Committee Summary for Senate Finance (05/29/2025)

Bill/Time	Type	Title	Sponsor
HB2 00:15:18.959 - 12:43:29 PM	Executive Session	relative to state fees, funds, revenues, and expenditures.	Weyler, Kenneth(R)[B+]2024

HB2: Chair Information Only00:15:18.959 - 12:43:29 PM; The Chair called the Senate Finance Committee meeting to order and moved to go into executive session. The Chair mentioned needing a recess to retrieve a pen and noted that item number one in the Department of Revenue Administration was on hold as they were still working out the details of the splits.
HB2: Senator Andis Information Only00:16:06.560 - 12:44:17 PM; Senator Andis humorously mentioned singing to the committee during the recess.
HB2: Senator Lang Information Only00:16:06.560 - 12:44:17 PM; Senator Lang moved items one and two from the Department of Administrative Services, noting that item three would have a committee amendment. He later explained that item three involved buying a property to reduce state overhead, with the seller agreeing to carry the note for any shortfall.
HB2: Senator Bertell Support00:17:22.000 - 12:45:33 PM; Senator Bertell supported the move on item three, questioning if the entire amount would be used and what would happen if there was a shortfall or leftover funds.
HB2: Senator W Support00:18:18.559 - 12:46:29 PM; Senator W supported the move on item three and asked about the use of the funds, receiving clarification that the costs might exceed the budgeted amount.
HB2: Senator Lang Information Only00:19:19.919 - 12:47:30 PM; Senator Lang moved to increase funding for fiscal years 26 and 27 and explained the process of voting on amendments and the overall budget package.
HB2: Chair Information Only00:20:30.559 - 12:48:41 PM; The Chair clarified that the retirement system item was on hold and scheduled a meeting with Democrats to discuss it further.
HB2: Senator Information Only00:21:38.080 - 12:49:49 PM; A motion was made to approve items 1A, 1B, and 1C for the Human Rights Commission, which undid the House's actions, restored funding, and made changes to the commission's makeup.
HB2: Senator Waters Information Only00:22:44.720 - 12:50:55 PM; Senator Waters questioned the required reporting for the Human Rights Commission and suggested firmer language around audit resolutions. He expressed interest in serving on the one-year advisory committee to monitor the commission.
HB2: Senator Rosenol Information Only00:24:56.640 - 12:53:07 PM; Senator Rosenol asked about the status of the Housing Appeals Board and received clarification that it was not being deleted but rather its repeal was being undone.
HB2: Senator Lang Information Only00:26:03.679 - 12:54:14 PM; Senator Lang addressed Senator Waters' concerns about oversight, mentioning that the Performance Audit and Oversight Committee was taking the oversight piece seriously and would be addressing outstanding audit findings.
HB2: Senator Bertzel Information Only00:27:22.320 - 12:55:33 PM; Senator Bertzel moved to approve items one through four on page three, with items 2B and five scheduled to be removed.
HB2: Senator Information Only00:28:52.000 - 12:57:03 PM; A motion was made to approve item one on page four for property tax relief, but it was suggested to hold it for discussion on the large ticket item list.
HB2: Senator Information Only00:29:37.760 - 12:57:48 PM; Items 3A and 3B were removed from the list after discussion about concerns with the Wetlands Council's attendance and its impact on decisions. It was suggested that if the change proves not to be the right decision, it could be revisited in future legislation.
HB2: Senator Waters Information Only00:30:36.360 - 12:58:47 PM; Senator Waters discussed the Wetlands Council and the need for future legislation due to unresolved issues regarding its composition and appointment process.
HB2: Senator Information Only00:31:39.600 - 12:59:50 PM; Item six was moved to auto pass, with a question raised about the impact on the drinking water fund. The amendment was explained to put into statute the purpose of the fund for PAS remediation.
HB2: Senator Information Only00:32:30.880 - 1:00:41 PM; The senator discusses the amendment to HB2, explaining that it sets up language about a fund's operation, particularly related to a settlement involving 3M, DuPont, and other companies. The fund's disbursement would be finalized through the drinking water and groundwater fund. The senator mentions that the delay in receiving the settlement funds is due to other states' slower processes, not New Hampshire's, and supports the amendment as a sensible addition to HB2.
HB2: Senator Support00:33:37.120 - 1:01:48 PM; The senator supports the amendment to HB2, highlighting its utility in clarifying the distribution of funds from the settlement. They mention the importance of the drinking water trust fund in making decisions about priorities and commend the amendment as a sensible addition to the legislation.
HB2: Senator Lang Information Only00:34:34.159 - 1:02:45 PM; Senator Lang discusses an amendment to RSA420-G12, which requires insurance carriers to provide claim data, including large claims. The amendment seeks to clarify the law to ensure the data necessary for competitive bidding on health insurance is provided, which would help municipal officials find better rates and save taxpayer money.
HB2: Senator Rosen Support00:35:46.880 - 1:03:57 PM; Senator Rosen supports the amendment, noting it would have been beneficial for Rochester in obtaining information from its former risk management trust, highlighting the history of litigation on the issue.
HB2: Senator Information Only00:37:41.320 - 1:05:52 PM; The senator discusses an amendment related to the Council of the Arts, proposing a tax break system to incentivize donations by offering a 50% tax credit on state tax rates. They believe this compromise will provide necessary funding in a cost-effective way.
HB2: Senator from District 1 Support00:38:46.480 - 1:06:57 PM; The senator from District 1 supports amendments 2A and 2B, along with the restoration of positions through amendment 2434, believing they address budget realities and funding issues effectively. They express gratitude to colleagues for their collaboration.
HB2: Senator Waters Support00:39:55.680 - 1:08:06 PM; Senator Waters supports the amendments, particularly noting the importance of ensuring core operations are covered in amendment 2B, which would help in selling tax credits and keep the office functioning.
HB2: Senator Verso Information Only00:41:06.200 - 1:09:17 PM; Senator Verso clarifies their vote on a public water system item, mentioning their condo association's inclusion on the list.
HB2: Senator Oppose00:43:55.440 - 1:12:06 PM; The senator objects to removing an item from the list, arguing it supports low-income seniors who cannot afford Medicare premiums and deductibles. They believe it's good policy without budget impact in the current biennium and should be passed.
HB2: Senator Information Only00:45:37.440 - 1:13:48 PM; The senator asks questions about met dish, expressing satisfaction with a recent settlement and indicating they have questions about miscellaneous revenue on pages related to the settlement.
HB2: Unknown Speaker Information Only00:47:05.200 - 1:15:16 PM; The speaker discussed the budget adjustments related to Medicaid funds. They explained a reduction in federal funds and miscellaneous revenue, specifically mentioning the MET (Medicaid Enhancement Tax), and how these funds were reallocated to different accounts for provider payments and rates as part of a settlement agreement. The action was described as net zero, indicating a reallocation rather than an increase or decrease in total funds.
HB2: Unknown Speaker Information Only00:48:29.079 - 1:16:40 PM; The speaker addressed a query about the reallocation of $52.5 million that was added back to the budget after removing a 3% Medicaid rate reduction. They clarified that this amount did not appear in the operating budget and thus could not be directly used elsewhere, as it was a directive within House Bill 2.
HB2: Unknown Speaker Information Only00:49:15.200 - 1:17:26 PM; The speaker discussed the increased funding for Medicaid provider payments due to a change that added $67.8 million annually. They addressed a question about why this increase did not allow for more general funds to be supplanted, linking it to the terms of a settlement agreement.
HB2: Henry Litman, State Medicaid Director Information Only00:50:08.319 - 1:18:19 PM; Henry Litman explained how the settlement agreement and the MET amounts in the budget affect the allocation of funds. He noted that while there's flexibility within the MET budget, the funds needed to fulfill the settlement agreement are set. He offered to provide further detailed explanation outside of the immediate session.
HB2: Unknown Senator Information Only00:51:17.280 - 1:19:28 PM; The senator expressed a lack of detailed knowledge about the settlement agreement and sought clarification on how funds from 2018 and 2019 were being moved around, along with the increased federal match due to directed payments. They noted that not all the increased funds were going back to hospitals but were also allocated to other provider payments.
HB2: Unknown Speaker Information Only00:52:04.559 - 1:20:15 PM; The speaker clarified that the funds from 2018 and 2019 related to the settlement agreement were hospital monies being reallocated among hospitals, not state funds. They also noted that increased federal funds within the expanded Medicaid budget do not directly impact the state operating budget due to the trust fund being off-budget.
HB2: Unknown Senator Information Only00:53:12.880 - 1:21:23 PM; The senator requested a detailed breakdown of how the funds are allocated, including a draw-down tree to trace the flow of money from tax to federal match to final allocations, to better understand the budget's complexity.
HB2: Unknown Speaker Information Only00:54:14.640 - 1:22:25 PM; The speaker introduced a discussion on long-term support services, moving to item one on page seven of the agenda, and mentioned a committee amendment concerning the language used for appropriations for services.
HB2: Unknown Speaker Information Only00:55:15.280 - 1:23:26 PM; The speaker provided details on the committee amendment, which specifies how appropriated funds should be used by the department for services under RSA 151E:28, with the flexibility to use remaining funds for services under other RSA sections.
HB2: Senator Berzo Information Only00:56:23.520 - 1:24:34 PM; Senator Berzo explained the amendment's language changes, detailing how funds can be used for various services if not fully expended for the initially intended population.
HB2: Senator Waters Information Only00:56:23.520 - 1:24:34 PM; Senator Waters asked for clarification on the amendment's impact on the department's discretion over the use of funds, to which it was confirmed that the amendment allows the department to decide how to allocate the money.
HB2: Senator Lang Support00:57:28.960 - 1:25:39 PM; Senator Lang moved item number two, discussing the continuation of funding for a specific initiative, citing its cost-effectiveness and importance in helping citizens.
HB2: Senator Pearl Support00:57:28.960 - 1:25:39 PM; Senator Pearl seconded the motion by Senator Lang to continue funding for the initiative.
HB2: Unknown Speaker Information Only00:57:28.960 - 1:25:39 PM; The speaker mentioned item number three on the agenda, noting that despite having zeros listed, it would be discussed later as part of big ticket items.
HB2: Senator Rosenald Information Only00:57:28.960 - 1:25:39 PM; Senator Rosenald expressed willingness to make a motion on item number two, following encouragement from another senator, and mentioned a prior inclination to move on item one but decided against it based on the room's sentiment.
HB2: Unidentified Speaker Information Only00:58:14.160 - 1:26:25 PM; The speaker discussed the funding for a program, noting that with a reduced amount of general funds, the same amount of federal funds could be drawn down. They expressed that ideally more funding would be better, but reducing general funds could still allow the program to pass.
HB2: Senator Rosen Information Only01:15:46.800 - 1:43:57 PM; Senator Rosen moved an item and discussed the removal of an item from the budget packet. He mentioned the importance of a wastewater grant program as a form of property tax relief, describing it as a high priority due to its impact on municipal debt service for completed projects.
HB2: Unidentified Speaker from the Department of Safety Information Only01:17:00.320 - 1:45:11 PM; The speaker from the Department of Safety mentioned an upcoming bill expected to add about $4 million to the highway safety fund, which would help replenish funds previously reduced by earlier actions.
HB2: Unidentified Speaker Information Only01:17:57.840 - 1:46:08 PM; The speaker discussed the priority list, noting that actions had been taken on several items, including the removal of certain items from the budget packet. They highlighted priorities for various departments and discussed the status of budget items.
HB2: Senator Waters Information Only01:13:08.480 - 1:41:19 PM; Senator Waters inquired about the schedule for the following Monday, expressing concern about a noon meeting and the possibility of needing to recess and reconvene later in the day.
HB2: Unidentified Speaker Information Only01:14:34.880 - 1:42:45 PM; The speaker updated the committee on the new priority list, indicating which items had been dealt with and which were still on hold. They discussed specific budget items related to various departments and their funding priorities.
HB2: Unidentified Speaker Information Only01:21:07.920 - 1:49:18 PM; The speaker continued discussing the budget priorities, focusing on the Medicaid services and the impact of proposed changes on costs. They also mentioned the high priority of the Medicaid services for them.
HB2: Senator Information Only01:22:41.639 - 1:50:52 PM; The senator discussed the implications of Medicaid expansion, citing a study showing a significant increase in survival rates for adults enrolled in Medicaid. They expressed concerns about the proposed premiums and their potential impact on enrollment and health outcomes.
HB2: Unknown Speaker Information Only01:23:34.480 - 1:51:45 PM; The speaker discussed the impact of potential changes to Medicaid coverage on addiction treatment and mental health services. They noted that Suboxone, a common treatment for addiction, is frequently prescribed under Medicaid, and changes could lead to increased overdose deaths and mental health issues. The speaker also mentioned the success of mission zero in reducing emergency room boarding.
HB2: Unknown Speaker Information Only01:24:23.880 - 1:52:34 PM; The speaker expressed concerns about the financial implications of Medicaid changes, particularly for involuntary psychiatric admissions, which are funded by taxpayer money. They highlighted the potential for increased emergency room visits and stays, as well as the impact on families where children are enrolled in Medicaid but parents might drop their insurance due to costs. The speaker was also concerned about the lack of preventive care and well-child care for children if parents cannot afford premiums.
HB2: Senator Bird Information Only01:25:51.000 - 1:54:02 PM; Senator Bird announced plans to introduce an amendment to HB2, which would change the premium structure so that it is not based on income. The amendment aims to address concerns about the fairness of the current system and the comparison between Medicaid and Education Freedom Accounts (EFAs), emphasizing that they are funded from different sources.
HB2: Senator Ro Information Only01:26:41.280 - 1:54:52 PM; Senator Ro discussed the potential impact of a $35 co-pay for services, a proposal being considered by Congress. They raised concerns about how providers would determine charges if Congress has not yet acted on this. Senator Ro also argued that funds for EFAs and Medicaid are fungible, coming from the same general funds, contrary to Senator Bird's point about different funding sources.
HB2: Unknown Speaker Information Only01:28:10.440 - 1:56:21 PM; The speaker transitioned to discussing the Division of Public Health and Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF) budget items. They mentioned that earlier in the day, the committee had removed one item and approved two others. The speaker also discussed a request by DCYF to restore funding for youth residential placements and a potential committee amendment to move funds from fiscal year 2027 to 2026, allowing DCYF to seek additional funds if necessary.
HB2: Unknown Speaker Information Only01:29:20.639 - 1:57:31 PM; The speaker elaborated on the challenges of budgeting for youth residential placements, noting the unpredictability of the number of children requiring services and the various funding sources available, such as TANF and Medicaid. They suggested that if funds are not available, moving money back to 2026 and allowing DCYF to carry it forward would provide flexibility.
HB2: Unknown Speaker Information Only01:31:01.679 - 1:59:12 PM; The speaker proposed a motion to approve an item with a footnote allowing funds to be moved back to 2026 and carried forward to 2027 if needed, with the option for DCYF to request additional funds from fiscal if revenues support it. The motion also included removing other items (1A and 1B).
HB2: Senator Waters Information Only01:32:08.000 - 2:00:19 PM; Senator Waters inquired about the impact of not approving items 1A and 1B, emphasizing the necessity of providing services for children in need. They suggested that the fiscal approach might be appropriate and that the need for these services would become clearer 18 months into the biennium.
HB2: Unknown Speaker Information Only01:33:16.440 - 2:01:27 PM; The speaker confirmed that the highest priority budget items discussed were funding for the University of New Hampshire (UNH) and the Commissioner's office. They also discussed the current budget position and the potential to approve funding for the university system and the Commissioner's office within the available funds.
HB2: Senator Carson Information Only01:34:08.520 - 2:02:19 PM; Senator Carson noted that group two items were also a high priority and inquired about the current budget situation, specifically asking for an update on available dollars.
HB2: Senator Waters Support01:35:11.360 - 2:03:22 PM; Senator Waters moved to approve funding for the university system, stating their role as the Senate representative to the board of trustees at UNH and clarifying there was no conflict of interest.
HB2: Senator Inis Information Only01:35:11.360 - 2:03:22 PM; Senator Inis disclosed their position as a professor at UNH and stated that the state funding level has no direct impact on their income or workload, and therefore, they would participate in the vote.
HB2: Senator Rosen Information Only01:35:11.360 - 2:03:22 PM; Senator Rosen, a member of the ethics committee, clarified that voting on the budget is exempt from conflict of interest rules but emphasized the importance of transparency and public disclosure.
HB2: Unknown Speaker Information Only01:36:15.920 - 2:04:26 PM; The speaker requested clarification on the motion and the budget impact, specifically the difference between the House budget and the proposed funding for the university system. They confirmed the figures and the implications of the vote, noting it was a preliminary vote.
HB2: Unknown Speaker Information Only01:37:23.600 - 2:05:34 PM; The speaker discussed the funding for the office of the commissioner, explaining it as a short-term backfill to cover the period between when someone is admitted to a program and when they are approved for Medicaid long-term care. They clarified that the nursing homes would not need to pay the state back.
HB2: Unknown Speaker Information Only01:38:18.880 - 2:06:29 PM; The speaker provided details on an amendment that would appropriate funds to the department to hire a contractor to speed up the processing of long-term care applications. They explained the target date for the contract and the relationship between the fee increase and the appropriation.
HB2: Senator Bson Information Only01:39:13.040 - 2:07:24 PM; Senator Bson confirmed that the contractor's role would be to move paperwork faster to expedite the application process for long-term care.
HB2: Senator Rose Information Only01:40:17.520 - 2:08:28 PM; Senator Rose sought clarification on whether the amendment would cover cases that take longer than 90 days to determine eligibility.
HB2: Henry Lman, Medicaid Director Information Only01:41:23.520 - 2:09:34 PM; Henry Lman clarified that for long-term care applications, Medicaid goes back to the date of application for payment, not 90 days. He explained the process and the need for financial and medical information, and the purpose of the contractor to resolve issues holding up approvals and improve cash flow for nursing facilities.
HB2: Senator Rosen Hall Information Only01:42:35.199 - 2:10:46 PM; Senator Rosen Hall asked about the contractor's role in processing both financial and medical eligibility and the date of application. They also inquired about the current staffing and process for handling applications, expressing concerns about the efficiency of using an outside contractor.
HB2: Unknown Speaker Information Only01:43:40.080 - 2:11:51 PM; The speaker explained the high vacancy rate in the department and the need for additional staffing to handle the volume of applications. They noted the strategy of using a contractor to expedite the process and the impact of the pandemic on application processing.
HB2: Unknown Speaker Information Only01:44:49.119 - 2:13:00 PM; The speaker addressed questions about the benefits of using a contractor versus hiring more staff directly, noting the long lead time to train new staff and the urgency to help the financially stressed nursing facility industry.
HB2: Senator Pearl Information Only01:45:55.960 - 2:14:06 PM; Senator Pearl inquired if the proposed measures would help reduce waiting times for hospital patients needing nursing home services. The response indicated that it would help, but also highlighted upcoming challenges due to potential work requirements from Congress.
HB2: Unknown Speaker Information Only01:46:52.719 - 2:15:03 PM; The speaker elaborated on the multi-pronged effort to address application processing, including policy simplification, staff engagement, and system changes. They discussed the backlog from the pandemic and the challenges in obtaining necessary documentation from external sources.
HB2: Senator Rosenol Information Only01:48:52.639 - 2:17:03 PM; Senator Rosenol asked about the percentage of people entering nursing homes on Medicaid versus self-pay or insured, noting the amendment's implication that all enter on Medicaid.
HB2: Senator Rosenwald Information Only01:48:52.639 - 2:17:03 PM; Senator Rosenwald discusses the financial management dynamics for nursing facilities, emphasizing the importance of understanding patient eligibility for Medicaid to avoid uncompensated care. He mentions the need to process applications even when patients enter with resources, as these resources will eventually deplete.
HB2: Henry Information Only01:50:15.960 - 2:18:26 PM; Henry explains the process and timing for nursing homes receiving payments from Medicaid or Medicare. He notes that a complete application should result in payment within 90 days, but delays occur due to varying interpretations of what constitutes a complete application. He also discusses the financial challenges faced by nursing facilities due to delayed payments and ongoing efforts to streamline the application process.
HB2: Brendan Williams, President and CEO of the New Hampshire Health Care Association Support01:53:49.760 - 2:22:00 PM; Brendan Williams, representing most of the state's private nursing homes and three county nursing homes, supports efforts to address delays in Medicaid payments. He highlights the complexities of Medicaid applications and the financial strain on nursing homes due to delayed payments. He mentions a preferred approach, Senate Bill 131, which would provide provisional payments, but understands the current resource constraints. Instead, he supports funding to contract out Medicaid eligibility determinations for long-term care, which would be partially funded by a fee increase on nursing homes.
HB2: Senator Carson Information Only01:58:49.520 - 2:27:00 PM; Senator Carson expresses concern over the backlog of payments owed to nursing homes, citing an example from Hudson, NH, where a facility is owed over $900,000. She questions the effectiveness of the current call center in addressing these backlogs and the impact on nursing homes' ability to pay vendors and employees.
HB2: HHS Representative Information Only02:00:56.239 - 2:29:07 PM; The HHS representative discusses the role of the call center in handling basic inquiries, allowing experienced staff to focus on eligibility determinations. They highlight the challenges in training and retaining staff due to the complexity of the job. The call center, initially funded by ARPA, now requires general funds, and is crucial for managing workload, especially with potential changes in federal requirements. They assure that addressing the backlog is a top priority, with operational improvements already showing progress.
HB2: Senator Lang Information Only02:09:24.480 - 2:37:35 PM; Senator Lang summarizes the importance of the call center in managing the workload and preventing the backlog from worsening. He emphasizes that without the call center, the situation would deteriorate, and highlights the dual benefit of the call center and the prior legislation in addressing the backlog.
HB2: Senator Waters Information Only02:11:19.920 - 2:39:30 PM; Senator Waters suggests that some of the funding from the remaining item could be directed towards the backlog, proposing an amendment to specify funding allocation and deliverables. He supports moving forward with the call center system.

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