AM; Susan Laravey provided context on DCYF's practices and the existing legal framework for mandatory reporting in New Hampshire. She explained that every adult in the state is a mandatory reporter and discussed the criminal penalties for failing to report child abuse or neglect. Laravey also addressed the issue of false reporting, suggesting that existing statutes on false reporting to law enforcement and unsworn falsification could be considered as a guide for addressing false reports to DCYF. She emphasized the importance of clarity in the bill regarding mental states and penalties to ensure effective implementation.
HB243: Frank Kurland Kirtland Information Only02:08:48.719 - 10:37:39 AM; Frank Kurland Kirtland inquired about the handling of anonymous reports by DCYF, specifically regarding the screening process and the confidentiality of reporter information. He sought clarification on whether screened-out reports could still lead to law enforcement notifications and how reporter confidentiality is maintained throughout the investigation process.
HB243: Frank Curl, Northampton, New Hampshire Support02:09:16.320 - 10:38:07 AM; Frank Curl testified in support of HB243, emphasizing the need for the bill to address false allegations of child abuse. He shared his personal experience where his girlfriend, Stacy Trojan, faced false allegations from her daughter, Shelby Anderson. Despite the allegations being unfounded, they faced legal threats for speaking out. Curl highlighted the lack of legal recourse against false reports and the emotional toll on families, urging the committee to pass the bill to provide clarity and protection against such abuses.
HB243: Kate Shay, New Hampshire Support02:14:06.719 - 10:42:57 AM; Kate Shay supported HB243, sharing her personal experience of being targeted by false allegations during a divorce. She discussed the broader issue of legal loopholes and lack of accountability that allow perpetrators to misuse the system. Shay emphasized the lasting harm to children and families from such false accusations, urging the committee to pass the bill to address these systemic issues and protect innocent parties.
HB243: Robert Tangway, Author Oppose02:20:18.640 - 10:49:09 AM; Robert Tangway opposed HB243 as currently drafted, arguing that it lacks the necessary enforcement mechanisms. He criticized the systemic issues in handling child abuse cases, including the failure of police to investigate and prosecute. Tangway suggested that the bill needs to be stronger to ensure accountability and enforcement, sharing personal experiences to illustrate his points. He concluded by urging the committee to consider adding teeth to the bill to make it effective.
HB243: Kelly Patenza, Straford District 19 Support02:32:41.920 - 11:01:32 AM; Kelly Patenza supported HB243, sharing a story of a father who faced multiple unfounded allegations during a divorce. She highlighted the financial and emotional toll on families and the lack of legal recourse for false reporting. Patenza urged the committee to pass the bill to provide justice and protection for families affected by such allegations.
HB243: Timothy Han, Straford County's District 10 Oppose02:35:29.600 - 11:04:20 AM; Timothy Han opposed HB243, arguing that it is unnecessary and counterproductive. He discussed the complexity of family law cases and the potential for both sides to be partially right and wrong. Han referenced the Miller versus Todd case to illustrate his point, suggesting that the bill does not address the underlying issues effectively. He recommended finding the bill inexpedient to legislate.
HB243: Gail Droat, Amherst, New Hampshire Support02:39:37.600 - 11:08:28 AM; Gail Droat supported HB243, emphasizing the need to protect children from abuse and neglect. She highlighted the urgency of passing good legislation to address false reporting and ensure proper assessments of allegations. Droat urged the committee to pass the bill to help protect families and children in New Hampshire.
HB243: Unknown Speaker Information Only02:50:57.120 - 11:19:48 AM; The speaker discusses the serious problem of enforcement in the legal system, mentioning barriers such as fraud, misrepresentation, and illegality. They note that the bill allows courts to fashion remedies to place parties in the position as if orders had been fully performed, which helps self-represented parties navigate their cases, especially beneficial for pro se litigants.
HB243: Senator Long Information Only02:51:44.920 - 11:20:35 AM; Senator Long inquires about the intent of the bill concerning revisiting past settlements and decrees. They discuss whether it would be possible to go back to a decree from 20 years ago or if it applies only to ongoing cases. The response indicates it is meant for ongoing cases and suggests contacting the sponsor for potential amendments regarding a 10-year limit on revisiting settlements or decrees.
HB243: Betty Gay Support02:53:29.160 - 11:22:20 AM; Betty Gay supports the bill, emphasizing its necessity due to common issues with enforcing court orders, particularly in marital property settlements and custody cases. She explains that the bill could ensure that court orders are upheld by allowing for enforcement mechanisms to be included in the original decree, and she suggests a potential amendment to limit the time for appeals.
HB478: Representative Peter Petrino, Milford Support02:55:49.520 - 11:24:40 AM; Representative Peter Petrino, from Milford, introduces House Bill 478, which he supports. He explains that the bill aims to establish a permanent foster care oversight subcommittee within the Oversight Commission on children's services. He mentions that this legislation is bipartisan and stems from Senate Bill 566, which studied foster care families and the system.
HB478: Representative Damone, along with Representative Alicia Gregg and chaired by Senator Shannon Chandley Support02:56:52.560 - 11:25:43 AM; Representative Damone discussed the formation of a permanent subcommittee after a series of meetings from August to October. They heard testimonies from various stakeholders including DCYF, the Office of the Child Advocate, Children's Law Center, Waypoint, and current and former foster parents. The testimonies highlighted issues like isolation, loneliness, unmet children's needs, and agency dysfunction. The subcommittee was proposed to address these issues, and Representative Damone sought support for this initiative.
HB478: Representative Deborah Dimony, Atkinson Support02:58:36.800 - 11:27:27 AM; Representative Dimony, who also serves on the DCYF advisory board, supported the bill. She emphasized the need for an oversight committee to improve the foster care program, particularly in recognizing and meeting the needs of foster children, especially teenagers. She highlighted the shortage of foster parents for teens and the challenges they face due to their backgrounds.
HB478: Representative Betty Gay Support03:00:07.279 - 11:28:58 AM; Representative Gay expressed appreciation for the effort put into the bill and stressed its necessity. She discussed the isolation and challenges faced by families in foster care and the need for an advisory board with the power to effect change. She believed the oversight committee would provide the necessary support and recognition to those providing services.
HB478: Attorney Lissa Massio, Office of Child Advocate Support03:02:39.760 - 11:31:30 AM; Attorney Massio strongly supported the bill, having participated in the study committees the previous year. She highlighted the importance of the work with foster parents and the changes DCYF was making. She emphasized the crucial role of the oversight commission on children's services and the potential impact of the bill's passage on the commission and her office.
HB478: Representative Lori Cororsen, Coos County District 7 Support03:04:25.080 - 11:33:16 AM; Representative Cororsen, a former foster and adoptive parent, supported the bill based on her experiences in Massachusetts and New Hampshire. She described the challenges faced by foster families in New Hampshire, including inadequate support and resources. She believed HB478 would provide the necessary oversight and improvements to the foster care system, and she offered to volunteer on the proposed committee.
HB478: Senator Sullivan Information Only03:07:05.840 - 11:35:56 AM; Senator Sullivan, a member of the Oversight Commission for Children Services, discussed recent steps taken by the foster care system to address concerns raised by the previous speaker. He inquired about the speaker's experience with the system, which was about three years ago, and noted that the recent implementations might not have directly impacted the speaker's situation.
HB486: Representative Joey Nelson Support03:09:12.240 - 11:38:03 AM; Representative Joey Nelson introduced the bill, discussing a constituent's struggle with grandparent visitation rights over two years. He highlighted the need for clearer language in RSA 461-813 regarding circumstances leading to the absence of the nuclear family and the nature of relationships. He proposed amendments to include 'separate living arrangements' to supplement divorce circumstances and to address the situation of grandparents with temporary guardianship due to parental drug abuse. He emphasized the importance of maintaining a relationship between grandchildren and grandparents for the child's well-being.
HB486: Representative Debbie Simony, Rockingham 18 Support03:14:43.560 - 11:43:34 AM; Representative Debbie Simony shared her personal experience as a grandmother, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a bond between grandchildren and grandparents, especially in cases of family disruption due to addiction or other issues. She stressed the need for healthy relationships for children's development and supported the bill for its potential to facilitate such relationships.
HB486: Stacy Trojan, Derry Support03:16:55.880 - 11:45:46 AM; Stacy Trojan, a grandmother from Derry, supported the bill, sharing her ordeal of being alienated from her granddaughters for over two years due to her daughter's manipulation and the current law's limitations. She detailed her legal battles, including granted visitations that were not complied with, and a case dismissal due to a new judge's interpretation of the law. She highlighted the need for legal changes to protect grandparents' rights to visitation, especially in cases of child endangerment and neglect.
HB486: Frank Gur, boyfriend of Stacy Trojan Support03:24:58.800 - 11:53:49 AM; Frank Gur supported the bill, discussing the legal challenges faced by Stacy Trojan, including the impact of the Cobble vs. Cobble case on their situation. He criticized the judicial process, suggesting a conflict of interest and proposing amendments to the law to ensure fairness and merit-based decisions regarding grandparent visitation rights.
HB486: Deborah Smar, Bow Support03:30:26.640 - 11:59:17 AM; Deborah Smar from Bow supported the bill, sharing her family's experience of being alienated from their granddaughters following their son's arrest and the subsequent breakdown of their relationship with their daughter-in-law. She emphasized the consistent and supportive role they played in their grandchildren's lives and the need for legal changes to facilitate visitation rights before a divorce is finalized.
HB486: Representative Betty Gay Support03:32:49.200 - 12:01:40 PM; Representative Betty Gay supported the bill, suggesting amendments to clarify the reasons for restricting grandparent access and to include compliance requirements in court orders for visitation. She criticized the current system's inefficiencies and proposed changes to ensure consistent judicial handling of family court cases.
HB204: Committee Vote03:37:16.960 - 12:06:07 PM; The committee moved to pass HB204, noting its similarity to a previous bill. The motion to pass was seconded and approved unanimously.
HB213 2024-1453h: Committee Vote03:37:16.960 - 12:06:07 PM; The committee discussed HB213, which had a typo. A motion was made to pass the bill with an amendment to correct the word from 'arraignment' to 'arrangement' on line five. The motion was seconded and passed.
HB213 2024-1453h: Senator Long Vote03:38:48.279 - 12:07:39 PM; Senator Long moved to adopt a committee amendment to HB213, which corrects a typographical error as confessed by the prime sponsor. The amendment was adopted with a vote of 3-0. Subsequently, the bill was moved to 'ought to pass as amended' and passed with a vote of 3-0. The bill was then moved to consent.
HB478: Senator Vote03:40:09.040 - 12:09:00 PM; The senator discussed HB478, noting that it has no fiscal note and expressed concerns about bills that might affect its existence. However, the focus was on the policy itself, and there was no objection to the policy. A motion was made to vote 'ought to pass' on HB478, which passed with a vote of 3-0. The bill was then moved to consent.
HB243: Senator Information Only03:41:26.960 - 12:10:17 PM; The senator discussed HB243, suggesting a change from 'maliciously' to 'knowingly' on line 13. They referenced existing laws and expressed concerns about redundancy and the need for clarity in the legislation. The senator proposed to review and possibly revise the bill for the next meeting, indicating a step in the right direction but acknowledging the need for further work.
HB243: Senator Information Only03:43:22.479 - 12:12:13 PM; The senator continued discussing HB243, focusing on the culpability and the intent behind false reports. They suggested aligning the language for civil liability with the criminal section to ensure consistency. The senator also discussed the challenges in enforcement and the high burden of proof in criminal prosecutions, suggesting that the bill would primarily address the most blatant cases.
HB320: Senator Information Only03:47:53.040 - 12:16:44 PM; The senator mentioned HB320, noting that the prime sponsor, who practices in the BIM law field, was not available. They expressed a willingness to reach out to the sponsor for any questions or issues.
HB486: Senator Information Only03:49:07.279 - 12:17:58 PM; The senator discussed HB486, which deals with grandparents' visitation rights. They noted that the issue arises when there is no divorce, leaving families in limbo. The senator expressed concerns about the court's role in determining the best interest of the child and the potential for parents to create divisions among grandparents. They suggested that the bill could address this issue but acknowledged the complexity of family dynamics. The senator also mentioned the need for compliance and potential remedies for non-compliance, such as legal fees or additional visitation time.