State of New Hampshire

HOUSE RECORD

First Year of the 160^th General Court

Calendar and Journal of the 2007 Session

Vol. 29 Concord NH Thursday, March 1, 2007 No. 16

Contains: Reports and Amendments for March 6 and March 7, Hearings, Meetings, Notices and House Emergency Notification System

HOUSE CALENDAR

MEMBERS OF THE HOUSE:

I hope you have all had a restful break from legislative activity and are ready for the remainder of the session.

Please note that the public hearings that have been audio recorded are now posted on the General Court website. I would like to recognize Stan Kelly and the staff of General Court Information Systems for their hard work in helping us further open the legislative process to the public.

The House Finance Committee will be holding regional hearings on the state budget and members are encouraged to attend. The hearing schedule is as follows:

Lebanon:	3/5/07	Monday	DHMC - Auditorium E&F	4:00 p.m.
Keene:	3/6/07	Tuesday	Keene State College – Alumni Recital Hall, Redfern Arts Center	5:00 p.m.
Rochester:	3/8/07	Thursday	Rochester Community Center	4:00 p.m.
Manchester:	3/12/07	Monday	Public Service of NH Auditorium	4:00 p.m.
Whitefield:	3/15/07	Thursday	White Mountain Regional High School Auditorium	4:00 p.m.

Terie Norelli, Speaker

NOTICE

There will be a meeting of Chairmen and Vice Chairmen on Tuesday, March 6, at 8:30 a.m. in Room 201 of the Legislative Office Building.

Terie Norelli, Speaker

NOTICE

There will be a Democratic Caucus on Tuesday, March 6 at 12:15 p.m. and on Wednesday, March 7 at 9:00 a.m. in Representatives Hall.

Rep. Mary Jane Wallner, Majority Leader

NOTICE

There will be a Republican Caucus on Tuesday, March 6 at noon in Rooms 206-208, LOB and on Wednesday, March 7 at 9:00 a.m. in Rooms 306-308, LOB.

Rep. Michael D. Whalley, Republican Leader

NOTICE

The Senate and House members of the Adequacy Task Force will hold forums to gather public input on the definition of educational adequacy in New Hampshire. Forums will be held at:

Dover, Dover City Hall Auditorium (268 Central Ave), Monday, March 5th, 6:30-8:00 p.m.

Claremont, Maple Avenue Elementary School (210 Maple Ave), Monday, March 12th, 6:30-8:00 p.m.

House members of the Task Force are Reps. Kim Casey, James O'Neil, Emma Rous (co-chair), and Nancy Stiles. Senate members are Sens. Iris Estabrook (co-chair), Martha Fuller Clark, Molly Kelly, and Bob Odell.

Terie Norelli, Speaker

NOTICE

All legislators are invited to learn about Drug Court: Why is it Sound Policy for New Hampshire? The speaker is Douglas B. Marlowe, J.D., Ph.D., Director of Law and Ethics Research at the Treatment Research Institute at the University of Pennsylvania. This presentation will be held Thursday, March 15 from 1:30-3:00 p.m. in Representatives Hall and is sponsored by the Judiciary, Criminal Justice & Public Safety, Health & Human Services, and Children & Family Law Committees.

Terie Norelli, Speaker

NOTICE

Please note that the Calendar will close at 3:00 p.m. on Wednesdays for scheduling and notices. It closes at 1:00 p.m. on Thursdays for Committee Reports. Members and staff who need to schedule meetings should make arrangements with the Clerk’s Office for room availability/assignment and publication of meeting notices.

Karen O. Wadsworth, Clerk of the House

NOTICE

If you wish to disseminate information to all members via their mail boxes, please bring a sample to Lucy Harrison in the Speaker’s office. All such information must be approved and then delivered to the Sergeant-at-Arms office for placement.

Linda T. Foster, Deputy Speaker

NOTICE

We are still in the process of making biennial appointments to statutory committees and other study committees. The remainder of these assignments will be finalized soon and all appointees will receive a letter. In the meantime, if you have any questions in regard to these appointments, please check with Sandy in the Speaker’s Office.

Linda T. Foster, Deputy Speaker

TUESDAY, MARCH 6

CONSENT CALENDAR

CHILDREN AND FAMILY LAW

HB 93, relative to use of the child support guidelines worksheet. OUGHT TO PASS.

Rep. Jayne E Spaulding for Children and Family Law: This bill requires that the child support guidelines worksheets used to determine the amount of child support be filed with the court and made available to the parties. The committee felt this bill provides an improved level of transparency in the determination of child support. Vote 17-0.

HB 94, relative to overpayments of child support. OUGHT TO PASS.

Rep. Daniel C Itse for Children and Family Law: This bill modifies the child support statutes to provide for recovery of overpayment of child support by an obligor. It allows judges to provide for repayment in lump sum, or by adjustment of the order, and to prevent undue hardship to the obligee. Vote 17-1.

HB 195, relative to the calculation of child support on a per child basis. INEXPEDIENT TO LEGISLATE.

Rep. Daniel C Itse for Children and Family Law: This bill proposes to make two changes to existing law: First, to change from a calculation that recognizes that additional children progressively require less expense than the first child to one that does not; second, to automatically remove the child support obligation when a child is no longer entitled to child support, without requiring a review of the current financial circumstances. The committee agrees with the concept of graduated child support and does not believe it is wise to attempt such a change without a comprehensive review of the child support statutes. The committee also finds that a hearing for child support modification can be requested whenever there is a substantial change in circumstance and that the hearing must be granted, and that this event is defined as a substantial change in circumstance. The committee believes that such modifications ought not to occur without a full review of financial circumstance. Finally, the committee believes that any obligor with the opportunity and desire to reduce their child support obligation will have the knowledge of their power to do so. The child support calculation guideline is available from the court online since September and is straightforward; therefore, the modification can be readily executed pro se. Vote 16-0.

HB 240, relative to the amount of child support arrearage triggering the denial of a passport. OUGHT TO PASS.

Rep. Barbara Hull Richardson for Children and Family Law: This bill authorizes the New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services to certify to the United States Secretary of Health and Human Services that an obligor who owes child support arrearages in the amount specified by the federal law may be denied a passport. Failure to meet this requirement would result in the possible loss of $14 million for the State of New Hampshire. Vote 17-0.

HB 292, relative to consideration of the preference of a mature minor in the determination of parental rights and responsibilities. OUGHT TO PASS WITH AMENDMENT.

Rep. Carolyn M Gargasz for Children and Family Law: This bill makes consistent the wording in the statute regarding the ability of the court to consider the wishes of a mature minor. Vote 15-0.

COMMERCE

HB 322, establishing a committee to study enhancing training for retail liquor licensees. INEXPEDIENT TO LEGISLATE.

Rep. Jill Shaffer Hammond for Commerce: The issues sought to be addressed by this study committee were rolled into the duties of the study committee established by HB 323. Vote 17-0.

HB 323, establishing a committee to study the liquor commission and liquor revenues. OUGHT TO PASS WITH AMENDMENT.

Rep. James R Martin for Commerce: The committee had three bills to study various issues relating to the Liquor Commission. The committee combined all of the issues raised by the three study committee bills into this bill which will study training of licensees, revenues, enforcement, advertising, age restrictions in drinking establishments, the appeal process and any other pertinent matters. We also included the subject matter included in a liquor study committee bill before Executive Departments and Administration Committee. Vote 18-0.

HB 341, establishing a study committee to review current laws and rules enforced by the liquor commission. INEXPEDIENT TO LEGISLATE.

Rep. Jill Shaffer Hammond for Commerce: All of the issues sought to be addressed by this study committee were rolled into the duties of the study committee established by HB 323. Vote 17-0.

HB 357, relative to disclosure of the sale of revolving credit loans to third parties. INEXPEDIENT TO LEGISLATE.

Rep. Stephen T DeStefano for Commerce: This bill requires that if a bank sells an account that is in default to a third party, the bank shall provide to the borrower the amount that the third party paid for the account in default upon the written request of the borrower. The committee felt that since many of these loans are bundled together, finding the exact discount amount would be difficult and unrealistic. Vote 16-0.

HB 409, relative to liquor licenses for sports recreation facilities. OUGHT TO PASS WITH AMENDMENT.

Rep. Joel F Winters for Commerce: Liquor licenses for recreation facilities currently make up six of the more than fifty types of licenses: This bill would have created a seventh, a sports recreation facility’ liquor license. In order to begin lightening the load of liquor laws, the committee amended the bill to group the six other types of licenses under the new “sports recreation facility” definition and delete the superfluous ones. Vigorously maintaining the status quo, the sports recreation facility license does not change the fees or definitions of any of the deleted licenses, except for striking the word “indoor” from the current description of a qualifying tennis court under the “racquet sports facility” definition. Enabling language is also included to allow the liquor commission to issue rules defining other types of recreation facilities without additional legislation. Vote 17-0.

HB 579-FN-A, establishing a health care fund, continually appropriating a special fund, and requiring certain employers to report certain information to the department of health and human services. INEXPEDIENT TO LEGISLATE.

Rep. John B Hunt for Commerce: The bill as introduced would have affected only businesses with more than 1500 employees. Federal ERISA rules regulate large employers so the courts have already ruled against this legislation in other states. The sponsor did bring in an amendment that had some reporting requirements of all employers with 50 or more employees. The committee understands the sponsor's underlying concern to insure that all New Hampshire citizens have health insurance. There will be another bill from the committee that will be tasked to help all New Hampshire's citizens find affordable health insurance. Vote 18-0.

CRIMINAL JUSTICE AND PUBLIC SAFETY

HB 97, relative to the recording of audio and video images on private property for security purposes. INEXPEDIENT TO LEGISLATE.

Rep. Stanley E Stevens for Criminal Justice and Public Safety: This bill would have allowed any person, without notice, to conduct audio or video recording, or both, on his or her private property and curtilege for security purposes. Current law allows video recording already. Current law on interception of telecommunications requires consent by both parties and is a well-established principle in New Hampshire law. The proposed legislation radically changes the two party consent and was felt by the committee to be unacceptable as presented. Vote 14-0.

HB 171, clarifying the wiretapping and eavesdropping statute. INEXPEDIENT TO LEGISLATE.

Rep. James H Oliver for Criminal Justice and Public Safety: This legislation attempted to cover any conversation obtained by audio video recording by a third party, or a home video and be admissible as evidence. After two public hearings it was determined that protecting the two party approval required by current law unless permission is obtained from the Attorney General’s office or a county attorney is the safest method to protect all New Hampshire citizens right to privacy. Vote 16-0.

HB177-FN, including "unborn child" in the definition of "another" for the purpose of first and second degree murder, manslaughter, and negligent homicide. INEXPEDIENT TO LEGISLATE.

Rep. Lori A Movsesian for Criminal Justice and Public Safety: This bill would create the unintended consequence of creating personhood for a fetus. New Hampshire law already imposes an additional penalty for assailants who commit a violent act toward a pregnant woman resulting in miscarriage or stillbirth. In 1991, New Hampshire passed laws that punish an assailant who “purposely, or knowingly causes injury to another resulting in miscarriage, or stillbirth” (RSA 631:1c), or who “recklessly or negligently causes injury to another resulting in miscarriage or stillbirth” (RSA 631:2e). Such heinous crimes are already well defined within our penal code. The committee has had this legislation numerous times. It has been to interim study during 2004 and no legislation was recommended. The committee recognizes the tremendous loss a pregnant woman suffers when she loses her fetus through violent action. However, neither those in support of the bill’s intent nor those opposed could craft an amendment that would recognize the loss without bestowing other legal rights to the fetus. Vote 14-3.

HB 194, relative to laboratories conducting alcohol concentration tests. OUGHT TO PASS WITH AMENDMENT.

Rep. David A Welch for Criminal Justice and Public Safety: This bill is a request of the Department of Safety. Currently, RSA 265-A:7 states that a defendant who has had a blood alcohol test has the right to have an independent analysis of the BAC sample at his or her own expense. RSA 265-A:5(e) authorizes the commissioner to adopt rules relative to procedures for certification of any laboratory that conducts tests pursuant to RSA 265-A:7. This amendment to the statute eliminates a conflict of interest that may exist by having the Department of Safety oversee the independent laboratories. The bill, if passed, allows a laboratory to be accredited by a nationally recognized accrediting body instead of the Department of Safety. Vote 14-0.

HB 227, relative to identity theft. OUGHT TO PASS WITH AMENDMENT.

Rep. Jeffrey P Fontas for Criminal Justice and Public Safety: This bill allows for victims of identity theft to pursue damages in civil court. Damages could be pursued if a person obtains or records personal information of the victim, uses that information to acquire goods or services, obtains personal information in another person's name, or possess personal information and gives it to a third party. Additionally, this bill also allows for victims to submit an order obtained under this chapter as proof to a government entity or private business that financial accounts were fraudulently altered. The amendment changes the word "bank" to "financial institution," adds electronic and digital transactions under the definition of financial device, adds "driver's license" under the definition of personal information and adds the phrase "Unless otherwise permitted by state law or rules or federal statute or regulation," under prohibited conduct. Vote 14-0.

HB 419-FN-L, relative to the cost to counties of convicted inmates awaiting sentencing in a county correctional facility. OUGHT TO PASS.

Rep. Stanley E Stevens for Criminal Justice and Public Safety: This bill adds a new paragraph III to the current statute 651:4 which addresses pre-sentence investigations. There are instances where individuals are held for several months and, in some cases, for over a year while awaiting a pre-sentence investigation. Currently, the cost for holding these persons is borne by the county. As the person has already been convicted, he or she is the responsibility of the state Department of Corrections. This bill requires that after 30 days of incarceration at a county correctional facility the state will pay those expenses. Vote 14-0.

HB 488-FN-A-L, relative to the state chief medical examiner and medico-legal death investigations. OUGHT TO PASS WITH AMENDMENT.

Rep. Lori A Movsesian for Criminal Justice and Public Safety: This bill is a result of a study committee that looked at this issue extensively last fall. Members of the study committee included representatives of the Attorney General’s office, Medical Examiner’s office, Vital Records, administration, funeral directors, county attorneys, State Representatives and Senators. The bill repeals RSA 611, relative to medical examiners and RSA 611-A, relative to the office of chief medical examiner. The bill recodifies the responsibilities of the office of the chief medical examiner and the procedure for medico-legal death investigations in one new chapter, RSA 611-B. The party responsible for payment is also clarified. Vote 14-0.

HB 610-FN-A, requiring the criminal justice and public safety committee to review motor vehicle fines and extending the effective date for certain motor vehicle fine reductions. OUGHT TO PASS.

Rep. John E Tholl for Criminal Justice and Public Safety: In 2005, motor vehicle fines were increased without a public hearing. In 2006, legislation was passed that would sunset the increases. This bill extends the sunset provision two years and requires that the Criminal Justice and Public Safety Committee review the fines and report its findings to the Speaker of the House and the Ways and Means Committee. Previously, the fines had been set without public or legislative hearings. Passage of this bill will allow legislative and public input and provide the openness in government that the public and the legislature requires. Vote 16-0.

EDUCATION

HB 37, relative to notification requirements for criminal offenders. OUGHT TO PASS WITH AMENDMENT.

Rep. Barbara E Shaw for Education This bill requires a school administrative unit, school district, or charter school to adopt a policy designating certain categories of volunteers as “designated volunteers” who may be required to undergo a background investigation and a criminal history records check and provides limited liability to the school administrative unit, school district, or charter school for permitting certain volunteers to have direct contact with students when this requirement is met. It also allows local law enforcement agencies to notify schools within their jurisdiction of the address of a registered criminal offender. The amendment changes the words “all schools” to “school administrative unit, school district, or charter school.” Vote 12-0.

HB 651-L, extending the school building aid grant program to cover kindergarten construction costs. INEXPEDIENT TO LEGISLATE.

Rep. Judith E Day for Education: The committee determined that this bill was unnecessary because extending kindergarten aid is addressed in HB 669. Vote 14-0.

HB 752-FN, relative to per pupil funding for charter school pupils. OUGHT TO PASS WITH AMENDMENT.

Rep. Claire D Clarke for Education: Charter schools have had a considerable amount of problems since their inception. This bill increases the funding for charter schools as they have been receiving only one third of what the average district spends per pupil. This bill raises the charter school per pupil aid for FY2008 (next year) from $3,708 to $4,000. The total cost to the state in the first year is $120,000 additional funding for charter schools. As in current practice, future increases will be determined by the CPI. This bill gives a specific amount that will ensure equalized funds for charter schools. Vote 12-1.

ELECTION LAW

HB 120, relative to extending polling hours. OUGHT TO PASS.

Rep. Betty B Hall for Election Law: The bill enables the governing body of a town to extend the polling hours. It does not allow the towns to decrease from the current statutory requirement. The committee believes local communities and their governing bodies can make the decision to extend hours if they believe it is necessary Vote 14-1.

HB 127, relative to voter registration forms. INEXPEDIENT TO LEGISLATE.

Rep. Charles F Weed for Election Law: The majority found that the intent of the sponsor was to remove possibly intimidating language in the form of a “civics lesson” warning legally domiciled voters that they would be treated as legal residents in terms of drivers and motor vehicle licensing. Another bill under consideration by the committee includes removing the “civics lesson” and clarifying the domicile law. Vote 15-1.

HB 146, relative to nicknames on ballots. OUGHT TO PASS WITH AMENDMENT.

Rep. Charles F Weed for Election Law: The purpose of this bill was to clarify how one designates his or her name when filing as a candidate. The committee removed language requiring burden of proof and permits nicknames by which the candidate is commonly recognized. The candidates may not imply they are some other person and may not chose a slogan associated with a cause or that is offensive. The designated name may be the given name or its shortened form or a one word nickname. The designation may include a middle initial and shall include his or her surname. The Secretary of State believes this is a great improvement. Vote 15-0.

ENVIRONMENT AND AGRICULTURE

HB 163, relative to the definition of "slaughterer." INEXPEDIENT TO LEGISLATE.

Rep. Timothy D O'Connell for Environment and Agriculture: The New Hampshire Fish and Game Department testified in opposition to this bill indicating that the Department of Agriculture, Markets, and Food has already, under rulemaking, clearly included propagator to the list of persons defined as slaughterer under RSA 427:33. Vote 18-0.

HB 204, relative to the sale of unpasteurized milk. INEXPEDIENT TO LEGISLATE.

Rep. Timothy D O'Connell for Environment and Agriculture: No one testified in favor of the bill including the prime sponsor who recommended that the bill be Inexpedient to Legislate. The sponsor also indicated that the Department of Health and Human Services had no concerns with the ITL recommendation. Vote 16-0.

HB 208, relative to the definition of swine as a nuisance. OUGHT TO PASS.

Rep. Burton W Williams for Environment and Agriculture: Removing the definition of Swine as a nuisance from RSA 147:10 would improve the law and have no effect on the duties of local health officers who already have extensive powers in this regard. Vote 17-1.

HB 236, relative to the use of "farmer's markets" in trade names. OUGHT TO PASS.

Rep. Jane E Beaulieu for Environment and Agriculture: This bill clearly defines what constitutes a “farmers market” and this term has become widely understood to mean exactly what the statutory definition says: a gathering of two or more vendors of agricultural and other commodities that is not held on the property of any of the participating vendors. Some businesses which do not meet the statutory definition of the term use the name farmers markets. This bill does not impinge upon any business enterprise using the term “farmers’ market” in its trade name if that name has already been registered at the time of passage of this bill. Vote 15-1.

HB 585-FN, assessing a fee on all dogs and cats sold at retail that are not sexually sterilized, to be deposited in the companion animal neutering fund. OUGHT TO PASS WITH AMENDMENT.

Rep. Steve Vaillancourt for Environment and Agriculture: This bill, as amended, represents an attempt to provide additional funding for the state’s neutering program for dogs and cats. Originally, the bill established a $20 fee on all unneutered dogs and cats sold at retail. The committee believes a better solution came forward from the State Veterinarian who authored the amendment which makes the fee $40 but then would rebate the entire amount should the new owner of the dog or cat have the animal neutered within a specified time after purchase. Thus, this is not a mandatory fee and this does not represent an attempt to force any animal to be neutered. It does, however, recognize that neutering is beneficial to both animals and our society and provides an incentive to that end. Since the state’s spaying and neutering program has gone into effect, the euthanasia rate for dogs and cats has dropped from 45 to 18 percent, one of the lowest in the nation. However, the cost of neutering animals continues to increase, from less than $100 for a male cat to upwards of $500 for a female dog, and in recent years the neutering fund has been drained prior to year’s end. Estimates are that 40 percent of adult dogs and 20 percent of adult household cats are unneutered. At that rate, the $40 fee would not be rebated to 20 percent of 1100-1400 cat owners and 40 percent of 3000-3500 dog owners, generating approximately $65,000 for the fund. If fewer monies are forthcoming, the news is still good since that would mean more animals are being neutered. It’s a classic win-win situation with the additional benefit that, unlike in the past when dog owners bore the brunt of the neutering program (through registration fees), cat owners would now pay a share. Monies are also generated without having to resort to a new tax. Vote 17-1.

HB 660-FN, relative to an assistant state veterinarian. OUGHT TO PASS.

Rep. Richard H Snow for Environment and Agriculture: The committee believes that the addition of a position of assistant state veterinarian will significantly enhance and expand the ability of the Department of Agriculture, Markets and Foods to respond to current concerns about animal health issues and emergency response capabilities. The committee heard and carefully considered testimony about the increasingly complex and time consuming duties and responsibilities of our state veterinarian. The committee carefully considered the scope of these duties and responsibilities and the efforts necessary for one individual to effectively accomplish all of them. The committee heard and considered testimony about the threats to human health posed by animal diseases that are easily transmittable to humans. The committee determined, based on testimony and deliberation, that the establishment of the position of assistant state veterinarian is appropriate at this time. Vote 15-1.

EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENTS AND ADMINISTRATION

HB 135, establishing the second Sunday in October as Firefighters Memorial Day. OUGHT TO PASS WITH AMENDMENT.

Rep. Pamela V Manney for Executive Departments and Administration: This bill would designate the second Sunday in October as Firefighters Memorial Day in recognition of the service given by the men and women who have been killed or disabled in the line of duty and those still serving. This date would coincide with New Hampshire Fire Prevention Week held the second week of October. Vote 16-0.

HB 160, relative to the appointment of the executive director of the public employee labor relations board. INEXPEDIENT TO LEGISLATE.

Rep. Ken Hawkins for Executive Departments and Administration: This bill would have changed the appointment of the director of the public employee labor relations board from the labor relations board to the governor and council. The testimony was mostly against this bill because of the fear it would politicize the position. The governor and council appoint the nine members of the board and it was felt they would best be able to find a director that would fit their needs. There was much testimony to the effect that if it isn’t broken, don’t fix it. Vote 14-1.

HB 170, relative to professional membership on certain occupational regulatory boards. INEXPEDIENT TO LEGISLATE.

Rep. Suzanne E Beauchesne for Executive Departments and Administration: This bill would change the membership on occupational licensing and regulatory boards so that at least one-half of the membership are not persons regulated by the respective boards. The intention of the sponsor was to include more public members on regulatory boards, and the sponsor was the only person to speak in support of the bill. After fifty members, both professional and public members indicated their opposition to the legislation. Public members are already members of boards and finding willing people to serve can be problematic. Additionally these boards are regulatory in nature and involve credentialing, licensing and disciplinary procedures. The committee agreed that public participation is very important but should not outweigh the professional membership. Vote 14-0.

HB 249, extending the study committee on the rules process. OUGHT TO PASS WITH AMENDMENT.

Rep. Ken Hawkins for Executive Departments and Administration: This bill extends the on the administrative rules process study committee until November 1, 2008. We must vote every two years to extend the study committee. We also eliminated some language that was redundant. The Joint legislative Committee on Administrative Rules may send a copy of their objection to a new rule to the appropriate policy committee. Vote 15-0.

HB 326, relative to disclosure of the basis for disciplinary proceedings among members of the board of medicine. INEXPEDIENT TO LEGISLATE.

Rep. Carl G Robertson for Executive Departments and Administration: This bill would require disciplinary proceedings before the Medical Review Board to be disclosed to all the members of the review committee and the Board of Medicine. The committee, after listening to the testimony, felt that the proceedings asked for in the bill were already in practice. It was also disclosed that any problems of communication would be cited in the ongoing performance audit that is being conducted by the Legislative Budget Office. The audit will review all processes of the Medical Review Board and make recommendations, including future legislation. Vote 17-0.

HB 362, relative to the director of the division of vital records. OUGHT TO PASS WITH AMENDMENT.

Rep. A Laurie Harding for Executive Departments and Administration: This bill, as amended, fine tunes a section of the Vital Records statute, (RSA 126:24-g and h) that was passed two years ago that established an Advisory Committee on Quality of Vital Records Information. The purpose of the committee is to provide some quality assurance oversight for the two departments involved with the utilization of the vital record data: the Secretary of State’s office and the Department of Public Health. The amendment adds the Secretary of State or designee to the membership and clarifies how the chair is selected Vote 16-0.

HB 388-FN-A, establishing the position of fire protection engineer and requiring the commissioner of safety to establish fees for building, life safety, and fire protection system plan review by the state fire marshal. INEXPEDIENT TO LEGISLATE.

Rep. John Reagan for Executive Departments and Administration: Testimony supported the requirement to have building plans reviewed by a fire protection engineer. The review requirement is a good practice to ensure life safety and building integrity under the stress of a fire or other calamity. However, the expansion of the Department of Safety would be the most expensive method for the New Hampshire taxpayer and fails to guarantee timely plan review. Timeliness of plan review is a current and persistent complaint of builders, developers and inspectors across the state. By requiring the developer to have the plans reviewed by a licensed professional engineer certified as a fire protection engineer firm would guarantee the timeliness of review. By leaving the plans review to the private sector, New Hampshire avoids adding to the public payroll. The private plan review would leave the cost with the developer where all other plans reviews are paid for now. Vote 13-2.

HB 439, relative to certain rulemaking authority of the commissioner of environmental services. OUGHT TO PASS.

Rep. Ken Hawkins for Executive Departments and Administration: This bill came about from a performance audit conducted by the Legislative Budget Office. There were a number of areas where Administrative rules were not adopted as required in the statutes. Testimony was given that in some cases the rules were put in as statutes and in other cases the federal law mandated the rules. Therefore, we are removing the rulemaking authority from eight RSAs. Vote 17-0.

HB 482, adding the song "Live Free or Die" as an official state song. OUGHT TO PASS.

Rep. Catriona D Beck for Executive Departments and Administration: Fourth grade students from Birch Hill Elementary School in Nashua appeared before the committee and sang a song, “Live Free or Die,” which upon passage would be added as another official state song. This song speaks to the history and patriotism of New Hampshire, unlike all other state songs which address the beauty of our fine state. The testimony given by the students compelled the committee to pass this bill. Vote 14-1.

HB 489-FN, changing the salary grade of certain department of safety positions. INEXPEDIENT TO LEGISLATE.

Rep. Russell C Day for Executive Departments and Administration: This bill would affect four positions in the Department of Safety. The committee opposed this bill as there already exist methods of achieving equity in salary for supervisory personnel to receive a higher salary than a subordinate. The bill would be in conflict with the system-wide New Hampshire personnel structure, the Hay Group Report and negate the efficacy that currently exists Vote 16-0.

HB 580-FN, relative to certain accidental disability retirement allowances payable to surviving spouses of retired members. INEXPEDIENT TO LEGISLATE.

Rep. Ken Hawkins for Executive Departments and Administration: Testimony was given that a number of persons (20 to be exact) were harmed by the RSA that limits the surviving spouse to collect 50% of the retirement benefit after the death of the retired member. This bill would have changed that to 100% of the benefit. This goes against the entire retirement system option of receiving payments. When a member retires, they have the option of taking larger monthly benefits that end upon their death or to take smaller checks that will continue until both the spouse and member die. This bill could have an impact upon the retirement system by changing the 50% to 100% for anyone becoming disabled in the future. Vote 16-0.

HB 704-FN-A, relative to the commission on the status of men and making an appropriation therefor. OUGHT TO PASS.

Rep. Carl G Robertson for Executive Departments and Administration: This bill will eliminate the repeal of the Commission on the Status of Men and make an appropriation. It will allow the commission to continue its work bringing forward issues that currently negatively affect the male gender. The committee felt that the Commission on the Status of Men should be on a level playing field with the Commission on the Status of Women. Recent information has shed light on certain issues that that put men at a distinct disadvantage culturally. A higher suicide rate, higher mortality rate, lower literacy, reading and test scores, as well as legal and family issues are areas where men are struggling. In order to be effective in bringing these issues forward and to search for solutions, the commission needs to be given support. Vote 15-1.

HB 834-FN-A, relative to sales of tobacco products in state liquor stores. INEXPEDIENT TO LEGISLATE.

Rep. Pamela V Manney for Executive Departments and Administration: This bill’s intent was to take all retail sales of tobacco products out of the hands of retail merchants to be exclusively sold in liquor stores. This bill imposes an 80 cent tax on each pack of cigarettes and a 17% tax on wholesale tobacco products other than cigarettes. This bill would exempt one portion of the populace, New Hampshire Veterans’ Home residents, from paying the tax, with a limit of two cartons each a week. The committee could not support this bill for several reasons. The Liquor Commission testified against it citing lack of space, time, desire and cost to implement. The negative impact on state revenue and the unintended consequence of this bill regarding the damage the passage of this bill would cause to the livelihood of retail business owners, especially small business owners and those border business owners, was of concern to the committee Vote 15-0.

FISH AND GAME

HB 59, relative to crossbow hunting by a person with a disability. OUGHT TO PASS WITH AMENDMENT.

Rep. Jesse J Martineau for Fish and Game: The purpose of this bill is to allow persons with a disability who are issued crossbow permits to take any species permitted to be taken by bow and arrow, pursuant to RSA 208:5. Currently, persons who have permanent physical disabilities are restricted to taking only deer during bow and arrow season, bear during the specified season, wild turkey and carp from Mascoma Lake. This bill has the support of the Fish and Game Department. Vote 17-0.

HB 248, eliminating a separate dedicated account for the fish and game department trapping education program and transferring the sum into the fish and game fund. OUGHT TO PASS WITH AMENDMENT.

Rep. Robert J L'Heureux for Fish and Game: This bill eliminates certain dedicated accounts, derived from illegal taking or possessing, that were dedicated to the Fish and Game Department trapping education program, and transfers the sum into the Fish and Game Department general fund. This legislation, which has the support of the Fish and Game Department, is the result of an ad hoc committee recommendation, which reviewed all of the department dedicated funds. The amendment simply returns a provision of the law that was inadvertently omitted. Vote 17-0.

HB 411, establishing a committee to study the absorption of the fish and game department by other state agencies. INEXPEDIENT TO LEGISLATE.

Rep. James E Kennedy for Fish and Game: The committee feels that establishing a committee to study the absorption of Fish and Game Department is not necessary and the conduct of the Fish and Game performance audit will answer a lot of questions. We recommend waiting and act at the end of the audit to correct problems and propose changes at that time. Vote 14-1.

HB 433-FN-A, relative to funding of fish and game department search and rescue operations. OUGHT TO PASS.

Rep. Carla M Skinder for Fish and Game: The committee unanimously agreed to fund $200,000 from the general fund. New Hampshire is the only state that performs search and rescue without money from the general fund. As everyone knows, Fish and Game has financial difficulties and currently has a deficit of $32,538 in search and rescue. Fish and Game is able to utilize the National Guard helicopter for search and rescue at $500/search to pay the helicrew. There are over 400 well trained and equipped volunteers that assist Fish and Game in Rescues. Between the National Guard and volunteers, Fish and Game saves a lot more than $200,000, the amount requested. The Attorney General allows for Fish and Game to seek reimbursement for search and rescue. However, to date, only $14,989 out of a potential $20,893 has been collected. Vote 17-0.

HB 453, establishing a committee to study the feasibility of merging marine patrol and fish and game department law enforcement staffing and resources. INEXPEDIENT TO LEGISLATE.

Rep. Vincent E Greco for Fish and Game: It was the feeling of the committee initiating a study committee for such a merger would not be of benefit at this time, especially with a performance audit in the making. Such an audit could answer these needs. Vote 16-0.

HB 570-FN-A, increasing the fee for a wild turkey hunting license. OUGHT TO PASS.

Rep. Richard E Fletcher for Fish and Game: This bill increases the fee for turkey hunting licenses from $5 in the spring and $5 in the fall to $15 to cover both turkey hunting seasons. This bill brings the permit fee in line with neighboring states but does not raise it above the two states. This bill also eliminates a fee to hunt with a shotgun in the fall for turkey in those parts of the states where it is legal. Fish and Game estimates a revenue increase of $134,470 in 2008. This bill is to take effect on January 1, 2008. Vote 11-0.

HB 576-FN-A, increasing certain fish and game nonresident license or permit fees. OUGHT TO PASS WITH AMENDMENT.

Rep. Robert J L'Heureux for Fish and Game: This legislation would increase the non-resident moose permit fee to a minimum of $450.00 and the non-resident turkey fee to $30.00 to bring these fees more in line with our neighboring states. There has not been a moose permit fee increase since the moose lottery was instituted in 1988. The amendment removes the proposed increase in non-resident bear tags and duplicate license fees for both resident and non-residents. The amendment also changes the effective date to January 1, 2008. This bill as amended has the support of the Fish and Game Department. Vote 11-0.

HB 623-FN, establishing a game management account in the fish and game fund and transferring certain other fish and game accounts into the game management account. OUGHT TO PASS WITH AMENDMENT.

Rep. Dennis F Abbott for Fish and Game: This bill, as amended, removes separate dedicated funds for moose, bear, wild turkey and waterfowl licenses or permits, and transfers the balances in those accounts into a new game management account. The game management fund will allow the Fish and Game Department to expend funds in the best interests of the resource and to the best benefit of all our citizens. The consolidation of the dedicated funds will also reduce administration costs amounting to over $50,000 per year. Vote 16-0.

HB 846, transferring certain land in the town of Stoddard from the Trust for Public Land to the fish and game department. OUGHT TO PASS WITH AMENDMENT.

Rep. Margaret E Porter for Fish and Game: This bill authorizes the Fish and Game Department to acquire, maintain, and make available for public recreational use an area in and around the dam of Robb Reservoir, a 110 acre shallow water body in Stoddard. The Reservoir abuts a large tract of protected wetland and forest land. The amendment defines the area to be transferred to Fish and Game as a 2.5 acre (car-top boat launch) access site. Vote 11-0.

HEALTH, HUMAN SERVICES AND ELDERLY AFFAIRS

HB 517, establishing a commission to investigate cost drivers in providing health care. OUGHT TO PASS.

Rep. Evalyn S Merrick for Health, Human Services and Elderly Affairs: This commission will establish a forum to review and study health care costs and the issues that drive those costs to rise unnecessarily. These issues include, but are not limited to, cost shifts associated with federal and state reimbursements and medical malpractice insurance, and regional issues that may affect costs of providing health care. The Business and Industry Association of America supports this bill. The committee believes that only evaluation and analyzing what drives the cost of medical care can effect change in a positive direction. Vote 18-0.

HB 597-FN, relative to expenditure caps for institutional health facilities under the certificate of need law. OUGHT TO PASS.

Rep. Robert G Bridgham for Health, Human Services and Elderly Affairs: This bill resets the expenditure caps above which the certificate of need process is activated for improvements in acute care facilities, nursing homes, and other health care facilities. The new cap will be $2.1 million, adjusted annually by an appropriate inflation index. The bill increases the cap, especially for nursing homes and other health care facilities, enabling them to undertake ordinary refurbishment or minor improvements without the expense of seeking CON approval. Vote 18-0.

HB 644-FN, relative to differential pay of direct care employees at state institutions. INEXPEDIENT TO LEGISLATE.

Rep. Joan H Schulze for Health, Human Services and Elderly Affairs: This bill was brought on behalf of persons who work at the New Hampshire Hospital, Laconia Developmental Services, Glencliff Home for the Elderly, New Hampshire Veterans’ Home and the Youth Development Center. They have requested a weekly salary differential increase from $5 to $25. The employees are caring for persons who are at times difficult to cope with because of obstreperous behaviors. They believe the pay differential is warranted because of possible hazardous situations for themselves. While the committee was sympathetic, This is a policy committee and does not deal with specific financial requests. Vote 18-1.

HB 723, extending the moratoriums on nursing home beds and rehabilitation. OUGHT TO PASS.

Rep. Jennifer Daler for Health, Human Services and Elderly Affairs: This bill extends the moratorium on nursing home beds and rehabilitation until June 30, 2009 unless sooner authorized by the General Court. The testimony presented during the hearing indicated that there is no present need for more nursing home beds. The committee as well as the Department of Health and Human Services would like to provide more home and community based care for people who need these or similar services. The moratorium would also assist in keeping the cost of nursing home care down. Vote 18-0.

HB 858-FN, relative to a discount medical plan organization. OUGHT TO PASS.

Rep. Trinka Russell for Health, Human Services and Elderly Affairs: This bill would enable the Department of Insurance to oversee discount medical plans to ensure that the plans are not advertised in a way that would mislead consumers to think of the plans as insurance. It also contains other consumer protections, requiring, for example, that the plans list their provider network clearly on their web site. Vote 15-1.

HB 862-FN, establishing an incapacitated adult fatality review committee. OUGHT TO PASS.

Rep. Joan H Schulze for Health, Human Services and Elderly Affairs: This bill follows an ad hoc committee regarding abuse, neglect and fatalities of incapacitated adults. New Hampshire’s most vulnerable citizens, the incapacitated and elderly, may not be receiving the services necessary to provide for their safety. The purpose of this bill is to promote prevention of deaths and serious injuries of incapacitated adults. The intent is to improve services and protect, not to prosecute or find fault. The Attorney General’s office supports and will house this initiative. It will be a volunteer committee and, thus, at no cost like the Child Fatality Review Committee and the Domestic Violence Fatality Committee. The disabled and elderly are valuable members of the community and have a right to be respected. We can learn a lot from studies of death that can be applied to other situations and prevention. Vote 18-0.

JUDICIARY

HB 67, relative to liens filed with public servants. INEXPEDIENT TO LEGISLATE.

Representative Gregory M. Sorg for Judiciary: This bill would prohibit Registers of Deeds from recording federal tax liens not showing evidence that they had been issued by a judge. Currently, such liens are filed by the Secretary of the Treasury or his or her designee, subject to the requirement of simultaneous notice to the taxpayer both of the filing and of his or her right to a prompt administrative appeal. The basis of this bill is a 2005 ruling of the United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit holding that certain IRS summonses have no legal standing until judicial enforcement proceedings have been initiated. The committee’s research has satisfied it that the 2005 ruling was on a narrow legal issue, and does not apply to other IRS procedures, in particular to those pertaining to administrative distraint and levy. Moreover, a Second Circuit ruling is not authority in New Hampshire unless accepted by the First Circuit – of which New Hampshire is a part – or affirmed by the United States Supreme Court. Vote 17-0.

HB 526-FN-A, requiring district court judges to annually attend an educational program offered by the National Judicial College and establishing a surcharge on fines collected in the district court to pay for the costs of such attendance. INEXPEDIENT TO LEGISLATE.

Rep. Robert H Rowe for Judiciary: District judges are highly trained and highly skilled, and continuing training is required by the Judicial Branch. The committee believes the judiciary is doing its job well on a continuing basis. Vote 11-0.

LEGISLATIVE ADMINISTRATION

CACR 10, relating to sessions of the legislature. Providing that the legislature meet biennially and meet after June 30 in odd-numbered years only in special session called by the governor or by 2/3 vote of the general court. INEXPEDIENT TO LEGISLATE.

Rep. Betsy McKinney for Legislative Administration: This CACR would change the constitution back to the pre-1984 situation of meeting biennially. The sponsor hoped that this would reduce the number of bills that come up year after year, and encourage more people to run for office. The committee felt that this would not solve the problem, wouldn't cut down the work or encourage more people to be involved in the process and would be disadvantageous to freshmen. Vote 10-0.

MUNICIPAL AND COUNTY GOVERNMENT

HB 218, relative to chief firewards, engineers, or fire chiefs. OUGHT TO PASS WITH AMENDMENT.

Rep. Laurie J Boyce for Municipal and County Government: To ensure parity and due process when a fire chief has been suspended, the bill was amended to change the number of days to notify the clerk of the superior court from 10 days to 45 days. The bill was also amended to change the effective date from 60 days to upon passage. Vote 17-0.

HB 226, relative to the investment of trust funds. OUGHT TO PASS WITH AMENDMENT.

Rep. Bennett F Moore for Municipal and County Government: The bill, as amended, expands allowable investments to include closed ended in addition to open ended mutual funds and reorganizes the language in RSA 31:25 which sets forth the procedure that a collateral trust may be required from a fiduciary. The bill also clarifies the requirements for investment policies for trust funds in RSAs 31:25, 31:5 and 31:9 and stipulates that a copy of such policies be filed annually with the Attorney General’s office. Vote 16-0.

HB 274, relative to income and asset limits and amount of the elderly property tax exemption. INEXPEDIENT TO LEGISLATE.

Rep. Eric G Stohl for Municipal and County Government: The intent of the bill is two-fold. First, it seeks to increase income and asset limits for the elderly property tax exemption. The income limit would be raised $13,400 to $35,000 for a single person and from $20,400 to $50,000 for married persons. The asset limit would be raised from $35,000 to $150,000 excluding the value of the residence. Secondly, it establishes a minimum amount of the exemption in each age category. The minimum exemption presently in law is $5,000 for all age groups. This bill would create a minimum exemption of $50,000 for a person 65 years of age up to 75 years of age, $90,000 for a person 75 years of age to 80 years of age, and $100,000 for a person 80 years of age and older. If this legislation were to pass, it would raise the minimum income and asset limits in most municipalities which already have the ability to change these exemption levels. Vote 17-0.

HB 391, establishing a committee to study the implementation of a circuit breaker on property tax liability. INEXPEDIENT TO LEGISLATE.

Rep. Jessie L Osborne for Municipal and County Government: The committee agrees that there are problems regarding the ability of some property owners to pay taxes. However the committee fully realizes that the subject has been studied in depth and that currently there exist solutions such as reverse mortgages and special tax liens which can be arranged, after demonstration to local officials that hardships exist. Unfortunately this circuit breaker concept would shift the burden to an increasingly smaller and smaller number of taxpayers and create a domino effect regarding the ability to absorb more increases in taxes. Vote 13-0.

HB 398, establishing a committee to study implementing a bedroom tax on residential dwellings. INEXPEDIENT TO LEGISLATE.

Rep. Bennett F Moore for Municipal and County Government: The committee did not believe that a study of a bedroom tax as a substitute for the statewide property tax would be worthwhile. Such a tax would create another administrative burden on an assessing department. More importantly, if enacted, a bedroom tax would shift a portion of property taxes from commercial and industrial property to residential property, thereby increasing housing costs across the entire state. Vote 17-0.

HB 422, authorizing the granting of abatements to persons whose children are enrolled in schools other than the local public schools. INEXPEDIENT TO LEGISLATE.

Rep. Jessie L Osborne for Municipal and County Government: The committee believes that this bill is unconstitutional and violates Part I article 6 and Part II, article 83 of the New Hampshire Constitution. This bill would impose user fees for public education and possibly create a new type of tax abatement. The New Hampshire Constitution clearly forbids the funding of religious, private schools. Vote 17-0.

HB 496, relative to a property tax exemption for portable docks, piers, and wharves. INEXPEDIENT TO LEGISLATE.

Rep. Eric G Stohl for Municipal and County Government: This bill requires that portable docks, piers, and wharves shall be exempt from taxation as real property. The committee heard testimony as to how this would add complexity and ambiguity to the assessment of real estate for tax purposes. The existence of a dock, pier, or wharf will affect the value of the real estate more or less depending on the portability of such structure, including its size, location, condition, and relative permanence. Since the portability of such structure may already be taken into consideration, the committee believes the proposed exemption will unnecessarily complicate the assessment of waterfront property. The committee expects there would be significant differences of opinion about whether something is “capable of being removed seasonally,” depending on the ease with which it can be removed. In addition, if this bill were to pass it would immediately call into question the status of any such structure that is not permanently affixed to the ground. Vote 17-0.

HB 851-FN-A-L, relative to the determination of county payments for nursing home services. INEXPEDIENT TO LEGISLATE.

Rep. Bennett F Moore for Municipal and County Government: Currently the cost of nursing home services is paid by the usage of these nursing home services within each county. This legislation would have changed the county’s share of service costs to a percentage based on the equalized assessed valuation in a county compared to the statewide equalized assessed valuation. If enacted, this bill would have created “donor” and “receiver” counties for the cost of the nursing home services. The purpose of this bill was to have a vehicle to address the sunset provision currently in place in RSA 167:18-b and RSA 167:18-f, which determines the counties liability for these nursing home services that is due to expire. This bill could also lessen the financial incentive for any county to effectively manage the costs of nursing home services. The bill was viewed by the committee as being an unfunded mandate by shifting the costs statewide without any vote of the legislative bodies. In order to find a comprehensive resolution to funding health care costs at the county level, all stakeholders need to sit at the table to give their input. A task force to study the effectiveness of county government is already in place and will continue that study through November, 2008. The latter is the venue for finding an agreed upon resolution. Vote 14-0.

HB 852-FN-A-L, changing the rate and distribution of the excavation tax. INEXPEDIENT TO LEGISLATE.

Rep. Betsey L Patten for Municipal and County Government: The original intent of the excavation tax in 1997 was to provide a solution regarding property appraisal for real estate purposes for sand and gravel operations. The tax was enacted after many years of study and agreement between the sand and gravel industry and the municipalities. The excavation tax is a mechanism designed to supplement and complement the property tax associated with the commercial activity. This legislation would change the amount paid from $.02/cubic yard of earth excavated and distributed to the municipalities general fund to $.50/cubic yard with fifty percent of the amount received distributed to the state for the general fund. The intent of this large increase and change in distribution targets a specific industry to fill the coffers of the general fund. The unintended consequences of this increase are the higher costs for our home construction industry, along with the increased cost for our municipalities and department of transportation in the construction of our roadways. The committee strongly believes the excavation tax should not be used outside of its original intent. Vote 13-0.

PUBLIC WORKS AND HIGHWAYS

HB 157, establishing a committee to determine a permanent location for the old state house. INEXPEDIENT TO LEGISLATE.

Rep. John A Graham for Public Works and Highways: The committee heard testimony from the Division of Historical Resources that it is already conducting a grant-funded study on the condition and future of the old state house. This study will not be completed until late 2008. With knowledge of this on-going project the committee felt that another study was not needed at this time. Vote 14-0.

HB 297, relative to signs for the Souhegan Valley. INEXPEDIENT TO LEGISLATE.

Rep. Kevin K Waterhouse for Public Works and Highways: While the committee sympathizes with the sponsors’ desire to help a local Chamber of Commerce in its efforts to welcome travelers, we feel that the Department of Transportation right-of-way should have very limited access to signage. The committee will work with the Commissioner of Transportation to set policy regarding directional and welcome signs within the state right-of-way. This bill was unanimously seen as requiring an excessive number of signs to be placed within the right-of-way and would be a bad precedent for the legislature to set. Vote 14-0.

HB 313, establishing a committee to study reimbursing towns for emergency services on interstate highways. INEXPEDIENT TO LEGISLATE.

Rep. James B Rausch for Public Works and Highways: The committee recognized the concerns of the sponsors in seeking reimbursement for emergency services. However, the committee acknowledged that a study committee would not be able to find an equitable solution because all communities have benefits and liabilities that can not be proportionally delineated for equitable state funded reimbursement. The reimbursements should continue to reside in receiving compensation from the responsible parties and their insurance companies. Vote 13-1.

HB 317, requiring improvements to state highways by developers to meet the same standards as federally or state funded improvements. INEXPEDIENT TO LEGISLATE.

Rep. Franklin T Tilton for Public Works and Highways: The committee determined that sufficient controls currently exist within the permitting process, both at local planning boards and at the Department of Transportation, to require developers to meet appropriate standards, and that these controls are being used regularly and successfully. Vote 16-0.

HB 403, establishing the Interstate 93 widening commission. INEXPEDIENT TO LEGISLATE.

Rep. John A Graham for Public Works and Highways: This bill would have established a commission to “inform the legislature on the progress and problems in widening Interstate 93.” The General Court (in 2005, HB 304, Chapter 58, Laws of 2005) required the Department of Transportation to submit progress reports on I-93 to the Capital Budget Overview Committee at least every 6 months. In 2006 HB 2006, Chapter 240, Laws of 2006, (The Ten-Year Transportation Plan) requires the DOT to report every 3 months to this oversight committee. The Public Works and Highways Committee feels that at present there is sufficient oversight of this critical project. The chair of the Capital Budget Oversight Committee has pledged to ensure that all meetings of this committee with the DOT will be announced well in advance to all members of the legislature and the public. This will enable all citizens the opportunity to hear from the DOT, without establishing yet another reporting requirement on the DOT. Vote 18-0.

HB 418, relative to RV friendly highway signs. OUGHT TO PASS WITH AMENDMENT.

Rep. David B Campbell for Public Works and Highways: This bill allows the NHDOT to affix “recreational vehicle friendly” markers or decals to the corner of business directional signs (such as fast food and other restaurants) to indicate that the business establishment can accommodate RV vehicles. The committee overwhelmingly believes this bill promotes tourism and makes New Hampshire a more RV and motor home “friendly” state. The amendment clarifies that the cost of the “RV friendly” markers will be solely borne by the business establishment and better defines what constitutes a “hard surface” able to support Recreational vehicles Vote 17-1.

HB 466-L, relative to removal of vehicles from state park and ride lots. OUGHT TO PASS WITH AMENDMENT.

Rep. James B Rausch for Public Works and Highways: The amendment clarifies the original wording of the bill and allows for the removal of abandoned vehicles as described in RSA 262:30 from state owned park and ride lots. Vote 17-0.

HB 796, relative to civil liability for damaging highway protective barriers. OUGHT TO PASS WITH AMENDMENT.

Rep. Alfred C Lerandeau for Public Works and Highways: This bill adds protective barriers (guardrails) and clarifies the language of RSA 236:39. At the request of the Attorney General’s office the amendment replaced the word “negligence” for “without authority.” The amendment also includes Municipal Highway Agents (towns) which was part of RSA 236:39 but omitted in this bill. Vote 13-0.

HB 845-FN-A, making an appropriation to the town of Dorchester to rebuild the Province road bridge. INEXPEDIENT TO LEGISLATE.

Rep. Edmond D Gionet for Public Works and Highways: Even though the committee sympathizes with the bill sponsors and having considered the facts, the referenced bridge is only used seasonally serving a recreation area on a Class V road. This bill requires a general fund appropriation of $1,000,000. The bridge was destroyed in a flood. To do what this bill requires would not be fair to the other towns in the state. Vote 18-0.

RESOURCES, RECREATION AND DEVELOPMENT

HB 144, relative to operation of boats on Spectacle Pond. OUGHT TO PASS WITH AMENDMENT.

Rep. Pamela J Hubbard for Resources, Recreation and Development: The bill was written at the request of the owner of properties around Spectacle Pond, in Groton and Hebron. It removes a sunset clause set in 1985 that would prevent newer landowners from getting a permit to operate 7.5 horse power petroleum powered motors on Spectacle Pond. This permit is issued only to property owners with no other access to the town landing. The permit issued will last for the duration of ownership of the property and the boat. The bill as amended removes the necessity for re-applying for this permit annually, and instates a limitation to trips only to and from the pond’s landing. Vote 15-1.

HB 189, relative to swim lines in public waters. OUGHT TO PASS WITH AMENDMENT.

Rep. Christopher J Ahlgren for Resources, Recreation and Development: This bill prohibits the placing of a swim line on a public body of water without a permit. The permitting authority is placed with the Department of Safety. The bill also prohibits the operation of a boat within the designated swim area without permission of the permitee. The commissioner is given authority to place a reasonable fee for the application and renewal of the permits with legislative guidance. Vote 16-0.

HB 216, establishing a commission to study the causes, effects, and remediation of siltation in the Great Bay Estuary. OUGHT TO PASS WITH AMENDMENT.

Rep. Elisabeth N Sanders for Resources, Recreation and Development: This bill would establish a 21 member commission to determine the many causes of the increasing deposit of sediments in the bottom of the Great Bay and its five tributary rivers. This sediment has had a negative impact on oyster beds, eelgrass cover and water depths. The formation of a diverse member commission would provide a broad scientific assessment of the siltation process and recommend possible long term management solutions to a complex situation. The amendment made minor changes in the commission membership. Sediment has also reduced the navigability of the bay and rivers, restricting recreational use. Vote 18-0.

HB 440-FN, relative to the authority to quarantine to prevent dissemination of forest pests, relative to police training for forest rangers, and relative to forest resources and timber harvesting. OUGHT TO PASS WITH AMENDMENT.

Rep. Marcia G Moody for Resources, Recreation and Development: This legislation addresses three forestry problems. The first section requires all forest rangers hired after January 1, 2005 to complete the preparatory training for full-time police officers, and to then be certified as full-time police officers. Forest rangers are often called upon to do law enforcement functions and often in remote locations. Many forest rangers have already attended police training, but by mandating it, we will help secure more slots in training programs. Secondly, the bill authorizes the Director of the Division of Forests and Lands to regulate the movement within the state of any wood product which may introduce or spread dangerous insects or diseases. Third, the bill requires a written contract for the purchase or sale of forestry products, with a penalty for failure to provide such a contract. This will prevent deceptive forestry business practices. The amendment made technical corrections. Vote 17-1.

HB 458, relative to the exemption of replacement or redundant wells from the large groundwater withdrawal permitting process. OUGHT TO PASS.

Rep. Donald A Brueggemann for Resources, Recreation and Development: This bill allows for the exemption of replacement or redundant wells from the large groundwater withdrawal permitting process. Applications submitted to DES for these wells must include hydrologic information to assure that the effects will be substantially the same as the well being replaced. The committee agreed that this would be adequate to allow for maintaining older wells without placing an undue burden on well owners. Vote 20-0.

HB 464, relative to Silver Lake in Belmont and Tilton. INEXPEDIENT TO LEGISLATE.

Rep. Lawrence M Kappler for Resources, Recreation and Development: This bill would have declared a certain height of water in Silver Lake in Belmont and Tilton as its “full lake level” and required that when the water rose two feet above that level, a no-wake zone would be instituted for the whole water body. The attorney general attested that this cannot be legislated, but must be established scientifically, which the Department of Environmental Services (DES) is in the process of doing. Further, the committee felt that establishing a no-wake area for certain sporadic time periods may be unworkable, but needs to be addressed with marine safety. Further research revealed that the problems of flooding of the lake can be addressed by property owner petition to DES via the Winnipesaukee River Watershed Advisory Committee. Vote 18-0.

HB 468, relative to establishing the freedom's way heritage area and commission. OUGHT TO PASS WITH AMENDMENT.

Rep. Judith T Spang for Resources, Recreation and Development: The purpose of this bill is to recognize, protect, promote and interpret the significant historic, cultural and natural resources of nine towns proposed for a NH freedom's way heritage area. An advisory commission would be established that would solicit, accept and manage gifts, grants and federal funds, coordinate activities and prepare annual study reports. The heritage area would complement a similar area in nearby Massachusetts. The amendment added a member of the Resources, Recreation and Development Committee to the commission, added Merrimack to the area, and included historic dams and bridges to the resources eligible for funding. Vote 17-0.

HB 498-FN-A, dedicating certain OHRV and snowmobile unrefunded road tolls to the fish and game department. OUGHT TO PASS WITH AMENDMENT.

Rep. Donald A Brueggemann for Resources, Recreation and Development:. This bill dedicates certain OHRV and small snowmobile unrefunded road rolls to the Fish and Game Department. In addition to providing badly needed funds to Fish and Game, the Department of Resources and Economic Development (DRED) trails bureau asserts that it needs to keep its share for repair of damage to trails crossing state roads. These funds are the tax that has been applied to gas purchased for OHRV’s, but which are entitled to a refund since they are not for on-road use. Most OHRV users do not apply for this refund. Currently that amount is dedicated to the Bureau of Trails based on an annual average estimated purchase of 50 gallons per registered OHRV and snowmobile. The bill would have increased the estimated average to 150 gallons to be equally split between Fish and Game and the Bureau of Trails. The committee questioned the estimate and therefore amended it to a more reasonable 100 gallons per registered OHRV and snowmobile. The net effect is that the amount of funds dedicated to the Bureau of Trails is unchanged and Fish and Game would receive an equal amount. The amendment also reaffirms that the funds shall be non-lapsing. Vote 14-3.

HB 531, establishing a tourism radio sign program. INEXPEDIENT TO LEGISLATE.

Rep. Sid Lovett for Resources, Recreation and Development: This bill would have established a tourist radio station program within the Department of Resources and Economic Development (DRED), such as that used in the Mt. Washington Valley. The bill focused on the roadside signs which would have been able to exceed the state’s maximum sign size by a significant amount. The committee did not wish to use legislation to regulate the design of signs or the content of radio station broadcasts. Vote 17-1.

HB 664-FN, relative to annual dam registration and permit application fees. OUGHT TO PASS WITH AMENDMENT.

Rep. Donald A Brueggemann for Resources, Recreation and Development: This bill was initiated at the request of the Department of Environmental Services (DES) dam bureau to pay the cost of permitting and inspecting dams. It increases the application fee for new dam permits and the annual registration fee for all dams. The filing fee was increased significantly, but the committee was presented with documentation showing it was justified for the bureau’s expenses for permitting and classifying new dams. The increase in annual fees is needed to increase the bureau’s ability to inspect more of the state’s dams to identify those in danger of failure. The importance of these inspections was highlighted by last year’s floods. The amendment removed a funding mechanism for the maintenance of state owned dams based on a per-foot fee on shore land properties. There is a very urgent need to fund dam maintenance, but the committee felt this was not the most workable method. Vote 18-0.

HB 837, relative to easements and the land and community heritage investment program. OUGHT TO PASS WITH AMENDMENT.

Rep. Judith T Spang for Resources, Recreation and Development This bill clarifies language in the statute establishing term easements for farms by specifying that such an easement shall be available only to farms participating in an established farm viability program with the department of agriculture, markets and food. It further provides that when such a program ends, the easement shall also expire. The amendment replaces the original bill. Vote 15-0.

HB 899-FN-A, assessing a fee on water withdrawn for sale or resale from water supply sources in the state. INEXPEDIENT TO LEGISLATE.

Rep. Frank A Tupper for Resources, Recreation and Development This bill established a fee of $.10 per gallon of water withdrawn in excess of 50,000 gallons per day for sale or resale. The bill would have created many inequities for municipalities and private companies that supply water to local residents. The fee would also be too costly for in-state manufacturers of beer and soda and unidentified other users. SB 155, Chapter 305:1, Laws of 2003, the ground water study commission, will be studying this very complex concept in depth. Vote 14-1.

SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY AND ENERGY

HB 119, relative to the sunset provision of the system benefits charge. OUGHT TO PASS.

Rep. James M Garrity for Science, Technology and Energy: The system benefits charge is that portion of electric utility bills which is used to fund both energy efficiency and low-income electrical assistance programs. This bill eliminates the sunset provision of the low-income electrical assistance program; the sunset date was scheduled for June 30, 2008. The committee feels that the low-income electrical assistance program is a very effective program which helps many of our neediest fellow citizens with their electrical energy costs. The program is well run and is reviewed at least annually by the Public Utilities Commission and several legislative oversight committees. This beneficial program should be continued at current levels. Vote 10-0.

HB 415-FN, establishing a geothermal assessment project. OUGHT TO PASS WITH AMENDMENT.

Rep. John H Thomas for Science, Technology and Energy: The committee feels the issue of renewable energy is very important and any discovery or exploration of source is part of the overall issue. The state geologist brought forth a concern with the reporting date. The amendment takes care of that issue. Vote 14-0.

HB 751-FN-A, relative to biodiesel road toll revenue. INEXPEDIENT TO LEGISLATE.

Rep. Thomas R Fargo for Science, Technology and Energy: This bill requires the road toll administrator to estimate the road toll paid on biodiesel used for off-road purposes and pay that amount into a biodiesel development fund. The committee unanimously agreed that insufficient data are available to accurately estimate the amount of biodiesel used off-road, although estimates suggested that the fund would receive less than $10,000 annually. In addition, the bill lacked clarity on how the biodiesel development fund would be used. While the intent of the bill was to promote a greater use of biodiesel for environmental benefits, the committee recognized that existing incentive programs could be enhanced to serve that purpose. Vote 14-0.

STATE FEDERAL RELATIONS AND VETERANS AFFAIRS

HB 832-FN, relative to financial relief for members of the military reserve or national guard called to active duty. INEXPEDIENT TO LEGISLATE.

Rep. Alfred P Baldasaro for State-Federal Relations and Veterans Affairs: It was very clear that the purpose of this bill was to address serious financial problems that sometimes occur as the result of long term federal deployment. However, it was determined that the Service members Civil Relief Act of 2003 (SCRA) formerly known as the Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Civil Relief Act of 1940 (SSCRA) and RSA 110-C: 2 (National Guard Rights and Protective Act) provide a very high level of protection for our men and women who go in harm’s way. Additionally it was determined that some parts of HB 832-FN could cause serious and unintentional legal problems and wouldn’t be in the best interest of our citizen soldiers. Vote 11-0.

TRANSPORTATION

HB 110, relative to commercial driver licenses when the license holder fails a drug or alcohol test. INEXPEDIENT TO LEGISLATE.

Rep. Michael B O'Brien for Transportation: The bill attempted to put into place additional requirements or penalties for commercial drivers who fail drug or alcohol tests. The goals of the sponsor and the interest of the sponsor in safety is compelling. Nevertheless, as ably demonstrated by the NH Motor Transport Association, federal regulation in this area is comprehensive and the addition of further requirements at the state level would not measurably increase the public safety. Correspondingly, the bill is inexpedient to legislate. Vote 12-0.

HB 176, relative to the return of replaced parts by a motor vehicle repair facility. INEXPEDIENT TO LEGISLATE.

Rep. Jennifer M Brown for Transportation: The bill attempts to alter the process of alerting customers to the return of parts after auto repair. Current law adequately covers the return of parts to consumers and the proposed legislation would not demonstrably add to the limited interest in the motoring public in having parts returned. Correspondingly, the bill is inexpedient to legislate at this time, but the committee will keep a vigilant eye on future legislation relating to old parts consistent with ongoing efforts around the State to carefully manage waste. Vote 12-0.

HB 182-FN, relative to indicating the branch of service on special number plates for veterans. INEXPEDIENT TO LEGISLATE.

Rep. Peter F Bergin for Transportation: The committee appreciated the intent of the sponsor to recognize branch of service on special number plates for veterans. However, the Department of Safety presently does not have the computer system to handle tracking the different branch of service decal. In addition it would add additional cost to implement such a system. It was suggested that the American Legion implement this program, but the committee was never presented a plan. In addition the committee felt that if we made an exception to the veteran plate we would then be inundated with other groups for special plates. Vote 17-0.

HB 202, relative to a point system for automobile dealer and inspection station violations. OUGHT TO PASS WITH AMENDMENT.

Rep. Sherman A Packard for Transportation: This bill, as amended, sets a point system in place for licensed automobile dealers and licensed inspection stations. The New Hampshire Automobile Dealer’s Association has requested this legislation so a fairer, unified system be put in place when an infraction occurs. Now, whether it is a small or large infraction a dealer license or inspection station license can be revoked because of the lack of any uniformity or predictability. The point system clearly outlines prohibited conduct and penalties and removes the chance of unfair results. This bill would also protect a dealer from being severely punished because of the unknown actions of a bad employee. Vote 17-0.

HB 209, relative to eligibility for farm plates. OUGHT TO PASS.

Rep. Brenda L Ferland for Transportation: This bill will require the use of a specific form. The form will establish the eligibility for farm plates when registering vehicles with the town clerks. There is a difference between agricultural plates that cost less, the miles to be traveled are restricted and vehicles have some inspection requirements compared to farm plates that cost more and have restrictions of 16,000 pounds and 74 cents a pound thereafter. The Department of Safety and Commissioner of Agriculture support this bill. This bill was a recommendation of the recent farm study. Vote 17-0.

HB 449-FN, relative to motor vehicle inspections. INEXPEDIENT TO LEGISLATE.

Rep. Jim Ryan for Transportation: The bill seeks to alter the current requirement of annual inspections of motor vehicles to a biennial requirement. The annual requirement is rooted in the state’s interest in safety and to assure that at least once a year as part of the registration process that a qualified and competent person examines the motor vehicle to assure compliance with our motor vehicle laws and to assure that fundamental systems such as brakes, tires and the like are examined to assure that the public safety on our highways is valued. The bill was opposed by the Department of Environmental Services as inconsistent with current emission control laws that require an annual inspection. The bill was opposed by the division of motor vehicles which flatly noted the change would harm safety. The bill was opposed by NH Automobile Association that referred the committee to findings by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) in a recent report that found that states with annual inspection requirements had accident rates that were 20% lower than in states that did not. The clear and convincing message from the testimony was to retain the annual inspection requirement. Vote 12-0.

HB 714-FN, relative to motorized watercraft rental agencies. OUGHT TO PASS.

Rep. Jim Ryan for Transportation: Interest in safety along the state waterways has intensified in recent years as the popularity of recreational boating along our lakes has increased. This bill increases the state’s interest in safety on our lakes and waterways by requiring those who rent boats to provide the rental agent with clear certification that the renter understands safety regulations and is conversant with the state’s interest in boating safety. NH boat owners and recreational users are obliged by a variety of regulations and laws to promote and insure boating safety. Current law only requires an all-too-brief declaration by a renter that he or she is familiar with our law. The committee believes that renters should come under the same regulatory oversight as local residents. Vote 12-0.

WAYS AND MEANS

HB 347, establishing a committee to study establishing classes of property to be taxed at different rates under the statewide enhanced education tax. INEXPEDIENT TO LEGISLATE.

Rep. Peyton B Hinkle for Ways and Means: If established, this committee was to consider classes of property including “primary residential,” “second homes,” “business and commercial,” and “resident and non-resident.” The committee was concerned that this could lead to business and commercial properties being taxed at a higher rate, which would be regressive to economic development. On the other hand, if residential property was taxed at a higher rate, an undue tax burden would be placed on the individual home owner. There was also a concern over establishing tax rates for mixed use properties which could lead to ambiguities in taxation. Vote 16-0.

HB 351, clarifying that the definition of "overseas business organization" includes all foreign incorporated business organizations and all 80/20 business organizations, and redefining "business activity" for purposes of the business profits tax. OUGHT TO PASS WITH AMENDMENT.

Rep. Norman L Major for Ways and Means: This bill was requested by the Department of Revenue Administration and Section 1 of this bill is a technical correction, which is very important to Business Profits Tax statutory clarity. Laws must evolve to fit today’s economic systems. The Business Profits Tax was formulated in 1970; 2007 is not the same economic world. This change follows a national trend to clearly define who should file and what their tax is based on. A number of other states have adopted these economic nexus statutes. You do not have to have a physical presence here to have economic nexus. If business organizations are availing themselves of the benefits of the NH economic markets, including such factors as our well educated workforce, our court system, and our banking and consumer and protection laws, then they have economic nexus. This correction places language in the statute to tell out-of-state headquartered businesses they must file if they do business in NH. This does not change how we tax or what we tax. However, those that perceive there is a tax planning opportunity if you don’t use the common language may attempt to avoid NH tax. Sections 2 and 3 are true housekeeping sections. They make it clear as to who can be a member of a “water’s edge combined group.” The “water’s edge” we talk about is the Atlantic and Pacific oceans – the bounds of the US. The changes in the four definitions used for 1) “Water’s edge Combined Group,” 2) “Foreign dividends,” 3) “Foreign property, payroll and sales,” and 4) “Overseas business organizations,” will bring the language the state uses in agreement with the language used by the Internal Revenue Code. The amendment corrects statute references in section 1 and 2 of the bill to read “RSA 77-A:1.” Vote 17-0.

HB 354, establishing a committee to study the feasibility of establishing ecological consumption taxes as a source of revenue for the state. INEXPEDIENT TO LEGISLATE.

Rep. Michael G Marsh for Ways and Means: This legislation would have established a joint study committee to determine whether or not to establish one or more taxes on the sources of pollution in the state, including carbon dioxide. Without passing judgment on the merits of the bill, the committee noted that there is a similar bill, HB 165, establishing a committee to study carbon reduction incentives, already before the Science, Technology, and Energy Committee. There is no need to establish two study committees, and the specifics of this bill will be considered as part of HB 165. Vote 16-0.

HB 372-FN-A, exempting motor vehicles equipped and used for transporting disabled persons from the tax on rental of motor vehicles. OUGHT TO PASS WITH AMENDMENT.

Rep. Ron J Mack for Ways and Means: The purpose of the bill is to relieve disabled persons and their families of the car rental tax burden. After hearing testimony from various parties including companies specializing in the rental of handicap equipped vehicles, the committee believes that the existing rental tax imposes an undue financial hardship on the majority of users and their families. The Department of Revenue Administration indicates this bill will decrease state education trust fund revenue by an insignificant amount in FY 2008 and each year thereafter. The department states it can absorb the cost of administering this bill within its existing budget. Vote 16-0.

HB 452-FN, dedicating a percentage of liquor, wine, and beer revenues to the education trust fund. INEXPEDIENT TO LEGISLATE.

Rep. Michael D Brunelle for Ways and Means: This bill would have taken 3% of liquor, beer, and wine revenues from the general fund and dedicated them to the education trust fund. Although the committee appreciates the sponsor’s desire to address our state’s education funding predicament, we believe the redistribution of revenue would not only fail to adequately address the issue, but also result in cuts in programs that rely on the dollars removed from the general fund. In addition, the committee felt that the passage of this legislation could lead to the habitual dedication of future general funds, and ultimately set a precedent that jeopardizes the long-term stability of other state services. Vote 16-0.

HB 843-FN, requiring excess revenue stabilization reserve account funds to be used to make payments to all homeowners of primary residences in this state. INEXPEDIENT TO LEGISLATE.

Rep. Norman L Major for Ways and Means: This bill required excess revenue stabilization reserve account funds to be deposited in a new “Homeownership Incentive Account” to be used to make equal payments to all homeowners of primary residences in this state to provide an incentive for continued homeownership in the future. The sponsors did not know how much it would cost to implement or how to accomplish the payments to all homeowners. Part of the cost is to identify and update the list of eligible homeowners in the state and their address. The cost for sending payments out to homeowners could exceed the costs of the excess reserves since only a few dollars could trigger this mechanism. The committee felt if there were excess revenues it would be better to reduce tax rates, thereby benefiting all tax payers. Vote 16-0.

TUESDAY, MARCH 6

REGULAR CALENDAR

COMMERCE

HB 77, prohibiting cancellation of property and liability insurance on the basis of certain political activities. INEXPEDIENT TO LEGISLATE.

Rep. James R Martin for Commerce:. This bill applies to excess coverage or umbrella coverage which is generally sold with limits of one million to five million dollars. The testimony from the insurance department and others was that excess coverage is widely available. Some excess carriers, based upon their own business judgments, exclude coverage for sports figures, radio and TV broadcasters, entertainers, politicians, editors and other high profile people. Some excess carriers exclude some of these risks, others cover them. Coverage is available at reasonable rates. This bill would harm small insurance companies in the state who do not have the resources to underwrite one to five million dollar risks. They have to reinsure those risks with reinsurers, all of whom are domiciled out of state. Those reinsurance companies make their own underwriting decisions. The bottom line is that the insurance is generally available. Vote 12-4.

HB 102, relative to requirements for restaurants operating cocktail lounges. OUGHT TO PASS WITH AMENDMENT.

Rep. John B Hunt for Commerce: The original bill was an attempt to address the problems the city of Manchester has had with several "restaurant" establishments. Under current law, every restaurant with sales less than $75,000 must have food sales equal to liquor sales. The problem seems to be that non-alcohol drinks are considered food. The amendment defines food as a "solid nutritive material as distinguished from drink." The majority of the committee felt this was a necessary clarification of the current law. Vote 12-5.

HB 599-FN, requiring restaurant operators to produce a meals and rentals licenses in order to obtain a liquor license and establishing an annual renewal fee for meals and rentals licenses and a penalty for failure to renew such license. OUGHT TO PASS WITH AMENDMENT.

Rep. James R Martin for Commerce: This bill was introduced at the request of the Department of Revenue Administration (DRA) to enable DRA to keep track of restaurant and restaurant licensees, many of whom change hands without notifying DRA thus making the collection of the meals and rentals tax difficult. In years past, restaurants and rental licenses expired every two years but the statute was amended to make the licenses of indefinite term. As a result of that experiment, DRA has found it difficult to track the current owner of some facilities in order to collect the tax. This bill solves that problem at minimum cost and inconvenience to the owners. Vote 16-2.

HB 874-FN-A, establishing a New Hampshire health access corporation, continually appropriating a special fund, and allowing the healthy kids corporation to cover certain adults. INEXPEDIENT TO LEGISLATE.

Rep. John B Hunt for Commerce: Although this bill calls for an appropriation, there was no dollar amount in the bill. The committee is working on another bill that will have a similar task to broaden affordable insurance options in New Hampshire. Vote 17-1.

EDUCATION

HB 661-FN-A, establishing an executive planning commission on special education. MAJORITY: OUGHT TO PASS. MINORITY: INEXPEDIENT TO LEGISLATE.

Rep. Nancy F Stiles for the Majority of Education: This bill is the first of six and the only early bill coming forth this session from a committee charged to review New Hampshire’s special education statutes. HB661-FN-A repeals RSA 189-C:21 and 189-C:22 and replaces them with a planning commission to be established for one year to identify the personnel shortages that affect the capacity of schools to provide educational services to children with highly challenging needs or low-incidence (uncommon) disabilities. There is nothing in the current RSA 186-C:21 that isn’t covered in federal law so there will be no negative effect on students or the local districts. The commission is to address opportunities and resources to support the local school districts in developing scientifically based student specific supports to assist the schools in eliminating out of district private or public placements, all of which have high human and financial costs. The commission will also address the pre-service and in-service educational opportunities for professionals, paraprofessionals and administrative personnel in our college and university system and identify how they might identify the emerging special education needs and provide support to the local districts in evaluating or plan design. The strategic plan is to be reported to the General Court and the Governor by October 1, 2008. The study committee that worked over the past ten months with five subcommittees and came to consensus on the final draft of this bill included representation from six legislators, three having a background in special education, the Department of Education, the Special Education Directors Association as well as active directors, consultants, parents, homeschools, charter schools, Disabilities Rights Center, school board members, legal representation of students and parents of students with disabilities, Parent Information Center, members of the State Advisory Committee (SAC) and presentations from the Dept. of Health and Human Services, the Dept. of Corrections and South Eastern Regional Education Service Center (SERESC). Vote 11-4.

Rep. Paul Ingbretson for the Minority of Education: Though presented as a bill to create a commission, this bill actually of itself changes five points of New Hampshire law related to developmentally disabled children. The removed statutes are actually part of federal requirements, yet reasons for their removal were not forthcoming.

HB 669-FN-A-L, relative to kindergarten aid and kindergarten construction aid. MAJORITY: OUGHT TO PASS WITH AMENDMENT. MINORITY: INEXPEDIENT TO LEGISLATE.

Rep. Judith E Day for the Majority of Education This bill extends policy of 1997 to provide school districts $1200 per pupil in aid for new kindergarten students until said students are counted in the average daily membership for kindergarten. It also extends aid for construction of kindergartens. This aid provides an incentive for districts to establish public kindergarten programs where none currently exist. The chance to participate in kindergarten provides an added opportunity for an equitable education for all New Hampshire students. This bill could cost the state $14 million only if 66 classrooms were built in all of the districts currently without kindergarten and 15 children were in each of these classrooms. Vote 11-3.

Rep. Paul Ingbretson for the Minority of Education: Department of Education numbers indicate this bill would cost, even as amended, an additional $14 million. It would increase pressures on districts that have repeatedly opposed such programs and construction. The money does not follow the child.

HB 693-FN-A-L, establishing a school choice certificate program. MAJORITY: INEXPEDIENT TO LEGISLATE. MINORITY: OUGHT TO PASS.

Rep. Kimberley S Casey for the Majority of Education: This legislation, which establishes a school choice certificate (voucher) program, is identical to HB 1707 of 2006 which was voted down by a sizable margin. Nothing new has been added to this bill to address the concerns that led to its defeat last year. Those same concerns were not addressed to the satisfaction of the majority of the committee during its most recent hearing. The bill as it stands continues to violate the New Hampshire Constitution (Part 1, Article 6, and Part 2, Article 83), which specifically and unequivocally forbids public monies to be used for sectarian schools. The US Supreme Court finding regarding the Cleveland School District does not in this case apply, as it was a very narrow finding and does not trump New Hampshire Constitutional law. Additionally, as education policy, the majority of the committee felt that school choice programs should be implemented through school districts, and existing laws already provide for that. As written, the law would drain scarce revenues away from public education. When districts already face federal cuts, NCLB unfunded mandates, escalating special education costs and tighter state resources, draining another 17.9 million dollars in state aid to public education, as this bill provides, was considered ill advised. This bill will not help children by draining money from the public system, and draining this money could feasibly force local districts to make up this money leading to higher local school taxes. The bill as written disallows eligible families who already have their children in private school, at their own expense, to participate in the program. This bill, as written, allows private schools to accept only those students it chooses, and the sponsor was unable to address the areas of concern that private schools may, in fact, not accept children with special needs. Worse, if a special needs child is accepted, it is up to the local PUBLIC school to provide those services. Vote 8-4.

Rep. Pamela G Price for the Minority of Education: The minority believes that we must offer choice in education for our students who don’t succeed in the public schools. This bill proposes to provide a certificate to the parents for the child’s tuition at an approved non-public school. The certificates are distributed by lottery to students whose family income does not exceed 200 percent of the federal poverty level. This may be raised to 300 percent if there are unused certificates. The value of the certificate is less than the state aid. The bill addresses the constitutional issues by making the voucher payable to the parents. This is essentially the same bill which passed the Education Committee last term. The minority believes that this is about helping our children achieve an education. There are some children, for whatever reason, who don’t succeed in the public school system. We must provide alternatives for these students. This bill provides some options for low income students which they might not have otherwise. For these reasons, the minority supports ought to pass.

HB 861-FN, allowing certain members of the United States armed forces and their dependents to attend public postsecondary institutions at the in-state resident tuition rate. OUGHT TO PASS WITH AMENDMENT.

Rep. Sharon M Carson for Education: This bill recognizes the service of our active duty members of our armed forces and their dependents. It allows those active duty members and their dependents stationed in New Hampshire or living in New Hampshire with duty stations in contiguous states to attend New Hampshire post secondary institutions at the in-state tuition rate. Vote 7-4.

HB 870-FN-A-L, relative to the calculation and disbursement of adequate education grants. INEXPEDIENT TO LEGISLATE.

Rep. Paul Ingbretson for Education: At the public hearing, both sponsors testified that the bill as it was before the committee was intended to be only the starting point for a major and comprehensive revision. It represented a current version of what had first been enacted in 1999 and remained in law with only minor changes for more than four years. As the two sponsors strongly believe that all four issues concerning an adequate education should be addressed simultaneously and comprehensively this year, they expressly asked the committee not to retain this bill. Vote 11-2.

ELECTION LAW

HB 112, relative to the method of depositing a ballot. INEXPEDIENT TO LEGISLATE.

Rep. Janet F Allen for Election Law This bill deals only with towns that hand count their ballots and would require the voters to deposit their ballots into the ballot box without any assistance from the moderator. The secretary of state’s office testified in opposition to this bill. They believe that it would be too easy to duplicate the ballot. If we are going to question the integrity of ballot counting machines and the possibility of election fraud, then we should look at all aspects of election fraud including voter fraud. The purpose of the moderator touching the ballot is to insure that there is only one ballot. The majority of our committee did not believe that there is a problem with the process that is now in effect. Vote 8-7.

HB 136, relative to approval of voting machines. INEXPEDIENT TO LEGISLATE.

Rep. David M Pierce for Election Law: The majority of the committee voted against this bill as a matter of process, not necessarily as a substantive objection to the bill’s subject matter. Other legislation dealing with issue related to this bill are forthcoming and the committee will retain some of those bills for further study. It is contemplated that portions of this bill will be consolidated with those retained bills. In this way, the committee can study and report out a comprehensive bill dealing with all aspects of the subject of electronic vote counting machines used in New Hampshire elections. Vote 13-4.

HB 138, relative to disclosure of voting machine information. INEXPEDIENT TO LEGISLATE.

Rep. Claudia A Chase for Election Law: The majority of the committee voted against this bill as a matter of process, not necessarily as the substantative objections to the bill’s subject matter. Other legislation dealing with issues related to this bill are forthcoming and the committee will retain some of those bills for further study. It is contemplated that portions of this bill will be consolidated with those retained bills. In this way, the committee can study and report out a comprehensive bill dealing with all aspects of the subject of electronic vote counting machines used in New Hampshire elections. Vote 15-2.

ENVIRONMENT AND AGRICULTURE

HB 239-FN-A, appropriating funds to the barn preservation fund matching grants program. MAJORITY: OUGHT TO PASS. MINORITY: INEXPEDIENT TOT LEGISLATE.

Rep. Jane E Beaulieu for the Majority of Environment and Agriculture: Locating financial resources to do repairs and updates has led to many barns demise in recent years. Some are dismantled and sold to other states. Funding this bill would assist maintaining a valuable New Hampshire resource – agricultural heritage. Vote 15-1.

Rep. Steve Vaillancourt for the Minority of Environment and Agriculture: Like the bill calling for state support for educating a “large animal” veterinarian, this bill provides special funding for a purpose far from vital to our society or our state. As such, even though the bill will have to go to the Finance Committee for final adjudication, the minority feels obligated to express opposition at this time. The Governor, in his budget, called for a $12 million appropriation for LCHIP. This bill would commit another $75,000 per year ($150,000 for the biennium) to the barn preservation fund which has not been previously funded. At a time when we are uncertain about education funding; at a time when the developmental disability waiting list totals 150 or more individuals; at a time when so many vital state services will go unfunded, the minority cannot in good conscience recommend barn preservation as a priority. Even if this type of thing were to be a priority, monies should certainly come from the LCHIP monies even if an amendment to the LCHIP bill is needed to achieve that. Truly, government cannot be all things to all people, but we must put people ahead of barns whose owners already got a potential windfall with the bill passed earlier this session.

HB 472-FN, increasing fees for hazardous waste management and contaminated site cleanup, establishing rulemaking authority to set future fees, and changing reporting requirements. MAJORITY: OUGHT TO PASS WITH AMENDMENT. MINORITY: INEXPEDIENT TO LEGISLATE.

Rep. Jane E Beaulieu for the Majority of Environment and Agriculture: This bill would increase fees for hazardous waste management and contaminated site clean up and changes reporting requirements for various waste activities. This legislation does not overly burden one segment of the economy and funds current programs. This is New Hampshire’s superfund. The amendment restricts fee increases to those on existing fees specified in the legislation by removing language in the original bill that would have established new fees and allowed for future increases of existing fees through rulemaking. Vote 17-1.

Rep. Steve Vaillancourt for the Minority of Environment and Agriculture: These fee increases are in the range of 50 to 100 percent. The majority argues that such a hefty boost is okay because the fees haven’t been increased in years. The minority responds that such an argument would be laughed at if we suggested doubling the rooms and meals tax, the business profits tax, the telecommunications tax, the gasoline tax or any other tax simply because it hasn’t been increased in years. With fee increases, the increase is even worse because fees are supposed to represent the cost of providing the service rendered. In a sense, we are already overcharging with fees if we consider a fee based on the cost of processing applications. This bill would increase the amount of one application from $5000 to $7500. Assuming that an employee is paid $30 an hour (and even allowing for departmental overhead of 10%), simple math leads us to believe that 225 hours would be taken for such processing ($7500 less 10% = $6750 divided by $30 = 225 hours). Clearly, these fees are being used to accomplish other goals which should be funded out of the general fund (if such programs are necessary at all). Until such a time, we should not be increasing fees, all the more so when DES acknowledged that the fund to accomplish these programs is currently at a $3 million surplus. The minority believes that, if anything, we should be reducing these fees. The minority, however, believes the amended version is somewhat better than the original which would have allowed DES to set fees in the future without coming to the Legislature for a full-blown hearing and vote.

HB 897-FN-A, relative to the salary of the state veterinarian. MAJORITY: OUGHT TO PASS. MINORITY: INEXPEDIENT TO LEGISLATE.

Rep. Richard H Snow for the Majority of Environment and Agriculture While members of the committee, and indeed, the full House, may or may not support a change in salary for the current state veterinarian, this bill is not intended to address that question. The majority of the committee reached a consensus that there is a need to increase the salary range applicable to the state veterinarian position in order to ensure that our state will be able to attract and retain competent and qualified people to fill this vital position. The committee heard and carefully considered testimony about the duties and responsibilities of our state veterinarian. The committee heard and considered testimony relative to salaries for state veterinarians in neighboring states. The committee considered the fact that the search for our current state veterinarian went on for over a year. The committee determined, based on testimony and deliberation, that the current salary range for the state veterinarian position is inadequate and recommends reclassifying it to a higher range. Vote 12-3.

Rep. Steve Vaillancourt for the Minority of Environment and Agriculture The minority does not believe that policy committees which come into contact with department heads and other state officials on a regular basis should be in the business of suggesting increased pay grades for any individual or individual positions. In the past, special blue ribbon commissions have properly considered pay grades. These commissions could look at the overall state picture and not make recommendations due to any personal consideration. In other words, personal favorites should not influence personnel. Clearly, that is what the majority did since much of the discussion regarding this pay classification centered on an individual and not on the position. The amount of money involved here is small, a difference of some $20,000 at the maximum level of the two pay grades, but the principle of abandoning the long-standing way of evaluating state job classifications and leaving it up to a policy committee with its natural biases in favor of those it deals with is of tremendous concern to the minority.

EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENTS AND ADMINISTRATION

CACR 11, relating to the term of office for governor. Providing that beginning with the 2010 general election, there shall be a 4-year term of office for governor. MAJORITY: OUGHT TO PASS. MINORITY: INEXPEDIENT TO LEGISLATE.

Rep. A Laurie Harding for the Majority of Executive Departments and Administration: The majority of the committee felt that it was, once again, important to put this issue before the voters in the form of a constitutional amendment. The four year term was last presented to the voters in 1984. 63.61% voted in favor of a four year term, narrowly missing the required 66.67% needed for adoption. Recent polls indicate that 58% of the individuals polled would support such a change. New Hampshire is one of the only two states that has a two year term for governor. The other is Vermont. New Hampshire is a very different state than it was in 1984. Our demographics have changed. Health care delivery, the economy, the environment are presenting us with more complex problems. Our relationship with the federal government is becoming more challenging. A four year gubernatorial term would give the individual in our primary leadership position an opportunity to govern instead of running for office. Governors need a chance to establish and carry out their agendas. The passage of CACR 11 is about strengthening the future of our state Vote 9-8.

Rep. Hector M Velez for the Minority of Executive Departments and Administration The minority firmly believes in the people’s right to be heard every two years in the election of governor. We elect our federal congressional representatives, state representatives, state senators, and executive councilors every two years. By changing the governor’s term to four years, it removes the people’s right to express their opinion on how the governor’s policies are being received. We heard that one of the reasons this bill was brought forward was because New Hampshire and Vermont were the only two states without a four year term. We believe that we should remain independent in having a two year term. Historically, the governor has been elected to a second term in office. This has happened because we have no term limits, and the people of our state, by voting every two years, have made the decision of who will lead us. This bill takes away the New Hampshire advantage. We were also told the governor has to think too much about re-election, and we believe that this is a good idea.

HB 155, relative to membership of the state building code review board. OUGHT TO PASS WITH AMENDMENT.

Rep. A Laurie Harding for Executive Departments and Administration: This bill would add a 17th member to the Building Code Review Board. This individual, nominated by the Fire Prevention Society, would bring an additional level of technical expertise to the board. The bill was amended, at the request of the fire chiefs, to replace one chief’s position with an “active fire prevention officer” nominated by the New Hampshire fire chiefs leaving the number on the board at 16. Vote 14-3.

FISH AND GAME

HB 871-FN-A, allowing the fish and game department to conduct an annual auction of moose hunting permits. INEXPEDIENT TO LEGISLATE.

Rep. John W Henson for Fish and Game: This bill would have permitted auctioning of three moose permits to the highest bidder, resident or non-resident, for a minimum of $5000. The committee voted not to support this bill for the following reasons: the amount of money raised would not alleviate the funding crisis in the Fish and Game Department, and the wildlife belongs to the general public and should not be auctioned to the highest bidder for short term gain. Vote 6-5.

HEALTH, HUMAN SERVICES AND ELDERLY AFFAIRS

HB 628-FN-A, establishing the New Hampshire Rx advantage program and continually appropriating a special fund. MAJORITY: OUGHT TO PASS WITH AMENDMENT. MINORITY: INEXPEDIENT TO LEGISLATE.

Rep. James R MacKay for the Majority of Health, Human Services and Elderly Affairs: This bill establishes the New Hampshire Rx Plus Program. The intent is to make drugs more affordable for those who are low income, uninsured individuals. It is an attempt to deal with one aspect of the delivery of health care services to those who are disadvantaged. The bill calls for a prescription discount card to be used in pharmacies, and, in addition, it directs DHHS to enter into rebate agreements with pharmaceutical companies. This bill has been many years in the making. It is supported by AARP and the New Hampshire Independent Pharmacy Association. It is patterned after a successful similar bill in the State of Maine that has led to discounts of 15-60 percent to low income, uninsured individuals for drugs from pharmaceutical companies who participate in the Medicaid program. This program has been upheld all the way to the United States Supreme Court as being constitutional and being consistent with the goals of Medicaid. The amendment to this bill is designed to help pharmacies from inadvertently being in conflict with the state’s “most favored nation” law; while participating with this plan, they are exempted from the penalties of RSA 126, IV. The committee strongly supports this legislation. Vote 18-1.

Rep. Susan Emerson for the Minority of Health, Human Services and Elderly Affairs: The major point of the controversy in this bill is a provision that is referred to as “The Hammer.” “The Hammer” clause says that if a particular drug company chooses not to provide discounts under this program then the state may make it harder for New Hampshire citizens to obtain that company’s drugs under the Medicaid program by implementing prior authorization. The bill gives the state the option to leverage the Medicaid program to obtain discounts for others and it could backfire on the poorest of the poor. The State of Maine enacted a law with “The Hammer” clause; however, that state has told the United States District Court that Maine would request a waiver if it planned to implement “The Hammer.” So far, there has been no indication in Maine that “The Hammer” will be used. Since Maine has made this commitment to the court and has not, to anyone’s knowledge, begun the process of seeking federal CMS (Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services) approval, it is reasonable to believe that drug companies are choosing to participate or not to participate in Maine based on other business considerations. Other states, such as Ohio, have not included “The Hammer” in their statutes. “The Hammer” is the minority’s primary opposition to this bill and, unless it is removed, the minority thinks the bill should be ITL. There are also concerns about the fiscal note.

HB 721, relative to the appropriation to the department of health and human services for rates paid for nursing services. OUGHT TO PASS.

Rep. Thomas E Donovan for Health, Human Services and Elderly Affairs: This bill pertains to the so called “budget neutrality factor” in both county and private nursing homes. The “budget neutrality factor” is a flat percentage cut in Medicaid reimbursement rates which the Department Of health and Human Services makes semi-annually when it sets the nursing home rates. The “budget neutrality factor” was created because the complex system which the Department uses to determine rates routinely shows that county and private nursing homes should be paid more than what the Legislature has appropriated in the state budget. However, it turns out that since 2002, the Department has actually been lapsing millions of dollars at the end of the fiscal year out of the nursing home line item in the budget. Just out of fairness, the Department should not on the one hand be telling nursing homes that rates have to be cut because there is not enough money in the budget, and then on the other hand be lapsing millions of dollars because the Department says that there is a surplus in the nursing home appropriation. Vote 14-2.

JUDICIARY

HB 184, repealing the parental notification law. MAJORITY: OUGHT TO PASS. MINORITY: OUGHT TO PASS WITH AMENDMENT.

Rep. Bette R Lasky for the Majority of Judiciary: This bill seeks to repeal RSA 132:24-28 first enacted by HB 763, Chapter 173, Laws of 2003 and scheduled to become effective December 31, 2003. Before the effective date, Planned Parenthood of Northern New England and 3 other plaintiffs brought suit in the United States District Court for the District of New Hampshire to have the new law declared unconstitutional and prevent it from being enforced. Since then, three courts, the United States Supreme Court, the First Circuit Court of Appeals and the Federal District Court for the District of New Hampshire have all found that RSA 132:24-28 is unconstitutional. The law has never been in effect because the State has been permanently enjoined from implementing it. The Judiciary Committee feels that this legislature should repeal this law and that no more legal or judicial resources should be expended. An unconstitutional law should not be the foundation for any further legislative action. The committee believes that the best course now is to repeal the existing law and allow this legislature, if it should so desire, to bring forth a new bill that is built on consensus, rather than demands from the courts, and that will protect a woman’s right to safe and sound reproductive health. Vote 12-5.

Rep. David J Bettencourt for the Minority of Judiciary: Proponents of the repeal cited two reasons to repeal the parental notification statute: 1. The constitutional question raised by the U.S. Supreme Court in the case of a “health emergency” when there is no time to notify a parent; and 2. If it is not repealed, it is wrong for a judge to write language to address the constitutional amendment. The Supreme Court ruled that the lower courts erred in ruling N.H.’s parental notification law wholly unconstitutional. The Court upheld the N.H. statute, but remanded the question on an emergency health exception back to the lower court. Emergency health exceptions in states required to keep data account for less than 1% of teen abortions. An amendment was presented that addressed both of these concerns. The language defining an “emergency health exception” in the amendment has already been tested by the U.S. Supreme Court in Planned Parenthood v. Casey, 505 U.S. 833, 112 S.Ct. 2791 (1992) – a challenge of the Pennsylvania law. The Court, in upholding Casey’s “emergency health exception” observed “the Pennsylvania legislature in crafting this language clearly demonstrates they know how to define an emergency health exception.” There is a judicial bypass in the N.H. statute for mature teens or those in abusive situations. The proposed amendment also clarifies 24/7 access to a judge in the bypass process as well as assures confidentiality.

MUNICIPAL AND COUNTY GOVERNMENT

HB 222, relative to residency requirements for members appointed to historic district or heritage commissions. MAJORITY: INEXPEDIENT TO LEGISLATE. MINORITY: OUGHT TO PASS WITH AMENDMENT.

Rep. Larry Brown for the Majority of Municipal and County Government: The committee was appreciative of the goal and purpose of the bill and of the willingness of non-residents to serve on historic commissions in communities where they have a “demonstrated interest and ability.” However, it was the opinion of the majority that the rights of the residents of a municipality should not be diluted by extending any voting privileges to non residents. The bill, as presented, does not provide for a permissive enabling vote of the local legislative body prior to its implementation. Vote 13-4.

Rep. Mary R Cooney for the Minority of Municipal and County Government: This bill was brought forward with the simple intent of allowing one non-resident to be appointed to an historic district or heritage commission as long as that person had interest in serving and owned property in that municipality. The argument that this would be heading down a slippery slope seemed somewhat over blown, considering the limited power of one vote on one commission.

HB 456, limiting liability for town health officers when acting in the course of their official duties. OUGHT TO PASS WITH AMENDMENT.

Rep. Betsey L Patten for Municipal and County Government: Health officers are appointed by the Commissioner of the Department of Health and Human Services as recommended by the town selectmen per RSA 128. However, if the selectmen do not recommend a health officer the commissioner may appoint without recommendation. The health officer serves as a liaison between state officials and the local community. Some of their duties are to inspect daycare/foster homes, septic system failures, drinking water facilities, swimming places, along with inspection of schools, homes, slaughterhouses and tattoo parlors. The committee heard testimony that a health officer was sued in Dublin because of a septic system failure. Neither the town nor the state supported the health inspector in the court case. The health officer is currently waiting for a ruling from the Attorney General. In our litigious society, if there is any question about indemnification for our local officials or employees the statute should be explicit. The amendment includes the overseers of public welfare to those who are indemnified. Vote 14-3.

HB 868-FN, relative to a surcharge on recording documents with the register of deeds to fund the land and community heritage investment program. MAJORITY: INEXPEDIENT TO LEGISLATE. MINORITY: OUGHT TO PASS.

Rep. Betsey L Patten for the Majority of Municipal and County Government The Land and Community Heritage Investment Program, LCHIP, is a well-established program supported by many New Hampshire citizens. HB 2, the budget trailer bill, has included budgeted funds for LCHIP for the last three years. The Governor, in his budget addresses included funding for LCHIP in the amount of $12 million. Now, this bill is seeking funding for LCHIP through a new $40 surcharge for each recording (or page) at the Registry of Deeds. For example, a person who goes through a real estate transaction with a three-page deed may expect to pay at least $120 for the deed. New Hampshire has the highest real estate transfer tax in the country, and this would be an additional tax above and beyond the already high fees our citizens pay. This is a guaranteed and dedicated cash flow for LCHIP. The majority of County Registrars of Deeds are opposed to this legislation, adding that it would be an unworkable system to administer, both cost and time-wise. While taking no direct position on the bill, the Department of Revenue Administration had several questions relating to how this tax could be implemented, including but not limited to the use of public money going to private funds with no oversight and loopholes such as transfers to spouses. While many of the majority support the goals of LCHIP, they do not agree with a dedicated funding source in our state where our constituents have many needs, including but not limited to such areas as housing and health care costs, which are also partially funded by the state but with no dedicated revenue stream. The budget process should consider all priorities and needs of our constituents and this bill is proposing to remove LCHIP from that process with a dedicated funding revenue stream. Vote 9-8.

Rep. Anthony F Simon for the Minority of Municipal and County Government: LCHIP, as originally enacted, represents a partnership among the state, municipalities and other entities to protect priority natural, cultural and historic resources. For every dollar of state funding made available through LCHIP, on average, approximately six additional dollars have been leveraged for projects protected to date. The minority feels that LCHIP serves as a great catalyst for projects which help to preserve local identity through community master planning and the work of municipal planning boards, conservation commissions and others. LCHIP has the support of many New Hampshire residents. Despite having been in existence for merely eight years, LCHIP has had a significant impact on efforts to protect our treasured land and cultural resources. The minority believes that, although $12 million dollars has been allocated in the governor's budget, this line item has the potential to be greatly reduced, owing to revenue predictions as well as the need to fund other critical state programs. HB 868 proposes a dedicated funding source that will provide LCHIP with a relatively consistent level of funding. HB 868 proposes generating revenues for LCHIP through a surcharge on recording documents with the register of deeds. The minority acknowledges that there are other ideas being put forward to fund the program.  However, the surcharge proposed in HB 868 represents an appropriate source of funding considering the intent and purpose of LCHIP. The minority recognizes that this bill needs to be amended to address several outstanding technical issues - all of which fall within the purview of another committee. These include clarification of appropriate procedures for handling and tracking the funds that are raised, authorization of appropriate officials and offices to receive and disburse these funds and clarification that the charges to be made are based on entire documents and not on individual pages within a document. Further discussion among registers of deeds, Department of Revenue Administration officials and legislators are already underway to address the concerns raised. The minority strongly believes in the approach of this bill and is confident that it can be modified in a timely fashion to accomplish its objective. HB 868 is the long-term solution needed to identify a funding source, which has been sought in recent years, for this important program.

PUBLIC WORKS AND HIGHWAYS

HB 412-FN-A, relative to a new bridge connecting Hampton and Seabrook and making an appropriation therefor. INEXPEDIENT TO LEGISLATE.

Rep. John A Graham for Public Works and Highways: This bill would have authorized the design and building of a bridge outside of the normal ten-year planning process. Additionally, the bill would have bonded the $8,000,000 state share of the cost of the bridge, with repayment of the bond to come from the state’s general fund. The committee was unanimous in rejecting this proposal for two reasons. One, we believe that all highway projects should be part of the 10-Year Plan and not as special legislation. Two, bonding for highway projects should be repaid from either the highway fund or the turnpike fund. The Department of Transportation stated that they were already in discussions with the concerned parties on the need and design of this bridge. Vote 18-0.

HCR 4, endorsing the placement of a New Hampshire Air Force Memorial at the veterans cemetery in Boscawen. OUGHT TO PASS WITH AMENDMENT.

Rep. Franklin T Tilton for Public Works and Highways: The resolution as originally drafted is unnecessary and inappropriate as the Adjutant General already has the authority to approve the placement of a New Hampshire Air Force Memorial at the Veterans Cemetery in Boscawen, and he is very supportive of the ongoing efforts to do so. The amendment provides a formal recognition and expresses appreciation to New Hampshire Air Force veterans on the 60th anniversary of the United States Air Force. Vote 18-0.

RESOURCES, RECREATION AND DEVELOPMENT

HB 52, relative to leasing the Cannon Mountain ski area. MAJORITY: INEXPEDIENT TO LEGISLATE. MINORITY: OUGHT TO PASS.

Rep. Donald A Brueggemann for the Majority of Resources, Recreation and Development This bill would establish a commission to draw up a request for proposals for the leasing of Cannon Mountain ski area. The majority believes that this is unnecessary. The Commissioner of the Dept. of Resources and Economic Development (DRED), which has jurisdiction over state parks, has made a commitment to the Resources, Recreation & Development committee to complete a business plan, with a time table for regular reports to the committee. In addition, SB 74—legislation resulting from the recent state parks study commission—calls for a master plan to be developed for all the state parks, including Franconia Notch State Park, of which Cannon is a part. A large number of New Hampshire residents expressed opposition to leasing the mountain and the committee was impressed with the dedication of employees and the mountain’s manager to making necessary improvements. For these reasons, the majority felt it was therefore premature to jump into leasing Cannon. Vote 11-8.

Rep. Chris Christensen for the Minority of Resources, Recreation and Development: The minority appreciates the commitment of the Department of Resources and Economic Development (DRED) to present a new business plan for Cannon Mountain and to bring the operation to profitability. However, we note that this approach has led to short term actions in the past, but not long term solutions. We further note that hundreds of petitioners from the Franconia area supported dramatic action for Cannon Mountain. Retaining the bill would have allowed study and amendment within a public process. It would have allowed the legislature to work in partnership with the executive branch to better resolve this problem to the benefit of the citizens of New Hampshire.

HB 183-FN-A-L, relative to the acquisition of a certain tract of land in the towns of Peterborough, Sharon, and Temple as a state reservation, and making an appropriation therefor. MAJORITY: OUGHT TO PASS WITH AMENDMENT. MINORITY: INEXPEDIENT TO LEGISLATE.

Rep. Susan R Kepner for the Majority of Resources, Recreation and Development: This bill provides for the acquisition by the Department of Resources and Economic Development of Temple Mountain as a state reservation. The state is being asked to bond $535,000, or 31% of the $1.6 million value, with the landowner donating 37% and the towns of Peterborough, Sharon and Temple and private individuals also contributing. The large number of individuals who came to support the bill underscored the commitment of the local communities to protect this gateway to the Monadnock region and a critical link in the Wapack Trail. The amendment, developed with the department, formalizes an agreement negotiated over the past three years between the department and the landowners, putting agreed-upon conditions in formal deed restrictions. There were two such conditions. First, because the mountain is a valuable hiking area and has terrain ill-suited for vehicular use, motorized vehicles would be prohibited. Second, there would be no additional cell towers. However, the landowner agreed to retain the existing one to meet communication needs for the region. The amendment also assures that this new acquisition will not impact the department’s budget by stipulating that DRED cannot be required to expend money on Temple without the necessary funds being provided by any of a variety of possible sources. Vote 14-6.

Rep. Chris Christensen for the Minority of Resources, Recreation and Development: The minority fully appreciates the value of open space and conservation land. There were concerns that citizens from the three towns involved negotiated the sale, but that the town meetings had not yet approved their participation or appropriation. The amendment puts restrictions on the use of the land that are unlike those practiced on adjacent Miller State Park. Particular sore points included prohibiting motorized recreational vehicles and cell towers. We note that the owner retained that income bearing portion of the property which currently has an operating cell tower. It is difficult to justify additional purchases in the face of significant losses extant in the NH parks system.

HB 392, relative to the use of property held by the state of New Hampshire under an easement specifying low impact recreational use only. MAJORITY: OUGHT TO PASS WITH AMENDMENT. MINORITY: INEXPEDIENT TO LEGISLATE.

Rep. Suzanne H Gottling for the Majority of Resources, Recreation and Development: This bill addresses the problem of confusion around the use of the term "low impact recreational use." Under this bill, on any property or easement held by the state of New Hampshire which uses this term, it shall specifically mean "non-motorized recreation only." The amendment was included to assure that motorized vehicles may be used by the landowner or easement holder for an emergency or for property management. In addition, any easement in place prior to enactment of this bill remains unaffected. Vote 10-6.

Rep. Harry C Merrow for the Minority of Resources, Recreation and Development: This bill as amended prevents the use of OHRV's as defined in RSA 215-A:1 on newly acquired property held by the state of New Hampshire or any agency of the state under an easement specifying low impact recreational use only. Currently, any restriction requested is defined by the land owner. This would put the requirement of removing an obstacle on the owner and also prevent him or her from riding on logging roads and other trails on his own property unless he or she thought to include this in the easement. This could also cut down on the number of landowners willing to give the state an easement. Although not part of this bill, what is really needed is to determine the definition of low impact.

HB 505-FN-A, relative to enhanced water quality monitoring for lakes and beaches. MAJORITY: OUGHT TO PASS WITH AMENDMENT. MINORITY: INEXPEDIENT TO LEGISLATE.

Rep. Susan R Kepner for the Majority of Resources, Recreation and Development: This bill defines “public bathing place and public beach,” creates a management program and establishes a program coordinator and funding for that person. This will enable the Department of Environmental Services (DES) to monitor more beaches for e-coli and other water borne diseases. The majority supports this bill in the interests of public health and keeping our tourism economy vibrant. Vote 11-7.

Rep. Harry C Merrow for the Minority of Resources, Recreation and Development: This bill establishes a full time position of public beach program coordinator and makes an annual appropriation of $100,000 for the administration of it. We believe that water quality monitoring for the lakes and beaches is important. However, we believe it is currently being adequately handled by the towns and volunteer groups. If this were needed it would be better handled by part-time positions in the beach season only.

HB 663-FN-A, making an appropriation to implement the comprehensive shoreland protection act. OUGHT TO PASS WITH AMENDMENT.

Rep. Sid Lovett for Resources, Recreation and Development: The committee, in support of the recommendations of the commission studying the Comprehensive Shoreland Protection Act, chose to recommend a permit fee process to fund the needed additional staff to manage the shoreland protection program. This is similar to the DES fee program for wetland protection. Enforcement and outreach is difficult with the current staff of only 2 persons. A permit program would also provide the landowner with notice of what actions can be taken within the 250 foot shoreland zone. Vote 14-3.

HB 815-FN-A, requiring the display of boater education decals. MAJORITY: OUGHT TO PASS WITH AMENDMENT. MINORITY: INEXPEDIENT TO LEGISLATE.

Rep. Frank A Tupper for the Majority of Resources, Recreation and Development: This bill provides an opportunity to educate out-of-state boaters regarding NH boating laws and provides urgently needed funds to three programs. With a $20 decal, boaters receive education materials. Funds generated are distributed to the lake restoration and preservation fund, Fish and Game public access, dam maintenance fund and the navigation safety fund. The decal is required for boats normally requiring registrations in NH, which excludes canoes and kayaks. Out-of-state boaters reported as "reasonable” a parallel law in Maine requiring a $20 fee. The amendment evenly distributes the funds raised among the three programs. Vote 16-4.

Rep. James D Aguiar for the Minority of Resources, Recreation and Development: This bill is another example of the "nickel and dime" approach to funding an important agency of the state. Members of the minority feel that the necessary fund should come from the general fund and not this stop-gap measure. It is also noted that there are no provisions for additional staff and/or equipment to enforce this new requirement. Marine Patrol officers would be called upon to cite those out-of-state boaters for a violation. Testimony before the committee noted that the department is having a difficult time recruiting an adequate number of officers and an even more difficult time retaining them. In the opinion of the minority it is highly unlikely that this bill will produce the anticipated income.

SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY AND ENERGY

HB 310, allowing municipalities to regulate wind turbines used for home energy production. OUGHT TO PASS WITH AMENDMENT.

Rep. William V Chase for Science, Technology and Energy: This bill creates a framework for zoning and planning boards of municipalities to address issues regarding the installation of renewable wind energy facilities in their communities. As amended, the bill states that municipalities shall not unreasonably restrict wind tower height or system height through the application of generic ordinances or regulations that do not specifically address small wind energy systems. The "Declaration of Purpose" section of the Planning and Zoning Statute, RSA 672:1 will be amended to read "the installation of solar, wind, or other renewable energy systems or the building of structures that facilitate the collection of renewable energy shall not be unreasonably limited by the use of municipal zoning powers or by the unreasonable interpretation of such powers, except where necessary to protect the public health, safety, and welfare." The bill directs the Office of Energy and Planning to develop a technical bulletin relative to model municipal ordinances for the construction of small wind energy systems. Vote 14-2.

HB 476, relative to membership on the public utilities commission. INEXPEDIENT TO LEGISLATE.

Rep. Gene F Andersen for Science, Technology and Energy: Current law states that of the three commissioners to the public utility commission, one shall be an attorney and member of the New Hampshire bar and one shall have background or experience in one or more of the following: engineering, economics, accounting or finance. This bill would require that the commissioners be composed of: one attorney and member of the NH bar (no experiences noted for attorney), one engineer with experience with a public utility and one accountant (no experience noted for accountant). The bill's sponsors felt that these disciplines were necessary to do the job. The majority of the committee felt that it was experience and not just education that was the essential element for membership on the PUC and that staff will provide information required for educational disciplines. The majority feels strongly that we do not want to limit the field of candidates based on an educational requirement unrelated to a lifetime of experience and achievement. Vote 11-5.

HB 528-FN, expanding the enhanced 911 system surcharge to providers of devices and services capable of accessing enhanced 911 service in New Hampshire. INEXPEDIENT TO LEGISLATE.

Rep. James M Garrity for Science, Technology and Energy: This bill was requested by the NH Dept. of Safety’s Division of Emergency Services, Communications and Management This is the division which operates the enhanced 911, or E-911, system. The division realizes that telephone and communications technologies are changing rapidly. It fears that the traditional land-line telephone population will increasingly be replaced by telephone services using VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) technologies. It must be remembered that the E-911 system is primarily financed by a monthly surcharge on each telephone (currently 64 cents). As more NH customers switch to VoIP, the division feels that the VoIP telephony providers may not pay the surcharge, and, eventually, the E-911 revenue would decline year-on-year. The committee majority understood the issue, but felt that this bill was not the correct way to address it at this time. The reasons for the ITL were as follows: 1) The VoIP market and technologies are still developing and we want to wait for it to become more mature in order to assess the potential impact on the E-911 fund; 2) Currently, the leading VoIP telephony providers in NH are either negotiating with the division to pay the E-911 surcharge (in the case of Vonage), or already doing so (in the case of proprietary cable-broadband-VoIP companies). 3) Although the number of land-lines in NH continues to decrease, the number of cell phones continues to increase. According to the division, the E-911 surcharge is being collected from 800,000 land lines and 600,000 cellular-wireless lines. 4) the bill also tried to assess the E-911 surcharge on pre-paid calling cards and “each device or service capable of providing access to 911”. The committee felt that was too broad and identification and collection from non-traditional providers would be difficult to enforce. 5) No specific financial forecast numbers could be provided. To quote the Fiscal Note, “The Department states it cannot estimate the increase in state restricted revenue to the enhanced 911 system fund because it does not know how many entities supply devices or services capable of contacting 911 but are not paying the surcharge, or how many entities might be created in the future that would have this capability.” 6) Public policy dealing with funding sources should be based on solid financial estimates, not on hunches. 7) Finally, the committee majority feels that the perceived problem is not imminent, and there is time to observe the changing communications market and make policy adjustments in the future. Vote 14-2.

TRANSPORTATION

HB 221, removing the requirement that the department of transportation report certain information relative to highway activity to the department of administrative services. OUGHT TO PASS.

Rep. Robert W Williams for Transportation: This bill amends RSA 9:4-d simply by adding the words, “except the department of transportation.” The Department of Administrative Services already has the required information. It would take the Department of Transportation another day to fill out the report form required by RSA 9:4-d. This bill has nothing to do with the audit. Vote 14-3.

WAYS AND MEANS

HB 90, establishing a committee to study the feasibility of imposing a luxury sales tax and an amusements tax. INEXPEDIENT TO LEGISLATE.

Rep. Michael D Brunelle for Ways and Means: Although not opposed to examining the issue, the committee felt that the feasibility of imposing a luxury sales tax and an amusements tax should not be studied exclusively, but in conjunction with an education funding study committee established by HB 145. This bill, which was retained by the committee, will explore unexploited revenue sources for the purpose of funding education, including this one Vote 16-2.

HB 376-FN-A, distributing certain meals and rooms tax revenues to the fish and game fund. MAJORITY: INEXPEDIENT TO LEGISLATE. MINORITY: OUGHT TO PASS.

Rep. Michael G Marsh for the Majority of Ways and Means: This legislation would have permanently assigned 4% of the general fund’s meals and rooms tax revenue to the Fish and Game fund. The committee heard extensive testimony from sporting groups, conservationists, and search-and-rescue organizations about the fine work that Fish and Games does and its importance to our state’s quality of life, and we support additional revenue for the department. Nevertheless, the committee believed the funding approach in this bill is inappropriate. If Fish and Game needs money from the general fund, it should seek it from the Governor and the Finance Committee, as all other departments do. The Ways and Means Committee is not in a position to judge the merits of each department’s funding request. We believe permanently segregating money from the general fund is not good fiscal policy, and have resisted this in the past. Finally, the amount requested in the bill was designed to meet this biennium’s deficit, and there is no reasons to be believe it would be the appropriate amount in future years. Vote 15-2.

Rep. Dennis P Vachon for the Minority of Ways and Means: There is a serious problem with a lack of sufficient funding at the N.H. Fish and Game Department. It has arisen because the agency has been self-funded since its creation in 1935, receiving just $50,000 a year in state funds in recent years for the nongame and endangered wildlife program. We have enjoyed the services of the Fish and Game Department without cost to the state all these years because it was paid for by fees paid by hunters and anglers and some federal funds. Now our fish and wildlife agency is in trouble, because fewer people are hunting and fishing, yet we need the department’s services more than ever to meet a broad range of needs. This is no time to be dismantling our first line of defense against animal-borne diseases like avian flu. The minority believes that it is the duty of the New Hampshire Legislature to keep the agencies strong that protect and serve the citizens of the state. It would be irresponsible of us to ignore this serious situation. This bill proposes a rational, sensible solution. It allocates 4% of the state’s 60% of the rooms and meals tax to the Fish and Game Department, keeping an agency strong that serves all our citizens and supports activities that bring in large amounts of rooms and meals tax and other economic activity to the state. Hunters, anglers and wildlife watchers contribute 7.4% of the rooms and meals tax – over $14 million last year – according to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. The bill would provide $4.7 million to the Fish and Game fund each year to address the looming shortfall at the department. The bill was overwhelmingly supported at the public hearing by a standing-room-only crowd from the hunting and angling and conservation communities. Testimony went on for hours. We have all received many letters and phone calls urging us to support funding for Fish and Game, a department people care deeply about and value the services of. Allocating a portion of the rooms and meals tax is the most logical way to provide the funding that Fish and Game needs.

HB 510-FN-A-L, establishing authority for construction and regulation of casinos. INEXPEDIENT TO LEGISLATE.

Rep. William A Hatch for Ways and Means: While the committee recognizes the sponsors for their efforts and commitment put into this bill to resolve a serious issue, the committee is retaining two other casino bills with many aspects of this bill in them. One bill being retained calls for a state run casino while the other considers a privately run casino. Vote 14-4.

HOUSE DEADLINES

Wednesday, March 7, 2007	Last day to act on House bills going to a second committee
Thursday, March 22, 2007, noon	Last day to report all House bills not in a second committee, except budgets
Wednesday, March 28, 2007	Last day to act on all House bills not in a second committee, except budgets
Thursday, April 5, 2007, noon	Last day to report all remaining House bills for action in the first year session Last day to report list of retained House bills
Thursday, April 12, 2007	Last day to act on House bills: CROSSOVER
Thursday, May 10, 2007, noon	Last day to report Senate bills going to a second committee
Wednesday, May 16, 2007	Last day to act on Senate bills going to a second committee
Thursday, May 31, 2007, noon	Last day to report all remaining Senate bills for action in the first year session Last day to report list of retained Senate bills
Wednesday, June 6, 2007	Last day to act on Senate bills
Wednesday, June 13, 2007	Last day to form Committees of Conference
Thursday, June 21, 2007, noon	Last day to sign Committee of Conference reports
Wednesday, June 27, 2007	Last day to act on Committee of Conference reports

COMMITTEE MEETINGS

MONDAY, MARCH 5

COMMERCE, Room 302, LOB

10:00 a.m. HB 696, reclassifying certain positions in the insurance department.

10:30 a.m. HB 782-FN, relative to reinsurance intermediaries and conduct of examinations.

11:00 a.m. HB 921-FN, making technical changes in the insurance laws.

1:00 p.m. HB 790-FN, relative to dependent coverage under the healthy kids program and establishing the joint legislative oversight committee on insurance expansion initiatives.

1:30 p.m. HB 767, relative to insurance for volunteer drivers.

2:00 p.m. HB 894-FN, requiring insurance coverage for bariatric surgery for diabetics.

2:30 p.m. HB 738, requiring insurance coverage for infertility treatments.

EDUCATION, Rooms 205-207, LOB

10:00 a.m. HB 678-FN, revising the special education program approval and monitoring process.

1:00 p.m. HB 677-FN, relative to special education procedural safeguards and the dispute resolution process.

2:00 p.m. HB 679-FN-LOCAL, relative to delivery of special education services.

FINANCE, Rooms 210-211, LOB

Agency Budget Presentations:

10:00 a.m. Department of Transportation

10:30 a.m. Department of Fish and Game.

11:00 a.m. Adjutant General.

11:30 a.m. University System of NH.

Budget Hearing

4:00 p.m. Budget hearing in Lebanon DHMC Auditorium E&F.

FINANCE – (DIVISION III), Room 209, LOB

9:30 a.m. Budget work session – Veteran’s Home

HOUSE LEGISLATIVE FACILITIES SUBCOMMITTEE (RSA 17-E:2), 3^rd Floor Conference Room, State House

9:30 a.m. Regular meeting.

JOINT LEGISLATIVE FACILITIES (RSA 17-E:2), Room 103, State House

10:00 a.m. Regular meeting.

JUDICIARY, Rooms 206 208, LOB

9:00 a.m. CACR 15, relating to citizen review retention elections for judges. Providing that a judge shall be subject to a citizen review retention election at the biennial election next occurring after he or she has served for 2 years and subsequently at regular intervals which depend on the court in which the judge serves.

10:00 a.m. HB 235, relative to the recognition of out-of-state marriages.

11:00 a.m. HB 437-FN-LOCAL, permitting same gender couples to enter spousal unions and have the same rights, responsibilities, and obligations as married couples.

2:00 p.m. HB 670, relative to repealing the incorporation of the New Hampshire Bar Association.

2:30 p.m. HB 621-FN, relative to speedy trial time frames.

3:00 p.m. HB 615-FN, relative to the locations of the superior courts, district courts, and the judicial branch family division.

4:00 p.m. Executive session on HB 506, relative to references to “United States citizen” in the New Hampshire statutes, HB 507, relative to the rights of citizens, HB 508, relative to the unlawful adoption of part 2, article 72-a of the New Hampshire constitution, HB 509, relative to constitutionality of law, HB 246, relative to identifying legislative enactments as public policy.

TUESDAY, MARCH 6

CHILDREN AND FAMILY LAW, Room 206, LOB

9:00 a.m. Subcommittee work session on HB 51, permitting adoption by 2 unmarried adults in a familial relationship.

Room 208, LOB

9:00 a.m. Subcommittee work session on HB 289, relative to joint agreements for the payment of postsecondary education expenses.

9:15 a.m. Subcommittee work session on HB 348, relative to the payment of college or postsecondary education expenses as part of a child support agreement.

Room 206, LOB

10:00 a.m. HB 584-FN, raising the age of minority for juvenile delinquency proceedings from 17 to 18 years of age.

11:00 a.m. HB 682, relative to the court’s authority to award parental rights and responsibilities to a “psychological parent.”

11:45 a.m. Continued executive session on HB 495-FN, relative to criminal record and central registry checks of prospective foster and adoptive parents.

COMMERCE, Room 302, LOB

9:00 a.m. Subcommittee work session on HB 36, relative to the reporting of municipal liens in consumer reports.

9:30 a.m. Subcommittee work session on HB 232, prohibiting retaliatory rent increases in manufactured housing parks.

10:00 a.m. HB 889-FN, relative to securities regulation.

11:00 a.m. HB 759-FN, relative to administration and enforcement of banking laws.

CRIMINAL JUSTICE AND PUBLIC SAFETY, Room 204, LOB

9:00 a.m. Subcommittee work session on HB 404-LOCAL, prohibiting state and local law enforcement agencies from enforcing federal immigration laws.

10:00 a.m. HB 587-FN, relative to the duties of probation and parole officers.

10:30 a.m. HB 581-FN, relative to the penalty for purposely mistreating service dogs.

11:00 a.m. HB 591-FN, relative to an affirmative defense to certain felonious sexual assault offenses.

EDUCATION, Room 207, LOB

10:00 a.m. HB 60, relative to the definition of an adequate education.

10:15 a.m. HB 68, relative to the terminology used to describe public education.

10:30 a.m. HB 698, relative to the policy and purpose of an adequate education.

10:45 a.m. HB 521, relative to the definition of an adequate education.

11:15 a.m. HB 578-FN, providing a definition of an adequate education and establishing an adequacy board.

3:00 p.m. Or at the end of session, defining educational adequacy subcommittee

ELECTION LAW, Room 308, LOB

10:00 a.m. HB 548, relative to political expenditures and contributions.

10:30 a.m. CACR 7, relating to county officers. Providing that certain county officers shall be appointed rather than elected.

10:45 a.m. CACR 8, relating to the term of office of the governor and the election of the attorney general. Providing that the governor’s term of office shall be 4 years and that the attorney general shall be elected by the house of representatives and the senate.

11:00 a.m. HB 609-FN, relative to disclosure of campaign contributions in local elections.

11:30 a.m. HB 156, relative to the membership of the ballot law commission.

ENVIRONMENT AND AGRICULTURE, Room 303, LOB

9:00 a.m. HB 424-FN-A, relative to industrial hemp and establishing an industrial hemp special program fund.

10:30 a.m. HB 924-FN, relative to the deconstruction of buildings.

11:00 a.m. Executive session on HB 62, relative to limiting the number of balloons released into the atmosphere, HB 207, establishing a commission to study and make recommendations on the expansion of the New Hampshire Agricultural Innovation Program, HB 142, relative to the sale of out-of-state animals.

EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENTS AND ADMINISTRATION, Room 306, LOB

9:00 a.m. Subcommittee work session on HB 307, relative to examinations of electricians by the electricians’ board.

9:30 a.m. Subcommittee work session on HB 308, relative to continuing education for licensed electricians and HB 329, relative to the fire equipment servicing certification program.

10:00 a.m. Rescheduled public hearing on HB 561-FN, relative to pharmacy benefit managers.

11:00 a.m. Rescheduled public hearing on HB 543, establishing a commission to study the licensing process for licensed alcohol and drug counselors.

FINANCE, Rooms 210-211, LOB

Agency Budget Presentations:

10:00 a.m. Department of Corrections.

10:30 a.m. Department of Resources and Economic Development.

11:00 a.m. Office of Information Technology

11:30 a.m. Liquor Commission.

12:00 p.m. LCHIP.

Budget Hearing

5:00 p.m. Budget hearing in Keene, KSC Hall, Alumni Recital Hall, Redfern Arts Center.

HEALTH, HUMAN SERVICES AND ELDERLY AFFAIRS, Room 205, LOB

8:30 a.m. Subcommittee work session on HB 408, establishing a council for the homeless.

9:30 a.m. Rescheduled continued public hearing on HB 299, relative to the sale of hypodermic syringes.

10:00 a.m. HB 740-FN, relative to mental health services.

10:30 a.m. Executive session on HB 139, requiring the reporting of burn injuries, HB 327, relative to pharmacy-based immunization delivery, HB 345, relative to certification of death certificates, HB 483-FN, relative to mosquito control districts.

JUDICIARY, Room 208, LOB

11:00 a.m. Subcommittee work session on HB 82, relative to communications outside meetings under the right-to-know law and HB 83, relative to the deliberations of certain state agencies under the right-to-know law.

LABOR, INDUSTRIAL AND REHABILITATIVE SERVICES, Room 307, LOB

8:00 a.m. Subcommittee work session on HB 471-FN-A, relative to workers’ compensation compliance in the construction sector and continually appropriating a special fund.

8:30 a.m. Subcommittee work session on HB 337, relative to penalties for failure to have workers’ compensation coverage.

9:00 a.m. Subcommittee work session on HB 203, relative to protections for temporary workers.

10:00 a.m. HB 436, expanding employee freedom of expression to all public employees.

11:00 a.m. HB 533, relative to Occupational Safety and Health Administration certification requirements for state contracts.

LEGISLATIVE ADMINISTRATION, Room 104, LOB

10:00 a.m. Subcommittee work session on HB 91-FN, relative to registration fees for lobbyists and requiring registration of employers of lobbyists and HB 523, relative to lobbyist registration and statements.

11:00 a.m. HB 715, combining the state heritage collections committee and the joint legislative historical committee.

MUNICIPAL AND COUNTY GOVERNMENT, Room 301, LOB

9:30 a.m. HB 624-FN, imposing a temporary moratorium on property reassessments and statistical adjustments for all municipalities which have been reassessed at least once since 2003 and establishing a committee to study the rapidly increasing property taxes in New Hampshire.

10:30 a.m. HB 645-FN-LOCAL, requiring notice to the public of a change in land use subject to the assessment of the land use change tax.

11:00 a.m. HB 646-FN-LOCAL, establishing a fee for copies of police and fire reports.

PUBLIC WORKS AND HIGHWAYS, Room 201, LOB

9:30 a.m. Executive session on HB 486-FN, requiring that the effect of turnpike tolls on towns be proportional and reasonable, HB 627-FN, relative to uniform main line toll rates for the New Hampshire turnpike system, HB 626-FN, relative to the establishment and removal of certain toll booths, HB 512-FN, relative to commercial advertising on toll booths, HB 477-FN, relative to redeeming tokens., HB 638-FN, relative to lease agreements entered into by the department of transportation.

10:15 a.m. HB 731, relative to the use of vehicle information or location tracked by an electronic toll collection system.

10:45 a.m. HB 753-FN-A, relative to the electronic toll collection transponder inventory fund.

11:15 a.m. HB 754-FN, repealing the law relative to the Maine-New Hampshire Interstate Bridge Authority.

RESOURCES, RECREATION AND DEVELOPMENT, Room 305, LOB

9:30 a.m. HB 722, relative to the rivers management protection program.

10:15 a.m. HB 321, relative to river protection and restoration.

11:00 a.m. HB 648, establishing a commission to develop a comprehensive flood management plan.

11:45 a.m. Executive session on HB 284, relative to the repair of septic systems prior to the sale of waterfront property.

SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY AND ENERGY, Room 304, LOB

10:00 a.m. Public hearing on proposed amendment to HB 361, relative to technical changes in certain laws governing public utilities. The amendment is regarding a special assessment against Verizon and Fairpoint to support the work of the office of consumer advocate in the pending acquisition docket. Copies of the amendment are available from the Sergeant-at-Arms office.

11:15 a.m. Executive session on HB 361, relative to technical changes in certain laws governing public utilities, HB 427, relative to construction and demolition debris, HB 428, relative to prohibiting the combustion of construction and demolition waste, HB 447, relative to net energy metering.

STATE VETERANS’ ADVISORY COMMITTEE (RSA 115-A:2), American Legion Post 79, 35 West Brook Street, Manchester

5:00 p.m. Regular meeting.

TRANSPORTATION, Room 203, LOB

9:30 a.m. HB 726-FN-A, establishing land and community heritage investment program number plates.

10:00 a.m. HB 290, relative to safe operation of vessels on New Hampshire waters.

10:30 a.m. HB 559, relative to seat belts on school buses.

11:00 a.m. HB 515-FN, relative to combat veteran stickers on number plates.

11:30 a.m. HB 547-FN, relative to the inspection of trucks.

WAYS AND MEANS, Room 202, LOB

10:00 a.m. Executive session on HB 478-FN-A, decreasing the rate of the business profits tax, HB 493-FN-A, expanding the meals and rooms tax on rentals to include motorized recreational vehicles, HB 564-FN-A, decreasing the rate of the business enterprise tax, HB 598-FN-A, repealing certain foreign dividend deductions under the business profits tax and repealing an exemption to the real estate transfer tax.

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 7

JUDICIARY, Room 208, LOB

3:00 p.m. Or fifteen minutes after the House session, subcommittee work session on HB 212, relative to possessory actions against tenants.

3:15 p.m. Or one half hour after the House session, subcommittee work session on HB 359-FN, relative to recovery of medical assistance from an estate.

LABOR, INDUSTRIAL AND REHABILITATIVE SERVICES, Room 307, LOB

8:00 a.m. Subcommittee work session on HB 426, relative to workers’ compensation rates and resolution of disputes relative to classification of employees or independent contractors.

THURSDAY, MARCH 8

CHILDREN AND FAMILY LAW, Room 206, LOB

9:00 a.m. Subcommittee work session on HB 47, exempting inheritances from marital assets for purposes of divorce settlements.

10:00 a.m. HB 702, relative to the court’s jurisdiction over persons between the ages of 18 and 21 in abuse and neglect cases.

10:45 a.m. HB 827-FN, relative to the reasonable cost of medical support for dependent children.

11:30 a.m. HB 841, relative to the appointment of parenting coordinators.

COMMERCE, Room 302, LOB

9:00 a.m. Subcommittee work session on HB 158, requiring insurance companies to allow covered persons to purchase an up-to-90‑day supply of life-sustaining drugs.

9:30 a.m. Subcommittee work session on HB 215, relative to fees for hearing care providers.

10:00 a.m. Subcommittee work session on HB 281, relative to the cancellation of buying club memberships.

10:30 a.m. HB 745, relative to the use of secret databases.

11:00 a.m. HB 686-FN, relative to the regulation of tracking devices.

1:15 p.m. HB 695, relative to regulation of wireless telephone service providers for consumer protection.

1:30 p.m. Continued public hearing on HB 492, relative to consumer protection in telecommunication contracts.

1:45 p.m. HB 728, relative to access to wireless telephone records.

2:30 p.m. Executive session on HB 36, relative to the reporting of municipal liens in consumer reports, HB 88, establishing a committee to study single payer health care, HB 158, requiring insurance companies to allow covered persons to purchase an up-to-90‑day supply of life-sustaining drugs, HB 169, relative to penalties for insurance adjusters, appraisers, or companies purposefully underestimating the value of an insurance claim, HB 215, relative to fees for hearing care providers, HB 232, prohibiting retaliatory rent increases in manufactured housing parks, HB 281, relative to the cancellation of buying club memberships, HB 298, relative to the healthy kids corporation, HB 365, establishing a commission to study foreclosures of home mortgages and the foreclosure rescue scam industry, HB 386-FN, relative to advertisement of prescription drugs, HB 481, relative to suspensions of liquor licenses, HB 532, relative to insurance fraud.

CRIMINAL JUSTICE AND PUBLIC SAFETY, Room 204, LOB

9:00 a.m. Subcommittee work session on HB 64-FN, establishing a criminal penalty for driving a commercial motor vehicle while violating an out-of-service order.

9:15 a.m. Subcommittee work session on HB 92, decriminalizing marijuana.

10:00 a.m. HB 707, relative to the time frames for hearings in domestic violence cases.

10:30 a.m. HB 632-FN, relative to the penalty for death resulting from the trafficking of controlled drugs.

11:00 a.m. HB 539-FN, relative to manslaughter.

1:00 p.m. HB 589-FN, relative to the calculation of concurrent and consecutive terms of imprisonment.

1:30 p.m. HB 595-FN, establishing a sentence reduction method for state prisoners.

2:00 p.m. HB 572-FN, prohibiting the use of false documentation for employment, government services, or permits.

EDUCATION, Room 207, LOB

10:00 a.m. HB 766-FN, making changes to the laws relating to special education.

12:30 p.m. HB 865-FN, relative to an adequate education and state education grants.

2:00 p.m. HB 927-FN, relative to the specific criteria and substantive educational program that define an adequate education.

ELECTION LAW, Room 308, LOB

10:00 a.m. Continued public hearing on HB 272, relative to scheduling the presidential primary election.

10:30 a.m. HB 746, relative to listing candidates on election ballots.

11:00 a.m. HB 683, relative to nominations by party committees.

11:30 a.m. Executive session on HB 132, relative to domicile for voting purposes and HB 133, relative to voter registration forms.

1:00 p.m. Executive session on HB 364, requiring that the order of names on ballots be determined by lottery, HB 358, relative to the procedure for listing candidates on state election ballots, HB 367, relative to incompatible offices, HB 242, relative to the declaration of candidacy form, HB 353-LOCAL, relative to public access to ballots prior to their destruction and HB 285, prohibiting municipalities and state and local officials from entering into nondisclosure agreements with vendors of voting machines with respect to the purchase or lease of voting machines.

ENVIRONMENT AND AGRICULTURE, Room 303, LOB

9:00 a.m. HB 384, relative to repealing the authority of the department of environmental services regarding sludge and biosolids and establishing a committee to study new sludge legislation.

10:00 a.m. HB 414, relative to the sale of class A sludge in bulk agricultural fertilizer bags.

10:30 a.m. HB 699, establishing a commission to study methods and costs of sewage, sludge, and septage disposal.

11:00 a.m. HB 836, prohibiting wastewater treatment plants from excluding towns for septage treatment and disposal services.

1:00 p.m. HB 812, relative to making permanent certain exceptions to limits on land application of septage and sludge.

2:00 p.m. HB 666-FN, establishing a license fee for the sale of animal vaccines.

2:30 p.m. Executive session on HB 234, establishing a committee to study state environmental laboratory fees and services.

EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENTS AND ADMINISTRATION, Room 306, LOB

9:00 a.m. HB 718-FN, regulating privatization contracts for public service.

9:45 a.m. HB 763-FN, establishing the licensure and regulation of residential and building inspectors.

10:30 a.m. HB 593-FN, relative to penalties for violations of licensing requirements for certain regulated professions.

11:15 a.m. HB 818, establishing a committee to study reestablishing the port authority as an independent agency.

1:00 p.m. HB 562-FN, excluding extra or special duty pay from earnable compensation in the retirement system.

1:45 p.m. HB 673, allowing advanced registered nurse practitioners to certify walking disabilities.

2:30 p.m. Executive session on HB 38, relative to terms of appointment for certain state officers, HB 307, relative to examinations of electricians by the electricians’ board, HB 308, relative to continuing education for licensed electricians, HB 546, establishing a commission to study liquor commission procedures and policies and HB 573-FN, relative to the collection of judgments.

3:15 p.m. Subcommittee work session on HB 65, relative to the appointment of the director of the division of ports and harbors, HB 312-FN, relative to alternative providers for certain health services and HB 818, establishing a committee to study reestablishing the port authority as an independent agency.

3:45 p.m. Subcommittee work session on HB 174-FN, relative to regulating residential building and remodeling contractors.

FINANCE, Rooms 210-211, LOB

10:00 a.m. Department of Education.

11:00 a.m. Community Technical College System.

12:00 p.m. Lottery Commission

Budget Hearing

4:00 p.m. Budget hearing in Rochester, Rochester Community Center.

FINANCE – (DIVISION III), Room 209, LOB

9:30 a.m. Budget work session – Department of Health and Human Services, Office of the Commissioner.

1:15 p.m. Budget work session – Office of Medicaid and Business Policy

FISH AND GAME, Room 307, LOB

10:00 a.m. HB 604-FN, prohibiting the taking of deer from baited areas.

10:45 a.m. HB 640-FN, relative to requiring reimbursement of search and rescue costs of the fish and game department.

1:00 p.m. HB 658, prohibiting the taking of game by use of a tranquilizer.

1:30 p.m. HB 657, authorizing the executive director of fish and game to issue moose hunting adventure permits.

HEALTH, HUMAN SERVICES AND ELDERLY AFFAIRS, Room 205, LOB

9:00 a.m. Subcommittee work session on HB 491, establishing the public health improvement services council.

10:00 a.m. HB 727-FN, relative to certain disclosures during the certificate of need process.

10:30 a.m. HB 490-FN, requiring hospitals to make the price of certain common procedures available to the public.

11:00 a.m. HB 688, establishing the council on the relationship between public health and the environment.

1:00 p.m. HB 630-FN, relative to an electronic controlled drug prescription monitoring program.

2:00 p.m. HB 286-FN, relative to a Medicaid waiver for family planning services.

JUDICIARY, Room 208, LOB

9:00 a.m. HB 786-FN, relative to compensation for retired full-time justices for service after retirement.

9:30 a.m. HB 814-FN, relative to the judicial retirement plan.

10:00 a.m. HR 8, requesting an opinion from the New Hampshire supreme court on certain questions regarding education funding.

11:00 a.m. HB 849, relative to rent payments by voucher issued by a state or municipal agency.

11:30 a.m. HB 866, relative to the right-to-know law application to board of tax and land appeals and public utilities commission matters.

1:30 p.m. HB 882-FN, relative to limitations on tort liability of government units.

MUNICIPAL AND COUNTY GOVERNMENT, Room 301, LOB

9:00 a.m. HB 393, relative to information filed by utilities paying the utility property tax.

9:30 a.m. HB 566-FN-LOCAL, relative to the housing of inmates in county correctional facilities.

10:00 a.m. Executive session on HB 256, relative to the duties and powers of town treasurers, HB 257, allowing towns to appoint or elect a town treasurer, HB 262, allowing municipalities to exclude certain retirement assets from consideration in qualifying for the elderly property tax exemption, HB 315, relative to criminal background checks of municipal employees through the New Hampshire state police, HB 316, relative to the 5-year assessment review by the department of revenue administration, HB 320, relative to the tax exemption for solar energy systems, HB 261, prohibiting the Carroll county attorney from engaging in the private practice of law, HB 237, establishing a committee to study the relationship between land use regulation and the cost of housing, HB 356, relative to requiring a comprehensive impact report before a municipality approves or disapproves a proposed development project, HB 524, relative to the submission of minutes of the county convention adopting the budget to the department of revenue administration, HB 457, allowing municipalities to restrict lawn watering during declared droughts, HB 551, allowing cities to use capital reserve funds for debt replacement, HB 487, granting a property tax credit to persons aged 65 and older who have been residents for at least 10 years and not been convicted of a felony, HB 270, allowing municipalities to adopt a homestead exemption for property tax assessments on a person’s principal place of residence, HB 557-LOCAL, relative to free parking in designated handicapped zones, CACR 12, relating to county personnel. Providing that county treasurers, registers of probate, county attorneys, sheriffs, and registers of deeds shall be appointed by the county commissioners, CACR 9, relating to registers of probate. Providing that the requirement that registers of probate be elected be removed.

PUBLIC WORKS AND HIGHWAYS, Room 201, LOB

10:00 a.m. Executive session on HB 282, relative to administration of road tolls, HB 283, allocating a portion of unrefunded road tolls to the dam maintenance fund, HB 582-FN-A, relative to the bridge over the Merrimack River, HB 588-FN-LOCAL, relative to Cates Hill Road and Jericho Lake Road in the city of Berlin, HB 631-FN-A, relative to the elimination of certain tolls, HB 684, establishing a rest area and state liquor store retail opportunities commission.

11:00 a.m. HB 805-FN-LOCAL, relative to a crosswalk in the town of Seabrook.

11:30 a.m. HB 806-FN-LOCAL, relative to a traffic light in the town of Seabrook.

1:15 p.m. HB 883-FN-A, relative to tolls.

1:45 p.m. HB 705, relative to the disposal of highway or turnpike funded real estate.

2:15 p.m. HB 739, relative to contractor accountability and disclosure in the public works construction procurement process.

3:30 p.m. HB 538-FN-A, making an appropriation for the renovation of the state park system.

RESOURCES, RECREATION AND DEVELOPMENT, Room 305, LOB

9:00 a.m. HB 898, relative to the use of sled dogs and the training of sled dogs on state trails.

9:30 a.m. HB 383, relative to waterfront buffer and woodland buffer requirements in the comprehensive shoreland protection act.

11:00 a.m. HB 665-FN, relative to the comprehensive shoreland protection act.

1:00 p.m. Continued public hearing on HB 485, exempting tidal waters from the general rules for vessels operating on water.

2:30 p.m. HB 777-FN-A, imposing a fee and a fine for certain changes to terrain alteration permits.

3:15 p.m. HB 813-FN, expanding the definition of income of the land conservation investment program monitoring endowment.

3:45 p.m. HB 903-FN, prohibiting delivery of oil to non-compliant underground storage facilities.

SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY AND ENERGY, Representatives Hall

9:00 a.m. HB 873-FN-LOCAL, establishing minimum renewable standards for energy portfolios.

STATE ENERGY POLICY COMMISSION (HB 1146, Chapter 257:1, Laws of 2006), Representatives Hall

8:15 a.m. Re-organizational meeting.

STATE FEDERAL RELATIONS AND VETERANS AFFAIRS, Room 303, LOB

9:00 a.m. Executive session on HB 49, relative to eligibility for admittance to the New Hampshire veterans’ home, HCR 3, urging that New Hampshire members and veterans of the armed forces and national guard and their dependents receive health screening for depleted uranium exposure, HCR 6, urging Congress to prevent the implementation of the North American Free Trade Agreement superhighway system and HCR 5, endorsing the National Health Insurance Act.

11:00 a.m. Subcommittee work session on HB 287, requiring the seller to provide notice to the buyer of privately owned land or property known, or in an area historically known, to have been inhabited by Native Americans.

1:00 p.m. Rescheduled public hearing on HB 856, relative to the definition of veteran.

2:00 p.m. Rescheduled public hearing on HCR 8, urging Congress to rename the Veterans Administration Hospital the Styles Bridges Veterans Administration Hospital.

3:00 p.m. Rescheduled public hearing on HJR 1, urging that more veterans’ mental health counseling centers be established in New Hampshire.

WAYS AND MEANS, Room 202, LOB

9:00 a.m. Continued public hearing on HB 511, increasing the total prize value of a bingo game or series of games and establishing a study committee on increasing the price of lucky 7 tickets.

9:30 a.m. HB 501-FN-A, relative to keno and using keno revenues for college scholarships.

10:00 a.m. HB 757-FN-A, relative to the beer tax.

10:30 a.m. HB 891-FN-A, establishing a beverage fee to be paid by beverage manufacturers and distributors.

11:00 a.m. HB 820-FN-A, establishing a tax on candy.

1:00 p.m. HB 637-FN-A-LOCAL, establishing a gaming oversight authority and video lottery gaming.

1:30 p.m. HB 884-FN-A, increasing the rate of the tobacco tax.

2:00 p.m. CACR 16, relating to an income and a sales tax. Providing that there shall be a state referendum prior to the legislature’s adoption of an income tax or sales tax.

2:30 p.m. HB 622-FN-A-LOCAL, establishing an income tax and repealing all state and local taxes, with the exception of the tobacco tax, beginning in 2012.

3:00 p.m. Full committee work session on HB 637-FN-A-LOCAL, establishing a gaming oversight authority and video lottery gaming, HB 757-FN-A, relative to the beer tax, HB 820-FN-A, establishing a tax on candy, HB 884-FN-A, increasing the rate of the tobacco tax and HB 891-FN-A, establishing a beverage fee to be paid by beverage manufacturers and distributors, CACR 16, relating to an income and a sales tax. Providing that there shall be a state referendum prior to the legislature’s adoption of an income tax or sales tax, HB 185-FN, extending the duration of the CROP zone tax credits program and expanding the state jobs grant fund, HB 494-FN-A, relative to keno in New Hampshire, HB 501-FN-A, relative to keno and using keno revenues for college scholarships, HB 511, increasing the total prize value of a bingo game or series of games and establishing a study committee on increasing the price of lucky 7 tickets, HB 622-FN-A-LOCAL, establishing an income tax and repealing all state and local taxes, with the exception of the tobacco tax, beginning in 2012.

FRIDAY, MARCH 9

ELECTION LAW, Room 308, LOB

9:30 a.m. HB 233-FN-A, specifying compensation for ballot law commissioners.

10:00 a.m. HB 756-FN, relative to centralized voter registration database information.

10:30 a.m. HB 541, relative to polling places for wards.

11:00 a.m. HB 748, requiring disclosure of gifts and campaign contributions by lobbyists and political committees, and requiring lobbyist statements to include certain information.

EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENTS AND ADMINISTRATION, Room 306, LOB

9:30 a.m. HB 137, relative to food safety in restaurants.

10:15 a.m. HB 821, establishing a committee to study establishing a permanent Latino affairs commission.

10:30 a.m. HB 828-FN, relative to a state ethics officer.

11:00 a.m. HB 885-FN, relative to the deputy commissioner of the department of employment security.

11:30 a.m. HB 571-FN, relative to full-time seasonal state employees.

FINANCE, Rooms 210-211, LOB

9:30 a.m. CACR 17, relating to funding for education. Providing that revenue from lotteries and games of chance may only be used for educational purposes.

10:00 a.m. HB 801, establishing a committee to study the feasibility of the state assuming responsibility for fully funding special education costs for children receiving special education services in the state.

10:30 a.m. HB 824-FN, establishing a death benefit to be paid to the family of a police officer, firefighter, or highway worker killed in the line of duty.

11:00 a.m. HB 835-FN, relative to funding the modular building program.

11:30 a.m. HB 910-FN, relative to state reimbursement to sheriffs’ departments for the costs associated with court bailiffs.

FINANCE – (DIVISION I), Room 212, LOB

1:00 p.m. Rescheduled work session on HB 553-FN-A, requiring the state to pay legal fees for certain supreme court justices.

2:00 p.m. Rescheduled work session on HB 887-FN, allowing certain members of the United States armed forces, including the reserve component, and veterans who qualify for the Montgomery GI Bill, to take courses tuition free at public postsecondary institutions.

3:00 p.m. Work session on HB 910-FN, relative to state reimbursement to sheriffs’ departments for the costs associated with court bailiffs.

FINANCE – (DIVISION II), Rooms 210-211, LOB

1:00 p.m. Rescheduled work session on HB 451-FN, increasing the state’s portion of special education funding.

2:00 p.m. Rescheduled work session on HB 558, requiring any education trust fund surplus to be transferred to the revenue stabilization reserve account.

2:45 p.m. Work session on HB 801, establishing a committee to study the feasibility of the state assuming responsibility for fully funding special education costs for children receiving special education services in the state.

3:30 p.m. Work session on CACR 17, relating to funding for education. Providing that revenue from lotteries and games of chance may only be used for educational purposes.

FINANCE – (DIVISION III), Room 209, LOB

1:00 p.m. Budget work session – Bureau of Elderly and Adult Services.

2:00 p.m. Budget work session – Division of Public Health Services

MUNICIPAL AND COUNTY GOVERNMENT, Room 301, LOB

9:00 a.m. Executive session on HB 420, relative to the procedures for approving, reviewing, and transferring appropriations in county budgets, HB 379, relative to the adoption, revision, and amendment of municipal charters, HB 624-FN, imposing a temporary moratorium on property reassessments and statistical adjustments for all municipalities which have been reassessed at least once since 2003 and establishing a committee to study the rapidly increasing property taxes in New Hampshire, HB 645-FN-LOCAL, requiring notice to the public of a change in land use subject to the assessment of the land use change tax, HB 646-FN-LOCAL, establishing a fee for copies of police and fire reports, HB 393, relative to information filed by utilities paying the utility property tax, HB 566-FN-LOCAL, relative to the housing of inmates in county correctional facilities.

1:00 p.m. HB 331, relative to the withholding of building permits in certain cases.

1:30 p.m. HB 335, defining “unnecessary hardship” for purposes of zoning variances

2:00 p.m. HB 462, relative to site plan review of agricultural operations.

2:30 p.m. HB 390, relative to review of developments of regional impact.

3:00 p.m. HB 343, relative to religious organization property tax exemption requirements.

RIGHT-TO-KNOW OVERSIGHT COMMISSION (RSA 91-A:11), Room 304, LOB

10:00 a.m. Regular meeting.

SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY AND ENERGY, Representatives Hall

1:00 p.m. Informational presentation on economic impact of NH Renewable Portfolio Standards by Ross Gittell, PhD, University of New Hampshire

MONDAY, MARCH 12

EDUCATION, Room 104, LOB (Please note room change.)

10:00 a.m. Defining educational adequacy subcommittee.

ELECTION LAW, Room 308, LOB

10:00 a.m. HB 809, relative to restrictions on political advertising.

10:30 a.m. HB 794-FN, relative to campaign contributions and expenditures.

11:00 a.m. HB 687, requiring the redistricting of the house of representatives for the 2008 elections.

11:15 a.m. HB 735, relative to the form of the presidential primary election ballot.

11:45 a.m. HB 109, eliminating straight ticket voting.

12:00 p.m. SB 36, eliminating straight ticket voting.

EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENTS AND ADMINISTRATION, Room 306, LOB

9:00 a.m. HB 733-FN, relative to certain authority and procedures of the department of revenue administration.

9:45 a.m. HB 787-FN, relative to procedures for and requirements applicable to municipal appraisers for property tax purposes.

10:30 a.m. HB 788-FN, relative to games of chance.

11:15 a.m. HB 922-FN, relative to licensing for games of chance.

1:00 p.m. HB 923, prohibiting dog racing in New Hampshire and establishing a committee to make recommendations for mitigating the impacts of prohibiting dog racing.

1:45 p.m. HB 761-FN, establishing the licensure and regulation of municipal real estate appraisers.

2:30 p.m. HB 776-FN, establishing the licensure and regulation of private investigators.

3:15 p.m. HB 749, changing the position of forensic toxicologist within the department of safety from an unclassified to a classified position.

FINANCE, Rooms 210-211, LOB

Budget Hearing

4:00 p.m. Budget hearing in Manchester PSNH Auditorium.

FINANCE – (DIVISION I), Room 212, LOB

9:00 a.m. Budget work session – Treasury.

10:00 a.m. Budget work session – LCHIP.

10:30 a.m. Budget work session - Pari-mutuel.

11:00 a.m. Budget work session – Liquor Commission.

FINANCE – (DIVISION II), Rooms 210-211, LOB

10:00 a.m. Budget work session – Department of Safety.

11:00 a.m. Budget work session – Fish and Game.

1:00 p.m. Budget work session – Department of Transportation.

FINANCE – (DIVISION III), Room 209, LOB

9:30 a.m. Budget work session - Department of Health and Human Services – Operation Support and Program Integrity.

10:15 a.m. Budget work session – Bureau of Behavioral Health.

1:00 p.m. Budget work session – Bureau of Developmental Services.

2:00 p.m. Budget work session – Division of Child Support Services

HEALTH, HUMAN SERVICES AND ELDERLY AFFAIRS, Room 205, LOB

9:00 a.m. HB 273-FN, relative to special needs trusts.

10:00 a.m. HB 826-FN, relative to coverage of medically necessary services and items under the medical assistance program.

11:00 a.m. HB 774-FN, relative to the use of marijuana for medicinal purposes.

JUDICIARY, Representatives Hall

10:00 a.m. HB 612-FN, relative to coercion of abortion on a minor.

11:00 a.m. HB 744-FN, relative to informed consent before abortion.

Room 208, LOB

3:00 p.m. Executive session on HB 71, excluding a municipality’s list of owners of registered dogs from the right-to-know law and HB 152, relative to public access to meeting minutes.

SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY AND ENERGY, Room 304, LOB

9:30 a.m. HB 880-FN, requiring the department of resources and economic development to implement a feasibility study for the production of alternative forms of energy using natural resources of the state of New Hampshire and making an appropriation therefor.

10:15 a.m. HB 768, relative to voluntary registration with the Eastern Climate Registry.

11:00 a.m. HB 855, relative to renewable energy generation incentive payments.

12:45 p.m. HB 917, establishing a commission to study implementing a statewide emergency communications system.

1:30 p.m. HB 689, establishing a commission to study production and distribution of biodiesel fuel in New Hampshire.

2:30 p.m. Subcommittee work session on HB 873-FN-LOCAL, establishing minimum renewable standards for energy portfolios.

TUESDAY, MARCH 13

COMMERCE, Room 302, LOB

9:00 a.m. Subcommittee work session on HB 264, relative to a time period for declaring a person to be cancer free.

9:30 a.m. Subcommittee work session on HB 263-FN, relative to health insurance riders.

10:30 a.m. Subcommittee work session on HB 151, relative to provider contracts under the managed care law.

11:00 a.m. Subcommittee work session on HB 529, relative to disclaimers of municipal services in real estate contracts.

11:15 a.m. Subcommittee work session on HB 371, establishing accessibility requirements for new residential home construction.

12:00 p.m. Subcommittee work session on HB 339, establishing a commission to study the processing and denial of health insurance claims.

12:15 p.m. Subcommittee work session on HB 305, establishing a task force to develop legislation for expanding access to affordable health insurance for the 2008 legislative session and HB 266, establishing a commission to study affordable and accessible health care for New Hampshire citizens.

1:00 p.m. Subcommittee work session on HB 324, prohibiting the use of artificial trans fats in the preparation of food.

1:15 p.m. Subcommittee work session on HB 360, relative to commercial construction contracts.

EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENTS AND ADMINISTRATION, Room 306, LOB

9:00 a.m. Subcommittee work session on HB 338, requiring the plumbers’ board to report on the feasibility of reestablishing reciprocity with neighboring states in licensing of plumbers, HB 193, relative to liquor and wine representative licenses.

9:45 a.m. Subcommittee work session on HB 328, relative to the regulation of electrical installation of alarms.

10:30 a.m. Subcommittee work session on HB 545, relative to the definition of recreational therapy.

LEGISLATIVE ADMINISTRATION, Room 104, LOB

2:00 p.m. Subcommittee work session on HB 223-FN, requiring the general court to hold sessions in the evening or on Saturday.

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 14

CHILDREN AND FAMILY LAW, Room 206, LOB

10:00 a.m. Executive session on HB 47, exempting inheritances from marital assets for purposes of divorce settlements, HB 51, permitting adoption by 2 unmarried adults in a familial relationship, HB 406, relative to access to state child support enforcement records, HB 519, requiring children 12 years of age or under to wear personal flotation devices, HB 410, establishing a commission on child support issues, HB 444, relative to parental rights in abuse and neglect cases, HB 463, relative to the awarding parental rights and responsibilities to a stepparent or grandparent, HB 537, establishing a task force on homeless teenagers.

CRIMINAL JUSTICE AND PUBLIC SAFETY, Room 204, LOB

9:00 a.m. Subcommittee work session on HB 214, relative to discovery in criminal matters.

EDUCATION, Room 207, LOB

10:00 a.m. Executive session on HB 95-LOCAL, including charter school pupils in the average daily membership in residence in the pupil’s district of residence, HB 131, revising the role of the commissioner of the department of education in the approval of home education programs, HB 147, relative to counting kindergarten pupils in charter school attendance, HB 164, relative to medicating pupils to enhance learning abilities, HB 178-FN, relative to the procedure for withdrawing from a cooperative school district, HB 205, relative to procedures for certain court ordered out-of-district placements, HB 213, relative to the availability of school nutrition program funds for charter school and nonpublic schools, HB 238, establishing a committee to study limited liability for school teachers, HB 302, requiring notice of construction or expansion of a public school, HB 314, authorizing the Pelham school board to transfer funds for the purpose of renting portable classrooms, HB 330, establishing a task force to study the feasibility of supplying laptop computers to all 7^th grade children in the state, HB 352-LOCAL, relative to trust funds for public school educational enhancement, HB 431, establishing a commission to study academic and financial requirements for recipients of Pell grants, HB 473-FN, relative to reimbursement for members of the council for teacher education.

1:00 p.m. HB 765-FN, relative to procedures for determination of special education costs, payment liability, and rate setting.

2:30 p.m. Defining educational adequacy subcommittee.

EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENTS AND ADMINISTRATION, Room 306, LOB

9:00 a.m. HB 346-FN-LOCAL, establishing a defined contribution retirement option in the New Hampshire retirement system.

9:45 a.m. HB 594-FN, granting group II retirement system status to certain positions in the department of corrections.

10:30 a.m. HB 653, relative to the membership of the New Hampshire retirement system board of trustees.

11:15 a.m. HB 758-FN, establishing a new state defined contribution retirement plan for new state employees and establishing a committee to study the transition of current employees into the new plan and administration of the new plan.

1:00 p.m. Executive session on HB 363, relative to certain notification for emergency contraception, HB 174-FN, relative to regulating residential building and remodeling contractors, HB 229, relative to licensing requirements for operators of games of chance, HB 312-FN, relative to alternative providers for certain health services, HB 328, relative to the regulation of electrical installation of alarms, HB 329, relative to the fire equipment servicing certification program, HB 338, requiring the plumbers’ board to report on the feasibility of reestablishing reciprocity with neighboring states in licensing of plumbers, HB 543, establishing a commission to study the licensing process for licensed alcohol and drug counselors, HB 545, relative to the definition of recreational therapy, HB 571-FN, relative to full-time seasonal state employees. HB 763-FN, establishing the licensure and regulation of residential and building inspectors.

FINANCE – (DIVISION I), Room 212, LOB

9:00 a.m. Budget work session – Department of Resources and Economic Development.

10:00 a.m. Budget work session – Department of Environmental Services.

11:00 a.m. Budget work session – Pease Development Authority.

1:00 p.m. Budget work session – Department of Administrative Services.

2:00 p.m. Budget work session – Office of Information Technology.

FINANCE – (DIVISION II), Rooms 210-211, LOB

10:00 a.m. Budget work session – NH Lottery Commission.

10:30 a.m. Budget work session – Postsecondary Education Commission.

11:00 a.m. Budget work session – Department of Education.

1:00 p.m. Budget work session – Community Technical College System.

2:00 p.m. Budget work session – University System of New Hampshire.

FINANCE – (DIVISION III), Room 209, LOB

9:30 a.m. Budget work session – Division of Children Youth and Family

10:45 a.m. Budget work session - Juvenile Justice Services.

1:00 p.m. Budget work session – Division of Family Assistance.

HEALTH, HUMAN SERVICES AND ELDERLY AFFAIRS, Room 205, LOB

9:30 a.m. HB 893-FN, relative to long-term care.

1:00 p.m. HB 864-FN, requiring licensing of outpatient abortion facilities.

2:00 p.m. HB 563, relative to obtaining birth certificates for stillborn children.

LABOR, INDUSTRIAL AND REHABILITATIVE SERVICES, Room 307, LOB

9:00 a.m. HB 720, establishing a council on families and employment.

10:00 a.m. Rescheduled public hearing on HB 605, relative to employment eligibility verification by employers.

11:00 a.m. HB 366-FN, relative to work on Thanksgiving and Christmas Day.

1:00 p.m. Executive session on HB 81, relative to required pay for employees called into work, HB 123, relative to the time required between mandatory shifts or other work periods, HB 129, relative to outsourcing of jobs, HB 342-FN, relative to workers’ compensation coverage for certain independent contractors, HB 514-FN-LOCAL, relative to the applicable minimum wage for hourly employees.

MUNICIPAL AND COUNTY GOVERNMENT, Room 301, LOB

9:00 a.m. HB 380, relative to the forms of government under town charters.

9:30 a.m. HB 474, excluding septic and sewage treatment facilities from the tax exemption for water and air pollution control facilities.

10:00 a.m. HB 616-FN-LOCAL, exempting certain persons age 65 and older from 25 percent of the state and local education portion of property taxes.

10:30 a.m. HB 617-FN-LOCAL, establishing a property tax relief program and fund and making an appropriation therefor.

11:00 a.m. HB 662-FN-A-LOCAL, exempting vehicles adapted for use by persons with disabilities from motor vehicle registration fees.

1:00 p.m. HB 692, allowing municipalities to adopt a property tax exemption for industrial construction.

1:30 p.m. HB 423, allowing municipalities to adopt a business incentive property tax credit.

2:00 p.m. Continued public hearing on HB 294-FN, relative to current use taxation of certain farm buildings.

2:30 p.m. Executive session on HB 331, relative to the withholding of building permits in certain cases, HB 335, defining “unnecessary hardship” for purposes of zoning variances, HB 462, relative to site plan review of agricultural operations, HB 390, relative to review of developments of regional impact, HB 343, relative to religious organization property tax exemption requirements.

PUBLIC WORKS AND HIGHWAYS, Room 201, LOB

9:30 a.m. Executive session on HB 805-FN-LOCAL, relative to a crosswalk in the town of Seabrook, HB 806-FN-LOCAL, relative to a traffic light in the town of Seabrook, HB 883-FN-A, relative to tolls, HB 705, relative to the disposal of highway or turnpike funded real estate, HB 739, relative to contractor accountability and disclosure in the public works construction procurement process, HB 538-FN-A, making an appropriation for the renovation of the state park system.

SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY AND ENERGY, Room 304, LOB

9:00 a.m. Subcommittee work session on HB 694, establishing a commission to study the feasibility of tidal power generation under the Little Bay and General Sullivan Bridges, in Dover.

10:00 a.m. Subcommittee work session on HB 467, requiring the department of environmental services to develop a climate action plan and to report on global warming issues, HB 165, establishing a committee to study the feasibility of carbon reduction incentives.

12:45 p.m. Subcommittee work session on HB 873-FN-LOCAL, establishing minimum renewable standards for energy portfolios.

TRANSPORTATION, Room 203, LOB

9:00 a.m. HB 634-FN-A, establishing a dropout prevention number plate.

9:30 a.m. HB 647, relative to indicating citizenship on drivers’ licenses and nondrivers’ identification cards.

10:00 a.m. HB 729, relative to prohibitions on reproducing drivers’ licenses and identification cards and copying information in motor vehicle records.

10:30 a.m. HB 755-FN, relative to transfers of motor vehicle registration.

11:00 a.m. HB 772, relative to suspension or revocation of original drivers’ licenses.

11:30 a.m. HB 781-FN, relative to the duties of the department of safety.

3:00 p.m. HB 807, requiring headlight use when windshield wipers are in use.

4:00 p.m. HB 878-FN, relative to drivers’ licenses issued to persons 70 years of age and older and relative to the medical/vision advisory board.

4:30 p.m. HB 918-FN, relative to motor vehicle registrations for manufacturers.

WAYS AND MEANS, Room 202, LOB

9:00 a.m. HB 619-FN-A, establishing an additional exemption from the interest and dividends tax for individuals who are 70 years of age or older.

9:20 a.m. HB 793-FN-A, establishing an exemption from the interest and dividends tax for individuals who are 62 years of age or older.

9:40 a.m. HB 635-FN-A, removing exemptions under the interest and dividends tax.

10:00 a.m. HB 784-FN-A, requiring excess revenue stabilization reserve account funds to be used for a credit against business enterprise and business profits taxes.

10:20 a.m. HB 844-FN, authorizing the commissioner of revenue administration to issue demands for records for purposes of interest and dividends tax audits and to seize and destroy unstamped and invalidly stamped tobacco products.

10:40 a.m. HB 618-FN-A, establishing a research and development credit against the business profits tax and the business enterprise tax.

11:00 a.m. Full committee work session on HB 618-FN-A, establishing a research and development credit against the business profits tax and the business enterprise tax, HB 619-FN-A, establishing an additional exemption from the interest and dividends tax for individuals who are 70 years of age or older, HB 635-FN-A, removing exemptions under the interest and dividends tax, HB 784-FN-A, requiring excess revenue stabilization reserve account funds to be used for a credit against business enterprise and business profits taxes, HB 793-FN-A, establishing an exemption from the interest and dividends tax for individuals who are 62 years of age or older, HB 844-FN, authorizing the commissioner of revenue administration to issue demands for records for purposes of interest and dividends tax audits and to seize and destroy unstamped and invalidly stamped tobacco products.

THURSDAY, MARCH 15

CRIMINAL JUSTICE AND PUBLIC SAFETY, Room 204, LOB

9:00 a.m. Subcommittee work session on HB 504-FN, relative to registration requirements for certain criminal offenders under age 21.

EDUCATION, Room 207, LOB

9:30 a.m. Executive session on HB 677-FN, relative to special education procedural safeguards and the dispute resolution process, HB 678-FN, revising the special education program approval and monitoring process, HB 679-FN-LOCAL, relative to delivery of special education services, HB 765-FN, relative to procedures for determination of special education costs, payment liability, and rate setting, HB 766-FN, making changes to the laws relating to special education.

1:00 p.m. HB 601-FN-A-LOCAL, transferring the portion of special education costs directly related to health issues to the department of health and human services.

2:00 p.m. HB 642-FN, relative to educational accountability programs.

2:30 p.m. HB 701, relative to the definition of a school district in the case of unincorporated towns or unorganized places.

EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENTS AND ADMINISTRATION, Room 306, LOB

9:00 a.m. HB 876-FN-LOCAL, relative to eliminating the special account, changing the definition of earnable compensation, and revising the calculation of employee and employer contribution rates and cost-of-living adjustments in the retirement system, and assigning all new employees to group I.

9:45 a.m. HB 596-FN, relative to a retirement system calculation exemption for certain retired teachers of the Concord school district.

10:30 a.m. HB 629-FN, relative to authorizing continued membership in the Manchester employees’ contributory retirement system.

11:15 a.m. HB 652-FN, relative to the collection of debts owed to the state.

1:00 p.m. HB 568-FN, repealing the option to purchase nonqualified service credit in the New Hampshire retirement system.

1:30 p.m. HB 569-FN, relative to the retirement age for retirement system group II members.

2:15 p.m. Subcommittee work session on HB 346-FN-LOCAL, establishing a defined contribution retirement option in the New Hampshire retirement system, HB 594-FN, granting group II retirement system status to certain positions in the department of corrections, HB 653, relative to the membership of the New Hampshire retirement system board of trustees, HB 758-FN, establishing a new state defined contribution retirement plan for new state employees and establishing a committee to study the transition of current employees into the new plan and administration of the new plan, HB 596-FN, relative to a retirement system calculation exemption for certain retired teachers of the Concord school district, HB 629-FN, relative to authorizing continued membership in the Manchester employees’ contributory retirement system, HB 562-FN, excluding extra or special duty pay from earnable compensation in the retirement system, HB 568-FN, repealing the option to purchase nonqualified service credit in the New Hampshire retirement system and HB 569-FN, relative to the retirement age for retirement system group II members, HB 876-FN-LOCAL, relative to eliminating the special account, changing the definition of earnable compensation, and revising the calculation of employee and employer contribution rates and cost-of-living adjustments in the retirement system, and assigning all new employees to group I.

2:45 p.m. HB 895-FN, relative to licensure of court reporters.

3:15 p.m. HB 881-FN, relative to the licensure and regulation of interior designers.

FINANCE, Rooms 210-211, LOB

10:00 a.m. HB 667-FN-A, making an appropriation for the purposes of the catastrophic illness program.

10:30 a.m. HB 643-FN, relative to the distribution of tobacco settlement funds.

Budget Hearing

4:00 p.m. Budget hearing in Lancaster, White Mountain Regional High School Auditorium.

LABOR, INDUSTRIAL AND REHABILITATIVE SERVICES, Room 307, LOB

9:15 a.m. Subcommittee work session on HB 254, relative to mandatory employer meetings about political and religious beliefs, including beliefs about joining a union.

Representatives Hall

10:00 a.m. HB 819, establishing a right to work act which provides for freedom of choice on whether to join a labor union.

Room 307, LOB

2:00 p.m. Continued public hearing on HB 819, establishing a right to work act which provides for freedom of choice on whether to join a labor union.

MUNICIPAL AND COUNTY GOVERNMENT, Room 301, LOB

9:00 a.m. HB 691, excluding the value of a view from property tax assessments on working farms.

9:30 a.m. HB 479, relative to the default budget in official ballot towns.

10:00 a.m. HB 709, making various changes to department of revenue administration authority concerning property tax administration.

11:00 a.m. HB 649, relative to the disposition of real estate given, devised, or bequeathed to a town for charitable or community purposes.

1:00 p.m. Executive session on HB 474, excluding septic and sewage treatment facilities from the tax exemption for water and air pollution control facilities, HB 616-FN-LOCAL, exempting certain persons age 65 and older from 25 percent of the state and local education portion of property taxes, HB 617-FN-LOCAL, establishing a property tax relief program and fund and making an appropriation therefor, HB 662-FN-A-LOCAL, exempting vehicles adapted for use by persons with disabilities from motor vehicle registration fees, HB 692, allowing municipalities to adopt a property tax exemption for industrial construction, HB 423, allowing municipalities to adopt a business incentive property tax credit, HB 380, relative to the forms of government under town charters, HB 445-FN-LOCAL, relative to the assessment of open space land.

PUBLIC WORKS AND HIGHWAYS, Room 201, LOB

9:30 a.m. HB 823-FN, relative to state and municipal contracting practices for public works.

11:00 a.m. Continued public hearing on HB 681-FN-A, relative to full cent gas pricing and road tolls.

11:30 a.m. Executive session on HB 731, relative to the use of vehicle information or location tracked by an electronic toll collection system, HB 753-FN-A, relative to the electronic toll collection transponder inventory fund, HB 754-FN, repealing the law relative to the Maine-New Hampshire Interstate Bridge Authority.

SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY AND ENERGY, Room 304, LOB

9:00 a.m. Subcommittee work session on HB 880-FN, requiring the department of resources and economic development to implement a feasibility study for the production of alternative forms of energy using natural resources of the state of New Hampshire and making an appropriation therefor.

9:30 a.m. Subcommittee work session on HB 768, relative to voluntary registration with the Eastern Climate Registry.

10:30 a.m. Subcommittee work session on HB 855, relative to renewable energy generation incentive payments.

11:30 a.m. Subcommittee work session on HB 917, establishing a commission to study implementing a statewide emergency communications system.

1:00 p.m. Subcommittee work session on HB 689, establishing a commission to study production and distribution of biodiesel fuel in New Hampshire.

2:00 p.m. Subcommittee work session on HB 873-FN-LOCAL, establishing minimum renewable standards for energy portfolios.

STATE FEDERAL RELATIONS AND VETERANS AFFAIRS, Room 303, LOB

9:00 a.m. Executive session on HB 856, relative to the definition of veteran, HCR 8, urging Congress to rename the Veterans Administration Hospital the Styles Bridges Veterans Administration Hospital, HJR 1, urging that more veterans’ mental health counseling centers be established in New Hampshire.

12:30 p.m. HCR 7, urging federal action on the earned income tax credit and other tax benefits related to child custody.

2:00 p.m. HR 9, supporting the U.S. Mayors Climate Protection Agreement.

3:00 p.m. Executive session on HB 287, requiring the seller to provide notice to the buyer of privately owned land or property known, or in an area historically known, to have been inhabited by Native Americans.

TRANSPORTATION, Room 203, LOB

3:00 p.m. HB 685, prohibiting New Hampshire from participating in a national identification card system.

WAYS AND MEANS, Room 202, LOB

9:00 a.m. Full committee work and executive session on revenues.

1:00 p.m. HB 925-FN-A, relative to state and local taxes.

FRIDAY, MARCH 16

ADMINISTRATIVE RULES (RSA 541-A:2), Rooms 306-308, LOB

9:00 a.m. Regular meeting.

FINANCE – (DIVISION III), Room 209, LOB

9:30 a.m. HB 43, relative to the procedure for establishing medicaid reimbursement rates.

10:30 a.m. Work session on HB 43, relative to the procedure for establishing medicaid reimbursement rates.

FISCAL COMMITTEE (RSA 14:30-a), Rooms 210-211, LOB

9:00 a.m. Regular business.

MUNICIPAL AND COUNTY GOVERNMENT, Room 301, LOB

9:00 a.m. HB 674, extending the veterans’ property tax credit to all honorably discharged veterans.

9:30 a.m. HB 680, allowing municipalities to determine the hours for the Saturday session for correction of the checklist.

10:00 a.m. HB 706, relative to requirements for highway agents.

10:30 a.m. HB 785-FN, relative to user charges for excessive consumption of police and nuisance enforcement services.

11:00 a.m. HB 798, allowing municipalities to adopt a property tax freeze for persons aged 65 and older.

1:00 p.m. HB 803, relative to the sale of tax-deeded property.

1:30 p.m. HB 734, establishing a committee to study requiring certain nonresidential property owners to submit income and expense information for determining property value for tax purposes.

2:00 p.m. HB 717, allowing municipalities to establish local community services and care planning boards.

2:30 p.m. HB 736, relative to administrative enforcement of certain violations of municipal ordinances.

3:00 p.m. HB 741, relative to the zoning requirement for child day care providers.

3:30 p.m. HB 742, relative to the issuance of building permits on class VI roads.

TASK FORCE TO STUDY COUNTY GOVERNMENT (SB 319, Chapter 221:1, Laws of 2006), Merrimack County Commissioners’ Office, 4 Court Street, Concord

10:00 a.m. Regular meeting.

TRANSPORTATION, Representatives Hall

10:00 a.m. HB 847, relative to general rules for vessels operating on water.

MONDAY, MARCH 19

BOARD OF MANUFACTURED HOUSING (RSA 205-A:25), Room 201, LOB

1:00 p.m. Complaint hearing.

COMMISSION TO DEVELOP A COMPREHENSIVE STATE MENTAL HEALTH PLAN (HB 691-FN-L, Chapter 175:15, Laws of 2005), Room 205, LOB

2:00 p.m. Subcommittee on mental health and corrections.

FINANCE – (DIVISION I), Room 212, LOB

1:00 p.m. Budget work session – Department of Revenue Administration.

2:00 p.m. Budget work session – Retirement.

HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES OVERSIGHT COMMITTEE, (RSA 126-A:13), Room 100, State House

10:00 a.m. Regular meeting.

TUESDAY, MARCH 20

EDUCATION, Room 207, LOB

10:00 a.m. HB 556, relative to school emergency response plans.

10:30 a.m. HB 916, relative to nonpublic or private schools receiving public funds.

11:00 a.m. HB 919, relative to the high school curriculum for New Hampshire history.

11:30 a.m. HB 822, relative to enrollment of students in regional vocational schools.

1:00 p.m. HB 639, relative to limitations on withdrawal from a cooperative school district.

2:00 p.m. HB 914-LOCAL, relative to the procedure for withdrawal from certain cooperative school districts and establishing a commission to study the procedures for withdrawal from a cooperative school district.

EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENTS AND ADMINISTRATION, Room 306, LOB

9:30 a.m. HB 908-FN, relative to the licensure and regulation of massage therapists and registration of somatic and bodywork practitioners.

10:30 a.m. Executive session on HB 788-FN, relative to games of chance, HB 922-FN, relative to licensing for games of chance, HB 923, prohibiting dog racing in New Hampshire and establishing a committee to make recommendations for mitigating the impacts of prohibiting dog racing, HB 749, changing the position of forensic toxicologist within the department of safety from an unclassified to a classified position, HB 821, establishing a committee to study establishing a permanent Latino affairs commission, HB 828-FN, relative to a state ethics officer, HB 65, relative to the appointment of the director of the division of ports and harbors, HB 818, establishing a committee to study reestablishing the port authority as an independent agency, HB 718-FN, regulating privatization contracts for public service, HB 761-FN, establishing the licensure and regulation of municipal real estate appraisers, HB 776-FN, establishing the licensure and regulation of private investigators, HB 137, relative to food safety in restaurants, HB 885-FN, relative to the deputy commissioner of the department of employment security, HB 895-FN, relative to licensure of court reporters, HB 881-FN, relative to the licensure and regulation of interior designers, HB 908-FN, relative to the licensure and regulation of massage therapists and registration of somatic and bodywork practitioners, HB 544, relative to exemptions from auctioneering for Internet sales, HB 593-FN, relative to penalties for violations of licensing requirements for certain regulated professions, HB 818, establishing a committee to study reestablishing the port authority as an independent agency, HB 652-FN, relative to the collection of debts owed to the state, HB 673, allowing advanced registered nurse practitioners to certify walking disabilities, HB 733-FN, relative to certain authority and procedures of the department of revenue administration, HB 787-FN, relative to procedures for and requirements applicable to municipal appraisers for property tax purposes,

PUBLIC WORKS AND HIGHWAYS, Room 201, LOB

10:00 a.m. Executive session on HB 823-FN, relative to state and municipal contracting practices for public works, HB 681-FN-A, relative to full cent gas pricing and road tolls.

TRANSPORTATION, Room 203, LOB

10:00 a.m. HB 802, relative to passenger restraints.

2:00 p.m. HB 795, relative to restricting usage of cellular phones while driving.

3:00 p.m. HB 901, relative to requirements for non-driver identification cards.

THURSDAY, MARCH 22

EDUCATION, Room 207, LOB

9:00 a.m. Executive session on HB 556, relative to school emergency response plans, HB 601-FN-A-LOCAL, transferring the portion of special education costs directly related to health issues to the department of health and human services, HB 639, relative to limitations on withdrawal from a cooperative school district, HB 642-FN, relative to educational accountability programs, HB 701, relative to the definition of a school district in the case of unincorporated towns or unorganized places, HB 822, relative to enrollment of students in regional vocational schools, HB 914-LOCAL, relative to the procedure for withdrawal from certain cooperative school districts and establishing a commission to study the procedures for withdrawal from a cooperative school district, HB 916, relative to nonpublic or private schools receiving public funds, HB 919, relative to the high school curriculum for New Hampshire history, HB 927-FN, relative to the specific criteria and substantive educational program that define an adequate education.

FRIDAY, MARCH 23

FINANCE – (DIVISION I), Room 212, LOB

9:00 a.m. Budget work session – Department of Justice.

10:00 a.m. Budget work session – Judicial Branch.

11:00 a.m. Budget work session – Judicial Council.

1:00 p.m. Budget work session – Corrections.

RIGHT-TO-KNOW OVERSIGHT COMMISSION (RSA 91-A:11), Room 304, LOB

10:00 a.m. Regular meeting.

MONDAY, MARCH 26

INTERAGENCY COORDINATING COUNCIL FOR WOMEN OFFENDERS (RSA 21-H:14-c), Room 100, State House

9:00 a.m. Regular meeting.

OFFICIAL NOTICES

COUNTY DELEGATION MEETING

Belknap County Delegation will hold a public meeting on Monday, March 5 beginning at 7:00 p.m. The meeting will be held at the Belknap County Complex in the multi-purpose room, 34 County Drive, Laconia. 1. The purpose of this meeting is to approve and pass the 2007 Belknap County Budget. 2. Other County business as necessary.

Rep. Stephen H. Nedeau, Chairman

Belknap County Delegation

County Delegation Notice

Merrimack County Executive Committee will meet on Monday, March 5 at the McDonnell Building, Lower Level Conference Room, 4 Court Street, Concord at 9:00 a.m. Lunch will be provided. The purpose of this meeting is to review and approve the 2007 budget for all departments.

Rep. Jessie Osborne, Chairman

Merrimack County Executive Committee

Merrimack County Delegation will hold a public hearing on Tuesday, March 20^th, 2007 at 6:00 p.m. at the County Administration Building, 4 Court Street, Lower Level Conference Room in Concord. The purpose of the meeting is: To consider 2007 budget appropriations for Merrimack County. Consider any other business. At this meeting, any member of the public may present oral or written testimony regarding the 2007 budget estimates as proposed by the Merrimack County Board of Commissioners. Following the public hearing a Delegation meeting will be held and the purpose of the meeting is: Withdrawal of funds from the Capital Reserve Account. Approval of the 2007 Merrimack County proposed budget. Consider any other business.

Rep. Candace Bouchard, Chairman

Merrimack County Delegation

COUNTY DELEGATION MEETING

Strafford County Executive Committee will meet on Friday, March 9 at 9:00 a.m. in the Commissioners Conference Room, County Administration Building, to review subcommittee budgets.

Rep. Michael S. Rollo, Chairman

Strafford County Executive Committee

Strafford County Delegation will meet on Saturday, March 17 at 9:00 a.m. in Courtroom 1, Grimes Justice and Administration Building, Dover, to adopt the 2007 budget. Light lunch will be provided.

Rep. Michael S. Rollo, Chairman

Strafford County Delegation

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The Internal Revenue Service has set the standard mileage rate for transportation expenses for 2007 at forty-eight and one half cents ($0.485) per mile. The federal mileage reimbursement rate for members of the NH House of Representatives increases from forty-four and one-half cents ($0.445) per mile to forty-eight and one-half cents ($0.485) per mile for all miles incurred on or after January 1, 2007.

Joyce Phinney, Manager

Office of Legislative Accounting

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Pursuant to RSA 326-B:10-a,IV, the Joint Health Council will meet at the NH Board of Nursing Office, Walker Building, 21 South Fruit Street, Concord, on Monday, March 5 at 6:00 p.m.

Karen O. Wadsworth, Clerk of the House

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Reservations for the use of the Upham Walker House are now being made with Doug Dolcino, Director of Operations for the General Court, at 271-3324.

Terie Norelli, Speaker

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REVISED FISCAL NOTES

The following HBs have revised fiscal notes: HBs. 74, 493, 501, 502, 504, 571, 572, 579, 580, 582, 588, 590, 592, 598, 599, 602, 613, 614, 615, 616, 619, 624, 627, 629, 631, 635, 642, 643, 644, 677, 678, 679, 726, 740, 760, 771, 777, 778, 784, 785, 786, 787, 788, 789, 793, 805, 824, 843, 861, 865, 867, 873, 874, 877, 878, 879, 880, 884, 887, 889, 891, 892, 895, 903, 913, 922, 924.

Karen O. Wadsworth, Clerk of the House

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MEMBERS’ NOTICES

The following notices are published in the House record as a courtesy to the member(s) requesting publication. These are not official public notices and will be limited to legislative policy or legislative social activities and political meetings or events. Publication should not be construed as support for either the events listed or the views espoused by the individual or organization sponsoring the event.

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On Tuesday, March 6 The Community Association Institute of NH will be hosting a Legislative Breakfast for all legislators and staff from 8:30 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. in the State House Cafeteria.

Reps. Mary Jane Wallner and Michael D. Whalley

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The New Hampshire Humane Society invites you to a gourmet luncheon at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 21 Centre Street, Concord on Tuesday, March 6 at 11:30 a.m. Executive Director Claudia Abdinoor will be joined by former representative Paul LaFlamme, Tom Grey of the National Coalition Against Gambling Expansion and others to discuss the Dog Protection Act, a measure to phase out dog racing by 2009. See www.voteforthedogs.org.

Rep. Peter B. Schmidt

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All members are invited to come and hear Scott Ritter, who served as Chief Weapons Inspector for the United Nations Special Commission in Iraq, speak on "The Case for Engagement with Iran" at the Common Man Restaurant, Senate Chamber, Tuesday, March 6, from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. This event is sponsored by NH Peace Action. Complimentary wine and appetizers will be served. Because of limited space, please RSVP to anne@nhpeaceaction.org. or call Rep. Mary Cooney 536-1141.

Rep. Mary R. Cooney

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The good times will continue! Please join us at the Barley House (across from the State House) from 4:00 to 5:30 p.m. on the following Tuesdays: March 6 and 20. Come and enjoy light edibles (with cash bar) and take advantage of this opportunity for legislators to become better acquainted as we enter a new session. All are welcome. Hope to see you there.

Reps. Cynthia J. Dokmo and Bette R. Lasky

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On Wednesday, March 7 the New Hampshire Water Pollution Control Association and the New England Water Environment Association are sponsoring a Legislative Breakfast at the Holiday Inn, Main Street, Concord. There is an education presentation, with a continuous breakfast buffet from 7:30 to 9:00 a.m. All legislators are invited to attend this portion of the program. To continue education regarding wastewater treatment facilities (WWTF), septage and biosolids there will be an open house and tour of the WWTFs in your community. These statewide tours will be held locally on Friday, March 9 from 8:30 to 11:00 a.m. Any questions please contact Reps. Phinizy or Patten (blpatten@worldpath.net).

Reps. James G. Phinizy and Betsey L. Patten

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There will be a meeting to discuss the formation of a Travel & Tourism Caucus at the New Hampshire State Library in Concord on Wednesday, March 7 from 7:30 to 9:00 a.m. The presentation will include tourism up-dates and planned new initiatives. A light breakfast will be served. All Legislators and interested parties are invited to attend. Please RSVP to Donna McLelland at 271-1403 or email at donna.mclelland@leg.state.nh.us

Rep. Lyle Bulis

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The Order of Women Legislators wish to invite you to a brown bag lunch on March 7^th at the Upham Walker House. One of the NH OWLS prime missions is to provide a scholarship for a non-traditional student pursuing higher education. If anyone knows of a student who might be interested in applying please pick up an application on the 4^th floor in the LOB. The deadline for return of the completed application is April 1^st. We would also like to invite all members of the legislature to join the OWLS. The dues are $10 and are tax deductible. If we can get enough participation we may be able to award a second scholarship. Please help us. Make your check out to the OWLS and mail it to the OWLS, Room 405, Legislative Office Building, 33 North Main Street, Concord, NH 03301.

Rep. Jacqueline A. Cali-Pitts

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Council 112, Concord is sponsoring a chicken cordon bleu dinner for House members of the Knights of Columbus March 7 at 6:00 p.m. Please contact Rep. Jordan Ulery.

Rep. Jordan G. Ulery

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The New Hampshire Preservation Alliance invites all legislators to a reception on Thursday, March 8 from 8:00 to 9:30 a.m. at the Tuck Library, 30 Park Street, Concord. Brief remarks by Michael Vlacich, Director, Division of Economic Development, Department of Resources and Economic Development and updates from other community leaders. Light breakfast will be served. Please RSVP to 224-2281 or admin@nhpreservation.org.

Reps. Mary Jane Wallner and David W. Hess

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On Thursday, March 8 the NH Ambulance Association will be hosting a Legislative Breakfast for all legislators and staff from 8:30 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. in the State House Cafeteria.

Reps. Mary Jane Wallner and Michael D. Whalley

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All legislators are invited for lunch on Thursday, March 8 from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at St. Paul’s Church. Members of the American Cancer Society, American Heart Association, American Lung Association of NH and the Campaign for Tobacco Free Kids will provide information about secondhand smoke and the health threat to workers exposed while on the job. RSVP to Nancy Pederzini by phone: 603 518 1555 or by email: nancy.pederzini@heart.org.

Rep. Marjorie Smith

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The Legislative Caucus for Young Children (LCYC) will meet Thursday, March 8 in Room 206, LOB at 1:30 p.m. Attorney Jack Lightfoot and Gordon Allen will present an overview of the Governor's budget, highlighting specific proposals for programs and services aimed at helping NH children, youth and families. Members of the House and Senate are welcome to attend.

Rep. Mary Stuart Gile

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The rescheduled meeting for the Voluntary Retirement Security Project will be on Friday, March 9 in Room 307, LOB. An RSVP would be helpful to Rep. Laurie Harding, 603-448-5206 or lharding@valley.net.

Rep. A. Laurie Harding

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All legislators and staff are invited to the 5^th Annual New Hampshire Capital St. Patrick’s Day Breakfast and Roast to benefit events at Children’s Hospital at Dartmouth on Wednesday, March 14 at 7:00 a.m. at the Marriott Courtyard in Concord. Guest roasters include Governor John Lynch and the House and Senate leadership. Free tickets are limited. Please RSVP by March 7 by emailing James.Demers@The DemersGroup.com.

Linda T. Foster, Deputy Speaker

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All legislators are invited to breakfast at St. Paul’s Church in Concord on Thursday, March 15 from 7:30 to 9:30 a.m. Breakfast is sponsored by Citizens for Sludge-Free-Land, Clean Water Action, Toxics Action Center, Souhegan Watershed Association, Northeast Organic Farming Association-NH, Save Our Groundwater and other organizations working to promote sustainable agriculture and groundwater protection. We will be showing the 2006 Canadian film “Sludge Diet.” “Sludge Diet” takes viewers to Canada, New Hampshire, Pennsylvania, France and Switzerland to meet with victims, farmers, activists, scientists, and government officials who talk about the environmental and health problems that result when sewage sludge or “biosolids” is spread on farmland as fertilizer. “Sludge Diet” has been nominated by the American Library Association for Notable Video of the Year. For more information and RSVP please call 783-9372 or email rcrlobby@totalnetnh.net.

Rep. Jane E. Beaulieu

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The Board of Nursing will host a meet and greet legislators on Thursday, March 15 at the New Hampshire Board of Nursing office building, located in the Walker Building, 21 South Fruit Street, Room 100, Concord from 8:00 to 9:00 a.m. A light breakfast will be served.

Rep. A. Laurie Harding

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On March 17^th at 5:00 p.m. Bobby Stephens’ 29^th Annual St. Patrick’s Day Bash to benefit scholarships will be held at The Yard, 1211 South Mammoth Road, Manchester. Come one, come all. Tickets $35.

Rep. John Thomas

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NH League of Investigators invites all to a breakfast in the cafeteria on March 21 from 7:00 to 9:00 a.m. A brief power point presentation by former NHSP Lt. John Healy (past president of NHLI) will be presented at 8:00 a.m. Come and meet the professional investigators of the Granite State.

Reps. Jordan Ulery and Dudley D. Dumaine

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The Citizen’s Health Initiative will host a breakfast and presentation on healthcare issues, at the Tuck Library on Wednesday, March 21^st. Breakfast will be available at 7:30 a.m. and the program will begin at 8:00 a.m. and conclude by 9:15 a.m. The program will include a summary of the Initiative’s efforts over the past eighteen months and a prospective of current projects. Topics to be discussed include: The State of Healthcare in NH, Health Information Technology, Public Health Concerns; Wellness and Disease Management, www.healthinfo.org,; Access to Health Information. All members of the legislature are invited to attend.

Rep. Mary Jane Wallner

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In celebration of the YMCA Youth in Government Program and Legislative Awareness Day, all legislators are cordially invited to a luncheon at St. Paul’s Church basement on Thursday, March 22, from noon to 1:00 p.m. sponsored by the New Hampshire Alliance of YMCAs. Sandwiches, hot and cold drinks and dessert will be provided.

Rep. Larry A. Emerton

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Aviation enthusiasts, and book collectors: The State House Visitors’ Center, Room 119, has a few copies of Jean Batchelder’s History and Heroes of New Hampshire Aviation published in 1995. The book is signed by the author and is available for $19.95. The book describes the aviation situation in New Hampshire, and has over 50 biographies. One of the biographies is of eight term Representative Ralph Rosen. Ralph was a fighter “ace” in World War II as a Naval aviator. After one of his dogfights he returned to base with 130 bullet holes in his F6F Hellcat. He had 6 kills plus some probables and some 8 destroyed on the ground. Ralph would love to sign the book for you. Pay for the book, and leave it at the Visitors’ Center with your name on it. He will get to it shortly.

Rep. Kenneth L. Weyler

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The components of the NH Dental Society will be inviting legislators to events in their area in order to educate legislators regarding oral health issues in New Hampshire. Events are being scheduled for March. Please watch for invitations in the mail.

Rep. James R. MacKay

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The House Republican Alliance will meet each Tuesday morning at 8:30 a.m. at the Upham Walker House.

Rep. David J. Bettencourt

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Main Street Republicans will meet each Tuesday morning at 9:00 a.m. in Room 104, LOB. All Republicans are welcome to discuss pertinent issues. Join us for some lively and informative debate.

Rep. David H. Kidder

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State House Visitation Schedule 2007

As a convenience to the members of the NH General Court, the Visitors’ Center offers the following schedule of schools and other groups visiting the State House in Feb. & Mar. 2007. These listings are to ensure all members be notified in a timely manner of visitors from their district. Please note that schools may schedule and reschedule, therefore you may contact the Visitors’ Center to check on updates. Our schedule is tightly booked for the remainder of the school year. Please contact the Visitors’ Center concerning school tour booking information. Thank you for your continued participation with your School Visitation Program.

Virginia J. Drew, Director

Caitlin A. Daniuk, Public Information Administrator

DATE	TIME	GROUP	Grade/Size
Mar. 5	9:30-11:00 SH/SC	New Boston Elementary School	4/75
Mar. 6	9:30/11:00 SH/HM	Bartlett Elementary School – Goffstown	4/60
Mar. 7	10:00	K. A. Brett School – Tamworth	4/26
Mar. 7	11:00	Gilmanton Elementary School	4/45
Mar. 8	9:30	Bristol Elementary School – Bristol	4/45
Mar. 8	11:00/12:00	Winchester School	(7/8)/110
Mar. 9	9:30/11:00 SH/SC	Symonds Elementary School – Keene	4/60
Mar. 9	12:30	Tuftonboro Central School	4/17
Mar. 12	9:30/11:00 SH/HM	Webster Elementary School – Manchester	4/86
Mar. 13	9:45/11:00 SH/HM	Lancaster Memorial School – Salem	4/55
Mar. 14	9:00	Sacred Heart School – Hampton	4/32
Mar. 14	10:00	Washington Elementary School	(3-5)/44
Mar. 14	11:30	Leadership of Greater Concord	Adult/25
Mar. 15	9:30/11:00 SH/HM	Barnstead Elementary School	4/55
Mar. 16	9:30/11:00 SH/SC/HM	Jaffrey Grade School
Mar. 19	9:00	Bow Elementary School	4/50
Mar. 19	11:00	Thornton Ferry School – Merrimack	4/50
Mar. 19	1:00	Burnham Brook Middle School – Canterbury	(6-8)/15
Mar. 20	9:00	Bow Elementary School	4/50
Mar. 20	10:30	Friends of the Bartlett Library – Red Hat Society	Adults/36
Mar. 20	11:00	Thornton Ferry School – Merrimack	4/50
Mar. 20	12:30	Maplewood Elementary School – Somersworth	4/40
Mar. 21	9:00	Bow Elementary School	4/50
Mar. 21	10:30	Sant Bani School – Sanbornton	4/11
Mar. 21	11:30/1:00 SH/HM	DJ Bakie School – Kingston	4/75
Mar. 22	9:30	John Fuller School – North Conway	4/35
Mar. 22	11:00	Thornton Ferry School – Merrimack	4/50
Mar. 23	8:45	Dunbarton Elementary School	4/31
Mar. 23	9:45/11:00 SH/SC	Lincoln Street School – Exeter	4/75
Mar. 26	10:00	South Merrimack Christian School	4/18
Mar. 26	10:00	Milford Christian Academy	4/5
Mar. 26	11:00	Sarah Porter School – Langdon	3&4/16
Mar. 27	9:30	East Kingston Elementary School	4/36
Mar. 27	11:00	Greenland Central Elementary School	4/40
Mar. 28	9:30/11:00 SH/HM	Smyth Road School – Manchester	4/75
Mar. 29	10:00/11:30 SH/HM	Newmarket Elementary School	4/90-100
Mar. 30	9:30	Epsom Central School	4/41
Mar. 30	11:00/12:30 SH/HM	Appleton Elementary School – New Ipswich	4/60

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NOTICE

HOUSE EMERGENCY NOTIFICATION SYSTEM

In past sessions, a plan was developed for the House Leadership to communicate with members of the House at night and at such other times as the members are at home.

In most emergencies the individual member will be aware that an emergency exists, though may be in doubt as to its extent.

The following procedure has been developed:

1. Notice of an emergency message will be given to State Police Headquarters in Concord and commercial wire services.

2. State Police Headquarters will send the message via computer to the stations listed.

3. Reliance will be placed on each individual legislator to call the terminal station nearest his or her home and inquire for any emergency message to legislators in times of emergency or suspected emergency. This will include, but not be limited to cancellation of sessions due to severe weather conditions.

Gilford	Police Station	527-4737
Laconia	Police Station	524-5252
Keene	Police Station	352-2222
Lebanon	Police Station	448-1212
Manchester	Police Station	668-8711
Nashua	Police Station	594-3500
Concord	Police Station	225-8600
Rockingham County	County Sheriff	679-2225
Portsmouth	Police Station	427-1500
Dover	Police Station	742-4646
Claremont	Police Station	542-9538
Newport	Police Station	863-3232
Merrimack	Police Station	424-2222
Salem	Police Station	893-1911
Ossipee	County Sheriff	539-2284
Derry	Police Station	432-6111

In addition to the above listed numbers you can also call the numbers listed below nearest you.

State Police Headquarters

Department of Safety

10 Hazen Drive

Concord, NH 03305

Tel: 271-3636

Rockingham & Strafford Counties	Hillsborough County
Troop - A	Troop - B
Route 125	4 Meadowbrook Drive
Epping, NH 03042	Milford, NH 03055
Tel: 679-3333	Tel: 672-3333
Cheshire & Sullivan Counties	Merrimack County
Troop - C	Department of Safety
Box 272	10 Hazen Drive
Keene, NH 03431	Concord, NH 03305
Tel: 358-3333	Tel: 271-3636
Belknap & Carroll Counties	Coos & Grafton Counties
Troop - E	Troop - F
Box 235	Box 440
W. Ossipee, NH 03890	Twin Mountain, NH 03595
Tel: 323-3333	Tel: 846-3333

Also in the event members wish to obtain road or weather conditions during periods of inclement weather they should call the nearest Troop Station to their residence or Headquarters Communications in Concord. When calling Headquarters Communications, they should ask to speak with the Communications Supervisor. When calling a Troop Station, inquiries will be handled by the Communications Specialist on duty at the time.

The caller should specify the information he or she wishes to obtain. This information should be readily available to communications personnel and every effort will be made to accommodate these requests in a timely manner.

Please be advised when calling State Police Headquarters to call 271-3636 and not any of the 800 lines, which are used for emergency purposes only.

A toll-free 24-hour weather and traffic hotline is now available by dialing 511.

tueSDAY, MARCH 6

AMENDMENTS

(LISTED IN NUMERICAL ORDER)

2007-0300h

Amendment to HB 37

Proposed by the Committee on Education - C

Amend RSA 651-B:3, I-II as inserted by section 3 of the bill by replacing it with the following:

651-B:3 Release of Certain Sexual Offenders Into the Community; Duties.

I. Upon release of any sexual offender or offender against children required to register, whether on probation, parole, conditional or unconditional release, completion of sentence, release from secure psychiatric care, release into the community after involuntary commitment, release from a juvenile detention facility, or for any other reason, the official in charge of such release shall notify the offender of the offender’s duty to report under this chapter. The offender shall acknowledge in writing that he has received such notice. The official shall obtain the address at which the offender expects to reside upon release and shall report such address to the department. The department shall inform the local law enforcement agency in the city or town where the offender expects to reside. The local law enforcement agency in the city or town where the offender expects to reside may notify the superintendent of the school administrative unit and the principal of any school within its jurisdiction of the address at which the offender expects to reside. If such notification occurs, the local law enforcement agency shall also notify the superintendent of the school administrative unit and the principal of any school within its jurisdiction of any changes to the offender’s information made pursuant to RSA 651-B:5. The division shall enter the information concerning the offender’s release and notification in the LENS system.

II. Upon receipt from any out-of-state law enforcement agency of information that a sex offender or offender against children has moved to New Hampshire, the department shall obtain the address at which the offender expects to reside and shall inform the local law enforcement agency. The local law enforcement agency in the city or town where the offender expects to reside may notify the superintendent of the school administrative unit and the principal of any school within its jurisdiction of the address at which the offender expects to reside. The department shall locate and shall serve notice upon such offender of the offender’s duty to report under this chapter. Service by the department is not required if the offender has already registered with the local law enforcement agency in which the offender resides or is located as required by this chapter. At the time of the initial registration, the offender shall acknowledge in writing that the offender has received notice of the duty to report. The division shall enter the information concerning the offender’s location in New Hampshire and notification in the LENS system. This paragraph shall not apply to a sexual offender or offender against children who has moved to New Hampshire and has registered with a local law enforcement agency.

Amend RSA 651-B:5, II as inserted by section 4 of the bill by replacing it with the following:

II. The local law enforcement agency in the city or town where the offender resides may notify the superintendent of the school administrative unit and the principal of any school within its jurisdiction of a new place of residence, a change of name, or a change of an alias, of a person required to be registered under this chapter.

AMENDED ANALYSIS

This bill:

I. Requires a school administrative unit, school district, or charter school to adopt a policy designating certain categories of volunteers as “designated volunteers” who may be required to undergo a background investigation and a criminal history records check.

II. Allows local law enforcement agencies to notify the superintendent of the school administrative unit and the principal of any school within its jurisdiction of the address of a registered criminal offender.

III. Provides limited liability to a school administrative unit, school district, or charter school for permitting certain volunteers to have direct contact with students.

2007-0055h

Amendment to HB 59

Proposed by the Committee on Fish and Game - C

Amend the bill by replacing section 1 with the following:

1 Crossbow Hunting by Persons With a Disability. Amend RSA 207:10-c, I to read as follows:

I.