Committee Summary for Senate Finance (02/11/2025)

Bill/Time	Type	Title	Sponsor
SB239 2024-234s 00:07:41.280 - 12:21:47 PM	Public Hearing	requiring the general fund to cover the costs of the fish and game department retirement contributions and technology services.	Watters, David(D)[CT]2024
SB238 Not provided 00:17:45.360 - 12:31:51 PM	Public Hearing	extending funding for the adverse childhood experiences prevention and treatment pilot program.	Long, Pat(D)
SB241 Not provided 00:37:03.800 - 12:51:09 PM	Public Hearing	relative to construction of a public pier on Hampton Beach and making an appropriation therefor.	Avard, Kevin(R)[C+]2024
SB242 Not provided 01:11:22.520 - 1:25:28 PM	Public Hearing	relative to the cost of living adjustments for certain group II retirees in the New Hampshire retirement system.	Gannon, Bill(R)[C+]2024
SB242 Not provided 02:03:17.480 - 2:17:23 PM	Executive Session	relative to the cost of living adjustments for certain group II retirees in the New Hampshire retirement system.	Gannon, Bill(R)[C+]2024
SB114 0296s 01:27:50.440 - 1:41:56 PM	Executive Session	making appropriations to the department of health and human services to support community and transitional housing through community mental health centers.	Fenton, Donovan(D)[F]2024
SB115 0341s 01:29:41.639 - 1:43:47 PM	Executive Session	making an appropriation for regional drinking water infrastructure.	Abbas, Daryl(R)[C+]2024
SB116 Not provided 01:32:54.360 - 1:47:00 PM	Executive Session	relative to the Pillsbury Lake Village District community water system, and making an appropriation therefor.	Innis, Daniel(R)[C+]2024
SB117 0322s 01:42:20.679 - 1:56:26 PM	Executive Session	making an appropriation to the department of education to fund the online tutoring program.	Innis, Daniel(R)[C+]2024
SB239 0234s 01:53:31.560 - 2:07:37 PM	Executive Session	requiring the general fund to cover the costs of the fish and game department retirement contributions and technology services.	Watters, David(D)[CT]2024
SB238 Not provided 01:57:22.880 - 2:11:28 PM	Executive Session	extending funding for the adverse childhood experiences prevention and treatment pilot program.	Long, Pat(D)
SB241 Not provided 01:58:55.639 - 2:13:01 PM	Executive Session	relative to construction of a public pier on Hampton Beach and making an appropriation therefor.	Avard, Kevin(R)[C+]2024

SB239 2024-234s: Senator David Waters, District 4 Support00:07:41.280 - 12:21:47 PM; Senator Waters introduced Amendment 234s to Senate Bill 239, which proposes $400,000 for environmental reviews concerning threatened and endangered species and an additional $2 million to address a deficit from previously instituted salary increases. He referenced prior discussions in the energy and natural resources committee about funding challenges for the Department of Environmental Services and the Fish and Game Department. He mentioned potential fee structures to support Fish and Game's work and noted that the governor's budget might address environmental regulation changes relevant to this issue. He also discussed the need to prioritize funding for salary increases and indicated that further details would be provided by Colonel Jordan. The amendment aims to address the sustainability issues of the Fish and Game Department as discussed in a study committee over the summer, and he suggested using the bill as a placeholder until the House budget is reviewed.
SB239 2024-234s: Colonel Jordan Information Only00:11:12.399 - 12:25:18 PM; Colonel Jordan discussed the financial struggles of the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department, particularly focusing on salary increases. He mentioned that when the raises were initially provided by Governor Sununu, they were accompanied by general fund money to cover the costs. However, it was later indicated that this funding would not be recurring, which was not anticipated in the department's budget planning. This led to concerns about potential staff cuts if additional funding was not secured. He confirmed that without the additional funding, the department would need to cut staff to manage the budget.
SB239 2024-234s: Mr. Sullivan Information Only00:12:42.199 - 12:26:48 PM; Mr. Sullivan represented the environmental review aspect of the amendment. He was prepared to answer questions from the committee regarding the need for the environmental review funding as proposed in the amendment. He did not provide additional testimony beyond his readiness to address inquiries.
SB239 2024-234s: Meredith Hatfield, The Nature Conservancy Support00:14:36.880 - 12:28:42 PM; Meredith Hatfield expressed strong support for the Fish and Game Department and the various important roles they fulfill for the state. She reiterated her organization's willingness to collaborate on finding creative solutions, either through this legislative amendment or through the state budget proposed by the governor.
SB239 2024-234s: Matt Ley, Society for the Protection of New Hampshire Forests Support00:15:20.519 - 12:29:26 PM; Matt Ley, representing the Society for the Protection of New Hampshire Forests, expressed support for the amendment to SB239. He emphasized that the mission and responsibilities of the Department of Fish and Game are crucial for preserving New Hampshire's unique natural resources, including wildlife diversity and outdoor recreation. Ley believes the amendment will assist the department in fulfilling these responsibilities effectively.
SB238 Not provided: Senator Long, District 20, Manchester Support00:17:45.360 - 12:31:51 PM; Senator Long, representing District 20 in Manchester, introduced SB238, which seeks to extend the Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) prevention and treatment program. The program, initially established by Senate Bill 444 in 2022, is set to end in July 2025. The extension would run through 2026 and 2027, with an annual funding request of $150,000 primarily for training. Senator Long highlighted the program's success and its focus on children from birth to six years old, who are most vulnerable to maltreatment.
SB238 Not provided: Deli Champagne, Chair of the Board of Directors, Center for Trauma Responsive Practice Support00:20:51.320 - 12:34:57 PM; Deli Champagne, from the Center for Trauma Responsive Practice, strongly supported SB238. She emphasized the importance of child-parent psychotherapy (CPP), which has been effective in reducing child maltreatment by 65% over the last six years. Champagne highlighted CPP's role in improving child behaviors, school readiness, and reducing caregiver depression and trauma symptoms, stressing its vital role in supporting young children in New Hampshire.
SB238 Not provided: Dr. Cassie Affley, Licensed Psychologist Support00:20:51.320 - 12:34:57 PM; Dr. Cassie Affley, a licensed psychologist with over 30 years of experience, supported SB238 and shared personal experiences to illustrate the importance of early intervention. She recounted her career shift from teaching to advocating for children with mental health challenges, including her son with autism and schizophrenia. Dr. Affley emphasized the need for continued funding for CPP to support young children and families affected by trauma and addiction, particularly highlighting the program's impact and the need for infrastructure to train clinicians.
SB238 Not provided: Sam Hawkins, Public Policy Assistant, NAMI New Hampshire Support00:28:06.640 - 12:42:12 PM; Sam Hawkins from NAMI New Hampshire supported SB238, emphasizing the importance of early intervention and prevention in mental health. Hawkins highlighted the potential cost savings for the state by connecting families to resources before crises occur, urging the committee to support the bill to bolster community resources.
SB238 Not provided: Jenny O'Higgins, Legislative Liaison for Behavioral Health, DHHS Information Only00:29:41.159 - 12:43:47 PM; Jenny O'Higgins from the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) provided information regarding the fiscal note for SB238. She clarified that the fiscal note was based on the bill as written and would need to be revised with the introduction of an amendment. O'Higgins also detailed the implementation of the CPP program since 2022, its impact on over a thousand clients, and the role of Family Resource Centers (FRCs) in supporting families. She confirmed that no opioid abatement funds were allocated to FRCs and provided data on the utilization of previous funding.
SB241 Not provided: Senator Kevin Arard, Prime Sponsor, SB241 Support00:37:03.800 - 12:51:09 PM; Senator Kevin Arard introduced SB241, which aims to establish and fund the Hampton Beach State Park pier fund. The bill proposes an appropriation of $2 million for the permitting process of constructing a public pier at Hampton Beach, with the remainder of the funding to be sourced from grants and donations. Arard highlighted the pier's purpose to provide access to the ocean for individuals with disabilities, emphasizing its potential as a revenue source and its absence in New Hampshire compared to other states. He addressed concerns about the pier's impact on wildlife and its safety benefits, suggesting it could extend the tourism season and enhance local economic activity.
SB241 Not provided: Unidentified Speaker Information Only00:49:37.799 - 1:03:43 PM; The speaker raised concerns about the $2 million appropriation for permitting the pier at Hampton Beach, questioning whether a plan for a site and construction should precede the permitting process. They mentioned a feasibility study that had been conducted, costing $150,000, which included different plans for the pier. They also discussed the state statute requiring the scientific and technical advisory panel to meet every five years to establish anticipated sea level rise and storm surge for the coastal area, expressing skepticism about the impact of sea level rise on coastal infrastructure like the pier and questioning the justification of spending on a pier if the road access might be compromised by rising sea levels.
SB241 Not provided: Brian Wilson, Director, Division of Parks and Recreation, Department of Natural and Cultural Resources Information Only00:54:21.559 - 1:08:27 PM; Brian Wilson presented testimony regarding SB241, focusing on the proposed public pier at Hampton Beach. He mentioned a previous $150,000 feasibility study and a recent $150,000 appropriation for accessibility improvement studies at Hampton Beach State Park. Wilson discussed the findings of the accessibility study, which identified low-cost and no-cost improvements, as well as high-cost projects like the pier. He highlighted ongoing work with the Department of Transportation on the Ocean Boulevard master plan, which will impact parking and access at the beach. Wilson noted that while a pier could increase visitation, further discussion on ownership, partnerships, and operational costs is needed. He also addressed the need for full funding and design before moving forward with permitting and construction, and discussed potential locations for the pier, with the south beach area near the jetty being the most viable, though challenging due to environmental and structural considerations.
SB241 Not provided: Unidentified Senator (Waters) Information Only01:02:09.400 - 1:16:15 PM; The senator inquired about the governance of the pier project by existing state statutes, specifically regarding the science and technical advisory panel's projections on sea level rise. The response from Brian Wilson acknowledged the influence of these projections and the need to consider the pier's longevity and maintenance costs within the context of the state park's self-funded operations and existing infrastructure priorities.
SB241 Not provided: Chris Muns, State Representative from Rockingham District 29, representing the town of Hampton Oppose01:04:18.119 - 1:18:24 PM; Chris Muns, a State Representative from Hampton, expressed opposition to SB241, which proposes funding for a project that he described as mysterious and unnecessary to his constituents. He highlighted concerns about the project's impact on traffic, parking, and the local environment, particularly noting the proposed location near residential areas and plover nesting sites. Muns also raised concerns about the additional burden on Hampton's infrastructure and the fairness of cost distribution between local taxpayers and state revenues. He referenced previous adjustments to funding for similar projects and suggested that if funds were to be allocated to Hampton, they should address more pressing issues like flooding in Hampton Harbor. Alternatively, he suggested reallocating the funds to improve the Canon Mountain Tramway, a significant revenue source for the state park system.
SB242 Not provided: Berzel, State Senator for District 19, representing the towns of Derry, Hampstead, and Windham Information Only01:11:22.520 - 1:25:28 PM; Senator Berzel introduced Senate Bill 242, which proposes a cost of living adjustment (COLA) for retired group two members, to be funded from the state general fund. He mentioned Senator Ganon's concerns about the high cost to the system, estimated at over $98 million, and indicated that Senator Ganon does not wish to move forward with the bill.
SB242 Not provided: Arthur Bodri, representing the New Hampshire State Permanent Firefighters Retirement Association, retired captain from the Manchester Fire Department, and past Trustee of the New Hampshire Retirement System Support01:13:20.920 - 1:27:26 PM; Arthur Bodri supported Senate Bill 242, emphasizing the need for a COLA for group two retirees, who have not received adequate adjustments for over a decade. He detailed the history of COLAs and the impact of inflation on retirees' buying power, noting that group two members do not receive Social Security benefits. Bodri highlighted the disparity in COLAs granted to group one and group two members over the past 20 years and provided handouts illustrating the significant difference in pension value with and without adequate COLAs.
SB242 Not provided: Mark Kavanaugh, Deputy Counsel and Chief Compliance Officer for the New Hampshire Retirement System Information Only01:21:47.480 - 1:35:53 PM; Mark Kavanaugh stated that the New Hampshire Retirement System takes no position on Senate Bill 242, considering it a policy decision for the legislature. He cautioned about the existence of another COLA bill in the House that would cover both group one and group two members, noting the potential for overlap in legislation. Kavanaugh clarified the financial implications of the proposed COLA, explaining that it would become a permanent part of the base pension, adding to the state's ongoing liabilities.
SB242 Not provided: John Mallister, Professional Fire Secretary of Treas for the Professional Fire Fighters of New Hampshire, 25-year member of the Nashua Fire Department Support01:24:35.239 - 1:38:41 PM; John Mallister spoke in support of Senate Bill 242, emphasizing the need for better retirement benefits for firefighters who have dedicated their careers to public service. He highlighted that many retirees continue to live in New Hampshire, contributing to the local economy through property taxes, vacations, and investments. Mallister referenced a study by the National Institute on Retirement Security, noting that for every dollar contributed by taxpayers, there is a $6.10 economic impact in New Hampshire. He stressed the importance of providing retirees with a dignified and livable wage in retirement, given the rising cost of living, and urged the committee to support the bill.
SB242 Not provided: Committee Chair Information Only02:03:17.480 - 2:17:23 PM; The committee chair noted that the prime sponsor of Senate Bill 242 no longer wishes to be the prime sponsor. The chair recommended a motion to re-refer the bill and table the motion to avoid voting in favor or against it. Discussion ensued about the financial situation of retirees, particularly firefighters, and the committee's priorities. A suggestion was made to hold off on a decision until after reviewing the budget, which might include provisions for group two retirees.
SB114 0296s: Senator Rosenball Information Only01:27:50.440 - 1:41:56 PM; Senator Rosenball moved to pass Senate Bill 114 as amended with amendment 0296s, which was seconded. The amendment adds a sentence to section one, stating that a sum shall be nonlinguistic. The motion to pass the bill as amended was approved.
SB115 0341s: Senator Rosenball Information Only01:29:41.639 - 1:43:47 PM; Senator Rosenball moved to pass Senate Bill 115 as amended with amendment 0341s, which was seconded by Senator Pearl. The amendment ensures that ratepayers in towns, particularly Derry, where infrastructure passes through but does not receive service, will not see their water rates increase. The amendment adds language to prevent current public utility ratepayers from being adversely affected by costs associated with new services. The motion to pass the amendment and the bill as amended was approved.
SB116 Not provided: Senator Birdell Information Only01:32:54.360 - 1:47:00 PM; Senator Birdell moved to pass Senate Bill 116, which was seconded. Discussion focused on the bill's priority due to it addressing a problem partly created by the original agreement's structure. Concerns were raised about the withdrawal of a grant from the Drinking Water and Groundwater Trust Fund due to a decline in the group's membership and their ability to repay loans. The motion to pass the bill was approved, though it was noted that it would be low on the priority list for funding.
SB116 Not provided: Senator Waters Information Only01:33:57.040 - 1:48:03 PM; Senator Waters expressed concerns about the withdrawal of a grant due to the group's inability to repay loans, emphasizing that this situation complicates the issue. He supported the bill but noted it as a bailout and expressed concerns about setting a precedent for similar projects.
SB116 Not provided: Grant Posi, Deputy Chief of Staff for the New Hampshire Senate Information Only01:36:43.880 - 1:50:49 PM; Grant Posi clarified that the Drinking Water and Groundwater Trust Fund Advisory Committee had given a grant for new improvements but recommended rescinding it due to concerns about the system's legacy debt. He noted that addressing the legacy debt could allow the existing grant to proceed.
SB116 Not provided: Brandon Kernin, Administrator of the Drinking Water and Groundwater Bureau at DES Information Only01:37:32.639 - 1:51:38 PM; Brandon Kernin clarified that the funding staff recommended not offering was for a new well loan, not a grant. He noted that increasing rates with another loan might not be the best path forward and suggested that the system could seek a grant instead.
SB117 0322s: Senator Lang Information Only01:42:20.679 - 1:56:26 PM; Senator Lang moved to adopt amendment 0322s for Senate Bill 117, which was seconded. The amendment strikes tutor.com from the bill and adds reporting requirements for the Department of Education. Discussion focused on the effectiveness of the program and the potential for competitive bidding. The amendment and the bill as amended were passed.
SB117 0322s: Senator Waters Information Only01:44:50.719 - 1:58:56 PM; Senator Waters proposed amendment 0309s, which was intended to require competitive bidding for the online program. However, the amendment failed to pass. Discussion continued on the importance of competitive bidding and the Department of Education's enthusiasm for the program.
SB239 0234s: Senator Pearl Information Only01:53:31.560 - 2:07:37 PM; Senator Pearl moved to pass amendment 0234s for Senate Bill 239, which was seconded. The amendment addresses the need for general fund support for the Department of Fish and Game due to its self-funded status. Concerns were raised about the department's ability to manage increased tasks without additional funding. The amendment and the bill as amended were passed.
SB238 Not provided: Committee Chair Information Only01:57:22.880 - 2:11:28 PM; The committee chair discussed Senate Bill 238, noting that there was confusion about the need for clarification on line 13. It was mentioned that an amendment was expected to address this issue. No action was taken on the bill at this time.
SB241 Not provided: Committee Chair Information Only01:58:55.639 - 2:13:01 PM; The committee chair discussed Senate Bill 241, suggesting that if an appropriation were to be made, it should be deferred until matching funds are secured. Concerns were raised about the priority of funding a pier project compared to other needs, such as housing for disabled people. No action was taken on the bill at this time.
SB241 Not provided: Senator Waters Information Only02:00:39.440 - 2:14:45 PM; Senator Waters supported the idea of setting up a fund for Senate Bill 241 but was concerned about the requirement for full engineering plans and funding before starting permitting. He suggested keeping the project viable for fundraising without immediate funding.

Gray, James(Chairman)(R)[C+]2024	Innis, Daniel(V Chairman)(R)[C+]2024	Carson, Sharon(R)[C]2024
Watters, David(D)[CT]2024	Birdsell, Regina(R)[C+]2024	Lang, Timothy(R)[C+]2024
Rosenwald, Cindy(D)[CT]2024	Pearl, Howard (R)[C+]2024