Committee Summary for Senate Energy and Natural Resources (03/18/2025)

Bill/Time	Type	Title	Sponsor
HB22 00:01:58.840 - 8:00:49 AM	Executive Session	Unclear	Likely Text to Speech Error on Bill #
HB27 00:22:36.400 - 8:21:27 AM	Public Hearing	relative to the extension of ATV trail season in Pittsburg	Likely Text to Speech Error on Bill #
HB153 01:36:26.040 - 9:35:17 AM	Public Hearing	(New Title) establishing a committee to study adding statewide resources to assist with the investigation, training, prosecution, and prompt response of animal cruelty.	Comtois, Barbara(R)[A]2024
HB179 01:46:46.560 - 9:45:37 AM	Public Hearing	relative to hazardous waste accident fees.	Proulx, Mark(R)[B]2024
HB179 01:53:26.440 - 9:52:17 AM	Executive Session	relative to hazardous waste accident fees.	Proulx, Mark(R)[B]2024

HB22: Unnamed Senator Information Only00:01:58.840 - 8:00:49 AM; The senator discusses procedural matters regarding the handling of HB22. They mention the possibility of an ITL (Inexpedient to Legislate) motion and the implications of a tie vote without Howard present, suggesting that the bill cannot go on consent under those conditions. They express willingness to support a referral motion and suggest waiting for Howard before proceeding.
HB22: Cindy Information Only00:02:53.159 - 8:01:44 AM; Cindy agrees with the suggestion to wait for Howard before making a decision on HB22, indicating a preference to dispose of the bill.
HB22: Unnamed Senator Information Only00:04:28.720 - 8:03:19 AM; The senator acknowledges the decision to wait for Howard and moves to end the executive session. They mention that there are 20 minutes before the next item, HB27, and discuss the absence of Howard, who is running late.
HB22: Unnamed Senator Information Only00:04:28.720 - 8:03:19 AM; The speaker was finishing their statement regarding the executive session on HB22. No specific details about the content of their testimony were provided in the snippet.
HB27: Prime Sponsor Support00:22:36.400 - 8:21:27 AM; The prime sponsor of HB27 discussed the economic impact of extending the ATV trail season in Pittsburg by two weekends. They highlighted that the Connecticut River Headwaters property, which is significant in size, has only 10.5 miles of ATV trails, which are closed from September 30th, unlike other trails that remain open until Columbus Day. This closure affects Pittsburg's economy, as the town's population significantly increases during ATV and snowmobile seasons. The sponsor mentioned that the economic impact of ATVs and OHVs in New Hampshire is over $400 million, with the North Country being particularly affected. They argued that extending the season would not cost the state any money, as law enforcement would be handled by the Coos County Sheriff's Department, funded by Coos County. The sponsor also addressed opposition from New Hampshire Fish and Game and a group of anti-ATV advocates, dismissing their concerns about law enforcement and safety. They noted support from local officials and the landowner of the Connecticut River Headwaters, emphasizing the importance of the bill for the North Country's economy.
HB27: Senator Rosen Information Only00:30:33.320 - 8:29:24 AM; Senator Rosen asked for clarification on the bill's language, specifically whether the trails should remain open 'until' or 'through' the second Monday in October. The prime sponsor confirmed that the intention was to keep the trails open through Columbus Day, aligning with other trails in the area.
HB27: Unnamed Speaker Information Only00:31:49.919 - 8:30:40 AM; The speaker expressed support for the trails network in the North Country and raised concerns about the legal implications of overriding an easement through legislation. They questioned whether the state has the authority to change the terms of the easement without court intervention, given that easements are considered legal contracts. The prime sponsor responded by distinguishing between the roads owned by the state and the trails, suggesting that the state has control over the roads and that the easement is a working document that should evolve with time. The speaker also mentioned a meeting of the Connecticut Lakes Headwaters Citizens Committee, which voted against extending the trail season, and questioned the legal standing of this committee's decision in relation to the easement.
HB27: Unnamed Speaker Information Only00:39:06.839 - 8:37:57 AM; The speaker discussed the composition of the DNRC team, explaining that members are appointed by various stakeholders, including the Governor's Council, the governor, and the speaker of the house. The appointment process is outlined in statute.
HB27: William Collins, Sheets Oppose00:40:17.720 - 8:39:08 AM; William Collins, with a background in safety from his time in the Navy, railroad safety, and as a federal safety inspector, expressed opposition to the bill. He highlighted his extensive experience with safety issues, particularly in train accidents and highway-railroad grade crossing fatalities, which he attributed to human factors and conscious decisions to disregard safety warnings. Collins also shared his experiences as a bird hunter in Pittsburg, NH, where he noted the area is packed with hunters in October, contradicting claims of low visitor numbers. He raised concerns about the safety and compatibility of mixing OHVs with hunters and hikers, citing instances of speeding ATVs and the potential for accidents. Collins argued that the bill could jeopardize the economic contributions of hunters, who he claimed spend significantly more than OHV enthusiasts. He also mentioned opposition from other hunters and the potential for the bill to expand OHV access further in the future.
HB27: Ann Davis, Wilmot Oppose00:52:52.400 - 8:51:43 AM; Ann Davis, representing the New Hampshire Timberland Owners Association and New Hampshire Farm Bureau, testified in opposition to the bill. As a member of the HB 1188 OHV Study Commission, she emphasized the importance of landowner rights and the review of legislation. Davis discussed the Connecticut Lakes Headwaters Citizen Committee's recent meeting where a proposal to extend the OHV season was rejected, partly due to the behavior of OHV supporters. She also shared her personal experience with a conservation easement on her property in Springfield, NH, expressing concern that the bill could set a precedent affecting other conservation easements. Davis highlighted the disparity in license numbers between fishermen/hunters and OHV users, suggesting that the majority's interests should be considered.
HB27: David Roser, Senate District 1 (Coos and Grafton Counties) Support01:03:10.279 - 9:02:01 AM; David Roser, representing Senate District 1, which includes all of Coos County and part of Grafton County, spoke in support of keeping a small section of ATV trail open for an additional two weeks. He referenced a meeting held at the Pittsburgh fire department on September 12th, where public input was overwhelmingly in favor of keeping the trails open. Roser highlighted the economic and logistical benefits of keeping the trails open, despite the commission's decision to vote against it. He expressed concern over the commission's disregard for community input and mentioned his personal experience as a lifelong hunter, emphasizing the importance of hunting in the woods rather than on roads.
HB27: Ray Gorman, Coos County Commissioner, District 3 Support01:10:09.080 - 9:09:00 AM; Ray Gorman, Coos County Commissioner for District 3, which covers a large part of Coos County including Stratford and Pittsburgh, supported the bill. He was present at the September 12th meeting and voted in favor of keeping the trails open. Gorman described the meeting as contentious and felt the decision was predetermined. He emphasized the significant economic impact of OHVs on local businesses, particularly in Pittsburgh, and the importance of maintaining trail connectivity. Gorman also discussed the multi-use nature of the Connecticut Headwaters and the need for cooperation among various stakeholders, including hunters and OHV users.
HB27: Mark Brady, Coos County Administrator Support01:24:24.400 - 9:23:15 AM; Mark Brady, Coos County Administrator, supported the bill and highlighted the county's active role in enforcing OHV regulations. He provided statistics on the Coos County Sheriff's Department's efforts in 2024, including hours patrolled and warnings issued. Brady emphasized the economic importance of OHVs to the region, noting that the state's decision to promote OHV use has significantly impacted the local economy. He mentioned the challenges of getting business owners to testify and the importance of OHV-related economic activity to the state as a whole, despite the disproportionate distribution of revenue.
HB27: Abby Evano, Gorham, NH Oppose01:30:54.639 - 9:29:45 AM; Abby Evano, clerk of the study commission, expressed opposition to HB27. She highlighted the negative impact of ATV trails on local wildlife, particularly birds, which are scared off by the noise and dust, affecting hunters who must travel further. She noted that the bill would reduce bird hunting access from seven to five weeks. Evano also mentioned conflicts with existing statutes and questioned the validity of the economic study supporting the bill, suggesting it was not independently vetted.
HB27: Ref Arney Support01:33:15.159 - 9:32:06 AM; Ref Arney supported HB27, emphasizing its economic benefits for Pittsburgh. He argued that the bill would not disrupt local landowners or abutters and would generate revenue through room and meals tax and fuel tax. Arney dismissed concerns about local opposition, stating that opposition came from distant areas not affected by the decision. He stressed that the bill was about economic development rather than solely OHV use and requested two additional weekends for economic gain.
HB153: Prime Sponsor Support01:36:26.040 - 9:35:17 AM; The prime sponsor of HB153 supported the establishment of a study committee to address the lack of understanding and enforcement of animal cruelty laws by law enforcement and prosecutors. They mentioned that the bill had support from various stakeholders including the Humane Society, the Governor's Commission on the Humane Treatment of Animals, Farm Bureau, law enforcement, and police chiefs. The sponsor emphasized the need for better training and understanding of the laws to ensure proper enforcement.
HB153: Senator Waters Information Only01:39:08.400 - 9:37:59 AM; Senator Waters asked about the fiscal impact of the study committee, specifically regarding a section suggesting a group to assist with promptness of calls. The response indicated that law enforcement and police chiefs believed a task force could be established with minimal fiscal impact, similar to a SWAT team, to address animal cruelty effectively.
HB153: Representative Bixby, Strafford County 13 Support01:41:09.880 - 9:40:00 AM; Representative Bixby, a co-sponsor of HB153, supported the bill, highlighting the need for better resources and training for law enforcement in dealing with animal cruelty cases. He mentioned past attempts to address the issue and the necessity of a study committee to find the right approach. Bixby noted that law enforcement often lacks current knowledge of animal cruelty laws and suggested a task force as a potential solution.
HB153: Robert Johnson Support01:43:29.000 - 9:42:20 AM; Robert Johnson, representing Farm Bureau, expressed support for HB153 but did not elaborate further on his position.
HB153: Humane World for Animals Support01:44:50.119 - 9:43:41 AM; A representative from Humane World for Animals, formerly known as the Humane Society of the United States, supported HB153. They emphasized the need for a prompt and effective response to animal abuse across the state, noting disparities in departmental coverage and the need for better protection for animals. The representative praised the collaborative effort among stakeholders and encouraged the committee to work on animal issues.
HB179: Representative Piby Support01:46:46.560 - 9:45:37 AM; Representative Piby, the sponsor of the amendment to HB179, supported the bill which updates penalties for accidents involving hazardous waste that damage fire department equipment. The amendment changes the penalty from a one-time $1,000 fine to a daily $1,000 fine after a 90-day grace period, with a cap at 100% of the cost to be recovered. Piby explained that this would incentivize responsible parties to pay for damages. The amendment also allows for payment schedule agreements to avoid additional fines if payments are met.
HB179: Senator Waters Information Only01:50:04.320 - 9:48:55 AM; Senator Waters sought clarification on the amendment and the penalty structure of HB179. Representative Piby confirmed that there was no new amendment before the committee, only the house-amended version. Senator Waters asked about the penalty's relationship to restitution, confirming that the penalty would not offset the restitution but could result in the responsible party paying up to twice the restitution if they failed to pay. He also inquired about the destination of the penalty dollars, which was unclear in the current statute.
HB179: Senator Rosen Information Only01:51:56.040 - 9:50:47 AM; Senator Rosen raised a concern about the bill's title mentioning a fee, which is not present in the bill's language but rather a penalty. He suggested that the original bill might have had a fee, but it was not included due to linguistic sloppiness in the drafting process. He also mentioned that the current statute uses the term penalty, which they have maintained in their language.
HB179: Unnamed Senator Information Only01:53:26.440 - 9:52:17 AM; The senator discussed potential amendments to the bill, suggesting changing 'until' to 'through' on line six and inserting 'all existing' before 'OHRV trails' on line five to clarify the scope of the bill to existing trails only. They expressed support for the bill with these changes, emphasizing the importance of understanding the specific trails involved and ensuring no new trails or expansions are implied.
HB179: Unnamed Senator Support01:54:18.520 - 9:53:09 AM; The senator supported the amendment to include 'existing' in the bill to ensure it applies only to the current 10-mile section of OHRV trails on the property. They confirmed that this change would not create conflicts and expressed support for the bill with the amendment.
HB179: Unnamed Senator Support01:55:34.159 - 9:54:25 AM; The senator discussed the importance of conservation easements and confirmed that the bill's extension of OHRV use through October 14th would not impact existing easements. They supported the amendment to change 'until' to 'through' and felt the arguments against the bill were not valid.
HB179: Senator from Lakes Region Support01:56:26.000 - 9:55:17 AM; The senator, identifying as a storekeeper from the Lakes Region, expressed full support for the bill with the proposed conditions to clarify its scope. They highlighted the economic impact of the holiday week and supported the amendment to focus on existing trails.
HB179: Senator Ral Information Only01:57:58.320 - 9:56:49 AM; Senator Ral suggested that the reference to Columbus Day in the bill was unnecessary and could be replaced with 'the second Monday in October' to avoid confusion, as the holiday's date varies. They agreed with the amendment to specify 'all existing OHRV trails' and to change 'until' to 'through'.
HB179: Unnamed Senator Support01:59:14.360 - 9:58:05 AM; The senator moved to pass the bill as amended, with the changes to include 'existing' and 'through'. They appreciated the discussion and felt the amendments improved the bill.
HB179: Senator from Hillsboro Support02:00:32.880 - 9:59:23 AM; The senator from Hillsboro supported the amended bill and looked forward to its benefits. They confirmed the motion to pass the bill as amended with no opposition.
HB179: Unnamed Senator Information Only02:01:43.880 - 10:00:34 AM; The senator raised a concern about the destination of penalty dollars from the bill, questioning whether it might incentivize double compensation for damages. They suggested considering language to limit claimant compensation to actual damages, with any excess going to enforcement or DEES, and recommended waiting on the bill until this issue could be addressed.

Avard, Kevin(Chairman)(R)[C+]2024	Pearl, Howard (V Chairman)(R)[C+]2024	Watters, David(D)[CT]2024
Rosenwald, Cindy(D)[CT]2024	McConkey, Mark(R)