Committee Summary for Senate Election Law and Municipal Affairs (03/25/2025)

Bill/Time	Type	Title	Sponsor
HB86 00:12:56.079 - 8:26:53 AM	Public Hearing	increasing the cost of service for notice of civil forfeiture of unlicensed dogs to the rate for certified mail.	St. Clair, Charlie(D)[D-]2024
HB92 00:17:16.000 - 8:31:13 AM	Public Hearing	(New Title) requiring recusal of members of zoning boards of adjustment and planning boards in certain circumstances.	Alexander, Joe(R)[A]2024
HB92 00:23:18.840 - 8:37:15 AM	Executive Session	(New Title) requiring recusal of members of zoning boards of adjustment and planning boards in certain circumstances.	Alexander, Joe(R)[A]2024
HB99 00:33:44.679 - 8:47:41 AM	Public Hearing	relative to a waiver from property taxes for disabled veterans.	Moffett, Michael(R)[A-]2024
HB261 01:01:59.359 - 9:15:56 AM	Public Hearing	relative to election audits.	Berry, Ross(R)[A-]2024
HB261 01:05:54.200 - 9:19:51 AM	Executive Session	relative to election audits.	Berry, Ross(R)[A-]2024

HB86: Senator (introducing the bill) Information Only00:12:56.079 - 8:26:53 AM; The senator introduced House Bill 86 FN, which aims to increase the cost of services for civil forfeiture of unlicensed dogs to the rate of certified mail. The bill was previously passed in the municipal and county government with an 18-0 vote, placed on the consent calendar, and amended on the house floor by a voice vote.
HB86: Mora Ryan Oppose00:15:05.600 - 8:29:02 AM; Mora Ryan expressed opposition to the bill, describing it as petty and an unnecessary cost increase for pet owners who are already struggling financially. She argued that the increase in postage for civil forfeiture is an additional burden on those who cannot afford the initial $7 dog license fee.
HB92: Representative Joe Alexander, Gothtown Support00:17:16.000 - 8:31:13 AM; Representative Joe Alexander introduced House Bill 92, which addresses a perceived conflict of interest when members serve on both the planning and zoning boards. The bill requires members to recuse themselves from voting on matters at the zoning board that were previously decided at the planning board, and vice versa. Amendments were made in the municipal and county government to clarify the language. Alexander supports the bill for promoting independence between the boards.
HB92: Senator Information Only00:18:15.440 - 8:32:12 AM; The senator asked Representative Alexander about the intent behind the recusal requirement, specifically why it applies only to matters previously decided. Alexander explained that the original bill proposed not allowing members to serve on both boards, but the committee amended it to focus on recusal in specific situations. The senator expressed interest in potential technical tweaks to the bill.
HB92: Senator Information Only00:20:22.320 - 8:34:19 AM; The senator sought clarification on the bill's implications, particularly regarding the recusal of members from future votes on the planning board after a zoning board decision. Alexander confirmed the senator's interpretation and expressed openness to reverting the bill to its original form if that was preferred.
HB92: Unnamed Speaker Information Only00:23:18.840 - 8:37:15 AM; The speaker discussed the financial implications of pet registration fees, suggesting that those who fail to register their pets should cover the costs associated with sending certified letters. They noted that in Manchester, the issue is more about forgetfulness or lack of time rather than cost. The bill proposes an increase of $1.95 in fees, which the speaker finds fair to the municipality. They also mentioned that not implementing this could shift the burden to other taxpayers.
HB92: Unnamed Speaker Information Only00:26:05.240 - 8:40:02 AM; The speaker expressed concerns about the bill's wording and its impact on smaller communities, where finding people willing to serve on boards is challenging. They suggested that members should recuse themselves if they have previously acted on an issue in an official capacity. The speaker also mentioned that Senators Perkins Kwoka and Lang were vocal about the issue and suggested they work on an amendment.
HB92: Unnamed Speaker Information Only00:27:11.200 - 8:41:08 AM; The speaker proposed striking lines six to thirteen from the bill, which deal with the planning board, and focusing only on the zoning board's quasi-judicial capacity. They believe that section three and five of the bill work well but suggested removing the planning board member piece to simplify the bill.
HB92: Unnamed Speaker Information Only00:28:16.840 - 8:42:13 AM; The speaker agreed with the previous suggestion but pointed out that the bill should allow members to participate in regular planning board meetings and recuse themselves only when the zoning board is acting in a permitting capacity or when matters are appealed from the planning board. They also mentioned a potential issue where simultaneous actions might be needed from both boards.
HB92: Unnamed Speaker Information Only00:29:20.320 - 8:43:17 AM; The speaker clarified that zoning boards handle variances and setbacks, not planning boards. They suggested that the bill should be worked on further to address scenarios where actions might be needed from both boards simultaneously.
HB92: Unnamed Speaker Information Only00:30:10.159 - 8:44:07 AM; The speaker discussed the challenges of finding people to serve on boards in smaller communities and suggested that members could serve without objection from the applicant. They also raised a question about whether a recused member is still considered part of the quorum.
HB92: Unnamed Speaker Information Only00:31:14.399 - 8:45:11 AM; The speaker clarified that the bill only pertains to matters appealed to the zoning board from the planning board, not all matters. They emphasized that members should recuse themselves only when voting on matters previously decided by the planning board in a quasi-judicial capacity.
HB99: Senator Lang Information Only00:33:44.679 - 8:47:41 AM; Senator Lang introduced House Bill 99, which aims to waive property tax for disabled veterans. The bill passed the House Municipal and County Government Committee with an amendment and was adopted on the House floor by a voice vote.
HB99: Mora Ryan, Veteran and Educational Advocate, State of New Hampshire Support00:34:31.960 - 8:48:28 AM; Mora Ryan supported HB99, advocating for a 100% property tax exemption for permanently and totally disabled veterans. She criticized the current requirement for an SAH grant, which is limited nationally, and suggested that towns should have the option to grant more exemptions under local control. She mentioned a successful warrant article in her town and emphasized the financial struggles of disabled veterans due to inflation. Ryan proposed using a means test established by the Congressional Budget Office to differentiate between veterans with and without other income sources. She concluded by recommending amendments to the bill to allow for a 100% exemption and means testing, noting that many other states offer similar benefits.
HB99: Representative Moffett, Original Prime Sponsor Support00:39:37.040 - 8:53:34 AM; Representative Moffett, the original prime sponsor, explained that the bill initially proposed a 100% tax credit for qualified permanently disabled veterans but was amended to a $5,000 figure due to concerns from the Department of Revenue Administration about varying property tax rates across communities. He is okay with the amendment as it still provides municipalities the option to offer a larger tax credit. Moffett hopes the committee will move the bill forward as enabling legislation.
HB99: Senator Roer Information Only00:43:15.400 - 8:57:12 AM; Senator Roer inquired about the differences between the tax credit provisions under RSA 72:36 for certain disabled veterans and the definitions of service-connected total disability versus 100% permanently and totally disabled under federal law. The senator highlighted specific disabilities like double amputation or blindness and sought clarification on the levels of disability.
HB99: Representative Moffett Information Only00:44:33.520 - 8:58:30 AM; Representative Moffett responded to Senator Roer's query by explaining that the definitions of disability can be complex and vary. He mentioned that certain grants might be at risk if veterans accept tax credits and suggested that further research was needed to provide a comprehensive answer. He also mentioned Kevin Grady from ESVAC, who could provide historical context on disability definitions.
HB99: Kevin Grady, Hooksett, NH, State Veterans Advisory Committee Information Only00:45:41.920 - 8:59:38 AM; Kevin Grady, a veteran and resident of Hooksett, NH, representing the State Veterans Advisory Committee, explained that the committee did not take a position on the bill due to concerns about the financial impact on taxpayers. He discussed the challenges town administrators face in budgeting for such tax credits and the importance of targeting aid to veterans who are truly in need. Grady also highlighted the committee's efforts to standardize the definition of a veteran in RSA 21:50.
HB99: Dennis Martin, Londonderry, NH Support00:55:09.520 - 9:09:06 AM; Dennis Martin, a 100% disabled veteran from Londonderry, NH, supported the bill, emphasizing the need for an increased tax credit due to rising property taxes. He shared his personal experience as a homeless veteran and his efforts to help other veterans through a blues festival. Martin stressed the importance of the tax relief for maintaining his home and suggested that the room should be filled with more disabled veterans to show support.
HB99: Mara Support00:58:47.359 - 9:12:44 AM; Mara, an advocate for veterans, supported the bill and clarified that the requirements under RSA 72:36 for SAH grants are not suitable for New Hampshire due to the limited number of grants awarded nationally. She offered to answer further questions on the variations of disabled veteran status.
HB99: Dennis Martin, Londonderry, NH Support00:59:51.280 - 9:13:48 AM; Dennis Martin responded to a question about changing the tax credit to a percentage of property tax, expressing openness to the idea. He suggested that towns should have the flexibility to offer more relief if they choose, and agreed that setting a percentage could future-proof the statute.
HB261: Representative Ross Berry, Chair of the House Election Law Committee, representing towns of Goffstown and Weare Support01:01:59.359 - 9:15:56 AM; Representative Ross Berry, the prime sponsor of House Bill 261, proposed shifting election audits to occur after recounts instead of before. He explained that this change would save time and costs for volunteers and legal counsel who currently have to wait during the audit process. Berry mentioned that the bill has the support of the Secretary of State's office.
HB261: Representative Valvin C from Loudon, representing other seven towns Information Only01:03:31.160 - 9:17:28 AM; Representative Valvin C clarified the origins and intent of the top of the ballot audits, which were introduced through House Bill 1467 in 2022. He explained that the audits were meant to take advantage of the already opened ballot boxes during recounts, suggesting that the audits could be conducted concurrently or afterwards but were secondary to the recount process. He was open to questions but none were asked.
HB261: Unnamed Senator Vote01:05:54.200 - 9:19:51 AM; The senator moved to pass HB261 as it was presented, without amendments. There was a discussion about the sequence of audits and recounts, suggesting that changing the order could facilitate better access for those interested in higher-level races. The motion to pass was seconded and approved.
HB261: Unnamed Senator Information Only01:09:22.960 - 9:23:19 AM; The senator discussed the potential impact of using a percentage versus a fixed dollar amount for tax relief, highlighting the disparity in tax relief between high-value and average-value homes. They supported the fixed dollar amount as it was based on the average tax bill to avoid different means tests.
HB261: Unnamed Senator Information Only01:10:08.640 - 9:24:05 AM; The senator expressed concerns about the tax relief mechanism, particularly for disabled veterans in high-value homes. They supported the bill as written but noted the limitations of the fixed dollar amount for certain individuals. The discussion included considerations of not stacking credits and the implications for different chapters of tax credits.
HB261: Unnamed Senator Vote01:13:30.719 - 9:27:27 AM; The senator moved to pass the bill as presented, without amendments, and the motion was seconded and passed. There was a brief discussion about potential amendments, but none were proposed or accepted.

Gray, James(Chairman)(R)[C+]2024	Lang, Timothy(V Chairman)(R)[C+]2024	Perkins Kwoka, Rebecca(D)[D-]2024
Rochefort, David(R)	Long, Pat(D)