Committee Summary for Senate Finance (04/18/2025)

Bill/Time	Type	Title	Sponsor
HB2 00:04:25.520 - 12:32:47 PM	General Working Session	relative to state fees, funds, revenues, and expenditures.	Weyler, Kenneth(R)[B+]2024

HB2: Jared Choin, Commissioner of the New Hampshire Department of Energy Information Only00:04:25.520 - 12:32:47 PM; Jared Choin, the Commissioner of the New Hampshire Department of Energy, along with other department representatives, provided an overview of their budget request. They noted that the department's funding is primarily from federal funds, utility assessments, and other funds, with a minimal general fund request of $2,500. Approximately 75% of their budget comes from federal funds, and 70% of the budgeted appropriations are passed through grants, including the fuel assistance program funded by the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), which benefits around 26,000 households this year.
HB2: Josh Elliot, New Hampshire Department of Energy Information Only00:05:09.440 - 12:33:31 PM; Josh Elliot discussed the department's familiarity with the Senate Energy Committee and noted that the Public Utilities Commission (PUC) and the Office of Consumer Advocate are administratively attached to the department. He emphasized that the department's budget request met the governor's targets and the House did not make changes. He detailed the funding streams and the significant portion allocated to federal funds and grants, particularly for the fuel assistance program.
HB2: Chris Elms, Deputy Commissioner of the New Hampshire Department of Energy Information Only00:07:53.680 - 12:36:15 PM; Chris Elms addressed concerns regarding the Renewable Energy Fund (REF) and the impacts of proposed changes in HB2. He clarified that the House's proposal to sweep funds from the REF would not impact current staffing or existing allocations but would prevent new allocations for incentive programs for the next two years. He discussed the unpredictability of forecasting revenues for the REF and the effects of the proposed changes in HB219 on renewable energy credits and alternative compliance payments. Elms also discussed the potential impacts of federal cuts to LIHEAP on the state's ability to assist low-income households.
HB2: Lenny Raddio, Chief of Operations, New Hampshire Department of Energy Information Only00:20:38.080 - 12:49:00 PM; Lenny Raddio provided additional information on the Renewable Energy Fund, specifically addressing the potential sweep of funds into the general fund as outlined in HB2. He noted that the department could provide a more accurate range of funds if required by the committee and clarified the one-time nature of the proposed transfer of funds on July 1st.
HB2: Dan Goldener, Chairman, Public Utilities Commission Information Only00:25:20.080 - 12:53:42 PM; Dan Goldener provided an overview of the Public Utilities Commission's role, which includes regulating electric, gas, and water utilities in New Hampshire. He mentioned that the PUC acts as an arbiter between customers and regulated utilities, managing about $2 billion in annual revenue and $8 billion in assets. He also noted recent legislative changes affecting the PUC's structure, including a reduction from 9 to 5 members, the transfer of enforcement duties to the Department of Energy, and the SEC reporting to the PUC with one employee. He was open to questions regarding the financial aspects of the PUC.
HB2: Matthew Fawsome, Assistant Consumer Advocate and Director of Regional and Federal Affairs, Office of Consumer Advocate Information Only00:26:44.960 - 12:55:06 PM; Matthew Fawsome, representing the Office of Consumer Advocate, explained the organization's role in advocating for residential utility customers in New Hampshire. He highlighted the expansion of their advocacy to regional and federal bodies following a new role created in the last budget cycle. He was prepared to discuss their budget proposal but no questions were asked by the senators.
HB2: Bob Scott, Commissioner, Department of Environmental Services Information Only00:28:40.960 - 12:57:02 PM; Commissioner Bob Scott presented a detailed overview of the Department of Environmental Services' operations and budget. He discussed the department's functions, staff numbers, unique responsibilities like operating a wastewater treatment facility in Franklin, and the broad range of activities including permitting actions, inspections, and managing various programs and funds. He provided insights into the department's budget, explaining funding sources and allocations, with a significant portion of funds being passed through to municipalities and other entities for environmental projects.
HB2: Sue Carlson, Chief Operating Officer, Department of Environmental Services Information Only00:34:32.280 - 1:02:54 PM; Sue Carlson presented detailed budget information for the Department of Environmental Services, focusing on changes from FY25 through FY27. She highlighted adjustments in various funding categories, including general funds, federal SRF money, and other funds, and explained the impact of a large settlement expected in FY26. She also discussed the department's efforts to move certain programs to fee-based funding to offset general fund reductions.
HB2: Adam Crapo, Assistant Commissioner, Department of Environmental Services Information Only00:47:46.800 - 1:16:08 PM; Adam Crapo provided further details on the changes to the Department of Environmental Services' budget and operations as outlined in HB2. He discussed modifications in council membership, the creation of a solid waste site evaluation committee, and the elimination of the state motor vehicle emissions program. He also addressed the proposed solid waste tipping fee and concerns about the landfill permitting process, suggesting it be considered by a policy committee. Additionally, he highlighted issues with a proposed 5% administrative charge on dedicated funds and the potential legal ramifications.
HB2: Unidentified Speaker Information Only01:00:54.240 - 1:29:16 PM; The speaker discussed the implications of a proposed House bill that would eliminate the combined safety and emissions inspection for vehicles. They clarified that while the bill would eliminate these inspections, it would not affect federal requirements for commercial vehicles like 18-wheelers, which still need to be inspected according to motor carrier rules. The discussion focused on the emissions aspect, noting that federal requirements would only apply as vehicles were manufactured, not as they age or are used.
HB2: Unidentified Speaker Information Only01:01:47.200 - 1:30:09 PM; The speaker presented information about an amendment related to settlement funds for PFAS contamination in public water systems. They explained that the state had negotiated a settlement with 3M and DuPont, expanding the qualifications for reimbursements to include any level of detection. The current law restricts reimbursements to systems above certain standards, but the amendment aims to align the law with the court's ruling to allow reimbursements for treatment costs even below current standards.
HB2: Unidentified Speaker Information Only01:04:15.359 - 1:32:37 PM; The speaker answered questions about the geologic hazards evaluation program, which has ended due to discontinued funding from HSCM. They also discussed state aid grants, noting that while there is a small amount of money left for new projects in the next biennium, the House reduced funding by $2.3 million per year, leaving a very small buffer for new grants.
HB2: Unidentified Speaker Information Only01:06:12.760 - 1:34:34 PM; The speaker discussed the potential removal of certain grants from a sweep of dedicated funds, totaling approximately $400,000 annually. They noted that the drinking water groundwater trust fund would be affected by House Bill 163, which would subject it to the sweep, and explained efforts to exempt it due to a settlement involving PFAS contamination, where taking 5% of the settlement funds was seen as problematic.
HB2: Unidentified Speaker Information Only01:07:37.280 - 1:35:59 PM; The speaker discussed the PFAS response fund, funded by a $50 million capital appropriation, and the implications of taking 5% out of this fund, which would essentially mean bonding that amount. They also discussed the conservation land stewardship program, which was moved from the Office of Strategic Initiatives to the Department of Business and Economic Affairs, suggesting it might better fit under the mission of the Fish and Game Department.
HB2: Unidentified Speaker Information Only01:09:47.359 - 1:38:09 PM; The speaker expressed concerns about the sustainability of the drinking water groundwater trust fund, noting that a recent exercise was conducted to plan for the fund's operation over an extended period to meet projected needs. They highlighted that removing funds would create difficulties in sustaining the fund, particularly as the 5% sweep would only affect new monies coming in, not the existing portion.
HB2: Unidentified Speaker Information Only01:10:46.719 - 1:39:08 PM; The speaker discussed the financial implications of a court settlement, indicating that it had been anticipated in the department's financial calculations. They also addressed questions about statutory requirements related to structures over public water in comparison to SB27, expressing concerns about potential conflicts and suggesting a wait-and-see approach until current appeals are resolved.
HB2: Unidentified Speaker Information Only01:11:57.520 - 1:40:19 PM; The speaker responded to questions about fee schedules and their relation to an expedited review process. They explained that fee increases are intended to fund positions and streamline the process for applicants. They also noted that some fee increases are designed to offset general funds and move programs onto dedicated funds.
HB2: Unidentified Speaker Information Only01:13:03.600 - 1:41:25 PM; The speaker elaborated on specific fee increases related to hazardous waste, oil fund, dam safety licenses, and boater decal fees. They mentioned the need to raise fees due to anticipated deficits and to fund specific positions moving from general funds to fee accounts.
HB2: Unidentified Speaker Information Only01:14:06.080 - 1:42:28 PM; The speaker confirmed that fee increases related to wetlands and alteration of terrain permits were developed in cooperation with the construction and building industry to expedite processes and facilitate more developments.
HB2: Unidentified Speaker Information Only01:15:12.960 - 1:43:34 PM; The speaker discussed Senate Bill 27 and House Bill 2, clarifying the regulations regarding boat houses over water. They explained recent legal interpretations and the need for regulations to prevent misuse of these structures.
HB2: Unidentified Speaker Information Only01:16:23.159 - 1:44:45 PM; The speaker responded to questions about budget cuts and fee increases, explaining the impact on services. They noted that while they could maintain a certain level of service, further cuts might necessitate reductions in services provided.
HB2: Sean Jasper, Commissioner of the Department of Agriculture, Markets and Food Information Only01:19:41.960 - 1:48:03 PM; Commissioner Jasper discussed the department's budget, including necessary fee increases that had not been adjusted in decades. He explained how these increases would help maintain staff and fund operations without additional general fund requests. He also addressed two concerns about dedicated fund administrative fees, asking for exemptions to reduce unnecessary paperwork and costs.
HB2: Unidentified Speaker Information Only01:25:05.120 - 1:53:27 PM; The speaker questioned the justification for significant fee increases on license fees, particularly for private applicators. They noted that some increases were mistakenly applied and needed correction.
HB2: Unidentified Speaker Information Only01:26:02.800 - 1:54:24 PM; The speaker sought clarification on new language in House Bill 2 related to fees for maple products and other products, which was explained as relating to the seal of quality program.
HB2: Unidentified Speaker, Judicial Branch Information Only01:30:20.880 - 1:58:42 PM; The speaker from the Judicial Branch discussed the budget proposal and its implications, including the impact of House Bill 318 and the challenges of managing a pass-through budget. They outlined potential cuts and their effects, such as closing courthouses and curtailing jury trials, and proposed adjustments to entry fees and records charges to generate additional revenue.
HB2: Unidentified Speaker, Judicial Branch Information Only01:44:29.520 - 2:12:51 PM; The speaker continued discussing the Judicial Branch's budget, emphasizing the need for additional resources to handle the workload from the YDC cases. They requested funding for security, staff support, and court processing to manage these complex cases effectively.
HB2: Unidentified Speaker, Judicial Branch Information Only01:44:29.520 - 2:12:51 PM; The speaker discussed cases related to the Youth Development Center (YDC) that will not migrate to the claims process due to their involvement with private contractors. Approximately 550 out of 1389 cases involve these contractors, leaving around 600 cases where the state is the primary defendant. The speaker also mentioned the successful funding of the community housing program through the opioid settlement commission, emphasizing that there have been no changes to the federal or opioid abatement trust fund funds for this program. However, a provision in House Bill Two could potentially halt new opioid-related contracts after May 1st of the current year.
HB2: Unidentified Speaker Information Only01:49:58.639 - 2:18:20 PM; The speaker highlighted the implications of funding for YDC, noting that insufficient funding could push more cases into superior court. They referenced past support from the committee for meeting funding commitments and stressed the importance of this commitment to the public.
HB2: Jay Bucky, Executive Director of the Judicial Council Information Only01:51:35.960 - 2:19:57 PM; Jay Bucky discussed the role of the Judicial Council and its responsibilities for indigent defense funding. He emphasized the importance of funding for the New Hampshire public defender, which handles most indigent criminal defense cases. The governor's budget initially recommended $27 million, but this was corrected to $28.8 million by the House. Bucky recommended an increase to $32.6 million annually for the next biennium to manage the increased caseloads post-pandemic, the growth of treatment courts, and the end of the 'felonies first' policy. He highlighted the inefficiencies and higher costs associated with using assigned counsel instead of public defenders, using the example of the Littleton office. Bucky also mentioned the Judicial Council's recommended budget of $37 million to align with contractual limits and salary adjustments, and noted a clerical error in the budget line for training expenses.
HB2: Unidentified Speaker Information Only01:56:38.400 - 2:25:00 PM; The speaker expressed concerns about provisions added to House Bill Two, particularly those retained by the House, arguing that it prevents policy committees from making necessary adjustments. They suggested discussing this with Senate leadership to find a solution, such as removing retained bills from House Bill Two or requiring policy committees to review and adjust these bills within a short timeframe.
HB2: Senator Waters Information Only01:58:59.920 - 2:27:21 PM; Senator Waters supported the suggestion to remove certain bills from House Bill Two, proposing that language from retained bills could be added to relevant House bills in committee for a more efficient legislative process. They specifically mentioned House Bill 707 as an example that could work well with this approach.
HB2: Senator Rosen Information Only02:00:06.719 - 2:28:28 PM; Senator Rosen discussed the Senate's position on certain policies already included in House Bill Two, suggesting that bills previously 'ITL' (Inexpedient To Legislate) by the Senate could still be considered if received from the House in the next year. They advocated for removing retained bills from House Bill Two to focus on more pressing issues.
HB2: Unidentified Speaker Information Only02:02:31.679 - 2:30:53 PM; The speaker proposed using a committee amendment to remove multiple non-controversial bills from House Bill Two, rather than individual amendments. They discussed the process of merging individual amendments into one large committee amendment on the floor and highlighted the importance of involving the committee chair in amendment discussions.
HB2: Unidentified Speaker Information Only02:07:05.679 - 2:35:27 PM; The speaker confirmed working on amendments to House Bill Two, including gambling language and education provisions, aiming to adjust the budget to end with a positive balance in the trust fund. They mentioned ongoing discussions with Representative Maguire about potential gaming revenue options but expressed skepticism about certain proposals, such as installing slot machines in gas stations.

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