Warning: Bill numbers and names are based on text-to-speech transcript which may have errors due to transcription issues or ad hoc/incomplete language use by committee.
(New Title) establishing a medical psilocybin advisory board to assess the advantages and disadvantages of the use of psilocybin for therapeutic purposes.
Representative Cofalt introduces HB 1215, explaining its purpose to support preferred communication methods for individuals with communication disabilities, particularly those with autism and apraxia. He shares personal anecdotes about his friend's daughter Grace and notable non-speakers like Hari Srinivasan, who achieved academic success after learning alternative communication methods. He highlights the bill's aim to protect against professional pushback, mirroring ADA language to ensure reasonable efforts for preferred communication, promoting self-determination, dignity, and access to services without creating lawsuit magnets.
HB1215
Support00:10:15.333 - 9:09:07 AM
Eagleson supports HB 1215, emphasizing communication's essential role in community and human interaction. He notes that effective communication enhances efficiency in providing services and supports, ensuring needs are met concisely.
HB1215
Support00:11:42.590 - 9:10:34 AM
Rosenberg strongly supports HB 1215, stating it empowers individuals with disabilities to choose their communication method, fostering independence and inclusion. The bill acknowledges future communication innovations and requires service providers to make reasonable efforts to use preferred methods, aligning with protection and advocacy goals. She urges an ought to pass recommendation.
HB1215
Support00:13:52.618 - 9:12:44 AM
The committee votes unanimously 4-0 to recommend Ought to Pass on HB 1215 without amendment.
HB1797
Support00:16:50.114 - 9:15:42 AM
Representative Cofalt briefly introduces HB 1797, noting it enhances work requirements for the SNAP program, referencing related Senate bills on the topic.
HB1797
Support00:17:28.074 - 9:16:20 AM
The bill establishes requirements for SNAP eligibility by directing DHHS to enter into data-sharing agreements with other state agencies, such as the New Hampshire Lottery Commission. It requires verification of eligibility for recipients making exclusively out-of-state purchases as a potential indicator of fraud. The bill mandates checks against the SAVE database to prevent benefits to illegal aliens. Overall, it enhances program integrity to ensure benefits reach those truly in need. It aligns with federal requirements from recent legislation, providing a framework for implementation. Provisions prohibiting purchases of sugary sodas and candy were removed to focus solely on integrity measures.
HB1797
Oppose00:18:30.000 - 9:17:22 AM
As a representative of a border district along the Connecticut River, concerns arise about impacts on residents who frequently cross into Vermont for shopping, such as in Bellows Falls. Testimony from the Florida-based Foundation for Government Accountability promotes restrictive policies. While federal compliance is necessary, the bill adopts the most stringent options without allowing departmental discretion, exacerbating difficulties for those in precarious situations. Excessive verification requirements risk disenrolling eligible individuals with disabilities or those meeting work requirements due to administrative burdens. This approach saves money but at the cost of harming vulnerable people and overburdening the understaffed DHHS with constant cross-checking.
HB1797
Information Only00:22:00.000 - 9:20:52 AM
Approximately 70,000 individuals receive SNAP in New Hampshire, generating $150 million in revenue and supporting 1,000 small stores as an economic driver. DHHS already has MOUs with agencies and no current ABAWD waivers, using them sparingly for high unemployment areas on a one-year renewable basis. Implementing the bill would cost five additional FTEs amid 70 unfunded positions and 22% vacancy rate, plus $1.6 million for lottery system changes. Federal HR 1 changes were already implemented without extra staff by adjusting ABAWD recertifications to every three months. The bill exceeds federal requirements by mandating lottery cross-matches over self-attestation, FBI data matches instead of relying on law enforcement warrants, monthly SAVE checks for all (not just non-citizens), automatic out-of-state purchase verifications regardless of proximity, and eliminating categorical eligibility at 200% FPL, affecting about 20,000 households (6,774 with 6,313 children and 8,885 adults over 130% FPL). These changes increase manual processes, shorten certifications to four months from six, and restrict exemptions, potentially raising the error rate from 7.57% toward the 8% penalty threshold, despite low fraud under 0.01%. Efforts like online portal improvements and a $1.8 million federal grant for system prompts aim to reduce errors, but the bill would hinder alignment with six-month Medicaid recertifications.
HB1797
Oppose00:38:30.206 - 9:37:22 AM
The New Hampshire Council of Churches opposes HB 1797 for undermining food security and dignity by imposing restrictions, suspicion, and burdens rather than promoting access and trust. Hunger is not addressed through administrative hurdles. The Florida-based Foundation for Government Accountability pushes anti-SNAP model legislation based on exaggerated fraud claims, despite SNAP's effectiveness in allowing culturally appropriate food choices for families receiving $100-$300 monthly. Increased burdens on DHHS and recipients are unnecessary. As a disability policy expert, shared a case of a New Ipswich registered nurse reducing to part-time work to support her adult son with autism, who faces job discrimination in rural areas lacking support services due to low Medicaid reimbursements. The son lost SNAP and Medicaid during redetermination due to confusion over his status as a separate household in the online system, compounded by understaffed DHHS and navigation difficulties. This illustrates systemic issues contributing to errors, not fraud. Additional verifications would burden veterans, disabled individuals, and seniors navigating bureaucracy, perpetuating false narratives. Urges rejecting the bill and voting inexpedient to legislate to treat SNAP recipients with dignity and avoid imported fear-mongering legislation.
HB1797
Oppose00:45:41.486 - 9:44:33 AM
New Hampshire Hunger Solutions, a statewide nonpartisan nonprofit advocating to end food insecurity, opposes HB 1797. Written testimony and a handout on SNAP's impact in New Hampshire were provided.
HB1797
Oppose00:46:38.989 - 9:45:30 AM
Laura Milliken, executive director of New Hampshire Hunger Solutions, testified in opposition to HB 1797. She noted that many advocacy partners submitted written testimony due to prior discussion on the similar SB 615, which the committee wisely turned into a study commission. HB 1797 would bypass this study and implement risky changes. Section 2 ends categorical eligibility, potentially cutting off 20,000 to 25,000 residents, including children who would lose free meals, and creates a benefit cliff disincentivizing work. Section 1 eliminates DHHS flexibility for waivers in job-scarce times or crises like domestic violence. Sections 3-11 impose administrative burdens with data-matching systems, increasing state costs to 75% and error rates. Sections 3 and 7 mandate investigations into out-of-state EBT use, ignoring routine cross-border activities and harassing families. SNAP provides nine times more meals than food pantries, which cannot compensate. She urged voting inexpedient to legislate and allowing the SB 615 study to proceed.
HB1797
Oppose00:50:13.285 - 9:49:05 AM
Raymond Burke, staff attorney with New Hampshire Legal Assistance, testified in opposition to HB 1797. He represents low-income Granite Staters on civil legal issues, including SNAP access. He echoed concerns about increasing payment error rates, administrative burdens, and removing needy households from the program. He added context on payment error rates, noting DHHS reduced it from 12.34% in FY2022 to 7.57% in FY2024, suggesting support for their efforts rather than this bill, which risks reversal. Broad-based categorical eligibility, expanded in 2023, correlates with declining errors. Certification period errors were a top cause, addressed by simplifying to two options, aiding the improvement. The bill does not address root causes like staffing shortages, a national issue. He recommended supporting DHHS with adequate staffing to administer H.R. 1 changes and lower errors further. During questioning, he noted NH's low error rate below the national 10.83%, but specifics on costs for not reaching 6% are for DHHS. He emphasized vacancy rates overburden staff, and new changes like ending categorical eligibility would add verification burdens, risking errors during training.
HB241
Support00:58:04.813 - 9:56:56 AM
Representative Nagel, the prime sponsor, testified in support of HB 241, which has a long history since 1997 aimed at balancing pain management and addiction prevention. The bill enjoys bipartisan, multi-stakeholder support and passed the House on consent and committees unanimously. It addresses access to non-opioid therapies amid the opioid crisis, building on federal efforts like the Pain Care Policy Act, Institute of Medicine reports, and the National Pain Strategy. He highlighted his involvement in creating the first U.S. medical school curriculum for pain management. The bill, refined over years with stakeholders, mandates insurance coverage for a range of pain therapies, similar to implementations in Maine, Massachusetts, and Illinois, saving costs and improving access as in the VA. An upcoming amendment will adjust prior authorization language on page 2, line 8, section 4, to allow early access with subsequent review, to be provided soon after insurance department approval.
HB241
Support01:04:50.803 - 10:03:42 AM
Paula Rogers from AHA testified in support of HB 241, agreeing with Representative Nagel on the collaborative development of a pain management program approved by the insurance department. It requires carriers to provide non-pharmaceutical services for chronic pain, offering alternatives to historical approaches. The department hosted meetings to refine the bill, which passed Commerce and went to Appropriations. Concerns arose on prior authorization paragraphs, and they are working on an agreeable amendment to balance oversight without restricting the program. The amendment, discussed recently, will clarify application to modalities and be submitted soon for approval.
HB241
Support01:07:48.385 - 10:06:40 AM
Representative Daniel Popovich Miller testified briefly in support of HB 241, noting his growing awareness of New Hampshire's pain management crisis. He urged the committee to support the bill, fixing any minor technical issues or amendments, as it addresses desperate needs through effective steps toward better access, emphasizing baby steps for progress.
HB241
Support01:08:49.345 - 10:07:41 AM
Tracy Adams, a physical therapist and president of the NH APTA chapter, testified in support of HB 241. Musculoskeletal conditions lead to opioid prescriptions, but early physical therapy prevents chronic pain and long-term opioid use. PTs educate on pain, regulate flare-ups, improve mobility, and build strength, serving as evidence-based alternatives. The bill advances inclusion of physical therapy in covered pain management services to avoid opioid dependency.
HB1809
Information Only01:12:47.657 - 10:11:39 AM
Representative Daniel Popovich Miller, prime sponsor of the House amendment for HB 1809, provided information on the bill to establish a medical psilocybin advisory board. The original bill created a distribution program but was amended in Finance to form only the board after a close vote, prevailing on the floor. It targets populations like PTSD sufferers, veterans, and sexual assault victims where traditional therapies fail. Psilocybin, federally Schedule I, requires a measured approach. The board includes DHHS, patients, legislators, and providers, meeting at least six times yearly, possibly electronically for out-of-state experts. It assesses feasibility, issues, and recommends actions like legislation. The effective date is July 1, 2027, to avoid budget strain and allow re-evaluation next term. Funds are limited for meetings, justifiable in future budgets.
HB1809
Support01:17:30.377 - 10:16:22 AM
Representative Hartnett supports HB 1809, highlighting psilocybin's promise in treating unresponsive depression, PTSD, and substance abuse, though research is early. He shares firsthand experiences from his work in a hospital ER and a veterans' facility, emphasizing caution with fragile individuals like veterans and a 16-year-old case affected by psilocybin. He praises the bill as a smart, rational approach to help veterans and those with treatment-resistant depression, suggesting expanding the advisory board to include other hallucinogens like ibogaine and MDMA.
HB1809
Support01:21:38.309 - 10:20:30 AM
As the prime sponsor, Representative Scherer explains HB 1809 establishes an unpaid advisory board with national experts, researchers, and representatives from veterans and affected populations to cautiously evaluate therapeutic psilocybin programs. He discusses consultations with Colorado's program administrator and emphasizes the bill does not legalize psilocybin but studies its potential for treatment-resistant depression, PTSD, and substance abuse. He notes low costs ($125,000-$140,000 for one administrator, delayed to next budget), addresses misconceptions about funding by 'tech bros,' and supports amendments for funding contingencies and possibly adding Department of Safety representation. He highlights enthusiasm from veterans for the program.
HB1809
Support01:31:28.436 - 10:30:20 AM
Dr. Teel advocates for HB 1809 based on evidence from meta-analyses showing psilocybin-assisted psychotherapy's benefits for treatment-resistant depression (TRD), PTSD, and substance use disorders, including reduced depression symptoms, improved therapy engagement, and higher quit rates for addictions like alcohol and tobacco. He outlines the structured clinical model: preparation, supervised sessions, and integration, with established guidelines from Brain Futures and FDA. Risks are minimal—non-addictive, transient psychological effects managed clinically—with low adverse event rates from Oregon (0.12%) and Australia (zero). He stresses New Hampshire's needs: ~27,000 with TRD, 6,000-13,000 veterans with PTSD, high overdose rates. The bill creates a safe, evidence-based medical pathway without legalizing recreational use, allowing in-state care instead of out-of-state travel.
HB1809
Oppose01:44:49.855 - 10:43:41 AM
Representative Homola opposes HB 1809, expressing empathy for veterans and PTSD but raising concerns about psilocybin's Schedule I status, potential federal law violations, and clinics operating outside regulations like in Colorado and Oregon. She notes existing legal alternatives like ketamine (Schedule III) for PTSD and depression in New Hampshire facilities. She argues medicinal uses lack proven evidence per the American Academy of Psychiatry, cites rising recreational misuse and poison control calls, and criticizes funding by Silicon Valley groups using veterans sympathetically. She references oppositions from psychiatric associations in Oregon and shutdowns in California and Iowa, stating state-level action is inappropriate until federal rescheduling.
HB1809
Oppose01:50:43.366 - 10:49:35 AM
Representative Homola suggests petitioning the DEA for small, controlled studies under defined criteria to answer questions about psilocybin therapy. However, she expresses caution and lack of support until more is understood about implementations in Oregon and Colorado, where structures for investigations are not working well and lack support from the medical community. She argues it would not be responsible to experiment on New Hampshire veterans without better outcomes from those states.
HB1809
Information Only01:52:06.664 - 10:50:58 AM
John Williams provides brief testimony on HB 1809, noting the department is not taking a position but appreciates the delayed effective date to July 1, 2027, to address fiscal needs in the upcoming budget. He emphasizes the need to be conscientious about current and future budgets for any new initiatives. He introduces an amendment with contingency language stating the department shall not implement the act until sufficiently funded. The fiscal analysis indicates costs over a quarter million dollars as introduced, but the amended bill requires a fractional portion of at least two positions to support the board. This amendment protects the department and budget if resources are unavailable. He praises Representative Buzz Scherer for early engagement with the agency.
HB1809
Support01:54:40.984 - 10:53:32 AM
Representative Scherer informs the committee of a potential federal movement to reclassify psilocybin from Schedule 1 to Schedule 3, supported by RFK Jr. He advocates passing the bill with the amendment discussed by Mr. Williams, which ties implementation to funding availability, even if it doesn't pass in the next budget cycle. This would establish the framework in place for future activation.