Committee Summary for Senate Finance (04/29/2025)

Bill/Time	Type	Title	Sponsor
Unclear 00:04:53.080 - 12:03:39 PM	General Working Session	Unclear
HB2 02:08:00.480 - 2:06:46 PM	General Working Session	relative to state fees, funds, revenues, and expenditures.	Weyler, Kenneth(R)[B+]2024

Unclear: Nathan White, Chief Financial Officer, Department of Health and Human Services Information Only00:04:53.080 - 12:03:39 PM; Nathan White introduced the session by outlining the agenda, which included presentations from various divisions within the Department of Health and Human Services. He mentioned that Kacia Fox would start the session with a presentation from the Division for Behavioral Health.
Unclear: Kacia Fox, Director, Division for Behavioral Health Information Only00:06:03.600 - 12:04:49 PM; Kacia Fox presented the budget highlights for the Division for Behavioral Health, emphasizing the division's heavy reliance on general funds. She detailed the funding sources, including federal block grants and housing and urban development grants. She also discussed the differences between the governor's budget and the house budget, noting the elimination of the Choose Love program by the house, which affected funding for positions within the division. She further explained changes in funding for the Bureau of Drug and Alcohol Services, specifically the shift from liquor commission revenues to the opioid abatement trust fund, and discussed the implications of this change on the flexibility of funding for the Governor's Commission on Alcohol and Other Drugs.
Unclear: Unnamed Speaker Information Only00:08:56.880 - 12:07:42 PM; An unnamed speaker elaborated on the complications arising from the funding source change for the Governor's Commission on Alcohol and Other Drugs from liquor sales to the opioid abatement trust fund. They highlighted the restrictions and policy implications of using opioid settlement funds, which could impact the commission's flexibility in addressing substance use issues across the state.
Unclear: Unnamed Speaker Information Only00:09:42.160 - 12:08:28 PM; The speaker continued discussing the effects of the funding shift, particularly on the state's ability to respond to substance use needs. They pointed out the potential reduction in funding for substance use disorder programs due to the change from liquor fund revenues to opioid abatement funds, and the impact on the Doorway system which addresses all substances, not just opioids.
Unclear: Unnamed Speaker Information Only00:12:10.480 - 12:10:56 PM; The speaker responded to a question about the impact of the House's decision on funding, clarifying that the shift in funding sources could potentially cut substance use disorder funding in half, as the $10.7 million previously provided by liquor funds would now come from the opioid abatement trust fund, affecting the overall funding available for substance use needs in the state.
Unclear: Unnamed Speaker Information Only00:12:57.760 - 12:11:43 PM; The speaker discussed the funding of the governor's commission, noting that it spends $10.7 million annually, half of which is allocated to programs not related to opioids but to other substances such as alcohol, meth, and cocaine. The concern was raised about the potential discontinuation of these programs if they cannot be funded through opioid abatement funds.
Unclear: Unnamed Speaker Information Only00:13:49.600 - 12:12:35 PM; The speaker highlighted the department's limited ability to backfill funding due to budget constraints in HB2. They mentioned that the governor's commission fills gaps not covered by the opioid trust fund or state opioid response grant, and expressed concern about the funding of the doorways program, which addresses various addictions beyond opioids.
Unclear: Unnamed Speaker Information Only00:15:03.279 - 12:13:49 PM; The speaker continued discussing the doorways program, emphasizing its role in addressing all types of addiction. They noted the significant focus on opioids but acknowledged the broader impact of alcohol and other substances on public health. They expressed concern about the potential impact of reduced funding on alcohol prevention programs.
Unclear: Unnamed Speaker Information Only00:17:36.640 - 12:16:22 PM; The speaker discussed the opioid abatement trust fund, mentioning a provision in HB2 that requires the termination of contracts effective May 1st or later to free up funding for the governor's commission. They expressed concern about the trust fund's balance, which is currently hovering around break even despite expected future settlements.
Unclear: Unnamed Speaker Information Only00:18:49.120 - 12:17:35 PM; The speaker clarified the current balance of the opioid abatement trust fund, stating it is about $400,000 after accounting for all obligations and votes. They noted the impact of HB2, which would require the termination of about $20 million in new agreements to fund the governor's budget as proposed by the house.
Unclear: Unnamed Speaker Information Only00:20:17.600 - 12:19:03 PM; The speaker confirmed that the $400,000 balance of the opioid abatement trust fund includes all obligations and votes, including recent contracts approved by the governor and council. They noted that this balance also accounts for the budget as proposed by the house.
Unclear: Unnamed Speaker Information Only00:21:08.039 - 12:19:54 PM; The speaker shifted the discussion to children's behavioral health, highlighting a significant reduction in the governor's budget to the house budget for children's residential programs. They expressed concern about the impact on efforts to keep children closer to home and the need for continued funding for high-need children.
Unclear: Unnamed Speaker Information Only00:21:59.919 - 12:20:45 PM; The speaker continued discussing the need for funding children's residential programs, emphasizing the importance of these services for children with complex needs and the efforts to keep them in their communities. They noted the potential negative impact of budget reductions on these efforts.
Unclear: Unnamed Speaker Information Only00:23:22.159 - 12:22:08 PM; The speaker discussed the deep reduction in the Bureau of Mental Health Services budget from the governor's proposal to the house proposal, noting a reduction of nearly $19 million annually. They highlighted the potential impact on community mental health services and the crisis system, including mobile crisis and transitional housing.
Unclear: Unnamed Speaker Information Only00:24:25.279 - 12:23:11 PM; The speaker continued detailing the impact of the budget reduction on mental health services, emphasizing the importance of the community mental health program account. They noted that the reduction would force difficult choices about which services to cut, potentially affecting crisis response, community mental health centers, and housing support.
Unclear: Unnamed Speaker Information Only00:27:48.799 - 12:26:34 PM; The speaker expressed concerns about the potential violation of the Amanda D settlement due to cuts in community mental health services. They also worried about increased ER boarding if people cannot receive timely community care, impacting the state's efforts to reduce emergency room stays and support the 10-year mental health plan.
Unclear: Unnamed Speaker Information Only00:28:51.760 - 12:27:37 PM; The speaker discussed homeless services, noting the increased bed rate for shelters and the support from the opioid trust fund. They clarified the funding mix for homeless shelters, which includes both general funds and opioid abatement funds, and addressed confusion about the amount of funding allocated for homelessness in HB2.
Unclear: Karen Heert, Director of the Division of Economic Stability Information Only00:34:00.240 - 12:32:46 PM; Karen Heert presented an overview of the Division of Economic Stability, focusing on human service programs that assist individuals and families with financial health. These programs include both permanent and temporary cash assistance, child support, food security, and child care services. The temporary assistance aims to help people achieve self-sufficiency through work programs that reduce barriers, teach new skills, and facilitate employment. Heert discussed the budget, noting that personnel costs account for 35% of the budget, with 56% of funding coming from federal sources. She highlighted challenges in the Bureau of Family Assistance and Field Operations, including the need for a tier one response call center to increase staff capacity and address the volume of activities. Heert also mentioned the unfunding of 70 positions in this bureau, which affects eligibility determinations. She discussed the workload, noting that 204,000 individuals receive services, with 21,000 applications processed monthly and 30,000 incoming calls to the call center. Staffing issues, including a 22.5% vacancy rate and a 10% attrition rate, were noted as significant challenges. Heert also mentioned upcoming policy changes, such as a Medicaid policy change expected to increase workload by 36,000 cases annually. She discussed Senate Bill 134 and Senate Bill 131, which relate to work requirements and provisional eligibility for Medicaid in nursing facilities, respectively. Heert emphasized the need for a call center to manage workload and prevent financial penalties and delays in service delivery. She also discussed the Bureau of Child Development, which administers the Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF), and the challenges related to funding for child care providers. Heert mentioned the Bureau of Child Support Services and the Bureau of Employment Supports, noting the unfunding of positions in these bureaus and their impact on services.
Unclear: Senator Bers Information Only00:36:21.680 - 12:35:07 PM; Senator Bers asked Karen Heert if there were any concerns about the federal funding being taken away, given that 56% of the funding is federal. Heert responded that she had not heard any such concerns.
Unclear: Senator Rosenol Information Only00:43:41.599 - 12:42:27 PM; Senator Rosenol asked Karen Heert about the feasibility of standing up a call center quickly and whether Service Link could take over the call center operations. Heert explained that a call center is currently in place but its contract expires on June 30th, and they would like to continue it. She also mentioned that Service Link could play a larger role in increasing capacity by working more directly with clients.
Unclear: Unnamed Senator Information Only00:49:37.440 - 12:48:23 PM; An unnamed senator asked about the allowable uses of TANF funds, specifically whether they could only be used for the scholarship program. Karen Heert explained the four purposes of TANF under federal law: providing assistance to needy families, ending dependence on government benefits, preventing out-of-wedlock pregnancies, and encouraging the formation of two-parent families. She noted that TANF funds are used for the child care scholarship program and that 12% of the CCDF fund must be spent on quality activities.
Unclear: Unnamed Senator Information Only00:54:49.920 - 12:53:35 PM; An unnamed senator commented on the declining TANF caseloads and asked if this made the unfunding of two positions in the Bureau of Employment Supports less burdensome. Karen Heert explained that the Bureau of Employment Supports focuses on participation rates and that the decline in TANF caseloads is slow and influenced by economic conditions. She noted that the bureau aims to help those able to work find employment.
Unclear: Melissa Hardy, Division Director for Long-Term Supports and Services Information Only00:57:27.119 - 12:56:13 PM; Melissa Hardy, representing the Division of Long-Term Supports and Services, provided an overview of the services her division oversees, including the Bureau of Adult and Aging Services, the Bureau of Developmental Services, and the Bureau of Family Centered Services. She highlighted the comprehensive lifespan services offered, from birth through aging, including home and community-based services, meals, congregate housing, family support, and adult protection. She discussed the division's budget, noting that approximately one-third of funding comes from general funds, with multiple funding streams for various programs. She also mentioned significant changes in the budget, such as the increase of the county cap to 3% and the suspension of the congregate housing program, which had previously been funded but was not in the current budget. She expressed concerns about the impact on low-income elderly individuals who might end up in higher-cost care facilities without this program. Additionally, she discussed changes in the developmental disabilities services, including the implementation of a wait list due to funding cuts, the utilization of carry-forward funds, and requests for continued funding for certain programs. Lastly, she mentioned the need for additional funding for early support services for uninsured or underinsured children.
Unclear: Marie Nunan, Division Director for the Division for Children, Youth, and Families Information Only01:20:43.840 - 1:19:29 PM; Marie Nunan provided an overview of the work of the Division for Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF), which includes child protection, juvenile justice, and the Sununu Youth Services Center. She highlighted the transformation of the child welfare system over the past six years, emphasizing new services and changes in serving children and families. She discussed the importance of preventative services outside the formal child welfare system, including community-based voluntary services, community navigator programming, and juvenile justice assessment and diversion programming. Nunan also presented data showing a decrease in youth in out-of-home care and discussed the budget overview for DCYF, which is largely funded through general funds. She emphasized the need for quality services and a stable workforce to meet the needs of children and families effectively. She also addressed the impact of unfunded positions on the division's ability to provide services and retain staff.
Unclear: Marie Nunan, Division Director for the Division for Children, Youth, and Families Information Only01:25:06.400 - 1:23:52 PM; Marie Nunan continued her presentation by discussing the impact of unfunded positions on child protection services, particularly highlighting the shortage of Child Protective Service Workers (CPSWs), case aids, and administrative support positions. She also mentioned the unfunded positions in the data and quality assurance unit and the risk and safety consultation program. She responded to questions about potential duplication of effort with the Office of Child Advocate, explaining that DCYF and the Office of Child Advocate work collaboratively to oversee cases and provide services.
Unclear: Marie Nunan, Division Director for the Division for Children, Youth, and Families Information Only01:27:13.679 - 1:25:59 PM; Marie Nunan further discussed the impact of unfunded positions and responded to questions about the status of these positions. She mentioned the possibility of submitting technical change requests to address the funding issues. She also addressed the impact of the potential elimination of the Office of Child Advocate on DCYF's investigative services, stating that DCYF would continue its work as usual. She explained the process of how DCYF and the Office of Child Advocate interact in cases involving child abuse and neglect.
Unclear: Marissa Hen, Deputy Commissioner Information Only01:30:17.360 - 1:29:03 PM; Marissa Hen added to Marie Nunan's comments, emphasizing the complementary roles of DCYF and the Office of Child Advocate. She highlighted the advocate's role in meeting with youth in facilities, providing guidance, and helping families navigate the mental health system. She also mentioned a specific case where the child advocate recommended bringing children back from an abusive facility in Tennessee.
Unclear: Marie Nunan, Division Director for the Division for Children, Youth, and Families Information Only01:32:54.639 - 1:31:40 PM; Marie Nunan discussed recent legislative changes affecting DCYF, including House Bill 1588, which extended DCYF's jurisdiction to age 22 for youth receiving special education services, and Senate Bill 463, which expanded access to counsel in child protection cases. She noted the funding challenges associated with these bills, including the lack of funding for three DCYF attorney positions needed to implement Senate Bill 463. She also discussed the potential need to realign implementation dates based on legislative decisions.
Unclear: Marie Nunan, Division Director for the Division for Children, Youth, and Families Information Only01:35:22.320 - 1:34:08 PM; Marie Nunan addressed the funding for residential treatment contracts, noting a reduction of $6.8 million for DCYF and $4 million for children's behavioral health. She expressed concern about the impact on children with the highest needs and discussed DCYF's efforts to reduce reliance on residential treatment through foster care and kinship care. She also mentioned the need to review every child's case in residential treatment to ensure appropriate step-down options and the importance of maintaining a continuum of care.
Unclear: Marie Nunan, Division Director for the Division for Children, Youth, and Families Information Only01:38:37.679 - 1:37:23 PM; Marie Nunan continued discussing the funding for residential treatment, emphasizing the need to rightsize general funds to accommodate the specific needs of each child. She also discussed Senate Bill 417, which enhanced oversight of children and youth in residential treatment, and the funding for new positions to implement this legislation. She highlighted the importance of residential treatment as a critical option for high-need youth and the need to bring kids closer to home.
Unclear: Marie Nunan, Division Director for the Division for Children, Youth, and Families Information Only01:41:20.159 - 1:40:06 PM; Marie Nunan discussed the need for community-based out-of-home care options, including general foster care and enhanced foster care. She noted the lack of funding for a general foster care rate increase and the funding for enhanced foster care in both the governor's and house budgets. She also discussed the importance of transportation rates and the impact of the house's decision to eliminate funding for the licensed alcohol and drug abuse counselor contract, which provides critical services for youth and families experiencing substance use issues.
Unclear: Marie Nunan, Division Director for the Division for Children, Youth, and Families Information Only01:47:44.320 - 1:46:30 PM; Marie Nunan further discussed the impact of service reductions on case workers and family outcomes, emphasizing the need for foster care, transportation, residential treatment, and the licensed alcohol and drug abuse counselor contract. She also provided an overview of juvenile justice activity and the budget for the Sununu Youth Services Center, noting the house's reduction in personnel costs and the need to hold back six positions to meet this reduction.
Unclear: Marie Nunan, Division Director for the Division for Children, Youth, and Families Information Only01:50:18.320 - 1:49:04 PM; Marie Nunan responded to questions about the high cost of the Sununu Youth Services Center, explaining that the budget was based on a closure budget, which led to staffing issues and the need for overtime and temporary staffing. She discussed the current staffing situation and the need to separate youth due to various factors, including gang-related activities and mental health crises. She also mentioned the ongoing efforts to reduce recidivism and avoid unnecessary detentions.
Unclear: Marie Nunan, Division Director for the Division for Children, Youth, and Families Information Only01:57:00.400 - 1:55:46 PM; Marie Nunan concluded her presentation by discussing the stability of the Sununu Youth Services Center and the potential impact of any reductions on this stability. She mentioned the lack of certain programs like culinary arts and the current tutoring contract for education. She also noted an upcoming meeting with the child advocate to discuss potential changes to the house budget.
HB2: Senator Waters Information Only02:08:00.480 - 2:06:46 PM; Senator Waters asked about the impact of the budget on the conservation law enforcement unit, specifically regarding the fishing and game fund. The discussion focused on the potential deficit and the need to offset the salaries of four additional officers through the fishing and game fund.
HB2: Director Information Only02:08:54.239 - 2:07:40 PM; The Director explained that the fishing and game fund is projected to have a negative balance of $2.5 million at the end of the biennium. This situation arose due to the depletion of the fund over the years and the need to maintain the four additional officers granted through the Governor's budget.
HB2: Senator Pearl Information Only02:09:46.960 - 2:08:32 PM; Senator Pearl inquired if the four positions were funded by ARPA dollars. The Director clarified that ARPA dollars were used for environmental review positions, not for law enforcement. The discussion also touched on the impact of raises in the last budget, which were not continued, leading to a $2 million deficit.
HB2: Director Information Only02:10:47.199 - 2:09:33 PM; The Director discussed potential fee increases to address the deficit, including wildlife habitat, fishing habitat, and game management fees, as well as license fees. However, even with these increases, the budget still faces a $2.5 million deficit. The legality of sweeping dedicated accounts was also discussed.
HB2: Senator Information Only02:13:19.840 - 2:12:05 PM; A Senator raised concerns about fees that are in statute and whether they could be increased through rules or other means. The discussion highlighted the need for potential changes to the RSA to address these issues.
HB2: Director Information Only02:14:26.960 - 2:13:12 PM; The Director explained the arrangement with the Department of Safety regarding law enforcement services in unincorporated towns. There is no written agreement, but there is a mutual understanding between the agencies. Local law enforcement bills Fish and Game for services related to ORV trails.
HB2: Senator Information Only02:15:35.199 - 2:14:21 PM; A Senator questioned if Fish and Game provides more services than it receives, particularly in terms of time spent. The Director acknowledged that Fish and Game does provide significant services but could not quantify the exact difference without further information from the Colonel.
HB2: Director Information Only02:17:20.080 - 2:16:06 PM; The Director discussed the Glen Cove project, noting that it will be completed in 26 with federal grants ending afterward. The project's budget was highlighted as it transitions from 25 to 26.
HB2: Director Information Only02:18:41.519 - 2:17:27 PM; The Director provided background on HB2, expressing concerns about centralizing the environmental review program into the Department of Environmental Services (DES). Fish and Game prefers to retain the permitting authority, but if transferred, they suggested amendments to RSA 212 to maintain some authority while allowing DES to undertake the work.
HB2: Senator Information Only02:20:43.680 - 2:19:29 PM; A Senator discussed the potential fiscal impact of transferring positions to DES, emphasizing the need to retain one position at Fish and Game for non-DES related permits. The discussion highlighted the expertise within Fish and Game for endangered species review.
HB2: Director Information Only02:22:00.640 - 2:20:46 PM; The Director explained that transferring responsibilities to DES would require them to hire new individuals, potentially increasing costs. Fish and Game would continue to provide consultation on species impacts and work on an MOA with DES for compensation.
HB2: Senator Information Only02:24:13.439 - 2:22:59 PM; A Senator suggested using a matrix organization structure for the project, where employees remain part of Fish and Game but come under the supervision of the project. This approach could help maintain training and support from Fish and Game.
HB2: Senator Information Only02:25:23.720 - 2:24:09 PM; A Senator expressed interest in ensuring that permitting is done expeditiously and that employees are properly funded. The matrix organization approach was seen as a way to retain support and training from Fish and Game.
HB2: Director Information Only02:26:23.760 - 2:25:09 PM; The Director raised concerns about the proposed 'Love New Hampshire Lakes' number plate in HB2, fearing it might reduce revenue for the moose plate. The funding from the new plate is not earmarked for wildlife conservation, which could impact ecosystem health.
HB2: Senator Waters Information Only02:27:28.439 - 2:26:14 PM; Senator Waters suggested that the 'Love New Hampshire Lakes' plate issue should be handled by the Senate Transportation Committee, possibly delaying it until new equipment can produce plates more cheaply.
HB2: Director Information Only02:29:31.520 - 2:28:17 PM; The Director discussed a proposal in HB2 to allow Fish and Game to conduct raffles and automatically transfer excess funds from dedicated accounts to the fishing and game fund. The automatic transfer was a concern as it might affect ongoing projects.
HB2: Senator Information Only02:30:36.120 - 2:29:22 PM; A Senator cautioned about the need for statutory authorization to use dedicated funds for other purposes, highlighting potential complications due to the dedicated nature of these funds.
HB2: Director Information Only02:32:41.040 - 2:31:27 PM; The Director expressed concerns about a proposed 5% administrative fee to dedicated accounts, which could result in the loss of federal funding. This fee would impact Fish and Game's ability to receive and match federal grants.
HB2: Senator Information Only02:33:59.200 - 2:32:45 PM; A Senator questioned the total impact of the 5% sweep across all funds, which was reported to be $16 million per year of the biennium, totaling $32 million. This sweep would have a significant effect on Fish and Game's operations.
HB2: Director Information Only02:37:22.960 - 2:36:08 PM; The Director discussed the proposed transfer of the Conservation Land Stewardship Program to Fish and Game in HB1, emphasizing the need for associated budget and positions to be transferred as well.

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