Committee Summary for Senate Finance (04/22/2025)

Bill/Time	Type	Title	Sponsor
HB650 00:02:55.360 - 11:55:36 AM	Public Hearing	removing references to repealed funds and relative to state park and robotics education funds.	McGuire, Dan(R)[A+]2024
Unclear 00:49:35.920 - 12:42:16 PM	Public Hearing	Unclear
Unclear 01:13:08.880 - 1:05:49 PM	General Working Session	Unclear
HB1 01:42:52.800 - 1:35:33 PM	General Working Session	making appropriations for the expenses of certain departments of the state for fiscal years ending June 30, 2026 and June 30, 2027.	Weyler, Kenneth(R)[B+]2024

HB650: Dan Magcguire, Representative from Epsom Support00:02:55.360 - 11:55:36 AM; Dan Magcguire, representing Epsom, discussed House Bill 650, a cleanup bill that addresses dedicated funds. He highlighted three main changes: splitting the Parks Department's dedicated fund into two separate funds for Canon Mountain and other parks, capping the robotics education program fund at one million dollars, and repealing outdated dedicated funds. He mentioned that he and Representative Almy from Lebanon are part of the joint committee on dedicated funds and work on these issues every five years.
HB650: Representative Almy from Lebanon Support00:07:00.680 - 11:59:41 AM; Representative Almy supported the bill and provided additional context on the tramway at Canon Mountain, noting its use in both winter and summer. She also discussed the challenges the Parks Department faces with funding and the importance of the robotics education program, suggesting a lower cap of $500,000 or $250,000 might be more suitable.
HB650: Frank Adlau, Commissioner of Education Information Only00:10:01.040 - 12:02:42 PM; Frank Adlau, the Commissioner of Education, clarified the status of the robotics fund, noting it is fully obligated rather than encumbered. He explained that all funds are granted to school districts, and unused funds are regranted. He supported a million-dollar cap on the fund to encourage turnover and mentioned a reduction in funding in the House budget from $750,000 to $500,000.
HB650: Tammy Valancourt, CFO, Department of Education Information Only00:13:19.480 - 12:06:00 PM; Tammy Valancourt, CFO of the Department of Education, presented the budget overview and explained the flow of funds within the department. She highlighted the department's role as a pass-through agency, discussed various funding categories, and emphasized the importance of ongoing investments in school safety and special education aid.
HB650: Melissa White, Division Director for Learner Support, Department of Education Information Only00:20:32.559 - 12:13:13 PM; Melissa White provided details on the robotics fund, noting that it is fully obligated and has a waiting list. She explained that the fund is allocated annually, with any unused funds carried over and reallocated to the next applicant on the waiting list. She confirmed that the fund is managed efficiently and meets the needs of the schools applying for grants.
HB650: Senator Waters Information Only00:26:36.919 - 12:19:17 PM; Senator Waters requested assistance from the Department of Education to ensure the continuation of programs that help students gain qualifications for jobs, trades, or military service, thereby becoming productive community members. He highlighted the importance of these programs for the 1,700 students involved.
HB650: Division Director for Learner Support, Department of Education Information Only00:27:28.159 - 12:20:09 PM; The Division Director clarified the distinction between the adult education diploma program and the high set program. The adult education program uses state funds to educate 1,700 students who have not graduated high school, while the high set program is for students who have already exited high school and are seeking a high set diploma. Federal funds are used for the latter group, and state funds are crucial for the former group as federal grants do not allow funding for high school diplomas.
HB650: Commissioner, Department of Education Information Only00:28:18.799 - 12:20:59 PM; The Commissioner emphasized the need to manage federal and state grants carefully to avoid misallocation of funds. They discussed the importance of state funding for the adult education program, which is not covered by federal grants.
HB650: Senator Pearl Information Only00:29:09.520 - 12:21:50 PM; Senator Pearl expressed support for the funding of public school infrastructure and confirmed its thoughtful allocation. He also inquired about the Discovery Education program, clarifying that it is a platform used across all New Hampshire schools to access instructional materials and not directly related to the civics curriculum development, which was a separate initiative funded at $1 million.
HB650: Department of Education Representative Information Only00:29:59.919 - 12:22:40 PM; The representative detailed the use of the Discovery Education platform, which was rolled out during the COVID period to provide high-quality instructional materials to all students in New Hampshire. They noted its widespread use and cost-effectiveness as it's funded by the state, thus not burdening local districts.
HB650: Department of Education Representative Information Only00:31:46.799 - 12:24:27 PM; The representative provided an overview of one-time appropriations in the 2425 budget, including funding for the Student Clearing House, MTSSB work, civics education, computer science education, adult education, and the public school infrastructure fund. They noted the importance of competitive grants for CTE programs and the challenges in spending down allocated funds.
HB650: Department of Education Representative Information Only00:33:35.120 - 12:26:16 PM; The representative discussed the funding for kindergarten aid and the FastForward program, which involves immediate crisis intervention for students in mental health distress. They clarified the funding arrangements between the Department of Education and Health and Human Services and mentioned two unfunded capital projects in the education trust fund.
HB650: Senator Rosenwald Information Only00:34:26.480 - 12:27:07 PM; Senator Rosenwald inquired about the impact of not receiving the $500,000 extra appropriation for adult education in the current budget. The response from the Department of Education was that the funds were provided as one-time funding for COVID catch-up and were not intended for ongoing expenses, so no major disruptions were expected.
HB650: Senator Information Only00:35:27.920 - 12:28:08 PM; The Senator discussed potential amendments to the budget that would allow the use of education trust funds for approved CTE capital projects if they are not funded in the capital budget. The Commissioner expressed concerns about agencies having warrant authority over such funds, suggesting it could set a precedent.
HB650: Unknown Speaker Information Only00:37:21.240 - 12:30:02 PM; The speaker discussed early childhood programs, noting that a transfer to the department has not occurred in any budget yet. They mentioned a computer science program and a credentialing program, estimating that $2.5 million of the budget for these programs is not needed. They also addressed the zeroing out of the youth risk behavior survey, explaining that it was transferred to Health and Human Services to streamline administrative processes. The speaker briefly touched on the school climate funding, stating that it ended due to the federal grant expiring.
HB650: Unknown Speaker Information Only00:39:03.440 - 12:31:44 PM; The speaker elaborated on the state's assessment system, which tests students from 3rd through 8th grade and once in high school using the SAT. They highlighted the limitations of the SAT in providing meaningful intervention data and proposed implementing a PSAT-type assessment in 9th grade to provide two data points during high school, aiding in early intervention for students.
HB650: Unknown Speaker Information Only00:39:56.079 - 12:32:37 PM; The speaker compared the Discovery Education platform, which provides high-quality instructional materials across the state, to Tutor.com, a tutoring platform that offers 24/7 access to tutors. They emphasized the importance of integrating the tutoring platform into classroom activities to increase student comfort and usage at home. They also mentioned other programs like Schoolhouse.World with Khan Academy and KIGO, an AI-driven tool.
HB650: Unknown Speaker Information Only00:41:01.760 - 12:33:42 PM; The speaker discussed the use of Tutor.com, noting that while it is used for SAT prep in some districts like Ashland, the primary use across the state is for middle school math support. They shared insights on the usage patterns and the initiative to encourage usage through in-school programs, citing an example from Berlin where high usage was rewarded with an ice cream truck event.
HB650: Unknown Speaker Information Only00:44:00.160 - 12:36:41 PM; The speaker addressed budget adjustments, mentioning the removal of positions that were not needed and were federally funded. They explained that positions not advertised for three months were considered for elimination to keep the budget low. They also discussed the removal of temporary and DDS positions due to funding issues from federal partners.
HB650: Unknown Speaker Information Only00:46:28.160 - 12:39:09 PM; The speaker discussed additional federal grants received since the agency budget was set, including a nutrition training grant, a state opioid response grant, and a safe and supportive schools grant. They emphasized the confirmation of these grants and their importance in supporting ongoing departmental work, particularly the MTSSB efforts.
Unclear: William Cass, Commissioner of the DOT Information Only00:49:35.920 - 12:42:16 PM; Commissioner Cass provided an overview of the Department of Transportation's budget, focusing on changes from the House and comparisons to FY24 actuals and FY25 adjusted authorized figures. He highlighted the department's organizational structure, position trends, and budget constraints, particularly around 2012 to 2014. He discussed the department's efficiency, managing increased vehicle miles traveled with a level staff, and challenges with vacancy rates post-COVID. Cass also mentioned position eliminations and realignments to balance the budget and the department's multifunded nature, including highway funds, turnpike funds, general funds, and federal funds. He emphasized the focus on the operating budget and the need for additional funds for winter maintenance and fleet replacement.
Unclear: Unknown Speaker Information Only00:57:34.799 - 12:50:15 PM; The speaker, likely a member of the DOT, discussed specific budget adjustments in the Division of Aeronautics, Rail, and Transit. They highlighted the House's funding of $1.5 million each year for state match to local transit providers, adjustments related to a park and ride project in Portsmouth, and shifts in safety office funding. They also mentioned efforts to triple the training budget to address vacancy rates and support recruitment and retention.
Unclear: Unknown Speaker Information Only01:01:30.240 - 12:54:11 PM; The speaker discussed the Federal and State Project Delivery Division, explaining that the majority of the budget is determined through the 10-year plan process. They noted changes due to ongoing vacancy rates, project delays, and the completion of Garvey debt service in FY26. They also mentioned a shift in appropriation for SB 367 related to financing the I93 expansion and minor adjustments due to revenue estimates.
Unclear: Unknown Speaker Information Only01:05:00.160 - 12:57:41 PM; The speaker provided details on the operations budget, focusing on winter maintenance and fleet maintenance investments. They mentioned a winter retention incentive program to address staffing shortages for snow plowing and the need to fully fund this program. They also discussed the underfunding of winter maintenance and fleet replacement, explaining the need for additional funds to meet three-year averages and maintain optimal fleet cycles. The speaker noted that last year's general fund allocation for fleet investment was helpful but not reflected in the current budget.
Unclear: Unknown Speaker Information Only01:13:08.880 - 1:05:49 PM; The speaker discussed the financial implications of long-term investments in buildings versus equipment, indicating that buildings last longer but equipment has a shorter lifespan. They confirmed that there would be no capital budget request for equipment in 2025, as they believe they have sufficient resources to last the next two years. The discussion also touched on the balance in the highway fund at the end of fiscal year 27, which was estimated to be around $13 million, including increased revenue from motor vehicle fees.
Unclear: Senator Information Only01:14:23.440 - 1:07:04 PM; The senator mentioned a couple of HB2 requests that were either overlooked or came up after the budget request. These requests involve changes to RSA 236 to include state-owned railroad corridors alongside highway limits to address flooding issues, and changes to RSA 262:32 to clarify rules about camping and loitering at park and ride facilities, particularly concerning abandoned vehicles and campers. The third request aimed to formalize the DOT's authority to manage federal program encumbrances due to their long history and experience.
Unclear: Unknown Speaker Information Only01:15:46.280 - 1:08:27 PM; The speaker addressed the issue of abandoned vehicles, particularly campers, at state park and ride facilities. They explained that the proposed changes to RSA 262:32 would provide a clear path to recoup costs associated with removing these vehicles, even if the owners are homeless and unable to pay. The discussion highlighted the need for cooperation with state police and municipalities to handle these situations.
Unclear: Senator Waters Information Only01:18:39.840 - 1:11:20 PM; Senator Waters discussed the budgeted positions and vacancy rates within the DOT, noting that the department is authorized for about 1,650 positions but is operating with around 1,250. The senator inquired about the potential to fill these positions at a better rate, to which the response was hopeful but dependent on demographic changes, economic outlook, and outcomes of collective bargaining, particularly for lower-paid employees like highway maintainers who face competition from the private sector and municipalities.
Unclear: Unknown Speaker Information Only01:20:33.520 - 1:13:14 PM; The speaker suggested discussing the three HB2 requests with Senator Gray to potentially draft amendments. They also humorously mentioned that the proposed flooding penalty would not apply to beavers, clarifying it pertains to human activities.
Unclear: Katrina Taylor, Assistant Director of the Human Rights Commission Information Only01:22:54.000 - 1:15:35 PM; Katrina Taylor thanked the committee for their time and introduced Kathleen Carr, who explained the administrative attachment of the Human Rights Commission to the Department of Justice, handling their business office functions and operations.
Unclear: Katrina Taylor, Assistant Director of the Human Rights Commission Information Only01:23:59.199 - 1:16:40 PM; Katrina Taylor, acting as the Assistant Director of the Human Rights Commission, provided an overview of the commission's functions and current status. She explained that the commission was established in 1965 to eliminate discrimination in New Hampshire and enforce RSA 354-A, the state's law against discrimination. The commission's primary functions include receiving and investigating complaints of discrimination in housing, employment, public accommodation, and public education since 2019. Additionally, the commission engages in community outreach and education to prevent discrimination. Taylor highlighted staffing vacancies and a significant increase in case filings over the past five years. She also discussed the commission's budget, noting that the House recommended zero funding in contrast to the Governor's budget, which would have significant negative impacts if the agency were eliminated.
Unclear: Jan Goodwin, Executive Director of the New Hampshire Retirement System Information Only01:29:25.440 - 1:22:06 PM; Jan Goodwin, Executive Director of the New Hampshire Retirement System, presented the system's budget and requested the restoration of budget reductions made by the House. He outlined recent accomplishments, including reaching $1 billion in pension benefits paid and transitioning to an updated pension administration system. Goodwin discussed the system's financial health, noting a decrease in unfunded liability since 2020 and an increase in the funded ratio. He highlighted the impact of the assumed rate of return on employer contributions and provided historical data on employer contributions by different groups. Goodwin also mentioned ongoing initiatives to improve efficiency and the system's response to legislative changes.
Unclear: Marie Mullen, Director of Finance at the New Hampshire Retirement System Information Only01:40:08.639 - 1:32:49 PM; Marie Mullen, Director of Finance at the New Hampshire Retirement System, discussed the historical budget versus actual administrative expenses, emphasizing that the budget has remained relatively flat despite high inflation and no federal funding received during the COVID-19 period. She outlined the budget progression from the agency phase to the Governor's and House's budgets, noting a significant reduction proposed by the House. Mullen explained that the budget is funded solely from trust fund assets and cannot be used elsewhere. She detailed the budget's alignment with the strategic plan, including IT upgrades and new staff positions, and responded to a question from a senator about the impact of budget cuts on the system.
HB1: Unnamed Speaker Information Only01:42:52.800 - 1:35:33 PM; The speaker directed the committee to speak with members in the House division responsible for the decision to remove $33 million of general funds from the budget, which was originally put in by the governor for the group two bill in HB2. They explained that the funds were double-counted as they were also in HB2, leading to their removal from the operating budget in HB1.
HB1: Unnamed Speaker Information Only01:43:46.480 - 1:36:27 PM; The speaker confirmed that the $33 million was removed from HB1 but still exists in HB2 for the group two bill. They clarified that these funds are general funds and will need to be budgeted for the next 10 years until the group two fully retires.
HB1: Unnamed Speaker Information Only01:45:04.960 - 1:37:45 PM; The speaker explained that the 27.5 million over a 10-year period for group two would cover the changes and should not impact the employer rates at the municipalities if appropriated as planned.
HB1: Mark Kavanagh Information Only01:45:58.800 - 1:38:39 PM; Mark Kavanagh clarified that the 27.5 million over 10 years would cover the cost of the group two bill slightly more than the full cost. He mentioned a small increase in employer contributions for the normal cost component of the benefit changes, affecting police and fire contributions by 1.34% and 1.46% respectively.
HB1: Unnamed Speaker Information Only01:46:45.760 - 1:39:26 PM; The speaker confirmed that the funding for the group two bill is terminally funded, meaning it will be paid for 10 years and then fall off the budget.
HB1: Unnamed Speaker Information Only01:47:33.440 - 1:40:14 PM; The speaker discussed the future employer contribution rates related to the unfunded liability and explained that decreases in rates have been due to positive investment returns rather than the unfunded liability being amortized.
HB1: Unnamed Speaker Information Only01:48:45.520 - 1:41:26 PM; The speaker clarified that the changes to the seven-year rule in the group two bill, as discussed in the House, resulted in maintaining the current state of law without incurring additional costs.
HB1: Unnamed Speaker Information Only01:49:56.000 - 1:42:37 PM; The speaker explained that if the group two bill is terminally funded, it would not increase the unfunded liability. They provided an example of a previous legislative change that was terminally funded.
HB1: Unnamed Speaker Information Only01:52:33.040 - 1:45:14 PM; The speaker detailed various initiatives that would be affected by the back of the budget changes, including a financial system upgrade, improved annual reporting software, website updates for ADA compliance, and security enhancements for member and retiree data.
HB1: Unnamed Speaker Information Only01:53:50.360 - 1:46:31 PM; The speaker discussed the potential costs of software changes related to legislative benefit changes, which are not usually funded in the legislative bills themselves. They also mentioned the impact of the back of the budget reduction on other funds, not the general fund.
HB1: Unnamed Speaker Information Only01:56:02.280 - 1:48:43 PM; The speaker reiterated the purpose of the back of the budget cut and suggested that the committee should discuss the decision with the House division responsible for it.
HB1: Unnamed Speaker Information Only01:56:51.119 - 1:49:32 PM; The speaker concluded their testimony on the topic of transportation and bill HB1, indicating that there may be an amendment proposed to reduce the budget. They emphasized the importance of discussing motives with the relevant parties directly involved rather than those who received the budget.
HB1: Doug Ingresol, Executive Director and Counsel for the Public Employee Labor Relations Board Information Only01:58:19.119 - 1:51:00 PM; Doug Ingresol, representing the Public Employee Labor Relations Board (PELRB), provided an overview of the board's operations and budget. He highlighted that the board administers the state's public sector collective bargaining law, affecting various public sector employers and employees across New Hampshire. He discussed the board's current staffing, the potential impact of HB2 on their administrative responsibilities, and detailed the board's budget request for fiscal years 2026 and 2027. Ingresol explained the need for increased funding in class 27 and class 39 to support new administrative responsibilities and technology upgrades. He also touched on the spatial needs for the Personnel Appeals Board (PAB) and the Right to Know Ombudsman, suggesting a collaborative use of office space and resources to enhance efficiency.
HB1: Unnamed Speaker Information Only02:18:04.718 - 2:10:45 PM; The speaker discussed the management of bills that were retained by the finance committee and not sent to the Senate as part of House Bill 2. The strategy involves taking no action on the bills retained by the Senate and possibly removing them from House Bill 2, depending on feedback from policy committees regarding the necessity of amendments. For bills not sent to the Senate, the speaker proposed that their language be communicated to policy committees for review and recommendations on revisions. The process aims to ensure that the Senate has thoroughly reviewed any bills considered for inclusion or exclusion from the final product. The speaker also mentioned the influence of political considerations in these decisions and encouraged feedback to be directed to them or the Senate President.
HB1: Senator Rosen Information Only02:19:25.318 - 2:12:06 PM; Senator Rosen inquired about the implications of the Senate taking an ITL (Inexpedient to Legislate) or re-refer position on bills already in House Bill 2. The response indicated that such actions could lead to the removal of those bills from House Bill 2, although political nuances and wording differences might influence the final decision.
HB1: Unnamed Speaker Information Only02:20:48.080 - 2:13:29 PM; The speaker concluded the session by asking if anyone wanted to move into an executive session on the first bill discussed but decided to adjourn the meeting instead, noting that they had completed their business for the day.

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