Committee Summary for Senate Judiciary (05/13/2025)

Bill/Time	Type	Title	Sponsor
191 00:13:32.160 - 12:11:03 PM	Executive Session	Unclear	Likely Text to Speech Error on Bill #
196 00:16:21.360 - 12:13:52 PM	Executive Session	Unclear	Likely Text to Speech Error on Bill #
733 00:19:38.640 - 12:17:09 PM	Executive Session	Unclear	Likely Text to Speech Error on Bill #
511 00:20:27.120 - 12:17:58 PM	Executive Session	Unclear	Likely Text to Speech Error on Bill #
528 2061s 00:22:29.960 - 12:20:00 PM	Executive Session	Unclear	Likely Text to Speech Error on Bill #
506 2019s 00:28:57.480 - 12:26:28 PM	Executive Session	Unclear	Likely Text to Speech Error on Bill #
HB387 00:34:09.280 - 12:31:40 PM	Public Hearing	relative to balloons being released into the air.	Wall, Janet(D)[CT]2024
HB387 00:49:51.760 - 12:47:22 PM	Public Hearing	relative to balloons being released into the air.	Wall, Janet(D)[CT]2024
HB80 01:11:08.719 - 1:08:39 PM	Public Hearing	(New Title) allowing a public body member's presence at a meeting by electronic or other means of communication only if physical presence is unavoidable.	Turcotte, Len(R)[A]2024
HB485 01:28:00.239 - 1:25:31 PM	Public Hearing	authorizing persons who win the state lottery to remain anonymous.	Dunn, Ron(R)[A-]2024
HB337 01:29:12.360 - 1:26:43 PM	Public Hearing	relative to the reporting requirements of the judicial council.	Weyler, Kenneth(R)[B+]2024
HB343 01:30:58.400 - 1:28:29 PM	Public Hearing	relative to reporting regarding the northern border alliance program.	Murray, Alissandra(D)[D-]2024
HB369 201875 01:40:19.920 - 1:37:50 PM	Public Hearing	relative to misdemeanor sexual assault prosecutions.	Potenza, Kelley(R)[A]2024
HB369 201875 01:43:10.159 - 1:40:41 PM	Executive Session	relative to misdemeanor sexual assault prosecutions.	Potenza, Kelley(R)[A]2024
HB387 01:48:16.560 - 1:45:47 PM	Executive Session	relative to balloons being released into the air.	Wall, Janet(D)[CT]2024

191: Unnamed Senator Information Only00:13:32.160 - 12:11:03 PM; The senator initiated the executive session and made a motion to re-refer bill 191, indicating that the bill would be worked on over the summer to address issues such as emergency medical situations involving coaches. The senator expressed a desire to have an improved and amended bill ready for discussion in the fall.
191: Unnamed Senator Information Only00:15:12.560 - 12:12:43 PM; Another senator suggested that instead of re-referring the bill, it could be deemed Inexpedient to Legislate (ITL) and a new bill could be introduced in January, thus freeing up time during the summer. The first senator responded humorously to the suggestion but maintained the motion to re-refer.
196: Unnamed Senator Information Only00:16:21.360 - 12:13:52 PM; The senator moved to ITL bill 196, explaining that typically such cases have been pled down from higher charges to lesser charges. The senator was not in the mood to annul certain cannabis possession offenses, suggesting that these cases could be discussed on the floor if needed.
196: Unnamed Senator Information Only00:17:44.240 - 12:15:15 PM; Another senator questioned whether the bill applied only to cases where charges have been pled down, to which it was clarified that it applies more broadly. Concerns were raised about why the Department of Safety was involved in annulments rather than the court, with explanations given about the Department of Safety's role in maintaining criminal records.
733: Unnamed Senator Information Only00:19:38.640 - 12:17:09 PM; The senator made a motion to re-refer bill 733, and it was passed with five votes.
511: Unnamed Senator Information Only00:20:27.120 - 12:17:58 PM; The senator moved to not pass bill 511, comparing it to another anti-sanctuary city bill that had been previously discussed and rejected. The senator stated there were ample reasons not to support this bill.
528 2061s: Unnamed Senator Information Only00:22:29.960 - 12:20:00 PM; The senator introduced amendment 2061s to bill 528, which involved changes to mandatory minimum bills on fentanyl. The amendment aimed to reduce the number of years for mandatory minimums and to require knowledge of fentanyl for death resulting cases. Questions were raised about the definition of voluntary intoxication and its implications in the amendment.
528 2061s: Unnamed Senator Information Only00:24:00.080 - 12:21:31 PM; Further discussion on the amendment focused on the legal implications of voluntary versus involuntary intoxication, with the senator questioning the lack of a definition for involuntary intoxication in the amendment. The senator expressed continued dissatisfaction with the bill, citing previous objections.
528 2061s: Unnamed Senator Information Only00:27:22.080 - 12:24:53 PM; Clarifications were made about the amendment's preservation of a statute related to the possession of mushrooms by individuals over 21. The senator expressed concern about trading this for enhanced penalties on fentanyl, indicating a strong dislike for the amendment.
506 2019s: Unnamed Senator Information Only00:28:57.480 - 12:26:28 PM; The senator introduced amendment 2019s to bill 506, explaining that it was an agreement between the sponsor, police, and the coalition for domestic violence. The amendment aimed to remove the word 'clearly' from the original bill and add a provision to ensure the Department of Safety could comply with state and federal laws regarding firearm possession. Questions were raised about the removal of the word 'clearly' and its reasoning.
HB387: Representative W, Strafford County Support00:34:09.280 - 12:31:40 PM; Representative W introduced HB 387, emphasizing its importance despite its seemingly light topic. The bill, which had previously passed the House but failed in the Senate due to lacking an education provision, now includes a requirement for balloons to be sold with weights and tags warning of environmental harm. Representative W highlighted support from environmentalists, sailors, fishermen, lobster fishers, and police officers. The representative cited Florida's recent law and mentioned the need for an education provision, noting that balloons cause harm to wildlife and marine life, including verified incidents of cows ingesting balloons in Strafford County.
HB387: Unnamed Senator Information Only00:37:15.440 - 12:34:46 PM; The senator humorously questioned the seriousness of the balloon issue and sought data to support the problem's severity. Representative W responded by explaining the widespread support from various groups and the availability of documentation, including images of wildlife harmed by balloons.
HB387: Senator Maki Information Only00:38:21.599 - 12:35:52 PM; Senator Maki clarified the enforcement mechanism of the bill, focusing on how balloons with weights and tags could be traced back to their origin if found causing harm. Representative W explained that clusters of balloons released at events could be tracked back to businesses, and individual balloons could potentially be traced through the tags or clips attached to them.
HB387: Unnamed Senator Information Only00:42:42.720 - 12:40:13 PM; The senator discussed how the bill adds to the intentional littering law and questioned the specifics of the tags and enforcement. Representative W clarified that the tags would serve as warnings and that the bill aimed to start addressing the problem, with the possibility of future amendments to refine the number of balloons required for enforcement.
HB387: Will Darby, Hillsborough District 11 Support00:47:35.920 - 12:45:06 PM; Will Darby, an ardent outdoorsman, expressed support for the bill, citing frequent findings of balloons, especially mylar balloons, during his hunting trips. He highlighted the negative impact on New Hampshire's pristine natural landscapes and the importance of maintaining clean outdoor resources for tourism and the economy.
HB387: Will Darby, Representative from Hillsborough District 11, National Ward 8 Information Only00:49:51.760 - 12:47:22 PM; Representative Will Darby emphasized the importance of the outdoor tourism industry in New Hampshire, noting its significant contribution to the state's economy. He highlighted the issue of decreasing marine patrol presence on the state's lakes, using his personal experience on Lake Monominac in Rindge as an example. He observed various violations such as jet skis jumping wakes, unregistered watercraft, and out-of-state boats without invasive species decals. Darby stressed the importance of education and the presence of marine patrol in promoting responsible behavior on the lakes. He discussed his initial plan to propose a study committee, which was changed to a task force at the recommendation of Assistant Commissioner Edwards from the Department of Safety. The task force's goal would be to propose legislation to increase law enforcement on New Hampshire's water bodies, engaging various stakeholders and potentially utilizing unused federal funds.
HB387: Tim Dunleafy, Department of Safety Marine Patrol Unit Information Only01:00:30.960 - 12:58:01 PM; Tim Dunleafy from the Department of Safety Marine Patrol Unit stated that their department is neutral on the bill. He acknowledged the role they would play in the proposed task force and their understanding of Representative Darby's goal. He addressed the current staffing situation, noting that the number of seasonal officers has decreased from 70-80 to about 20, reflecting broader recruitment challenges in law enforcement. He also mentioned that the department's funding is sufficient but the main issue is filling positions, and they are exploring creative solutions like using state troopers to supplement marine patrol.
HB387: Samantha Parkman, Community Engagement Coordinator for New Hampshire Lakes Support01:08:34.158 - 1:06:05 PM; Samantha Parkman, representing New Hampshire Lakes, expressed support for the bill. She noted that their organization frequently receives concerns from the public about the lack of law enforcement on lakes, which impacts both boating safety and water quality, potentially leading to issues like cyanobacteria blooms. She emphasized the importance of the proposed task force in optimizing water body patrol coverage and making use of available federal funds.
HB80: Len Turkot, Representative from Strafford County, representing the towns of Bington and Strafford Information Only01:11:08.719 - 1:08:39 PM; Representative Len Turkot discussed his bill, which aims to increase the threshold for remote participation in public meetings from 'reasonably available' to 'unavoidable'. He shared his experiences with the Strafford County delegation, where remote participation was often used, which he believed diminished the importance of in-person attendance. He argued that the term 'unavoidable' would set a higher standard and ensure more responsible participation. He provided examples of situations where remote participation could be justified and emphasized the importance of physical presence for effective communication and decision-making.
HB80: Sarah Bur Cohen, New Hampshire Municipal Association Oppose01:19:01.080 - 1:16:32 PM; Sarah Bur Cohen from the New Hampshire Municipal Association opposed the bill, arguing that it imposes a higher burden on remote participation than necessary, especially given that public bodies already have the discretion to allow or disallow remote participation. She expressed concern that the term 'unavoidable' could limit participation for individuals with disabilities. She also pointed out a potential issue with the bill's language, suggesting it might be interpreted in a way that contradicts the bill's intent. She offered alternative language to clarify the bill's objectives.
HB80: Mo Bailey, Advocacy Director for Granite State Independent Living Oppose01:25:31.600 - 1:23:02 PM; Mo Bailey, representing Granite State Independent Living, opposed the bill, highlighting the challenges that people with disabilities face in attending meetings in person. He stressed the high cost of transportation for individuals with disabilities and argued that making remote participation more difficult would further hinder their ability to serve on public bodies.
HB485: Tara Rearden, Representative from Senate District 15 Information Only01:28:00.239 - 1:25:31 PM; Representative Tara Rearden introduced House Bill 485, which would allow lottery winners to remain anonymous if they meet certain conditions. No further testimony was provided on this bill.
HB337: Jay Bucky, Executive Director of the Judicial Council Information Only01:29:12.360 - 1:26:43 PM; Jay Bucky, the Executive Director of the Judicial Council, stated that the Judicial Council remained neutral on House Bill 337. He was present to answer any questions the committee might have but did not provide further testimony on the bill.
HB343: Representative Murray Information Only01:30:58.400 - 1:28:29 PM; Representative Murray introduced House Bill 343, which aims to codify existing reporting elements from the Northern Border Alliance and expand reporting to include more detailed data on equipment use and the effectiveness of border patrol activities. He noted that the current data shows a discrepancy between the number of contacts and the number of intelligence reports related to border issues, suggesting that the program might be more focused on general law enforcement than border management. He emphasized the need for better data to evaluate the program's effectiveness and ensure appropriate allocation of funds.
HB343: Major Davyy Information Only01:34:11.520 - 1:31:42 PM; Major Davyy confirmed the Northern Border Alliance's approach to law enforcement in the north country, noting that the public appreciates the increased law enforcement presence. He acknowledged that much of the work done has been general law enforcement, such as DUI arrests, rather than border-related activities. He expressed concerns about the bill's requirement to report on equipment use and intelligence, arguing that such reporting could compromise operational effectiveness and public safety by revealing surveillance locations and deterring informants.
HB369 201875: Senator Inis (introduced by another) Information Only01:40:19.920 - 1:37:50 PM; The amendment to House Bill 369 was introduced on behalf of Senator Inis. The amendment aims to close a loophole where a sex offender might not have to report immediately after conviction if not incarcerated. The amendment adds the phrase 'the person's conviction of the sexual offense or offense against children if not immediately incarcerated' to ensure that all relevant individuals are required to report. No further testimony was provided on this amendment.
HB369 201875: Unknown Speaker Vote01:43:10.159 - 1:40:41 PM; The speaker supports the amendment to HB369, amendment number 201875, suggesting to add language about conviction of sexual offense or offense against children if not immediately incarcerated. The amendment was moved and seconded, and the committee voted to pass the amendment. Subsequently, the underlying bill, HB369, was also moved and passed as amended.
HB387: Unknown Speaker Oppose01:48:16.560 - 1:45:47 PM; The speaker finds HB387 unworkable due to enforcement issues related to balloons. They mention the difficulty in tracking 40 balloons if released and express that despite the good intentions of the sponsor, the bill is not feasible.
HB387: Senator McCi Oppose01:48:16.560 - 1:45:47 PM; Senator McCi acknowledges the sponsor's efforts but believes the bill is unworkable and will not support it, citing previous votes on similar issues in the House.
HB387: Unknown Senator Support01:48:16.560 - 1:45:47 PM; The senator suggests keeping sections one and two of the bill, which address littering and wildlife harm, but eliminating the penalty section as it is unworkable. They propose adding educational tags to balloon clusters to inform about the harm to wildlife.
HB387: Unknown Speaker Information Only01:50:20.480 - 1:47:51 PM; The speaker humorously comments on the impact of balloons on wildlife, mentioning turtles and birds, and suggests simply stopping the release of balloons.
HB387: Unknown Senator Information Only01:50:20.480 - 1:47:51 PM; The senator discusses the issue of releasing 20 or more balloons and suggests taking the bill off the table for further discussion, indicating a potential willingness to work with the proposed changes.

Gannon, Bill(Chairman)(R)[C+]2024	Abbas, Daryl(V Chairman)(R)[C+]2024	Altschiller, Debra(D)[CT]2024
McConkey, Mark(R)	Reardon, Tara(D)