Committee Summary for Senate Children and Family Law (04/24/2025)

Bill/Time	Type	Title	Sponsor
HB178 00:02:59.680 - 8:31:50 AM	Public Hearing	relative to foster parent representation of foster children with disabilities.	Murphy, Nancy(D)[CT]2024
HB178 00:09:51.399 - 8:38:42 AM	Executive Session	relative to foster parent representation of foster children with disabilities.	Murphy, Nancy(D)[CT]2024
HB177 2024-1729h 00:11:02.399 - 8:39:53 AM	Public Hearing	relative to children in placement pursuant to an episode of treatment for which the department of health and human services has a financial responsibility.	Murphy, Nancy(D)[CT]2024
HB177 2024-1729h 00:19:15.080 - 8:48:06 AM	Executive Session	relative to children in placement pursuant to an episode of treatment for which the department of health and human services has a financial responsibility.	Murphy, Nancy(D)[CT]2024
HB132 2024-1729h 00:21:59.600 - 8:50:50 AM	Public Hearing	(New Title) relative to liability for familial support under RSA chapter 165, aid to assisted persons.	Ladd, Rick(R)[B+]2024
HB473 01:00:53.040 - 9:29:44 AM	Public Hearing	criminalizing multiple forms of exposing children to controlled substances and allowing law enforcement to take a child into protective custody for screening and testing in an instance of suspected or actual criminal exposure to controlled substances.	Nelson, Jodi(R)[B+]2024
HB473 01:34:58.080 - 10:03:49 AM	Executive Session	criminalizing multiple forms of exposing children to controlled substances and allowing law enforcement to take a child into protective custody for screening and testing in an instance of suspected or actual criminal exposure to controlled substances.	Nelson, Jodi(R)[B+]2024
HB560 01:39:52.159 - 10:08:43 AM	Public Hearing	relative to parental access to a minor child's medical records.	Litchfield, Melissa(R)[A-]2022
HB273 02:22:00.800 - 10:50:51 AM	Public Hearing	relative to a parent's access to their minor child's library records.	Drago, Mike(R)[A]2024
HB273 03:09:38.600 - 11:38:29 AM	Executive Session	relative to a parent's access to their minor child's library records.	Drago, Mike(R)[A]2024
HB243 03:10:50.479 - 11:39:41 AM	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

HB178: Nancy Murphy, Hillsboro County District 12, Marlow Support00:02:59.680 - 8:31:50 AM; Representative Nancy Murphy spoke in support of HB178, which aims to clarify confusing language in New Hampshire's special education statute. As a former foster and adoptive parent of children with disabilities, she highlighted the importance of foster parents in educational decision-making for children in their care. She noted that the bill, requested by her constituent Bonnie Dunham, does not change the policy but removes redundant language to clarify the statute's meaning. Specifically, it seeks to remove 16 words from RSA chapter 186-C, section 14-A, paragraph 1, to make the statute clearer.
HB178: Jay Markell, Rockingham District 18 Support00:06:40.319 - 8:35:31 AM; Representative Jay Markell expressed general support for HB178 but raised a question about whether the bill should be amended to specify that foster parents' rights to make educational decisions are not exclusive, especially when parental rights have not been terminated. He suggested that the committee might consider an amendment to ensure that decisions are made in consultation with the biological parents. He also pondered if this issue might be better addressed in a standalone bill.
HB178: Senator Information Only00:07:48.319 - 8:36:39 AM; The Senator discusses concerns about the clarity of the bill regarding the rights of foster parents in relation to the rights of biological parents. The Senator questions whether the bill clearly excludes the rights of natural parents when foster parents are appointed, indicating a need for further discussion on this matter.
HB178: Senator Abbis Information Only00:08:44.399 - 8:37:35 AM; Senator Abbis agrees with the previous speaker's point about potential complications with the bill, especially concerning the involvement of parents in different school districts. The Senator suggests that another bill might be needed to address these issues.
HB178: Committee Vote00:09:51.399 - 8:38:42 AM; The committee moves into executive session and votes to recommend an 'Ought to Pass' on HB178 without any amendments. The motion is seconded and passes unanimously.
HB177 2024-1729h: Representative Murphy Information Only00:11:02.399 - 8:39:53 AM; Representative Murphy introduces HB177, explaining that it addresses a clerical issue in RSA 1932 related to special education law. The bill aims to clarify language affected by two bills passed in 2024 that amended the same paragraph. The Representative discusses the temporary disappearance and reappearance of section 193:27 in the law and the need to remove the word 'or' before 169-D to correct the statute. The amendment provided by OS is discussed, but Representative Murphy is unsure if it's necessary since the original bill already made the same request.
HB177 2024-1729h: Senator Long Information Only00:16:48.079 - 8:45:39 AM; Senator Long clarifies the details of the bills passed in 2024 and their impact on RSA 193:27. The Senator confirms the need to remove the word 'or' to ensure the statute reads correctly, despite the section reappearing in the law due to integration by Thomas Reuters.
HB177 2024-1729h: Senator S Information Only00:18:10.240 - 8:47:01 AM; Senator S discusses the technical aspect of the amendment, suggesting that it's primarily to remove the italics indicating changes in the bill, since the actual change is only the removal of the word 'or'. The Senator confirms the need to adopt the amendment to clarify the existing law.
HB177 2024-1729h: Committee Vote00:19:15.080 - 8:48:06 AM; The committee moves into executive session and votes to adopt amendment 2024-1729h for HB177. The motion to 'Ought to Pass as Amended' is seconded and passes unanimously. The committee then moves out of executive session.
HB132 2024-1729h: Rick Lad, Grafton County 5, Haverhill Support00:21:59.600 - 8:50:50 AM; Rick Lad introduced HB132, which aims to amend RSA chapter 165 regarding family support liability. He shared a case from Piermont where a resident received a letter demanding financial support for a distant relative involved in drug selling, which they hadn't spoken to in over 30 years. The existing law allows towns to demand support from relatives, with potential jail time for non-compliance. Lad argued that the law is outdated, originating from the 1920s, and should be repealed. He supports the amendment that removes the threat of jail time for non-compliance, emphasizing that relatives should not be forced to support family members they are not responsible for. He also addressed concerns about the amendment's potential unintended consequences, asserting that family members should not be burdened with financial responsibilities for others' choices.
HB132 2024-1729h: Senator Sullivan Information Only00:32:32.720 - 9:01:23 AM; Senator Sullivan questioned the types of support provided by towns under the existing law, specifically asking if towns can demand payment from relatives after providing welfare support. He expressed concern about the fairness of such a system, where relatives could be unexpectedly burdened with costs. Rick Lad responded, explaining that towns could theoretically demand support, but modern courts might not enforce the harshest penalties. Lad emphasized the need for a more compassionate and current approach to welfare support.
HB132 2024-1729h: Representative Markeel Support00:37:46.320 - 9:06:37 AM; Representative Markeel initially opposed HB132 but changed his stance to support after further consideration. He explained the historical context of the law, originating from English common law and Elizabethan poor laws, and highlighted its fact-dependent nature. Markeel suggested that the law could be easily circumvented, such as through divorce, and argued for its complete repeal. He noted that the law imposes duties where none exist, particularly in cases of stepparents, and does not differentiate between inability and refusal to work. He also discussed the legal implications of contempt, suggesting that the statute may have due process issues and is outdated.
HB132 2024-1729h: Senator Sullivan Information Only00:45:43.280 - 9:14:34 AM; Senator Sullivan expressed concern about the impact of the current law on families affected by addiction, particularly in Manchester, where many have had to sever ties with relatives struggling with opioid addiction. He questioned whether the law forces families to support relatives they've decided they can no longer help. Representative Markeel confirmed that the law could indeed lead to such situations, highlighting the problematic nature of the existing statute.
HB132 2024-1729h: Senator Long, Manchester Information Only00:46:42.319 - 9:15:33 AM; Senator Long discussed the implications of the bill, focusing on the financial aspects and hypothetical scenarios regarding welfare support. He raised concerns about the cost of court proceedings and the impact on families, using examples to illustrate the potential burdens of the current law.
HB132 2024-1729h: Todd Marsh, President of the New Hampshire Local Welfare Administrators Association Support00:50:14.040 - 9:19:05 AM; Todd Marsh expressed support for the amended HB132, emphasizing the need for the update to the legally liable relative law. He discussed the law's historical context, its current application, and the importance of maintaining the option to review relatives' ability to reimburse welfare costs. Marsh highlighted the inappropriate use of the law in some cases and the need for more reasonable practices, especially with the removal of the term 'imprisoned' from the law. He provided examples from his experience in Rochester to illustrate how the law is applied and its effects on families.
HB473: Representative Nelson Support01:00:53.040 - 9:29:44 AM; Representative Nelson introduced HB473-FN, explaining its purpose to expand the current law on methamphetamine exposure to include other controlled substances. He provided background on the amendment, inspired by a conversation with a young constituent, Tess, and supported by local law enforcement. He highlighted the alarming increase in child drug exposure incidents and deaths, emphasizing the need for immediate action to protect children from such dangers. Nelson stressed the importance of enabling law enforcement and welfare services to respond effectively to these situations.
HB473: Senator Long Information Only01:05:43.520 - 9:34:34 AM; Senator Long inquired about the effective date of the bill, expressing curiosity about why it was set for January 2026. They wondered if there was a need for additional time before implementation but did not receive an immediate answer, though the bill sponsor agreed to find out and email the information. Senator Long thanked the sponsor for bringing the bill forward, emphasizing its importance in addressing frequent headlines about child endangerment due to substance abuse, and praised it as a step towards significant change.
HB473: Tess Summers, Newfound Regional High School, New Hampshire's Governor's Youth Advisory Council Support01:07:09.359 - 9:36:00 AM; Tess Summers, a senior at Newfound Regional High School and a member of the Governor's Youth Advisory Council, spoke passionately in support of HB473. She shared her personal experience and research on the impact of methamphetamine and opioid abuse on children in New Hampshire. Summers highlighted the urgency of the bill, citing statistics on drug overdose deaths and specific incidents of child exposure to fentanyl. She emphasized the need for the law to cover all controlled substances to reflect the reality of New Hampshire's opioid crisis and protect children.
HB473: Elizabeth Sergeant, Shanthony Capital Group, New Hampshire Association of Chiefs of Police Support01:11:28.000 - 9:40:19 AM; Elizabeth Sergeant, representing the New Hampshire Association of Chiefs of Police, supported HB473. She relayed Chief Suckling's testimony, who could not attend due to a federal training on opioid and stimulant reduction. Chief Suckling's testimony highlighted the rising danger of fentanyl exposure among children, citing a tragic incident that changed his career perspective. The testimony emphasized the need for legislation to protect children from preventable tragedies, regulate the distribution of fentanyl, and mandate safe storage practices for medications.
HB473: Joe, unspecified organization Oppose01:15:20.159 - 9:44:11 AM; Joe opposed HB473, arguing that the bill's expansion of criminal penalties and the power to remove children based on mere suspicion of drug exposure could cause more harm than good. He cited research indicating the psychological harm of removing children from their parents, the conflation of substance use with abuse, and the potential for overreach and bias. Joe emphasized the need for family preservation and support over punishment, suggesting alternatives like family-based treatment and harm reduction programs.
HB473: Joe Hannon Oppose01:26:22.719 - 9:55:13 AM; Joe Hannon expressed concerns about the impact of the bill on children, particularly in homes with addiction. He argued that children in such environments are already at risk and that the bill's allowance for police to remove children without a warrant is problematic. He emphasized the need for judicial oversight to prevent bias and trauma to children, suggesting that the bill could cause more harm than good by separating children from their families unnecessarily. He referenced studies to support his argument and highlighted the potential for misinterpretation of the bill's language regarding chemical substances.
HB473: Unnamed Committee Member Support01:34:58.080 - 10:03:49 AM; The committee member supported the bill, arguing that immediate action is necessary due to the rising number of child deaths related to substance exposure. They addressed concerns about police overreach but noted no actual examples were presented during the hearing. They believed that the existing law and proposed bill could help families by prompting parents to seek recovery and emphasized the importance of public safety, particularly for children.
HB560: Representative Melissa Lichfield, representing Brentwood, Danville, and Fremont Support01:39:52.159 - 10:08:43 AM; Representative Lichfield supported HB560, emphasizing that parents should have access to their child's medical records online, similar to physical records. She highlighted the current issue where parents lose access to online medical portals once their child turns 13, which she finds problematic, especially since parents are still responsible for medical bills and appointments. She acknowledged federal and state laws protecting certain information but stressed the importance of parental involvement in children's healthcare.
HB560: Melissa Blazic, representing Rebuild NH Support01:44:21.080 - 10:13:12 AM; Melissa Blazic testified in support of HB560, arguing that parents should have access to their child's electronic medical records just as they do with physical records. She criticized the current practice of cutting off parental access to patient portals at age 12, stating it goes beyond what the law requires and prevents parents from managing their child's healthcare effectively. She urged the committee to support the bill to restore balance and common sense to the system.
HB560: Ben Bradley, New Hampshire Hospital Association Information Only01:47:16.800 - 10:16:07 AM; Ben Bradley from the New Hampshire Hospital Association expressed concerns about the technical feasibility of implementing HB560 as written. He noted that many hospital systems cannot redact protected information in patient portals, which might force them to disable adolescent access to comply with the law. He also raised issues with the protective orders clause, suggesting it could put healthcare providers in a difficult position regarding legal interpretations and compliance with federal rules. He supported an amendment to address these concerns.
HB560: Ben Bradley, New Hampshire Hospital Association Support01:51:55.119 - 10:20:46 AM; Ben Bradley supports an amendment to HB560 to address concerns about parental access to children's medical records. He emphasizes the importance of aligning the bill with federal regulations to ensure that healthcare providers can use their professional judgment to determine if there may be child abuse or neglect, rather than requiring evidence-based facts as stated in the bill. He also discusses the technological limitations of patient portals in distinguishing between parent and child access, suggesting that without this capability, adolescent patient portals might need to be taken down to comply with the law if the bill passes as written.
HB560: Courtney Tanner, Dartmouth Health Support02:02:27.679 - 10:31:18 AM; Courtney Tanner supports the intent of HB560 to ensure parental access to medical records. She clarifies the need for amendments to address issues such as protective orders from different jurisdictions and the lack of technological capability in patient portals to differentiate between parent and child access. She stresses Dartmouth Health's commitment to parental involvement in children's care and the need for the bill to be practical and implementable.
HB560: Aayuda Trundle Support02:06:41.800 - 10:35:32 AM; Aayuda Trundle, an emergency medicine physician and a mother, supports HB560. She shares her personal experience of being denied access to her children's medical records, highlighting the challenges parents face in obtaining necessary information to support their children's health. She argues that minors lack the capacity to make independent health decisions and that parental oversight is crucial to prevent medical errors and ensure proper care.
HB560: Jay Markell, State Rep from Rockingham District 18 Support02:10:04.079 - 10:38:55 AM; Jay Markell supports HB560, emphasizing the fundamental liberty interest parents have in their children's upbringing, which includes access to medical records. He points out the inconsistency between rights granted in parenting plans for divorced or unmarried parents and those with intact families. He discusses legal precedents like the Enry Berg case, which addresses children's privacy rights, and suggests potential amendments to clarify parental access under HIPAA as a personal representative.
HB273: Representative Mike Drago, Raymond Support02:22:00.800 - 10:50:51 AM; Representative Mike Drago introduced HB273, which aims to allow parents access to their child's library records. He shared a personal anecdote about a situation where he was unable to find out what books were checked out on his daughter's library card due to existing laws. He emphasized the importance of parents knowing what their children are reading, especially in the context of late fees and lost books, and also highlighted concerns about inappropriate materials in libraries. He argued that this bill would enable parents to guide their children's reading choices more effectively.
HB273: DJ Wy, Windham Oppose02:28:14.240 - 10:57:05 AM; DJ Wy, a resident of Windham, spoke in opposition to HB273. As an attorney, businessperson, and library trustee, he analyzed the bill from a business perspective, questioning its necessity and potential costs. He argued that existing laws and non-statutory methods already provide parents with adequate access to their children's library records. Wy expressed concerns about the direct and indirect costs to libraries and suggested that the bill could create conflicts between custodial and non-custodial parents. He also highlighted potential conflicts with another bill, HB666, which could create confusion regarding library card access and confidentiality.
HB273: Unnamed Speaker, Windham Information Only02:48:24.399 - 11:17:15 AM; The speaker, identified as a chief operating officer, discussed the complexities of parental rights in the context of divorce and different addresses. They also highlighted the potential difficulties and costs for non-automated libraries like the one in Auburn in complying with the bill, as they would have to manually process requests for children's library records.
HB273: Nicole Govro, Youth Services Librarian and Assistant Director Oppose02:51:31.359 - 11:20:22 AM; Nicole Govro, speaking on her own behalf and not as a representative of her library, expressed concerns about the bill's impact on youth library services. She detailed the current practices in different libraries regarding parental consent and access to children's library records. She highlighted the additional workload and potential delays in non-automated libraries, and emphasized the importance of children's rights to seek information independently, cautioning against the reliance on potentially unreliable digital resources like chatbots.
HB273: Representative Melissa Lichfield, Brentwood, Danville, and Fremont Support03:00:13.439 - 11:29:04 AM; Representative Lichfield, a co-sponsor of the bill, supported it, emphasizing its relevance to parental rights. She recounted a conversation with a library in her district where concerns were raised about the bill's potential to disrupt trust between librarians and children. She argued that the bill was necessary to address the availability of inappropriate materials in libraries, funded by taxpayer dollars, and stressed the importance of parental oversight over what their children are accessing.
HB273: Senator Long Information Only03:02:58.720 - 11:31:49 AM; Senator Long raised a concern about the bill potentially diminishing the rights of a divorced parent who does not have the address on the child's library card. He suggested that an amendment could be considered to address this issue.
HB273: Denise Vanzanton, New Hampshire Library Association, Manchester City Library Director Information Only03:04:12.319 - 11:33:03 AM; Denise Vanzanton, representing the New Hampshire Library Association and as the Manchester City Library Director, offered to clarify logistical questions about the bill. She mentioned the confidentiality law and how it is explained to parents in Manchester. She also discussed the potential costs and procedures for implementing the bill, particularly in smaller libraries like Auburn, and the frequency of parental requests for children's library records.
HB273: Jay Markel Support03:06:28.479 - 11:35:19 AM; Jay Markel testified in support of HB273, emphasizing the importance of parental rights in directing the upbringing of their children. He suggested that the bill should account for scenarios where parents are separated, proposing that libraries recognize multiple addresses for a child. He argued that the original RSA was meant to protect adults' reading materials and not intended to restrict parents' access to their children's records. Markel also noted that compliance with the proposed statute would not unduly burden libraries, given the rarity of such requests. He highlighted the flexibility libraries have in complying with parental requests for their children's reading records, suggesting that the process could be simple and not time-sensitive.
HB273: Committee Member Information Only03:09:38.600 - 11:38:29 AM; During the executive session, a motion was made and seconded to enter the session. The committee discussed HB273, with a member expressing the view that the bill could be cleaned up to allow parents with legal custody to access their children's library records, regardless of their address. The member also raised concerns about the concept of children consenting to their parents accessing their records, arguing it contradicts the natural order where parents should have oversight over their children's activities. There was a discussion on the practicality of implementing a portal system as suggested by an amendment, highlighting the challenges and potential solutions for compliance, including the need for adjustments to technology and the importance of clear communication within the portal.
HB243: Committee Member Information Only03:10:50.479 - 11:39:41 AM; In the executive session, a suggested amendment to HB243 was discussed. The amendment aimed to address false reports made to the department by removing the requirement for the department to notify individuals of potential charges for false reporting, as this is already covered by law. The amendment also changed the legal standard to 'knowingly' to align with existing New Hampshire RSAs, addressing concerns about the clarity and applicability of the original language. Other adjustments included striking language that could create conflicts with existing RSAs on mandated reporting and simplifying references to mandated reporters to avoid redundancy with existing laws. The committee acknowledged the need for further review and potential one-on-one discussions due to time constraints and the complexity of the issues involved.