Committee Summary for Senate Executive Departments and Administration (03/19/2025)

Bill/Time	Type	Title	Sponsor
SB285 00:02:58.840 - 8:01:49 AM	Public Hearing	relative to changing the term "physician assistant" to "physician associate."	Rochefort, David(R)
SB301 00:26:15.279 - 8:25:06 AM	Public Hearing	creating a joint legislative oversight committee.	McGough, Tim(R)
SB200 00:41:10.880 - 8:40:01 AM	Public Hearing	relative to accepting a portrait of Sylvia Larsen.	Reardon, Tara(D)
SB303 00:48:05.240 - 8:46:56 AM	Public Hearing	directing the commissioner of the department of education to compile a report on the effects of the dissolution of the United States Department of Education on New Hampshire and its residents.	Perkins Kwoka, Rebecca(D)[D-]2024
SB304 01:19:11.760 - 9:18:02 AM	Public Hearing	directing the commissioner of the department of business and economic affairs to assemble a report on the effects of tariffs on Canada and New Hampshire residents.	Perkins Kwoka, Rebecca(D)[D-]2024
SB189 1069s 02:15:21.760 - 10:14:12 AM	Executive Session	relative to fetal death records.	Prentiss, Suzanne(D)[F]2024
SB285 02:18:23.799 - 10:17:14 AM	Executive Session	relative to changing the term "physician assistant" to "physician associate."	Rochefort, David(R)
SB301 02:24:16.520 - 10:23:07 AM	Executive Session	creating a joint legislative oversight committee.	McGough, Tim(R)
SB303 02:37:30.200 - 10:36:21 AM	Executive Session	directing the commissioner of the department of education to compile a report on the effects of the dissolution of the United States Department of Education on New Hampshire and its residents.	Perkins Kwoka, Rebecca(D)[D-]2024
SB304 02:41:54.279 - 10:40:45 AM	Executive Session	directing the commissioner of the department of business and economic affairs to assemble a report on the effects of tariffs on Canada and New Hampshire residents.	Perkins Kwoka, Rebecca(D)[D-]2024

SB285: David Roser, Senator representing Senate District 1 (Coos County and northern third of Grafton County) Support00:02:58.840 - 8:01:49 AM; Senator Roser introduced Senate Bill 285, which aims to change the title of 'physician assistant' to 'physician associate' in state law and regulations. This change stems from the work done in the previous year with Senate Bill 1222, which led to a study committee recommending this change. The bill aligns with the terminology used by state and national PA associations. Roser emphasized that the term 'assistant' is misleading as PAs often work independently within their scope of practice. He also mentioned an amendment to ensure that no other group can claim the title 'physician assistant' after the change. The bill does not alter the scope of practice for PAs or require any changes in how they are referred to by employers or insurance carriers.
SB285: Senator Al Cher Information Only00:07:54.919 - 8:06:45 AM; Senator Al Cher questioned the bill's language regarding the prevention of other groups using the title 'physician assistant' after the change to 'physician associate'. He expressed concern about potential confusion and the need for explicit exclusionary language to prevent misuse of the title.
SB285: Senator M Information Only00:11:06.920 - 8:09:57 AM; Senator M inquired about the impact of the bill on reimbursement, to which Senator Roser responded that the bill does not change reimbursement policies but suggested that others present could provide more detailed information on the topic.
SB285: Sarah Lesley, New Hampshire licensed PA from Deerfield, Vice President of the New Hampshire Society of PAs Support00:12:16.399 - 8:11:07 AM; Sarah Lesley, representing the New Hampshire Society of PAs, supported Senate Bill 285. She explained that the national and state associations have already adopted the term 'physician associate'. The bill aligns state laws with these changes and was recommended by a study committee from the previous year. Lesley clarified that the bill does not change the scope of practice or require title changes by employers or insurance carriers. She addressed concerns about the amendment, noting that it aims to prevent misuse of the title by non-accredited individuals. Lesley also mentioned that other states are considering similar legislation.
SB285: Mora Weston, New Hampshire Medical Society Oppose00:19:21.840 - 8:18:12 AM; Mora Weston, representing the New Hampshire Medical Society, expressed opposition to Senate Bill 285. The society, representing approximately 2,000 physicians in New Hampshire, is concerned about potential confusion and disruption due to the change in terminology from 'physician assistant' to 'physician associate'. They highlighted that educational programs and federal law still use the term 'physician assistant', and changing it could lead to confusion in credentialing and insurance. Weston suggested that New Hampshire should not be a first mover in this change and recommended the bill be deemed inexpedient to legislate.
SB285: Michael Bartlett, American Academy of Physician Associates Support00:24:06.679 - 8:22:57 AM; Michael Bartlett, from Boston, Massachusetts, and representing the American Academy of Physician Associates, spoke in support of Senate Bill 285. He argued that the current title 'physician assistant' is confusing for patients, who often mistake PAs for assistants rather than recognizing them as highly educated medical professionals. Bartlett believes that changing the title to 'physician associate' would provide clarity and better reflect the role of PAs in healthcare.
SB301: Senator Tim McGonagle, District 11, Merrimack, Milford, and Wilton Support00:26:15.279 - 8:25:06 AM; Senator Tim McGonagle introduced Senate Bill 301, which aims to establish a joint legislative oversight committee to provide ongoing oversight of state agencies and programs. He emphasized the need for such a committee to ensure efficiency, transparency, and adherence to the law, pointing out that while many states have similar committees, New Hampshire currently lacks a permanent body for this purpose. McGonagle suggested the committee should take effect after the current Commission on Oversight and Accountability (COA) completes its work, proposing an effective date amendment. He also clarified that the committee would not require additional funding, as it would be composed of volunteer legislators, and could utilize existing expertise. The senator addressed questions about the differences between this proposed committee and the existing Joint Legislative Audit Committee, noting that the new committee would have a broader scope beyond fiscal issues. He also responded to concerns about potential costs related to issuing subpoenas and engaging independent experts, explaining that these provisions are intended to support thorough investigations when necessary.
SB301: Senator Tim McGonagle, District 11, Merrimack, Milford, and Wilton Information Only00:26:15.279 - 8:25:06 AM; Senator McGonagle clarified that the intent of the bill is not to increase the use of subpoena powers but to centralize them under a joint legislative oversight committee. He noted that these powers already exist but are rarely used. He also addressed concerns about the cost of engaging independent experts, stating that the bill does not add new funding as it would utilize in-house experts.
SB301: Unidentified Speaker Oppose00:37:17.640 - 8:36:08 AM; The speaker expressed concern that the bill might set up a partisan committee, as it was mentioned that subpoena powers could be used by whichever side of the aisle is in control. They questioned the appointment process of the committee members, suggesting it should be more bipartisan.
SB301: Senator Information Only00:38:04.599 - 8:36:55 AM; The senator responded to the concerns about partisanship, suggesting an amendment to include consultation with the minority party in the appointment process. They emphasized the intent for the committee to be bipartisan and clarified that the existing language allows for appointments by the Senate President and the Speaker of the House.
SB200: Senator Support00:41:10.880 - 8:40:01 AM; The senator introduced Senate Bill 200, which proposes to honor Senator Sylvia Larson by hanging her portrait in the state house. They highlighted her extensive legislative career, her contributions to various policy areas, and her service to the community of Concord and the capital region.
SB200: Donna Susi, resident of Manchester Support00:44:36.079 - 8:43:27 AM; Donna Susi, who served as Chief of Staff to Senator Larson, supported the bill. She emphasized Larson's behind-the-scenes work, her leadership qualities, and her role in achieving significant legislative accomplishments. Susi also mentioned the importance of recognizing New Hampshire leaders through portraits and highlighted the artist, Ralph Stony Jacobs, who painted Larson's portrait.
SB303: Senator Rebecca Perkins Kwoka, District 21, Portsmouth and surrounding towns Support00:48:05.240 - 8:46:56 AM; Senator Perkins Kwoka introduced SB303, which aims to assess the impact of the potential dissolution of the U.S. Department of Education on New Hampshire. She detailed the significant federal funding at risk, including funds for students with disabilities, Title One, Career and Technical education, and Pell Grants. She emphasized the importance of these funds for maintaining the state's education system and warned of the potential consequences such as larger class sizes and increased property taxes if the funding is lost.
SB303: David Trumble, Weare Support00:51:46.280 - 8:50:37 AM; David Trumble from Weare supports SB303 for two main reasons. First, he is concerned about the potential loss of educational services if the federal Department of Education is dissolved, particularly focusing on the impact on special education and Title One grants. He highlighted that 30,000 children in New Hampshire receive special education services, which are partially funded by federal grants. He also discussed the importance of Title One funding for low-income students, especially in rural districts, and the potential negative impacts of converting these funds into block grants. Second, he expressed concerns about the constitutional implications of dissolving the Department of Education, suggesting that such a move could be overturned by federal courts, and emphasized the need for a commission to prepare for such an eventuality.
SB303: Vanessa Blaze, Director of Policy and Planning, New Hampshire Council on Developmental Disabilities Support00:57:53.160 - 8:56:44 AM; Vanessa Blaze, representing the New Hampshire Council on Developmental Disabilities, supports SB303. She emphasized the importance of the Department of Education in enforcing civil rights laws that protect students with disabilities and in distributing IDEA funding. She expressed concerns about the potential dismantling of the Department of Education and its impact on students with disabilities, particularly regarding the enforcement of their rights to a free and appropriate public education. Blaze highlighted the need for a transparent plan to address parents' questions and concerns about the future of their children's education.
SB303: Frank Edelblut, Commissioner of Education Information Only01:01:32.599 - 9:00:23 AM; Commissioner Frank Edelblut provided information on the state's preparedness for potential changes at the federal level regarding education funding. He discussed the state's existing infrastructure to handle block grants, particularly in relation to Title One funding, and expressed confidence in the state's ability to transition smoothly. He addressed concerns about IDEA funding, stating that there have been no discussions about reducing or eliminating these grants. Edelblut also mentioned ongoing conversations about maintaining accountability measures like the NAEP assessment. He emphasized the benefits of local control over education funding and the potential savings from reduced federal administrative costs, which could benefit taxpayers.
SB303: Senator Re U Information Only01:13:03.880 - 9:11:54 AM; Senator Re U clarified the number of students with IEPs in New Hampshire, correcting the figure from 4,000 to 35,000. He questioned the Department of Education's preparedness to implement IEPs at the state level, including funding at 40%, should federal law change. Commissioner Edelblut responded that they are prepared and have existing state laws and formulas to manage special education funding.
SB303: Senator Al Information Only01:16:28.920 - 9:15:19 AM; Senator Al inquired about the state's preparation for a potential loss of $450 million in federal funding, specifically concerning the Department of Education's $240 million portion. Commissioner Edelblut explained that they are preparing to administer or respond to federal changes, expecting funds to come as block grants to the state, which they are ready to manage.
SB304: Senator Rebecca Perkins Kwoka, District 21 (Portsmouth and surrounding towns) Support01:19:11.760 - 9:18:02 AM; Senator Perkins Kwoka introduced Senate Bill 304, the Tariffs are Tax Act, which requires the Department of Business and Economic Affairs to report on the effects of Canadian tariffs on New Hampshire residents and small businesses. She highlighted the negative impacts of tariffs on various sectors including fuel, seafood, wood, and lumber, which affect heating costs, housing development, and local businesses. She mentioned specific concerns from businesses like the Affordable Housing and Education Development Fund in North Conway and Tuckerman Brewing Company, emphasizing the need for stability and planning for small businesses. She stressed the importance of understanding the implications of these tariffs to protect small businesses and workers.
SB304: Senator Ganon Information Only01:24:35.199 - 9:23:26 AM; Senator Ganon questioned the focus of the testimony on the negative impacts of tariffs, suggesting that there are also potential benefits, such as leveling the playing field in trade and boosting domestic production. He mentioned the example of Canadian taxes on American milk and the potential for increased domestic oil and gas production. Senator Perkins Kwoka acknowledged the potential uses of tariffs in trade negotiations but emphasized the need for stability and planning for small businesses, which are currently facing chaos and confusion due to the tariffs.
SB304: Senator Ala Information Only01:28:54.600 - 9:27:45 AM; Senator Ala asked about the potential impact of tariffs on tourism, particularly in the Seacoast region, which heavily relies on Canadian visitors. Senator Perkins Kwoka confirmed that tourism would be a focus of the report, acknowledging the significant impact of tariffs on the region's economy. She also mentioned the need to discuss the report's preparation with the Commissioner of Business and Economic Affairs, noting the potential cost and time involved in compiling the report.
SB304: Jim Jalbert, C&J Bus Lines, New Hampshire Support01:31:29.960 - 9:30:20 AM; Jim Jalbert, owner of C&J Bus Lines, testified in favor of SB304. He highlighted the economic impact of the bus industry in New Hampshire, which employs over 300 people and contributes over $125 million annually. He discussed the significant cost increase due to tariffs on buses purchased from Canada, with his company facing an additional $161,700 per bus, potentially rising to over $200,000 with retaliatory tariffs. Jalbert expressed concerns about the lack of guidance on tariffs, which affects how companies purchase equipment and manage costs, especially in a low unemployment environment where paying a livable wage is crucial. He also mentioned the broader economic implications, including inflation, retirement concerns, and tourism, emphasizing the need for the state to quantify the impact of tariffs to support businesses and citizens.
SB304: Ted Benson, Bensonwood Homes and Unity Homes, Keene and Walpole, New Hampshire Support01:43:45.280 - 9:42:36 AM; Ted Benson, founder and CEO of Bensonwood Homes and Unity Homes, supported SB304. He explained that his companies, based in Keene and Walpole, New Hampshire, focus on building healthy, durable, and efficient homes using advanced technology and materials. A critical component of their process is an engineered wood product sourced from a Canadian supplier, which is essential for their precision standards and sustainability goals. Benson highlighted that the tariffs on Canadian lumber directly threaten their business model and affordability of their homes. To mitigate the impact, they secured a year's supply upfront, but he stressed the need for predictability and stability in the market to avoid such drastic measures.
SB304: Ted Benson, Bensonwood Homes and Unity Homes, Keene and Walpole, New Hampshire Support01:47:27.040 - 9:46:18 AM; Ted Benson expressed concerns about the impact of tariffs on building materials, which he described as a financial burden and an obstacle to addressing the housing crisis. He highlighted the National Association of Home Builders' (NAHB) opposition to tariffs on Canadian and Mexican imports, noting that these tariffs increase building costs and disrupt supply chains, which in turn delay rebuilding efforts in disaster-affected communities. Benson emphasized the importance of a stable trade environment for his business to continue providing high-quality homes. He supported the bill as a means to amplify stories like his, which could lead to policy changes such as tariff waivers on building materials, thereby aiding businesses like his in New Hampshire.
SB304: Senator R Information Only01:52:40.679 - 9:51:31 AM; Senator R questioned how the bill would help Benson's business make better decisions. Benson responded that sharing stories like his would help policymakers understand the impact of tariffs on businesses and communities, potentially leading to a more robust response from the state.
SB304: Senator Al Information Only01:53:42.880 - 9:52:33 AM; Senator Al referenced specific lines in the bill that detail cost increases and job impacts due to tariffs. He asked if gathering all these stories into one report would give New Hampshire leverage in requesting exceptions and waivers. Benson agreed, emphasizing the importance of a collective narrative to influence state policy and prevent economic downturns that could lead to layoffs.
SB304: Mr. J Support01:58:48.480 - 9:57:39 AM; Mr. J supported the bill, emphasizing its importance in understanding the impact of tariffs on state revenues and business operations. He mentioned sending a significant check to the state and highlighted how economic changes affect his business decisions, suggesting that the bill's data would be crucial for state policy adjustments.
SB189 1069s: Senator Suzan Apprentice, District 5 Information Only02:15:21.760 - 10:14:12 AM; Senator Apprentice discussed the amendment to Senate Bill 189, which addresses concerns raised during the public hearing about the collection of protected health information. The amendment removes the collection of social security numbers, race, and ancestry from the bill. It also addresses the naming of fetal deaths, aligning with the certificate of stillbirth process to avoid disruption. The amendment was worked on with Senator Rosenwald and Deputy Secretary of State Hennessey to address these concerns.
SB189 1069s: Kristen Martino, Secretary of State's Office Information Only02:16:21.840 - 10:15:12 AM; Kristen Martino supported the amendment to Senate Bill 189, explaining the changes made to address concerns about protected health information and the naming of fetal deaths. The amendment was a result of collaboration with Senator Apprentice and others to ensure the bill aligns with existing processes.
SB285: Committee Members Information Only02:18:23.799 - 10:17:14 AM; The committee discussed Senate Bill 285, which proposes changing the title of Physicians Associates. Concerns were raised about potential confusion and the need for more time to consider the implications, as New Hampshire would be only the second state to make this change. The committee decided to re-refer the bill to allow for further discussion and to address concerns about the title being misleading to the public.
SB301: Committee Members Information Only02:24:16.520 - 10:23:07 AM; The committee discussed Senate Bill 301, which proposes creating a joint legislative oversight committee. There was debate about the composition of the committee, with suggestions for equal party representation to ensure bipartisanship. Amendments were proposed to delay the effective date and to specify the appointment process. Concerns were raised about the potential for the committee to become partisan, and the committee decided to amend the bill to ensure balanced representation and to change the effective date.
SB301: Grant Bony, Deputy Chief of Staff for the New Hampshire Senate Information Only02:27:02.319 - 10:25:53 AM; Grant Bony provided information on similar committees and the usual practices for their composition. He suggested that the committee could be structured to ensure minority party representation by limiting the number of members from any one party.
SB303: Committee Members Information Only02:37:30.200 - 10:36:21 AM; The committee discussed Senate Bill 303, which addresses education funding in light of potential federal funding changes. There was debate about the necessity of the bill, with some members arguing that the Department of Education is already preparing for these changes. The committee voted against the bill, with a motion to find it inexpedient to legislate passing 3-2.
SB304: Senator G Oppose02:41:54.279 - 10:40:45 AM; Senator G opposed Senate Bill 304, arguing that it was unnecessary and potentially partisan. He noted that the Canadian Trade Council and the Bureau of Economic Affairs are already addressing the issue of tariffs and their impact on the New Hampshire economy.
SB304: Senator M Support02:43:07.040 - 10:41:58 AM; Senator M supported Senate Bill 304, emphasizing the importance of gathering data on the impact of tariffs on New Hampshire businesses. He highlighted the need for a state agency to collect this information, as the Canadian Trade Council does not perform this function.
SB304: Senator MCU Oppose02:47:19.399 - 10:46:10 AM; Senator MCU opposed Senate Bill 304, arguing that the Bureau of Economic Affairs should be allowed to do its job without the additional burden of a costly report. He believed that businesses are already aware of the impact of tariffs and that this is a federal issue that should be addressed at that level.

Pearl, Howard (Chairman)(R)[C+]2024	McGough, Tim(V Chairman)(R)	Gannon, Bill(R)[C+]2024
Altschiller, Debra(D)[CT]2024	Reardon, Tara(D)