Committee Summary for Senate Executive Departments and Administration (04/02/2025)

Bill/Time	Type	Title	Sponsor
HB64 00:03:10.640 - 8:00:56 AM	Executive Session	relative to extending hiring preferences for military members and their spouses to the state and private businesses, and establishing purchase preferences for disabled veterans and military spouses regarding state supply purchases.	Roy, Terry(R)[B]2024
HB180 00:04:51.960 - 8:02:37 AM	Public Hearing	relative to critical incident stress management teams.	Proulx, Mark(R)[B]2024
HB183 00:17:53.600 - 8:15:39 AM	Public Hearing	relative to reporting requirements for emergency medical services personnel.	Proulx, Mark(R)[B]2024
HB268 00:32:51.159 - 8:30:37 AM	Public Hearing	relative to hearings before the board of tax and land appeals.	Lynn, Bob(R)[A]2024
HB435 00:46:55.839 - 8:44:41 AM	Public Hearing	relative to the definition of professional engineer.	McFarlane, Donald(R)
HB120 01:26:19.480 - 9:24:05 AM	Public Hearing	relative to transferring statutory authority from the department of education to the department of military affairs and veterans services regarding educational support services.	Creighton, James(R)[B]2024
HB64 2025-1370 01:29:57.800 - 9:27:43 AM	Public Hearing	relative to extending hiring preferences for military members and their spouses to the state and private businesses, and establishing purchase preferences for disabled veterans and military spouses regarding state supply purchases.	Roy, Terry(R)[B]2024
HB64 2025-1370 01:39:39.000 - 9:37:25 AM	Executive Session	relative to extending hiring preferences for military members and their spouses to the state and private businesses, and establishing purchase preferences for disabled veterans and military spouses regarding state supply purchases.	Roy, Terry(R)[B]2024

HB64: Unnamed Speaker Information Only00:03:10.640 - 8:00:56 AM; The speaker moved to reconsider House Bill 64 due to a non-germane amendment that was intended to be discussed. The motion to reconsider was seconded and passed, putting the bill back into committee for further discussion later in the day.
HB180: Representative Carol Maguire, Marlow Support00:04:51.960 - 8:02:37 AM; Representative Maguire introduced House Bill 180, which updates the critical incident stress management team statute. The bill clarifies that teams do not need to be affiliated with a municipality and addresses a new $100 test requirement for certification by the International Critical Incident Stress Foundation, which the bill proposes to delete as unnecessary for most team members. The bill also defines the role of the team leader in ensuring training.
HB180: Chief (unspecified) Support00:06:34.319 - 8:04:20 AM; The Chief, who had signed in to testify in favor of the bill, indicated that there was no need to testify as issues had been worked out prior. The Chief was available to answer any questions but none were asked.
HB183: Carol Maguire, representing Allenstown, Dunbarton, Epsom, and Hooksett Support00:17:53.600 - 8:15:39 AM; Representative Carol Maguire introduced House Bill 183, which modifies the requirement for Emergency Medical Services (EMS) personnel to submit incident reports. The bill extends the time frame for submitting these reports from immediately after an incident to within one week. Maguire mentioned that this change is intended to accommodate situations where EMS personnel might finish their shift at the time of an incident and would prefer not to stay and complete the report immediately. She noted that the bill passed the House on consent, indicating its non-controversial nature.
HB183: Unspecified Committee Member Information Only00:19:14.159 - 8:17:00 AM; An unspecified committee member expressed concerns about the proposed seven-day window for submitting incident reports, questioning whether this duration could impact patient care. They sought clarification on what constitutes an incident report and what information it contains. The member indicated an intent to reach out to the bill sponsor for further details before making a decision on the bill.
HB268: Carol Maguire Support00:32:51.159 - 8:30:37 AM; Representative Carol Maguire introduced House Bill 268, which aims to reduce travel costs for the Board of Tax and Land Appeals and petitioners by allowing hearings to be conducted via video or telephone. This change would enable more efficient use of time and resources, as it would not require counties to support hearings in every county. Maguire noted that a similar provision was included in the governor's version of House Bill 2 and in the House version, indicating its acceptance and relevance.
HB435: Carol Maguire, Merrimack District 27 Support00:46:55.839 - 8:44:41 AM; Carol Maguire, co-sponsor of the bill and chair of House ED&A, where it passed unanimously, introduced HB435. The bill aims to exempt software engineering from the definition of professional engineering. She explained that software engineering does not require a professional engineer's license because it is not covered by the professional engineer exams, nor is it typically studied by professional engineers. Maguire noted that in House ED&A, several engineers on the committee agreed that software engineering does not necessitate a professional engineer's license. She offered to answer any questions from the committee.
HB435: Senator R Information Only00:51:31.760 - 8:49:17 AM; Senator R asked for clarification on the difference between an engineer and a professional engineer. He expressed confusion about the hierarchy and mentioned receiving information from the New Hampshire Society of Professional Engineers. He sought to understand the least amount of education required for different levels within the engineering field.
HB435: Unknown Speaker Information Only00:52:18.359 - 8:50:04 AM; The speaker discussed the career progression in the field of engineering, starting from a basic engineer with a bachelor's degree, to those with a master's degree specializing in certain areas. They mentioned the Engineer-in-Training (EIT) exam as the first step towards becoming a licensed professional engineer, which is typically pursued by those aiming to start their own business or become chief engineers at large organizations. The speaker noted that the average rank-and-file engineer or those interested in management typically do not pursue the EIT.
HB435: Unknown Speaker Information Only00:53:27.599 - 8:51:13 AM; The speaker continued discussing the professional engineering path, mentioning the rigorous final PE exam necessary for signing off on major projects like turbines, structures, and bridges. They emphasized that only those at the top of an organization or working towards self-employment typically pursue this level of licensure.
HB435: Unknown Speaker Information Only00:54:13.319 - 8:51:59 AM; The speaker clarified that one can only claim the title of 'professional engineer' after passing the final PE exam. Prior to that, individuals trained as engineers cannot use this title. The committee had no further questions, and the speaker concluded their testimony.
HB435: Chris Malvy, American Council of Engineering Companies of New Hampshire Oppose00:55:25.240 - 8:53:11 AM; Chris Malvy, a licensed professional engineer and national director as well as a board member of the American Council of Engineering Companies of New Hampshire, expressed opposition to HB435. He highlighted his previous role on the Board of Professional Engineers and thanked Representative McFarland for discussing the legislation. Malvy argued that the bill could add confusion to RSA 310-A:2, potentially diminishing safeguards in professional engineering. He noted that professional engineering activities do occur in fields like Information Technology, information security, electronics, digital systems, and computing, and that licensure is required in New Hampshire for those working in these areas. He concluded by stating that the bill addresses a non-existent issue.
HB435: Senator Al Information Only00:57:20.920 - 8:55:06 AM; Senator Al asked for clarification on the hierarchy of education and licensure in engineering, confirming that in New Hampshire, one can call themselves an engineer without passing the professional engineering exam but cannot use the title 'professional engineer' unless licensed. The senator noted that other states, like Massachusetts, have stricter rules regarding the use of the term 'engineer'.
HB435: Unknown Speaker Information Only00:59:41.680 - 8:57:27 AM; The speaker added that to become a professional engineer, one must graduate from an accredited engineering institution, gain four years of progressive experience under a licensed professional engineer, and then pass the PE exam.
HB435: Chuck Gregory, New Hampshire Society of Professional Engineers Oppose01:00:39.000 - 8:58:25 AM; Chuck Gregory, a licensed professional engineer and president of the New Hampshire Society of Professional Engineers, opposed HB435. He argued that the bill's broad exclusions could undermine public safety and introduce ambiguities into the law. Gregory emphasized that fields like Information Technology, information security, electronics, digital systems, and computing are within the scope of professional engineering licensure, particularly when they impact public health, safety, and welfare. He cited statistics showing increased demand for licensure in electrical and computer engineering, and expressed concern that the bill could allow unlicensed individuals to perform critical work, potentially conflicting with national licensing standards.
HB435: Chuck Gregory, New Hampshire Society of Professional Engineers Information Only01:00:39.000 - 8:58:25 AM; Chuck Gregory concluded his testimony, emphasizing the importance of preserving the role of Professional Engineers while discussing the potential misalignment of licensing protocols with other states if the bill were to pass. He highlighted the need for licensed professionals to oversee technical matters impacting public safety.
HB435: Senator Al Information Only01:04:37.720 - 9:02:23 AM; Senator Al sought clarification on Chuck Gregory's testimony regarding the alignment of licensing protocols with other states. Gregory explained that typically, other states require licensed professional engineers for public safety-related technical work, and the proposed carve-out in New Hampshire would be out of the norm.
HB435: Senator R Information Only01:07:39.400 - 9:05:25 AM; Senator R questioned whether the bill's carve-out could be replaced by enhancing the definition of the practice of engineering to include electronics and other fields. Gregory suggested that adding these fields might not be necessary but acknowledged the growing importance of cybersecurity in engineering.
HB435: Representative Maguire Support01:11:05.679 - 9:08:51 AM; Representative Maguire introduced the bill, emphasizing the need for clarity in legislation regarding the practice of engineering. He shared personal and professional insights, including discussions with engineers and family members in the field, to support the bill's intent to exclude certain disciplines from licensing requirements.
HB435: Senator MC Information Only01:20:00.600 - 9:17:46 AM; Senator MC expressed confusion about the bill's attempt to exclude certain professional services from the definition of the practice of engineering. Representative Maguire clarified that the intent was to simplify and clarify the statute's focus on public safety-related engineering work.
HB120: Representative Jim Kraton, Hillsborough District 30 Support01:26:19.480 - 9:24:05 AM; Representative Kraton introduced HB120, explaining that it aims to transfer the authority to select educational institutions for veterans and service members from the Department of Education to the Department of Military Affairs and Veteran Services, aligning with an earlier transfer of duties.
HB120: Major General David M. AG, New Hampshire National Guard, Department of Military Affairs and Veteran Services Support01:27:33.760 - 9:25:19 AM; Major General David M. AG supported HB120, describing it as a housekeeping measure to ensure statutory authority aligns with the current operations of the Department of Military Affairs and Veteran Services regarding the credentialing of educational institutions.
HB120: Kevin Grady, State Veterans Advisory Committee, Hooksett, NH Support01:28:48.400 - 9:26:34 AM; Kevin Grady, representing the State Veterans Advisory Committee, supported HB120, noting its unanimous advancement out of the House committee and its placement on the consent calendar. He emphasized the importance of aligning paperwork with actual operations.
HB64 2025-1370: Senator Howard Pearl, District 17, Loudon, NH Support01:29:57.800 - 9:27:43 AM; Senator Pearl introduced the non-germane amendment 2025-1370 to HB64, explaining that it was requested by General M. Colitis to address an issue related to military recruitment and retention. He deferred detailed explanation to General M. Colitis.
HB64 2025-1370: Major General David M. Colitis, Adjutant General, New Hampshire National Guard, Department of Military Affairs and Veteran Services Support01:31:09.440 - 9:28:55 AM; General M. Colitis explained the need for the non-germane amendment to HB64, focusing on the challenges of military recruitment and retention. He detailed the use of referral and retention bonuses to address these issues, particularly for hard-to-fill positions.
HB64 2025-1370: Kevin Grady, State Veterans Advisory Committee, Hooksett, NH Support01:35:03.159 - 9:32:49 AM; Kevin Grady supported the non-germane amendment to HB64, emphasizing the importance of retention bonuses for critical career fields. He used an analogy to illustrate the impact of losing experienced personnel on military readiness.
HB64 2025-1370: Unidentified Speaker Information Only01:39:39.000 - 9:37:25 AM; The speaker discusses the need to hold several bills, including HB435 related to professional engineers, due to needing more time to consider them. They mention that there is no rush on any of the bills, especially the FNs (Fiscal Notes), and they are willing to give more time if needed.
HB64 2025-1370: Unidentified Speaker Information Only01:40:26.760 - 9:38:12 AM; The speaker continues to discuss the handling of bills, mentioning HB268 and HB469, and confirms there are no amendments to HB268. They agree to hold HB268 for another week if necessary.
HB64 2025-1370: Unidentified Speaker Information Only01:41:15.719 - 9:39:01 AM; The speaker discusses HB183, mentioning that they have some unanswered questions about the bill. They clarify the definition of patient care record, noting that EMS IIR includes patient care records as defined in SAF-C 591.40. They discuss the need to hold the bill for further discussion.
HB64 2025-1370: Unidentified Speaker Information Only01:42:31.639 - 9:40:17 AM; The speaker elaborates on the issue of how long a field provider has to complete a run sheet, comparing different state standards. They mention that Massachusetts allows a week, which they consider too long, and discuss the challenges of documentation after long shifts, suggesting a potential extension to 48 hours or keeping it at 24 hours.
HB64 2025-1370: Unidentified Speaker Information Only01:43:44.440 - 9:41:30 AM; The speaker continues discussing the content of the run sheet, explaining that it can range from minimal to extensive documentation, including details of cardiac arrests and other medical procedures. They discuss the importance of timely documentation for patient care and legal purposes.
HB64 2025-1370: Unidentified Speaker Information Only01:45:48.960 - 9:43:34 AM; The speaker explains the process of transferring patient care and the importance of oral reports and electronic records at the time of transfer. They discuss the potential legal implications of delayed documentation, suggesting that 24 hours is preferable for maintaining accurate records.
HB64 2025-1370: Unidentified Speaker Information Only01:46:53.639 - 9:44:39 AM; The speaker further discusses the legal implications of documentation timing, mentioning the importance of contemporaneous recording for legal proceedings. They suggest holding the bill for another week to consider these issues further.
HB64 2025-1370: Unidentified Speaker Information Only01:48:50.599 - 9:46:36 AM; The speaker concludes the discussion on HB183, suggesting to hold it for another week. They also mention other bills like HB55 and HB85, deciding to hold them as well. They plan to schedule seven bills for the next week, aiming to move through the remaining FNs quickly.
HB64 2025-1370: Unidentified Speaker Information Only01:51:10.880 - 9:48:56 AM; The speaker confirms the plan to schedule seven bills for the next week, noting that there are nine bills left to consider. They plan to move them quickly, with 10 minutes between each, and mention a previous marathon session where they managed 12 bills in one day.

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