Committee Summary for Senate Finance (03/11/2025)

Bill/Time	Type	Title	Sponsor
SB297 2025-0894s 00:04:58.639 - 12:33:49 PM	Executive Session	relative to pooled risk management programs.	Carson, Sharon(R)[C]2024
SB21 00:07:24.400 - 12:36:15 PM	Executive Session	relative to establishing a New Hampshire state trooper recruitment loan debt relief program and making an appropriation therefor.	Gannon, Bill(R)[C+]2024
SB72 00:08:19.159 - 12:37:10 PM	Executive Session	establishing a parents' bill of rights in education.	Lang, Timothy(R)[C+]2024
SB74 00:11:26.200 - 12:40:17 PM	Executive Session	relative to real property annual reporting requirements of state departments for permitting programs.	Pearl, Howard (R)[C+]2024
SB128 01:07:45.200 - 1:36:36 PM	Executive Session	relative to children's mental health services for persons 18 years of age and younger.	Birdsell, Regina(R)[C+]2024
SB132 01:12:09.600 - 1:41:00 PM	Executive Session	relative to health insurance coverage for prosthetics.	Gannon, Bill(R)[C+]2024
SB297 01:15:36.520 - 1:44:27 PM	Executive Session	relative to pooled risk management programs.	Carson, Sharon(R)[C]2024
SB230 02:41:01.479 - 3:09:52 PM	Executive Session	(New Title) relative to electric utility restructuring and investment in distributed energy resources.	Watters, David(D)[CT]2024
SB233 02:42:26.240 - 3:11:17 PM	Executive Session	establishing an energy reliability and large-scale storage task force.	Watters, David(D)[CT]2024
SB241 2024-0565 02:43:32.080 - 3:12:23 PM	Executive Session	relative to construction of a public pier on Hampton Beach and making an appropriation therefor.	Avard, Kevin(R)[C+]2024
SB274 02:46:39.960 - 3:15:30 PM	Executive Session	(New Title) establishing a 4-year pilot program to improve rail trails in New Hampshire, including the establishment of 2 funds, the rail trails program fund and the emergency trail repair fund, and making appropriations therefor.	Fenton, Donovan(D)[F]2024
SB76 02:47:00.000 - 3:15:51 PM	Executive Session	relative to the office of the child advocate.	Long, Pat(D)

SB297 2025-0894s: Committee Chair Information Only00:04:58.639 - 12:33:49 PM; The committee chair called the Senate Finance Committee to order and moved into executive session. They discussed the current amendment for Senate Bill 297, which is amendment 2025-0894s. The chair noted that this amendment would be taken up later in the session and encouraged attendees to review it beforehand due to a revision that corrected a missing paragraph from a previously distributed version.
SB21: Senator Waters Vote00:07:24.400 - 12:36:15 PM; Senator Waters moved to vote on Senate Bill 21, which was anticipated to be tabled. The motion was seconded by Senator Rosenwall, and the bill was subsequently tabled following a vote.
SB72: Committee Chair Information Only00:08:19.159 - 12:37:10 PM; The committee chair announced a motion to pass Senate Bill 72, which was seconded. Discussion focused on the fiscal note, indicating unfunded costs related to an increase in criminal and civil complaints and appeals to the Supreme Court. It was noted that funding for such increases is typically discussed during budget sessions rather than being included in the bills themselves.
SB72: Unnamed Senator Information Only00:09:59.440 - 12:38:50 PM; An unnamed senator expressed concerns about the judicial system's capacity, mentioning cuts to jury trials in the proposed budget and the historical underfunding of judges. They suggested that the bill might exacerbate existing issues within the judicial system. The senator also mentioned ongoing conversations between the governor and the judicial system regarding the budget but lacked specifics on the outcomes.
SB72: Committee Chair Vote00:11:26.200 - 12:40:17 PM; Following the discussion, the committee voted to pass Senate Bill 72 without further discussion. The motion to place it on the consent calendar was objected to by Senator Enis.
SB74: Committee Chair Information Only00:11:26.200 - 12:40:17 PM; The committee chair discussed Senate Bill 74, which pertains to annual reporting requirements for state department permitting. It was noted that revisions had reduced the fiscal impact, and there was a suggestion that the initial high fiscal note might have been inflated to discourage passage. The chair sought clarification on whether the bill should be tabled, indicating some confusion or uncertainty about the current status of the bill.
SB74: Blunt Information Only00:12:55.959 - 12:41:46 PM; Blunt inquired about a new cost estimate from the OB regarding potential costs to the agency. The response was that no new estimate was available at the moment as it was still out to the agency.
SB74: Committee Member Information Only00:13:17.360 - 12:42:08 PM; A committee member asked for clarification on the version of the bill being discussed, expressing uncertainty about whether it was the introduced version or a revised one. They mentioned ongoing discussions and the fiscal note's accuracy, and raised concerns about the reporting requirements' impact on understaffed agencies, questioning the purpose of the report and the cost involved. The discussion was paused until Senator Pearl could join.
SB74: Committee Chair Information Only00:15:30.079 - 12:44:21 PM; The Committee Chair moved on to discuss SB81, which increases the real estate transfer tax allocated to affordable housing from $5 million to $10 million. The Chair expressed reservations about reallocating funds from other purposes and anticipated the bill would be tabled. A motion to not pass was made and passed.
SB74: Committee Member Information Only00:16:56.000 - 12:45:47 PM; A committee member moved to pass SB87 but requested a delay due to the absence of an amendment related to a fiscal note and technical corrections needed for naming conventions in the bill. The decision was made to hold the bill until the next meeting.
SB74: Committee Member Information Only00:18:05.520 - 12:46:56 PM; The committee discussed SB93, which had been significantly revised. The original appropriation and new department creation were removed, and the revised bill was moved to pass with a motion and second.
SB74: Senator Waters Support00:19:32.080 - 12:48:23 PM; Senator Waters supported SB98, which extends a successful program for CTE (Career and Technical Education) that allows for tax credits on equipment donations and instructional time. The senator highlighted the program's success in fostering sector partnerships and hoped for its continuation.
SB74: Committee Member Information Only00:22:02.880 - 12:50:53 PM; The committee discussed SB110, which was amended to adjust the size limit for certain projects from 200,000 to 150,000 square feet. The amendment aimed to balance revenue and expenditure impacts and was seen as a fair compromise to expedite housing while ensuring funding for environmental work by the Department of Environmental Services (DES).
SB74: Senator Pearl Information Only00:25:44.440 - 12:54:35 PM; Senator Pearl requested a repeat of previous comments regarding SB74, specifically about funding and permit tracking, to ensure understanding before proceeding further.
SB74: Senator Rosenell Information Only00:26:31.399 - 12:55:22 PM; Senator Rosenell discussed the fiscal note of SB74, expressing concerns about the unfunded increase in general fund expenditures projected at over $1 to $2 million per fiscal year. He questioned the necessity and impact of the reporting requirements on state employees and the fiscal implications.
SB74: Senator Rosenell Support00:27:24.840 - 12:56:15 PM; Senator Rosenell provided further insights into the fiscal note, suggesting it might be overestimated. He mentioned conversations with the Department of Environmental Services (DES) and the Governor's office, indicating their support for the bill. He believed that DES could manage the new requirements within their current system, and any additional funding needs would be addressed during budget negotiations.
SB74: Senator Rosenell Information Only00:28:20.320 - 12:57:11 PM; Senator Rosenell clarified that DES felt they could comply with the bill's requirements without needing a new tracking system, based on recent discussions. He noted that any funding required would need to be requested during budget negotiations.
SB74: Senator Information Only00:29:10.559 - 12:58:01 PM; The Senator expressed concerns about the effectiveness and necessity of the reporting requirements in SB74, questioning the value of the reports and how they would improve efficiency or provide useful data to the legislature and applicants.
SB74: Senator Information Only00:30:23.960 - 12:59:14 PM; The Senator continued to question the need for including the Department of Transportation in the bill, citing existing mechanisms like the 10-year plan for tracking projects. He was unsure about the added value of the bill's reporting requirements.
SB74: Senator Information Only00:33:30.000 - 1:02:21 PM; The Senator discussed the fiscal note discrepancies, noting that DES initially indicated a high cost but later suggested they could manage within existing resources. He was confused about why the costs were expected to decrease despite no change in the number of permitting actions.
SB74: Chair Information Only00:34:44.320 - 1:03:35 PM; The Chair clarified the parliamentary status of SB74, noting that it does not have an appropriation and that any funding needs would be addressed during budget discussions. The Chair also managed the flow of the session, ensuring decorum and facilitating the conversation.
SB74: Senator Bell Information Only00:36:07.560 - 1:04:58 PM; Senator Bell introduced a new topic related to a personal needs allowance for nursing home residents, reflecting Social Security increases. He also mentioned an amendment requested by the Department of Health and Human Services to fund issues at Hampstead Hospital, including start, leave, and retention payments for employees.
SB74: Marissa Hen, Deputy Commissioner at DJ Jess Information Only00:37:36.960 - 1:06:27 PM; Marissa Hen discussed the purpose of the bill, which is to fulfill obligations related to the transition of Hampstead Hospital and Residential Treatment Facility to Dartmouth Health. She explained that the bill would ensure that staff receive their bonuses and annual leave payments, which were affected by the timing of the transaction. Additionally, the bill would establish a trust fund to accept rent payments from Dartmouth Health, amounting to $1.7 million annually, and allow for matching funds for capital improvements up to $3 million over seven years.
SB74: Unnamed Speaker Information Only00:39:37.079 - 1:08:28 PM; The speaker confirmed that the agreement with Dartmouth Health is expected to save the state $10 million annually, primarily due to Dartmouth Health assuming financial risk and improving billing efficiency. Concerns were raised about the fiscal committee's ability to appropriate funds beyond the specified amounts, suggesting a potential amendment to remove this provision.
SB74: Unnamed Speaker Information Only00:41:38.319 - 1:10:29 PM; The speaker expressed concerns about the fiscal committee's ability to appropriate general funds beyond the $3 million cap for capital improvements, suggesting that this could lead to overspending and a lack of transparency. They proposed removing the clause allowing fiscal committee approval for additional funds.
SB74: Unnamed Speaker Information Only00:42:29.000 - 1:11:20 PM; The speaker emphasized the importance of moving forward with the bill quickly to support the employees who have remained committed during the transition. They highlighted the significance of the capital improvement funds and the need for clarity on how these funds would be managed, particularly in relation to the fiscal committee's role.
SB74: Unnamed Speaker Information Only00:47:07.680 - 1:15:58 PM; The speaker discussed the potential for capping the amount that the fiscal committee could approve for additional funds, suggesting that this could address concerns about overspending while still allowing for the acceptance of funds from Dartmouth Health.
SB74: Senator Waters Information Only00:49:23.040 - 1:18:14 PM; Senator Waters suggested an alternative approach to managing the funds, proposing that the bill could be revised to remove the $3 million cap and allow all incoming funds to be used for capital investments, which would still require fiscal committee approval.
SB74: Unnamed Speaker Vote00:50:20.799 - 1:19:11 PM; The committee decided to put the bill on hold pending further discussion and potential revisions to address the concerns raised about the fiscal committee's role in appropriating funds.
SB74: Unnamed Speaker Vote00:51:36.720 - 1:20:27 PM; The committee moved to pass another bill (not specified in the transcript) with a motion for consent, which was approved without opposition.
SB74: Unnamed Speaker Information Only00:52:33.079 - 1:21:24 PM; The speaker discussed a program that assists low-income individuals turning 65 with Medicare costs, administered through the state's Medicaid program. They noted that the department had overestimated the fiscal impact of the program, suggesting a lower cost than initially projected.
SB74: Unnamed Speaker Information Only00:52:33.079 - 1:21:24 PM; The speaker concluded their testimony at 00:52:33.079, just before the snippet provided, discussing the ongoing executive session.
SB74: David Charney, Deputy Medicaid Director Information Only00:53:20.440 - 1:22:11 PM; David Charney provided updated fiscal impact data for SB74. He explained that the original fiscal analysis was based on nationwide averages, but new data specific to New Hampshire showed a lower average cost sharing amount, reducing the fiscal impact from $14 million in general funds to $11 million, split evenly between general and federal funds.
SB74: Henry Litman, Medicaid Director Information Only00:54:34.599 - 1:23:25 PM; Henry Litman discussed potential savings from the bill. He noted that by covering premiums and cost sharing, beneficiaries could better access their Medicare benefits, potentially delaying institutionalization and reducing higher nursing facility costs. The exact savings are difficult to quantify but would offset the $11 million cost to some extent.
SB74: Senator Waters Information Only00:55:41.119 - 1:24:32 PM; Senator Waters inquired about the potential savings from the bill, to which Henry Litman responded that savings could be seen in delaying institutionalization, though it would take time to materialize.
SB74: Senator Rosenal Vote00:56:10.240 - 1:25:01 PM; Senator Rosenal moved to pass the bill, seconded by Senator Inis. The motion was put to a vote and passed with a majority in favor.
SB74: Senator Suvin Information Only00:57:05.280 - 1:25:56 PM; Senator Suvin introduced the next bill, SB123, which requires coverage for ear acupuncture. The fiscal note estimates a cost between $1 million and $5 million if passed.
SB74: Senator Oso Information Only00:57:59.039 - 1:26:50 PM; Senator Oso expressed concerns about the lack of scientific studies supporting the effectiveness of ear acupuncture, noting that the available data was mostly anecdotal. He mentioned a communication from the state's chief medical officer about the limited quality of existing studies.
SB74: Unnamed Speaker Information Only00:58:56.920 - 1:27:47 PM; The speaker discussed the challenges in conducting high-quality studies on acupuncture due to the inability to blind participants effectively. They referenced a meta-study that suggested potential effectiveness but noted issues with bias and study design.
SB74: Unnamed Speaker Information Only00:59:54.240 - 1:28:45 PM; The speaker raised concerns about the cost of adding acupuncture to Medicaid coverage without strong evidence of its effectiveness, suggesting a referral might be appropriate.
SB74: Unnamed Speaker Information Only01:01:09.760 - 1:30:00 PM; The speaker mentioned that some insurance carriers cover acupuncture and questioned whether Medicaid should follow suit, citing anecdotal evidence of its benefits.
SB74: Robert Barry, General Counsel, Division of Medicaid Information Only01:02:43.000 - 1:31:34 PM; Robert Barry provided a revised fiscal note for SB123, estimating state fund expenditures of $1.2 million for fiscal year 26 and $2.4 million for fiscal year 27, based on assumptions about utilization rates.
SB74: Henry Litman, Medicaid Director Information Only01:02:43.000 - 1:31:34 PM; Henry Litman presented different fiscal impact numbers for SB123, estimating higher costs for state fiscal years 26 and 27, which would still result in the bill being referred to a passing table if passed.
SB74: Unidentified Speaker Information Only01:03:29.680 - 1:32:20 PM; The speaker provided updated fiscal note information for state fiscal years 26 and 27, adjusting the previously estimated costs to between $1 and $2.4 million in state funds for FY26, and between $3.8 and $4.8 million for FY27. The adjustments were based on departmental information.
SB74: Unidentified Speaker Information Only01:04:29.880 - 1:33:20 PM; The speaker expressed concerns about moving forward with the bill due to the lack of scientific data supporting the expenditure. They suggested a re-refer motion instead of an ought to pass motion, citing discomfort in asking colleagues to vote on a bill with unresolved questions about its science and potential costs.
SB74: Unidentified Speaker Information Only01:05:39.680 - 1:34:30 PM; The speaker reiterated concerns about the bill's scientific backing and the appropriateness of asking colleagues to vote on it, even if it were to be tabled. They discussed the procedural implications of tabling versus re-referring the bill.
SB74: Unidentified Speaker Information Only01:06:58.039 - 1:35:49 PM; The speaker supported the idea of re-referring the bill, suggesting that more evidence might be available in the next year to support the practice, which is currently based on anecdotal evidence.
SB128: Senator (Unidentified) Support01:07:45.200 - 1:36:36 PM; The senator moved to pass the bill, explaining that it aims to ensure insurance coverage for wraparound services for youth, which are often covered by Medicaid due to lack of insurance coverage. The bill seeks to shift the cost from taxpayers to insurance providers.
SB128: Senator Rosal Support01:08:52.198 - 1:37:43 PM; Senator Rosal supported the bill but noted that the insurance department indicated it would increase commercial premiums. They questioned the inevitability of such claims by the insurance department.
SB132: Senator (Unidentified) Support01:12:09.600 - 1:41:00 PM; The senator supported the bill, which was amended to allow coverage for one activity-specific prosthetic every five years for adults, similar to a previous bill for children. They noted the fiscal note was high but expected costs to be lower and mentioned the bill's status as a passing table pending a revised fiscal note.
SB132: Senator (Unidentified) Information Only01:12:09.600 - 1:41:00 PM; The senator concluded their remarks on the previous bill, SB132, before the session moved to a vote.
SB297: Chair (Unidentified) Information Only01:15:36.520 - 1:44:27 PM; The chair announced a half-hour recess and noted the intention to discuss Senate Bill 297 after the recess. They also mentioned the presence of many people in the audience for SB297 and planned to continue with other bills after.
SB297: Chair (Unidentified) Information Only01:16:40.040 - 1:45:31 PM; The chair reiterated the recess and the plan to resume at 4 PM, aiming to cover most of the agenda by then.
SB297: Chair (Unidentified) Information Only01:58:21.360 - 2:27:12 PM; The chair opened the executive session for Senate Bill 297, clarifying that it was not a public hearing and only invited individuals would speak. They invited the Secretary of State to discuss the bill due to multiple changes and stakeholder inputs.
SB297: David Langing, Chief of Staff for the Secretary of State, Risk Pool Division Information Only01:59:40.440 - 2:28:31 PM; David Langing discussed the amendments to Senate Bill 297. He explained the inclusion of Risk Management Services in the definition of administration, the process for handling financial impairment in risk pools, and the requirement for notification if contingency reserves drop below certain levels. He also mentioned the creation of a capital reserve to help political subdivisions budget and manage funds, and the possibility of using surplus funds to reduce future contributions or for contribution holidays.
SB297: Katy Taylor, Staff Attorney, New Hampshire Bureau of Securities Regulation Information Only02:00:48.560 - 2:29:39 PM; Katy Taylor provided further details on the amendments, focusing on the insolvency and financial impairment processes, the notification requirements, and the establishment of a capital reserve. She also discussed the use of surplus funds and the periodic review of risk pool management bands every two years, with reports to be issued to key state officials.
SB297: Senator Waters Information Only02:06:44.840 - 2:35:35 PM; Senator Waters asked questions about the municipal pool and the time frame for municipalities to respond to financial issues in the risk pool. He also inquired about the impact on union contracts and whether the new mechanisms could prevent sudden changes in benefits.
SB297: Senator Waters Information Only02:06:44.840 - 2:35:35 PM; Senator Waters concluded his remarks on the benefits and stabilization of the risk pool, noting that the 16% contribution rate was deemed insufficient by some. He explained that adjustments were made to increase the rate to 18% with a potential additional 4% at the community level, effectively bringing the total to 22%. He emphasized the significance of these funds being available by statute for members of the risk pool to meet their obligations.
SB297: Unidentified Speaker Information Only02:08:56.599 - 2:37:47 PM; The speaker discussed the adjustments made to the risk pool contributions, highlighting the increase from 16% to 18% with an additional 4% at the community level, totaling 22%. They noted that these funds are statutorily required for members of the risk pool to meet their obligations.
SB297: Senator Waters Support02:10:15.360 - 2:39:06 PM; Senator Waters expressed support for the bill as amended, appreciating the work done and the establishment of two pools - municipal and general risk pool. He believed the percentages were appropriately set and that the approach provided stability and necessary guardrails for the risk pools.
SB297: Unidentified Speaker Information Only02:11:30.800 - 2:40:21 PM; The speaker moved to pass the bill with an amendment, which was seconded. They discussed the amendment and the bill as amended, leading to a vote in favor of both the amendment and the bill.
SB297: Unidentified Speaker Information Only02:13:06.360 - 2:41:57 PM; The speaker mentioned moving to another bill, SB118, related to Health and Human Services, which was previously discussed in caucus. They corrected the bill number from 128 to 118 and humorously noted the difficulty in keeping track of the bills.
SB297: Unidentified Speaker Information Only02:15:03.400 - 2:43:54 PM; The speaker discussed a conversation with the LBA regarding SB118, suggesting changes to remove a $3 million cap on deposits into a fund and replace it with a reporting requirement to the fiscal committee if revenue exceeds $3 million. They moved to pass the bill with these amendments.
SB297: Unidentified Speaker Information Only02:16:04.239 - 2:44:55 PM; The speaker moved to pass SB118 as amended, which was seconded. They discussed the amendment and the bill, leading to a vote in favor of both the amendment and the bill.
SB297: Senator Pearl Support02:17:32.200 - 2:46:23 PM; Senator Pearl moved to pass SB134, which relates to requirements under the State Medicaid Program. They emphasized the importance of the bill in helping Medicaid recipients move towards work and expressed concerns about the fiscal note's indeterminable expenditure increase.
SB297: Unidentified Speaker Information Only02:19:29.879 - 2:48:20 PM; The speaker moved to pass SB137, related to hospital stays covered under the State Medicaid Program, which was seconded. They noted the fiscal note of $7 million and moved to pass the bill.
SB297: Unidentified Speaker Information Only02:20:26.439 - 2:49:17 PM; The speaker moved to pass SB145, establishing an Evidence Shipping Pilot Program, which was seconded. They discussed potential savings in litigation and other areas, leading to a vote in favor of the bill.
SB297: Unidentified Speaker Information Only02:21:14.760 - 2:50:05 PM; The speaker moved to pass SB146, related to the medical examiner certificate, which was seconded. They explained that the bill allows for electronic transmission of death certificates, potentially saving money and fulfilling a request from the Department of Justice and the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner.
SB297: Senator Waters Support02:22:56.720 - 2:51:47 PM; Senator Waters moved to pass SB150, which was brought to him by Commissioner Jasper from the Division of Weights and Measures. The bill aims to certify charging stations for electric vehicles, similar to gas pumps. He noted that funding was found to start the program, and a fee of $125 per station annually would be implemented. He expressed hope for the bill's passage.
SB297: Unidentified Speaker Information Only02:24:13.840 - 2:53:04 PM; The speaker discussed the lack of a fiscal note from the Department of Agriculture for SB150, expressing displeasure and noting that the bill was moved to pass despite this.
SB297: Unidentified Speaker Information Only02:25:25.319 - 2:54:16 PM; The speaker moved to pass SB180, which was seconded. They discussed the financial implications, noting that the fiscal note ranged from $10,000 to $100,000, which was considered within the normal range for such bills.
SB297: Unidentified Speaker Information Only02:26:53.680 - 2:55:44 PM; The speaker discussed the economic development in the North Country and the fiscal impact on departments. They mentioned an amendment made in committee that significantly reduced the fiscal impact, which was not reflected in the fiscal note. The original version of the bill had confusion regarding permitting processes, leading to issues between departments.
SB297: David Charney, Deputy Medicaid Director Information Only02:29:08.640 - 2:57:59 PM; David Charney explained the fiscal note related to SB297, stating that the costs were not just for submitting the waiver but also for implementing it. He mentioned previous expenditures in 2019 and the costs associated with bringing back system changes and hiring staff for work requirements. He also discussed potential federal changes that could affect these costs.
SB297: Senator Rosenal Oppose02:32:20.800 - 3:01:11 PM; Senator Rosenal expressed opposition to the bill, arguing that it would not effectively transition people from Medicaid to employment and out of poverty. They highlighted past efforts and costs, suggesting that the money could be better spent on substance use disorder treatment rather than on administrative efforts.
SB297: Unidentified Speaker Information Only02:36:32.439 - 3:05:23 PM; The speaker discussed the backlog of cases at OPLC, which was the reason for the fiscal note on the bill. They mentioned that the backlog had been reduced from 6,000 to 3,000 cases. The amendment to the bill delayed its effective date to March 1st, 2026, to allow OPLC time to clear the backlog and handle new cases.
SB297: Unidentified Speaker Information Only02:38:24.960 - 3:07:15 PM; The speaker recommended an 'ought to pass' motion for the bill, explaining that the fiscal note had not been updated since the amendment in committee. They believed that the effective date change would resolve the fiscal issues, and they were comfortable with the motion.
SB297: Unidentified Speaker Information Only02:39:29.359 - 3:08:20 PM; The speaker discussed the origin of the bill, which came from conversations about recruitment and retention. They explained that the funding for the bill would come from existing high funding.
SB297: Unidentified Speaker Information Only02:40:06.520 - 3:08:57 PM; The speaker discussed the funding setup for the bill, mentioning a contingency in section three that allows the Governor to use funds not otherwise appropriated if there are insufficient funds in the highway fund. The funding of $900,000 was highlighted as significant for addressing understaffing in the State Police. The committee then moved to vote on the bill, resulting in an ought to pass recommendation.
SB230: Senator Waters Information Only02:41:01.479 - 3:09:52 PM; Senator Waters explained that the original bill included nuclear energy components and microgrid establishment, but the amendment removed the microgrid part, focusing only on small modular reactors. There are no expenditures associated with this change. The committee voted ought to pass on the amendment.
SB233: Unidentified Speaker Information Only02:42:26.240 - 3:11:17 PM; The speaker noted general agreement among parties involved, including utilities and the Department of Energy, on the need to study energy storage and reliability through a task force. The original bill's appropriation of up to $250,000 was removed, as the Department believed it could manage within its normal duties, with potential funding from interested parties for consultants if needed. The committee voted ought to pass on the bill.
SB241 2024-0565: Senator Pearl Information Only02:43:32.080 - 3:12:23 PM; Senator Pearl moved to pass the bill with amendment 2024-0565, which was seconded by Senator Waters. The amendment was passed without discussion, followed by the bill as amended being passed.
SB274: Senator Henis Information Only02:46:39.960 - 3:15:30 PM; Senator Henis moved ought to pass on a four-year pilot program to provide rail trails in New Hampshire. The motion was seconded, and despite some reservations from committee members about the program, it was supported due to its status as a pilot. The bill was passed with an ought to pass recommendation.
SB76: Senator Rosenal Information Only02:47:00.000 - 3:15:51 PM; Senator Rosenal moved ought to pass on a bill to raise the research and development tax credit, seconded by Senator Henis. No further details or discussion were provided in the transcript snippet.
SB76: Senator Inis Vote02:47:26.319 - 3:16:17 PM; Senator Inis moved to pass SB76 and due to the fiscal note, it was also recommended to be passed and tabled. The motion was put to a vote and passed.
SB76: Senator Rosenal Vote02:48:42.439 - 3:17:33 PM; Senator Rosenal supported the motion to pass another bill, referred to as the rail trail bill, and mentioned that it would be at the bottom of the priority list due to its high number. The motion to pass was voted on and passed.
SB76: Unnamed Senator Vote02:50:06.200 - 3:18:57 PM; An unnamed senator moved to come out of the executive session, and the motion was seconded and passed, concluding the session.

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