Committee Summary for Senate Finance (02/17/2026)

Bill/Time	Type	Title	Sponsor
HB704 00:09:45.040 - 12:23:51 PM	Public Hearing	(New Title) making an appropriation to the retired senior volunteer program.	Wallner, Mary Jane(D)[F]2025
HB246 00:29:53.600 - 12:43:59 PM	Public Hearing	directing the state conservation committee to implement the conservation district climate resilience grant program and making an appropriation therefor.	Aron, Judy(R)[A-]2025
HB104 01:01:54.400 - 1:16:00 PM	Public Hearing	relative to requiring an official declaration of war for the activation of the New Hampshire national guard in a foreign state.	Mannion, Tom(R)[A+]2025
SB483 01:45:05.840 - 1:59:11 PM	Executive Session	making a contingent appropriation to the department of health and human services for recruitment and benefit grants for child care employers.	Rosenwald, Cindy(D)[F]2025
SB541 01:46:35.600 - 2:00:41 PM	Executive Session	making an appropriation for regional drinking water infrastructure.	Abbas, Daryl(R)[B-]2025
SB600 01:46:35.600 - 2:00:41 PM	Executive Session	requiring the governor to submit and present a quarterly fiscal year budget report about the general and education trust funds to the general court fiscal committee.	Gray, James(R)[B-]2025
SB603 01:47:59.119 - 2:02:05 PM	Executive Session	relative to the funding of the SNAP program by the department of health and human services.	Abbas, Daryl(R)[B-]2025
SB605 01:48:49.040 - 2:02:55 PM	Executive Session	relative to special assessment requests from pooled risk management programs.	Perkins Kwoka, Rebecca(D)[F]2025
SB606 01:48:49.040 - 2:02:55 PM	Executive Session	relative to insurance coverage for biomarker testing.	Birdsell, Regina(R)[B-]2025
SB662 01:50:12.880 - 2:04:18 PM	Executive Session	making an appropriation to the department of natural and cultural resources for renovations to the Northwood Meadows Lake Dam.	Pearl, Howard (R)[B]2025
SB663 Committee amendment to strike section two 01:51:34.159 - 2:05:40 PM	Executive Session	creating a Medicaid methodology working group within the department of health and human services and making an appropriation to the department of health and human services for eligible nursing facilities based on Medicaid reimbursement rates.	Rosenwald, Cindy(D)[F]2025
SB528 2024-0440s 01:58:13.280 - 2:12:19 PM	Executive Session	prohibiting receiving compensation for lobbying on behalf of a foreign adversary.	Birdsell, Regina(R)[B-]2025

HB704: Mary Jane Walner, State Representative from Concord Support00:09:45.040 - 12:23:51 PM; Representative Walner introduced the amended version of HB 704, which passed the House. The bill appropriates $180,000 to four RSVP programs for retired seniors, divided equally, contingent on revenues exceeding projections. RSVP helps isolated seniors stay in their homes through home visits, rides to medical appointments, errands, and grocery shopping, delaying higher-cost care. Funds will expand the driver program with volunteer recruitment and mileage reimbursement, add bone builder classes with staff time and weights, and support fix-it programs for small home repairs. She emphasized RSVP's role in utilizing seniors' skills and wisdom as community assets and urged support for the House's ought to pass recommendation.
HB704: Brian Clark, General Counsel for Bureau of Adult and Aging Services Information Only00:13:38.800 - 12:27:44 PM; Brian Clark provided information on HB 704, noting it makes a contingent appropriation to federally funded retired senior volunteer programs (RSVP). The grant would enhance existing programs to provide more services connecting seniors to volunteer opportunities in their communities.
HB704: Nancy McKeon, Executive Director of the Friends Program Support00:15:43.920 - 12:29:49 PM; Nancy McKeon supported HB 704, highlighting the Friends Program's 50-year history and over 20 years running RSVP in Merrimack, Rockingham, parts of Strafford, and Belknap counties. RSVP, one of four in NH, involves 300+ volunteers providing 30,000+ hours last year on drivers, grocery delivery, companionship, and leading 100+ free classes yearly at 30 locations for exercise and socialization. It also includes fix-it programs, blood drives, food pantries, and backpacks for food-insecure kids. As NH ages rapidly, RSVP keeps seniors' skills active, improves community lives, and enhances volunteer health outcomes. Funds would recruit/train more volunteers, certify teachers, provide mileage reimbursement, promote health, and keep seniors engaged.
HB704: Lily Wellington, Executive Director, Commission on Aging Support00:20:47.360 - 12:34:53 PM; Lily Wellington provided background on why the Commission on Aging supports HB 704, distributing written testimony on the return on investment for volunteer programs. She referenced a recent October 2025 study showing volunteer matching programs scored highest among 17 healthy aging indicators, with an ROI of 24 times the investment, such as $180,000 yielding significant returns. She highlighted the dual benefits for service recipients and older adult volunteers, addressing workforce shortages in transportation and healthcare by utilizing retirees' wisdom and talents. She noted the bill's guardrails, ensuring funding only if revenues exceed projections, making it a prudent state investment.
HB704: Judith Jones Support00:22:52.799 - 12:36:58 PM; Judith Jones expressed gratitude for discussing long-term care costs with the committee, emphasizing HB 704's role in rebalancing the system by funding community-based care, which lowers overall costs. She outlined five cost-effective aspects: (1) reducing nursing home placements, allowing people to stay in communities as desired; (2) the $35 hourly value of volunteers; (3) established program infrastructures ready to deploy; (4) ROI of $11 to $17 per dollar invested per studies; and (5) benefits to volunteers through socialization. She described the bill as high-impact, cost-effective, common-sense, and delivering what Granite Staters want in an affordable way. In response to a question, she affirmed the bill relieves property tax burdens by promoting home and community-based care under the 2023 System of Care for Healthy Aging legislation, noting progress in rebalancing and the value of modest funding for free volunteer labor.
HB704: Roger D. Roger, Caregiving Volunteer, AARP New Hampshire Support00:26:32.640 - 12:40:38 PM; Roger D. Roger, a caregiving volunteer with AARP New Hampshire, supported HB 704 by sharing how RSVP programs enable older adults to stay independent at home through services like rides to appointments, meal deliveries, and visits. He noted these services improve quality of life, reduce long-term costs compared to nursing home care, and ease family and caregiver burdens. He urged support to strengthen the program, allowing RSVP to continue aiding aging in place for Granite Staters.
HB246: Representative Judy Aaron, Chair, House Environment and Agriculture Committee Support00:29:53.600 - 12:43:59 PM; Representative Judy Aaron, representing Swanzey District 4 (towns of Acworth, Gilsum, Langdon, Lempster, and Washington), requested support for HB246, which allocates $100,000 for the biennium ending June 30, split as $50,000 annually to the 10 conservation districts ($5,000 each) for their grant programs aiding agriculture. She praised the programs' leverage of funds through private donations, noting state support would encourage more private giving. The grants foster innovative solutions for farmers facing pest management, drought, and other pressures. She emphasized the programs' efficiency and benefits to the farming community, acknowledging scarce state dollars but highlighting this as a well-run, high-leverage investment. She offered written testimony for review and noted others ready to testify on its impacts.
HB246: David Trumbull, Farmer, Good Earth Farm, Antrim Support00:34:23.040 - 12:48:29 PM; David Trumbull, a 40-year certified organic farmer from Good Earth Farm in Antrim, supported HB246 despite not having participated in the program himself. He described firsthand climate impacts like extended droughts (now six weeks plus thunderstorms), making high yields difficult without irrigation, and heavier rains causing more soil erosion due to climate change. The grants fund equipment like no-till planters, perfecta field cultivators, silage tarps, and drip irrigation, essential for small-scale vegetable farms to boost yields threefold and maintain soil health for better drought resistance. He cited the program's $700,000 history and strong House testimony. Economically, NH farms generate 7,000 jobs, $120 million in wages, $70 million in taxes, and a $500 million multiplier impact. He addressed affordability concerns, noting young farmers need seed money to start, as farming is capital-intensive with low hourly returns, preventing many from continuing without such support.
HB246: Benet Hersan, District Manager, Cheshire County Conservation District Support00:37:46.880 - 12:51:52 PM; Benet Hersan highlights the significance of the climate resilience grant program administered primarily by the Cheshire County Conservation District, which coordinates with all 10 New Hampshire conservation districts. Since 2022, they have provided 139 grants totaling over $1 million directly to farms. She emphasizes the importance of sustaining farms for local food production, noting a 10% decrease in farmland over the last decade, $11.5 million in state tax revenue from farms, and rising expenses making it difficult for new and existing farmers. Farms also contribute to tourism. Last year, 31% of applicants were turned away due to insufficient funding, and state support would leverage private dollars. During Q&A, she explains that grants can fund new or good-condition used equipment from local suppliers, such as for soil health and irrigation, with examples like Brookdale Farm in Hollis. Eligibility requires direct-to-consumer sales for at least two years and meeting USDA farm definitions. The application process runs from November to February 1, includes technical assistance, and uses a ranking matrix by selection committees. Follow-up involves contracts, insurance, progress checks, and final reports, plus workshops for peer learning. The average grant is around $10,000.
HB246: Cara Carlos, Farmer, Aworth NH Support00:46:52.240 - 1:00:58 PM; Cara Carlos testifies in favor of HB246, sharing her experience as a first-generation farmer on a 70-acre farm in Aworth. Severe weather has caused millions in road damage, prompting upgrades for sustainability. Last year, their farm received a climate resilience grant, enabling durable infrastructure like irrigation and pasture management that they couldn't afford otherwise. This foundation has allowed progress on community goals, including an agreement with the local historical society to rehabilitate the town general store as a venue for their goods and those of other local farmers and suppliers, supporting the conservation district's cooperative network. Supporting the bill strengthens this network of farmers and craftspeople who feed and enrich communities.
HB246: Rob Traver, Member, Sullivan County Conservation District, Aworth NH Support00:49:05.599 - 1:03:11 PM; Rob Traver, fresh from reviewing grant applicants, emphasizes benefits beyond farmers to communities and local food supplies. He notes New Hampshire's low 3% local food production, making the state 97% reliant on imports, and how grants enhance resilience and reduce vulnerability. As a taxpayer, he praises leveraging private nonprofit funds with state support as an efficient model. During Q&A, he estimates about $400,000 in annual private funding based on $40,000 per county.
HB246: Laura Sakowski, Office Manager, Grafton County Conservation District Support00:51:38.559 - 1:05:44 PM; Laura Sakowski supports HB246, which would provide modest state funds to boost the program's capacity and encourage private funders, bridging gaps for farmers facing high overhead, especially new ones. In Grafton County, grants have funded 12 projects on soil erosion reduction, equipment for soil fertility, and irrigation ponds for droughts, fostering creative solutions. Benefits include increased farmer profitability and productivity, plus indirect gains like educational workshops sharing solutions with the community for broader impact. She encourages support to build a strong farm future.
HB246: Ian Hanley, Executive Director, New Hampshire State Conservation Committee Support00:53:44.720 - 1:07:50 PM; Ian Hanley explains the State Conservation Committee's role in overseeing the 10 county conservation districts under the Department of Agriculture, Markets, and Food. Funds from the bill would flow through the committee to districts, with statutory financial oversight including annual reporting and insurance certificates. Districts provide local input to balance federal priorities from NRCS, ensuring local conservation practices. New Hampshire is one of few states without state funding for districts, making this a first-time commitment to local food production. During Q&A, he clarifies prior $580,000 in Harper dollars went solely to rental equipment, not climate resilience. He agrees the equipment program's success has spurred discussions, especially post-droughts, and highlights its national recognition. Solar projects are eligible for resilience like pumps and fencing, aiding cost savings.
HB104: Tom Maney, Hillsboro District 1 Support01:01:54.400 - 1:16:00 PM; Tom Maney, a US Marine Corps veteran, introduced HB104, the Defend the Guard Act, requesting an ought to pass recommendation. The bill requires Congress to formally declare war before deploying the New Hampshire National Guard to foreign combat zones under Title 10, while allowing activations for other purposes like executing laws, suppressing insurrections, repelling invasions, emergency responses, and overseas training. He criticized the lack of constitutional war declarations since 1942, replaced by authorizations for use of military force (AUMF), allowing presidents to act unilaterally. He quoted James Madison on the wisdom of giving war powers to the legislature. Maney highlighted how undeclared wars have led to lives lost at home, citing Hurricane Katrina where deployed Guard units hindered rescue efforts, and similar issues with Hurricane Helene. He addressed recent Guard deaths in Syria without war declaration or AUMF, and assured no funding threats based on statements from Congress members like Thomas Massie and Paul Gosar. He noted the bill's amendment requiring four other states to pass similar legislation before taking effect, providing safety in numbers.
HB104: Representative Jonah Oan Wheeler, Peterborough and Sharon Support01:07:37.119 - 1:21:43 PM; As a co-sponsor, Rep. Wheeler supported HB104 to enforce constitutional war declarations. He noted US military engagements without declarations since 1942, including Korea, Vietnam, Syria, Iraq, and others, undermining the founding documents. He argued states can protect their Guard from unconstitutional wars, drawing from veterans' experiences rather than anti-war movements. Wheeler stated that fighting illegal wars damages US moral superiority and national security, portraying the country as a war machine. He emphasized supporting veterans by withholding troops from unauthorized conflicts, dismissing funding loss fears as unconstitutional and unlikely, prioritizing soldiers' lives over equipment or tarmac.
HB104: Aubrey Friedman, Bridgewater Support01:12:34.320 - 1:26:40 PM; Aubrey Friedman supported HB104, focusing on the fiscal note as this is the Finance Committee. She distinguished Title 32 (domestic operations) from Title 10 (overseas deployments), arguing the president lacks authority under Title 10 to claw back funds, and Congress controls the purse per the Impoundment Control Act of 1974. She noted Congress routinely increases military budgets and views defunding threats as scare tactics. Friedman praised the amendment requiring four other states (like Massachusetts or Maine) to enact similar laws, providing safety in numbers and reducing retaliation risks. She concluded the $395 million defunding risk is unfounded.
HB104: Eric Brady, Dover Support01:16:30.159 - 1:30:36 PM; Eric Brady, a former Maine state senator and executive director of the New Hampshire Free State Project (speaking individually), supported HB104. He quoted Daniel Webster on states' duty to protect their militia from federal overreach. Brady noted undeclared wars since 1942, with National Guard comprising nearly half of troops in the last 25 years' conflicts, tolling service members, families, and taxpayers while benefiting military-industrial contractors. He reiterated constitutional war powers belong to Congress, criticizing their avoidance to evade accountability. Using Syria as an example, he argued deployments don't fit constitutional criteria like repelling invasion or enforcing laws, and the 2001 AUMF doesn't apply. Personally, he recalled sponsoring similar legislation in Maine and a veteran's suicide, questioning if funding justifies lives lost. Brady dismissed funding threats as a 'paper tiger' per a West Virginia ACLU memo, urging an up-or-down vote on the bill.
HB104: Major General David Mikolitis, Adjutant General, New Hampshire National Guard Oppose01:23:27.600 - 1:37:33 PM; Major General Mikolitis opposed HB104, distilling arguments to just/unjust wars (not for this venue), Congress's war powers (not abdicated via AUMFs), federal supremacy (governors can't override Title 10 activations per US code and Supreme Court precedent), and funding risks. As a combat veteran, he acknowledged costs but deferred war debates to Congress. He cited three recent cases: 2021 Oklahoma vaccine refusal threatening funding; 2025 NDAA transferring Space Force units without governor consent; and a 2025 executive order on DC forces with funding jeopardy. He emphasized the Guard's role as combat reserve, with federal funding covering pay, equipment like HIMARS and KC-46 refuelers ($3 billion for 900 airmen), and warned passage could lead to lost resources, as training is for wartime missions, not just domestic. He urged fighting in Congress, not the state house.
HB104: Kevin Grady, Hooksett, representing State Veterans Advisory Committee Oppose01:35:36.080 - 1:49:42 PM; Kevin Grady, a 25-year Air Force veteran representing the State Veterans Advisory Committee, opposed HB104 unanimously, as in past sessions. He agreed the fight belongs in Congress, citing Title 10 USC 12301(f) preventing governor objections to activations. Acknowledging sponsors' sincerity and patriotism, he highlighted the Guard's dual Title 32 state missions (e.g., rescues, flood aid) funded federally for realistic training. Most funding flows federally through the state. Grady warned of headquarters' intolerance for non-compliance, with money potentially redirected elsewhere, risking assets like KC-46s or F-35s to other bases (e.g., Portland or Cape Cod). He noted federal authority could ignore state law and federalize forces directly. Despite AUMFs replacing declarations since 1942, he saw no federal action on similar bills under various administrations, concluding state efforts won't succeed and urging focus on DC for political will.
SB483: Senator Rose Information Only01:45:05.840 - 1:59:11 PM; Senator Rose explained the intent to pass the bill and lay it on the table. He mentioned that he, Senator Lang, and two House members sent a letter to the federal delegation requesting clarification from the Office of Family Services on using TAP funds and advocating for New Hampshire's ability to use them in this manner.
SB541: Senator Rose Information Only01:46:35.600 - 2:00:41 PM; Senator Rose suggested holding the bill for further discussion.
SB600: Unidentified Senator Information Only01:46:35.600 - 2:00:41 PM; The speaker discussed holding SB 600, noting its original purpose due to wishy-washy end-of-year estimates: the Governor's budget projected $80 million from the rainy day fund, the House estimated nearly $150 million, but the actual was around $47 million, complicating budgeting. They are still seeking ways to improve the process.
SB603: Senator Birdell Support01:47:59.119 - 2:02:05 PM; Senator Birdell moved ought to pass on the SNAP program bill, which was approved unanimously and placed on consent.
SB605: Unidentified Chair or Member Information Only01:48:49.040 - 2:02:55 PM; Discussed ongoing negotiations with the Health Trust and Secretary of State on minimum and maximum contingency reserves. Progress is being made toward an agreement involving oversight from the Secretary of State's office, Insurance Department, and AG's consumer protection division. No objection to moving on without a vote at this time.
SB606: Unidentified Chair or Member Information Only01:48:49.040 - 2:02:55 PM; Similar to SB 605, discussions on contingency reserves are progressing, with no objection to moving on.
SB662: Unidentified Senator Support01:50:12.880 - 2:04:18 PM; Moved ought to pass and lay on the table pending funding availability. The motion passed unanimously.
SB663 Committee amendment to strike section two: Senator Lang Support01:51:34.159 - 2:05:40 PM; Senator Lang moved ought to pass with a committee amendment to strike section two (the appropriation) and renumber section three to two, retaining the study of the funding formula. He explained that due to tight money, they directed the Department of Health and Human Services to use Medicaid surplus and MET tax funds for long-term care to maintain lease levels. The amendment passed, and the bill as amended was approved unanimously and placed on consent. He plans to address funding later once actual MET revenues are confirmed around May.
SB663 Committee amendment to strike section two: Senator Rosen Information Only01:52:39.599 - 2:06:45 PM; Senator Rosen questioned whether using MET revenues would attract a 50-50 federal match, potentially doubling the $3.5 million to $7 million. He suggested contingent legislation or amending a House bill but agreed to move forward with the study now and address funding later.
SB528 2024-0440s: Senator Bell Support01:58:13.280 - 2:12:19 PM; Senator Bell moved ought to pass and amendment 2024-0440s, which removes reference to Venezuela and sets the effective date to July 1, 2027. The discussion was beginning as the transcript ends.
SB528 2024-0440s: Senator (Unnamed) Information Only02:00:06.159 - 2:14:12 PM; The senator questions whether the Syrian Arab Republic should still be included on the list of foreign adversaries due to recent changes in U.S. relations, including removal from terrorist lists and established trade, security, and economic ties. They suggest passing the bill and addressing Syria via a floor amendment, but ultimately propose a committee amendment to remove Syria. The committee agrees to vote on amendment 044 with this addition.
SB528 2024-0440s: Committee Chair Information Only02:01:13.760 - 2:15:19 PM; The chair facilitates the discussion, calls for a vote on the amendment 044 with the addition to remove Syria, confirms understanding, and conducts the voice vote which passes in favor.
SB528 2024-0440s: Senator (Unnamed) Information Only02:02:26.800 - 2:16:32 PM; The senator moves amendment 0569s, explaining it as a technical fix to include TikTok under the bill's provisions. They note that TikTok has reduced ownership below 20% as per the federal Protect Americans from Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act, allowing it to be covered by the legislation regarding lobbying restrictions.
SB528 2024-0440s: Senator Rose Information Only02:03:22.320 - 2:17:28 PM; Senator Rose clarifies that under the amendment, TikTok can have a lobbyist since their ownership is under 20%.
SB528 2024-0440s: Committee Chair Information Only02:03:22.320 - 2:17:28 PM; The chair calls for additional comments on amendment 0569s (none), conducts the vote which passes, then votes on the bill with amendments 0440s, the Syria removal, and 0569s included, which passes. They seek and obtain consent for the motion, assign Senator Bersel to take it up, and motions to end the executive session, which passes.

Gray, James(Chairman)(R)[B-]2025	Innis, Daniel(V Chairman)(R)[B]2025	Carson, Sharon(R)[B]2025
Watters, David(D)[D-]2025	Birdsell, Regina(R)[B-]2025	Lang, Timothy(R)[B-]2025
Rosenwald, Cindy(D)[F]2025	Pearl, Howard (R)[B]2025