Committee Summary for Senate Finance (05/21/2025)

Bill/Time	Type	Title	Sponsor
HB1 00:23:07.840 - 10:21:54 AM	Executive 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

HB1: Chair Information Only00:23:07.840 - 10:21:54 AM; The Chair called the Senate Finance Committee meeting to order and moved into executive session. They discussed Amendment 1969, which deletes sections 267 to 279 related to renaming the division of enforcement and license to the division of licensing. The amendment was approved.
HB1: Senator Information Only00:24:10.000 - 10:22:57 AM; A senator requested time to work with the liquor enforcement commission to potentially reduce funding, emphasizing the need to restore positions but also to find a way to lower the budget. The discussion was put on hold.
HB1: Chair Information Only00:25:14.640 - 10:24:01 AM; The Chair moved on to discuss business and economic affairs, specifically restoring positions at the welcome center as requested by Commissioner Caswell. The item was approved.
HB1: Chair Information Only00:26:03.120 - 10:24:50 AM; The Chair continued funding for position 93356 with additional federal funding for 2026 and 2027. The item was approved.
HB1: Kathy Frederickson, Director of Finance, Business and Economic Affairs Information Only00:26:03.120 - 10:24:50 AM; Kathy Frederickson discussed an amendment request from Commissioner Caswell to extend the housing champion designation and grant program from 2025 to 2026. She confirmed that the department planned to have all funding approved by the executive council before the end of June to avoid any lapses.
HB1: Chair Information Only00:27:23.919 - 10:26:10 AM; The Chair approved the amendment to extend the housing champion designation and grant program.
HB1: Senator Gray Information Only00:27:23.919 - 10:26:10 AM; Senator Gray discussed a request to delete sections 254 and 255 from HB2 related to travel and tourism and welcome centers, moving the funding back into HB1. The amendment was approved.
HB1: Senator Rosenald Support00:28:42.480 - 10:27:29 AM; Senator Rosenald supported increasing funding for the small business development centers by $100,000 per year in 2026 and 2027, with a specific allocation for a business advisor in Coos County. He highlighted the effectiveness of the SBDC and the need for support in Coos County.
HB1: Senator Support00:29:56.039 - 10:28:43 AM; A senator supported the funding for the SBDC in Coos County, noting that it would restore only one of the two previous positions and would be a prudent investment for the North Country.
HB1: Senator Pearl Oppose00:30:41.279 - 10:29:28 AM; Senator Pearl opposed the additional funding for the SBDC, arguing that it was a 40% increase during a time when other agencies were being asked to reduce budgets. He highlighted that the current budget already fully funds the SBDC.
HB1: Senator Oppose00:32:00.080 - 10:30:47 AM; Another senator agreed with Senator Pearl, recognizing the challenges in Coos County but stating that increasing the SBDC's funding would be contrary to the budget constraints being applied elsewhere.
HB1: Senator Support00:32:57.919 - 10:31:44 AM; A senator argued that funding the SBDC could be seen as an investment rather than an expense, potentially leading to increased business development and tax revenue in Coos County. The discussion was put on hold.
HB1: Senator Rosenald Support00:33:58.399 - 10:32:45 AM; Senator Rosenald supported restoring the targeted block grants of $100,000 per year for planning commissions, emphasizing the necessity due to recent housing and zoning changes. He noted that the funding helps generate significant development.
HB1: Chair Information Only00:35:44.800 - 10:34:31 AM; The Chair concluded the discussion on restoring the targeted block grants, and it was removed from the list following a vote.
HB1: Senator Rosenald Support00:35:44.800 - 10:34:31 AM; Senator Rosenald supported Amendment 2041s, which appropriates $5 million per year in 2026 and 2027 for the housing champion designation and grant program fund. He highlighted the effectiveness of the program and the need for new housing funds.
HB1: Senator (Unspecified) Information Only00:37:01.599 - 10:35:48 AM; The senator referenced item number 22 on the budget list on page two, concerning the extension of the fund lapse for the Hamp Housing Champions program. They noted that while the program has money allocated, their district, Laconia, voted against joining the program. They expressed concern about increased spending and suggested removing this item from the budget list due to the lack of adoption in some areas.
HB1: Senator (Unspecified) Information Only00:38:06.000 - 10:36:53 AM; The senator responded to the previous comment, stating that the initial money for the Hamp Housing Champions program will be exhausted by the end of June, and the lapse extension is intended as a contingency. They mentioned that the program has been popular with 18 municipalities, including Rochester, but they cannot support the $10 million allocation due to other necessary budget cuts.
HB1: Senator (Unspecified) Support00:38:53.520 - 10:37:40 AM; The senator supported removing the Hamp Housing Champions program from the budget list and a vote was taken, resulting in its removal.
HB1: Senator Inis Support00:40:10.240 - 10:38:57 AM; Senator Inis moved an amendment to establish a committee to study the creation of the New Hampshire Office of Film and Creative Media. They proposed a committee amendment to limit the committee to one senator and suggested it be the 2025 Chair of Commerce. The amendment was voted on and passed.
HB1: Senator Bzell Support00:41:07.280 - 10:39:54 AM; Senator Bzell moved an amendment to appropriate $20,000 to the New Hampshire Ireland Trade Council, explaining it as seed money to foster business and educational contracts with Ireland and supplement the Canadian Trade Council. The amendment was supported and passed.
HB1: Senator (Unspecified) Support00:42:08.400 - 10:40:55 AM; A senator spoke in favor of the $20,000 appropriation to the New Hampshire Ireland Trade Council, highlighting the success of the Canadian Trade Council in fostering business relationships and the importance of the funding amidst federal policy unrest.
HB1: Senator Lang Support00:43:17.839 - 10:42:04 AM; Senator Lang moved an amendment to clarify the legislative intent regarding the funding formula for the Division of Travel and Tourism, which was passed unanimously in the Senate and by the House Ways and Means Committee. The amendment was passed.
HB1: Commissioner Stewart Support00:44:18.200 - 10:43:05 AM; Commissioner Stewart requested the deletion of Section 13 of HB1 relative to the back of the budget reduction, which was removed without objection.
HB1: Senator Rosenhal Support00:45:22.240 - 10:44:09 AM; Senator Rosenhal supported restoring the Division of the Arts, emphasizing its role in driving the economy. They combined this discussion with another item, suggesting a fund for the arts to accept donations and corporate sponsorships, which was funded with a nominal amount.
HB1: Senator Waters Support00:46:24.160 - 10:45:11 AM; Senator Waters clarified that under Senator Lang's amendment, the Council on the Arts would receive minimal funding, which could lead to its closure. They emphasized the importance of the arts council and its role in the state's cultural and economic life, supporting restoration to the governor's level.
HB1: Senator (Unspecified) Support00:47:29.760 - 10:46:16 AM; A senator supported the continuation of the arts council as a voluntary council, suggesting it could seek its own funding and federal grants, but opposed funding it with state dollars in the current budget cycle.
HB1: Senator (Unspecified) Support00:48:38.800 - 10:47:25 AM; A senator moved to remove item number two related to the arts council, which was voted on and removed.
HB1: Senator Waters Support00:49:37.920 - 10:48:24 AM; Senator Waters proposed a 25-cent surcharge on performing arts tickets to fund the Council on the Arts, explaining it as a common practice in other states and suggesting it could support the arts community effectively.
HB1: Senator Lang Oppose00:50:43.200 - 10:49:30 AM; Senator Lang opposed the surcharge on performing arts tickets due to the lack of infrastructure to support such a tax, suggesting it might be a good idea for the next budget cycle but not currently feasible.
HB1: Senator (Unspecified) Support00:51:38.680 - 10:50:25 AM; A senator suggested that the surcharge on performing arts tickets could work and mentioned that other states have successfully implemented similar fees, arguing it would be easy to manage and could support the arts council.
HB1: Senator (Unspecified) Information Only00:52:30.079 - 10:51:17 AM; A senator noted that with the passage of amendment three, the Arts Council would effectively be closed, expressing concern about its future and suggesting potential amendments to keep it operational.
HB1: Senator Rosman Support00:53:35.280 - 10:52:22 AM; Senator Rosman echoed concerns about the Arts Council's closure and suggested setting up some funding in the first year to keep it going, proposing a fee rather than a tax as consistent with other budget adjustments.
HB1: Senator (Unspecified) Support00:55:02.480 - 10:53:49 AM; A senator moved to remove the surcharge amendment, which was voted on and removed.
HB1: Senator (Unspecified) Information Only00:55:53.599 - 10:54:40 AM; A senator discussed holding items 5A, 5B, and 5C for further information on funding breakdowns, specifically regarding funds for position 11446 within the Division of Historical Resources. The items were put on hold for review the next day.
HB1: Senator (Unspecified) Support00:56:47.119 - 10:55:34 AM; A senator moved to approve sections one and two of an item, suggesting that section three regarding fishing and game dedicated funds be taken out and considered separately with other dedicated funds. The motion was seconded and passed.
HB1: Senator Waters Support00:58:05.119 - 10:56:52 AM; Senator Waters thanked Senator Pearl, Director Simic, and Commissioner Scott for their work on the governor's plan on endangered species and permitting, supporting the motion and expressing hope for clear language on handling dedicated fees.
HB1: Senator (Unspecified) Information Only00:59:05.200 - 10:57:52 AM; A senator discussed the proposed language for handling dedicated fees, noting that it puts the onus on the governor to find $26 million over the biennium, with a focus on state statutes only.
HB1: Senator (Unspecified) Support01:00:14.200 - 10:59:01 AM; A senator moved to approve sections one and two of an item with section three removed, which was voted on and passed.
HB1: Senator (Unspecified) Support01:01:07.760 - 10:59:54 AM; A senator moved to approve another item, which was seconded and passed.
HB1: Kim McKay, Comed on New Hampshire Veterans Home Support01:02:18.640 - 11:01:05 AM; Kim McKay from the New Hampshire Veterans Home discussed the need to reinstate the authority to move money within budget lines, which was removed in the last budget cycle due to a change in position. They explained the difficulties without this authority and the need for oversight from finance and the governor and council.
HB1: Senator (Unspecified) Information Only01:03:35.280 - 11:02:22 AM; A senator questioned the impact of not having the authority to move money within budget lines in the last budget cycle, with Kim McKay explaining the extra steps required. The senator expressed concern about allowing movement of funds from personnel accounts without fiscal oversight and suggested a committee amendment to exempt the personnel line.
HB1: Senator (Unspecified) Information Only01:03:35.280 - 11:02:22 AM; The senator was finishing speaking about the approval of transfer of appropriations from permanent personnel or employment benefits. They expressed confusion about the details and mentioned it was too small to read on their phone the previous night. They questioned the need for fiscal committee approval and indicated a personal opinion to vote no on the current motion, suggesting to put it on hold.
HB1: Senator (Unspecified) Information Only01:06:08.920 - 11:04:55 AM; The senator moved to discuss item number one on page eight, which pertained to the community college system of New Hampshire and the dual and concurrent enrollment program. They noted the governor recommended $3 million per year, which the house reduced to $2.5 million, and requested to add a half million per year to reach the governor's recommendation. They also mentioned the need for a senator to invite representatives from the community college system to speak.
HB1: Senator (Unspecified) Information Only01:07:18.079 - 11:06:05 AM; The senator declared a conflict of interest due to their work with the community college system and stated they would not vote on the item.
HB1: Mark Rubenstein, Chancellor for the Community College System, joined by Executive Director Reid Information Only01:08:26.479 - 11:07:13 AM; Mark Rubenstein, along with Executive Director Reid, advocated for the community college system, explaining that they followed guidelines to present a flat budget with additional priorities. They noted that the governor supported these requests, but the house reduced the budget to the current biennium's level. They highlighted changes in federal financial aid, particularly PEL grants, which could impact part-time students and requested restoration of unique funding to mitigate potential losses in federal funding. They also discussed the benefits of the early college program, emphasizing its growth and value to students and the state.
HB1: Senator Waters Information Only01:10:33.040 - 11:09:20 AM; Senator Waters asked for clarification on the federal changes to PEL grants, particularly concerning part-time students. Mark Rubenstein confirmed that the new threshold could affect half of their students, who enroll by the credit and often take fewer than seven and a half credits per term. This could discourage students from completing degrees and certificates in needed areas.
HB1: Senator Waters Information Only01:11:34.400 - 11:10:21 AM; Senator Waters discussed the dual and concurrent enrollment program, noting the $2 million reduction from the governor's recommended budget by the house, specifically a half million each year for the early college program. He explained how credits completed through early college can save students time and money when pursuing degrees.
HB1: Senator (Unspecified) Information Only01:13:38.480 - 11:12:25 AM; The senator asked about the gross budget of the community college system, which was reported to be about $130 million. They suggested putting items one, two, and three on hold to discuss them in conjunction with UNH fees and other education costs, allowing time to reorient priorities.
HB1: Mark Rubenstein, Chancellor for the Community College System Information Only01:14:43.760 - 11:13:30 AM; Mark Rubenstein expressed understanding of the budget challenges and willingness to work with Senator Waters to reassign priorities. He mentioned that the board has authority to address tuition increases and that most instruction at local schools is at the expense of the school district, not the community college system.
HB1: Senator (Unspecified) Information Only01:16:44.640 - 11:15:31 AM; The senator moved to pass item number four, which was seconded by Senator Lang. There was no further discussion, and the motion passed.
HB1: Senator (Unspecified) Information Only01:17:54.560 - 11:16:41 AM; The senator moved to auto-pass on item number one regarding lottery revenue, allowing LBA to speak first. The LBA explained that the revenue estimates were based on Senate Bill 83 and would be adjusted later based on the house's actions.
HB1: Senator Lang Information Only01:18:54.480 - 11:17:41 AM; Senator Lang discussed changes to Senate Bill 83, including adjustments for responsible gaming and renaming the commission on addiction treatment and prevention. He noted an uptick in revenue due to revised estimates for VLTs and HHR machines.
HB1: Senator (Unspecified) Information Only01:21:01.440 - 11:19:48 AM; The senator mentioned opposition to slot machines but would not oppose the revenue amendment. They noted that the 24-hour gaming provision was removed from the bill.
HB1: Senator Lang Information Only01:22:12.239 - 11:20:59 AM; Senator Lang discussed updated revenue estimates for HHR machines, explaining the increase from $230 to $245 per day per machine, which was confirmed by the executive director.
HB1: Senator (Unspecified) Information Only01:23:15.199 - 11:22:02 AM; The senator discussed the reallocation of $1 million for responsible gaming programs to the governor's commission on addiction treatment and prevention, removing the responsibility from the lottery commission.
HB1: Senator Waters Information Only01:24:10.960 - 11:22:57 AM; Senator Waters supported the reallocation of funds for responsible gaming, stating it would be more effective under the health and human services commission.
HB1: Senator (Unspecified) Information Only01:25:13.520 - 11:24:00 AM; The senator moved to pass item number four, which involved adding staff to manage the increased revenue from expanded gaming. The motion passed.
HB1: Senator (Unspecified) Information Only01:26:10.080 - 11:24:57 AM; The senator moved to pass item number five to book revenue into the budget from a bill passed by both the house and senate. The LBA explained the need to include the bill in the budget to account for the revenue.
HB1: Senator Rose Oppose01:27:37.360 - 11:26:24 AM; Senator Rose spoke against a provision in House Bill 2 that would have allowed 24-hour gambling and liquor sales. They noted that municipalities previously had the option to opt-in to 2 a.m. alcohol sales, which no town has done. They criticized the lack of public voting on the issue and its unfairness to bars and restaurants.
HB1: Senator (Unspecified) Information Only01:28:52.880 - 11:27:39 AM; The senator moved to pass item number seven, which clarified the hours of operation for Kino sales in businesses. The motion passed.
HB1: Senator (Unspecified) Information Only01:29:48.320 - 11:28:35 AM; The senator moved to pass item number eight, which would allow towns to vote to prohibit gaming within their borders. The bill passed both the house and senate, with an implementation delay to give towns time to vote. The motion passed.
HB1: Senator (Unspecified) Information Only01:31:54.159 - 11:30:41 AM; The senator outlined the schedule for the following week, noting the need to finalize all revenue inputs to balance the budget. They mentioned upcoming meetings and the process for finalizing amendments before the budget vote.

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